there was a lot more shirtless Jamie than we saw in the first one. What were your general feelings about the episode?
Rachel: Much better than the first. I got bored in the first thirty minutes of the premiere. But this one's pace was much better.
Also. Jamie is distractingly handsome.
and as you say, there was a lot more shirtless Jamie
What did you think?
Diana: The pace was definitely faster, although I'm not as bothered by slow pacing as you are (as evidenced by the fact that I really liked the first episode). Also, while Jamie is indeed distractingly handsome, I find myself warming to Frank a lot more than I ever did in the book. Which is nice, because it helps me buy the love triangle aspect more than I did before.
Rachel: I can't say I agree about the love triangle. I'm happy to forget that her husband even exists
which is sad
and not my normal feelings towards marriage, trust me
Diana: Hahaha
I think I just like Tobias Menzies's jawline
And his snappy 1940's wardrobe
Rachel: speaking of 1940's wardrobe. I so badly want the coat Claire was wearing in the first episode
Diana: Oh man yes yes yes
Rachel: her new attire is a real downgrade
Diana: Didn't Banana Republic do a Mad Men line? I think they need to do an Outlander line.
But only for the 1940's stuff, obvs.
Rachel: hahah so the first episode of Outlander line?
Diana: Umm...yes.
And the flashbacks!
Rachel: I agree. So, should I be expecting a lot more flashbacks?
Diana: It's a good question. I was surprised to see new material in the flashbacks this episode, but I think I liked it. On the other hand, I wasn't really sure why we were seeing flashbacks from the last episode...I mean, it was only a week ago. I remember.
Rachel: I don't even remember new flashback material
I remember seeing what I saw last episode
which, I agree, I remember
Diana: There was some new stuff with Frank
Rachel: maybe I just ignored it?
Diana: .......
(Rachel clearly distracted by the possibility of shirtless Jamie)
Rachel: I'm already devoted to Jamie and will not be watching anything to the contrary.
But, I do prefer the flashbacks to the voice over narration that the show seems so found of
Diana: Yeah.....the voiceovers seems to be pretty universally hated
Rachel: Maybe that universal hate will force their hand and they'll get rid of it.
Diana: In many scenes it felt duplicative, like it was just saying things that were already clearly in evidence.
Also it always just makes me think of Carrie Bradshaw
"I couldn't help but wonder, is love in 17th century Scotland always accompanied by lice?"
Rachel: hahah
maybe that's what they are going for?
since, you know, it's the Game of Thrones for women
Diana: Hahahahaha
I feel *very* strongly that there should be a Sex and the City/Game of Thrones spin-off
I think that's a clear gap that the market needs filled
"Winter is coming. And Uggs are out!"
Rachel: But what will they wear?
Diana: THIS
Diana: I think it’s about even
Rachel: That's what I thought. And in any event. My husband also likes Outlander. So it fails at being the GoT for women.
Diana: Yeah Tim really likes it too. Which is not surprising, since he was also a big Battlestar Galactica fan.
In a shocking twist, it turns out that good television is gender neutral.
So. The top three things you loved about this episode.
Rachel: errrr.... well, embarrassingly, Jamie, and although he is obviously attractive. I also thought he was believable and well acted.
then, I'd say I was pretty found of Mrs. Fitz. Or is it Ms? Either way. She was fun.
Diana: Totally delightful, agree
Rachel: And I like the opening song a lot. So much in fact that I created a celtic Pandora station.. with mixed results.
and you?
Diana: Oh I have to agree about Bear McCreary's music. It's absolutely beautiful. I've heard rumors that it's going to be released in album form, and I would absolutely buy they hell out of that.
I was also excited to meet one of my favorite characters from the book this week: Geillis Duncan
That bitch is so weird
And I just adore her
Rachel: hahah she is weird
uncomfortably so
Diana: SO UNCOMFORTABLE
Rachel: I had to cover my eyes at some points
Diana: I adore it.
I also loved the moments of court intrigue where Claire was so clearly out of her depth
The dinner scene comes to mind especially
It's so interesting to see this really smart, competent woman struggling to understand what's happening around her
And I think Catriona Balfour is doing a beautiful job with that.
Rachel: that's a good point
she does play that angle nicely
which I imagine is incredibly difficult
Diana: So far I don't think I've seen a performance yet on this show that I think is off. I'm really impressed both with the acting and with the casting choices.
Rachel: Agree. But I do have problems with the accents sometimes.
As in, I have to turn the volume up to 50 to understand what people are saying
Diana: This is so true.
So, two episodes in, what's your bottom line on the show so far?
Rachel: I'm intrigued. But not sold yet.
Diana: Is it the pacing that's holding you back?
Rachel: It's the lack of real emotional connection (it's about to get deep up in here folks), I think.
See, I get that Claire has a husband and misses him theoretically. But she seemed sort of depressed when she left the 1940's. And everything just seems like its working out in her new time period. I'm just not sure that I'm invested in her return. Which gives me little overall emotional investment in the show.
Diana: That's an interesting point, and it's one that I've heard people make about the book as well.
I would like to note, though, that the 1940's had antibiotics. Which seems like reason enough to me.
And also indoor plumbing.
Rachel: these are not things that have been really played out in the show
perhaps if she was less stoic, and a bit more of a complainer, I might find myself feeling a little more sorry for her
Diana: She is very stoic, our Claire
Rachel: as it is, she's trapped with a ridiculously handsome man who seems to be fond of her
Diana: I hear that point. And I suspect that the drama that's going to be getting going on the 17th century side will provide new points of connection for you
Rachel: I think it will. That's why I shall give it longer to grab me.
Where do you stand on the show?
....though I'm pretty sure I already know
Diana: Haha. I'm definitely enjoying it. I'm a fan of slow-burning television, which so far this has been, so that's right up my alley. And I really appreciate that the action so far has been largely political and conversational, rather than just violent. I'm not 100% sold yet, but definitely excited to see where it goes
So next week: I'm hoping Geillis Duncan will be EVEN WEIRDER. That's my big hope.
Rachel: Not sure how that's possible.
Diana: It's totally possible.
Rachel: I'm hoping for less voice over narration and a nice hook for Jamie and Claire's adventure (which is what I'm currently watching the show for)
Diana: And until then, you have your celtic Pandora station to entertain you!
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