Sunday, September 21, 2014

My Outlander Purgatory Breaks Down Starz Outlander Episode 7: The Wedding

80 comments:

  1. I went to a wedding last night and I got really drunk - a rare thing for me. I started writing down what was being said because I was afraid I wouldn't remember it in the morning. I stopped writing when I realized that I was occasionally writing directly on top of something else I'd written. In my own defense, the light was low, I was using a pencil, I was writing lightly, and (did I mention?) I was drunk. I do remember liking the change in Claire and Frank's wedding SO MUCH - mainly because the two weddings being in the same church in the book almost went one coincidence too far for me. The next thing I remember from comments during the show was one person saying, "She's making my boobs hurt!" When Claire went into her first VO, I remember adding the comment "And I adjusted my boobs" because they looked a little less distressed there for a while. That was too much distraction in an episode that was otherwise SO very excellent.

    My next comment (a bit later) was probably being echoed in many, many homes: "Woohoo!! Jamie butt!!" I was distressed for a while over things I thought they were omitting from the wedding, but I gradually relaxed as I realized what they were doing. My only other tense moment came when Claire dropped the ring and I thought it was going to fall through the crack. I actually yelled "No! You'll still need that!" My biggest "ahhhh" moment was when he called her "my brown-haired lass" for the first time! Ahhhh! And then the pearls! I agree - FANTASTIC!!

    I'm no expert on this subject, but I think we needed the priest scene because to be married in the church the only way around the bans at that time was with a special license, which (I assume) they were unable to obtain within the time frame. Forging a special license would have probably easily nullified the marriage. I had always been under the impression that marriage laws in Scotland were rather loose (couples used to run away to Scotland to marry), but that would have likely have been a civil wedding.

    And yes, I also thought Sam said "Fraser" wrong. And btw, aren't bread and cheese also considered "food?"

    I agree Jamie's clothing should have been emphasized more, but perhaps they thought "The Gathering" had already shown the splendor of the men's dress. I thought Claire's dress was amazing (btw, white wasn't standard for weddings until Queen Victoria) and it was nice to see costuming get its "shining" moment since they have done such an amazing job in this series.

    I LOVED the way the change in Frank and Claire's wedding showed Jamie as being so much more considerate of Claire - TRULY wanting to make the day memorable and special for her. Having Claire and Jamie marry in a church as opposed to Claire and Frank having a civil service just feels SO VERY RIGHT!! I think it helps emphasize that Claire and Jamie's union is blessed - that they are meant to be soul mates. LOVED IT!!!

    OT, after the episode my niece and nephew joined us to watch "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." My advice: if you've never seen it, DON'T watch it drunk. I was SO lost!

    I hope this all makes sense. Claire and I are rather hungover today :-)

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    1. i cannot wait till my husband finally goes back to work, he had a long weekend, so that i can watch the wedding episode in peace, and at full volume. i want to tell the people that have put this show together, that the casting of, sam heughan, as jamie, is sooo inspired. his naive, yet manly, with a twist of what...?...ability to have whoever he wants, but keeps his values in check georgeousness, has turned me into something i have never seen before in myself. i know i am not the only one, clearly, but i am starting to worry about myself. i am actually love sick. i am. his chin makes me completely crazy. i do not know how caitronia balfe can stand it. if i had to look at his chin, and try to stay focused on my character? i wonder if that's why it took so long to find claire, the women would see his chin, and faint. i have always had an affinity for a nice chin, but this is ridiculous!

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    2. I agree with you about the change to Frank and Claire's wedding, that same church bit from the book always seemed too much like a cheap trick and never really made sense with their back stories. Glad to see it worked out differently in an adaptation.

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  2. Good job on the commentary leddies...I agree with Carol about the church scene was there to show us all the marriage contract stuff they're skipping to get these twa married "tout sweet)...didn't the priest look creepy staring between J&C during the ceremony? I am hoping that the "highland regalia" part will be a flash back in a future episode! Loved the "checkers" part where J lifts C up and she wraps her legs around him! The end where you see the reflection of C in her ring was very much to bring her back to the reality of her situation...Thanks!

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  3. The 3 conditions in the book were: 1) marriage in a church 2) nice dress for Claire 3) stay at the inn, not camping outside somewhere with no privacy.

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  4. I also felt a huge lump in my throat when Jamie said his full name to Claire before the wedding, but the part that made me weep was during the wedding, when Dougal cut their wrists, and they spoke to each other in Gaelic, but THEN!! Jamie translates it to Claire in the bedchamber. Wow. All I can say about the episode is WELL. DONE. SAM. Well done.

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    1. I was so glad when he called her his brown haired lass. That is a term of endearment he uses time and time again and I love it.

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  5. I love your pod cast. Tracey/Carol your blogs are amazing and I love reading them. Keep up the good work. For me, I was hoping that the wedding night followed the book a little bit more. TV Claire has been so off putting. Book Claire, while she was conflicted she was able to compartmentalize the situation and was able to enjoy without guilt AND that's what I wanted to SEE!

    TV Jamie. Lord, H-he-he's got something special. He's verra verra fine. I think I love him <3.

    ------------------------

    Off Topic. But I really want to know something and I am afraid you aren't reading comments from years and years ago....Sorry if this is not following your blog policy.

    Tracey/Carol! I just discovered the Outlander books and show in August. I saw that you posted a blog about the Bird and the Indian ho-bags from ABOSSA . Can someone please explain to me why Jamie had to tell Claire about the ho-bags a day or so after she nearly died at Malva's hands.. I know she thought it was funny but it was really weird to me. It bugged me more than the marriage with laoghaire.

    Thanks,
    Elizabeth

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    1. Jamie didn't take any of Bird's offerings--but they made him quite the Randy man. So after each visit he came home in dire need. He felt he had to tell her about what was happening, and it was hysterical! Nothing like marrying a leg-hair:)

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    2. I will let Carol respond, but it is legendary in MOP lore about how much Carol HATED those scenes. ROFL re: "the squaws"...

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    3. Ya know, Elizabeth...that's a great question. I don't know. I was glad he told her - but you're right...interestingly he did it so soon after Claire almost died and all. LOL The mere mention of "the squaws" makes me convulse. I loathed that scene. Well - I wouldn't have if Jamie had kicked them out on their ear instead of sleeping in a bed with them both while they were naked. OMG I think I have to go lie down.

      And PS - I hated the squaws ten times more than Jamie marrying Laoghaire. I was able to wrap my brain around that; the man was lonely and Claire was never coming back as far as he knew. OMG I could make a video about this subject ALONE!!! ;)

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    4. DOoooooo it!

      On second thought, I found that outmander dude earlier this week and I was thinking you and that dude should collaborate on something. The two of you on video would be wicked funny. If you haven't read his posts yet, check them out. So funny.

      PS: I know what you mean about the squaws. Laoghaire was just a means to an end.

      Elizabeth

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  6. The 2 of you were so right on when you said they did not showcase Jamie the way they should have. Have you seen Starz official wedding portraits? As the book said, "A Highlander in full regalia is an impressive sight - any Highlander, no matter how old ... A tall, straight bodied, and by no means ill-favored young Highlander at close range is breath-taking." They did not do him justice!

    And how could I forget one of my favorite lines of Jamie's, "Don't be afraid. There's the two of us now." (As they lay nested together with his hand on her breast.) This line was so important - now and years from now!

    Love you guys,
    Sue

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  7. Yayy, I have this episode airing this Thursday in Australia, I have already started rewatching episode 1 :)

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  8. jefsantamonica (I can't sign on with anything but anonymous) Great comments you two! I think it is so funny that you are watching and talking and still go back over things that happened in the show that you flew by and forgot to mention! Repeat: ring, church wedding, gown.
    Really loved the costuming, more importantly Jamie's outfit and the others were somewhat clean. It even seemed like Murtaugh (sp???)
    I did get a kick out of the wedding dress being in a pile on the floor the next morning. The dress and under garments were beautiful, but that neckline would have been brutal on the b**bs!
    I really loved Rupert and Angus - the comic relief was just hilarious! Especially when they burst in on Jamie and Claire and Angus says he's there for a "wee cup of tea." HA!
    Dougal is Dougal - not much more I can say after what I said last night although the line after Jamie's three conditions - "I should have just killed you both!" Or, something to that effect.
    I did live the part that was basically, "so, tell me about yourself!" Yeah, let's talk instead of anything else...Gym has worked wonders on Sam - I saw him in something once and he was this thin guy, no muscle definition and short blonde hair - what a dif!
    My friends said "Claire needs to eat," I guess that is up to anyone's taste.
    Even in the UK today to marry at a registry office, you have to post banns - but I think they are 48 or 72 hours, so did Claire and Frank circumvent the system, or maybe it was eliminated during the war?????
    Just throwing things out there - It has been so long since I read any of these books, that I am just enjoying the show and remember certain things from the book.

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  9. I missed the scene where Claire faints after the wedding.I love it in Voyager when the roles are reversed and I thought they would need it to tie things together later.

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    1. I really, really hope we get to see Voyager make it to TV. It is so heartwrenching (not going to give anything away),

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    2. I missed that as well and for the same reason, that scene is Voyager is one of my absolute favorites.

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  10. Dougal is jealous of Jamie in every way.He has had women and he really wants Claire and can't have her. He knows Jamie is a force to reckon with. Even if Jamie doesn't know himself what a force he is.

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    1. Dougal is perplexing to me. In Episode 6, he was such a bad a** dealing with the foppish redcoats and coming to the rescue at the end. When he about knocked the door down, I was going "Dougal, my boy, you rock" and then in the wedding episode,
      I was going, "Dougal, my boy, you are such a ****!" Isn't he great!

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  11. Both of you do a most entertaining job of breaking down the episodes. Overall, I remember Diana saying during one of the panel discussions that when you take one medium, book, and turn it into another, film series, there are going to have to be changes. I remember when the first episode aired and everyone was aghast at who was cast in the main roles. Now we are in love with them and could not imagine anyone else playing these parts. Honestly, I thought last nights wedding episode was POETRY! From Claire's tentative approach at first to Jamie's innocent but magnificent body to their love making it was highly believable and incredibly sensuous. I loved every second and could identify their exploding love for each other in spades. To express themselves to each other with such sincerity and passion created the once in a lifetime emotion. Unlike the brothel tendencies or over the top skin, this series has respected J&C's deep love and respect of each other. It's only going to build. I simply want to know how on earth I'm going to enjo9y another Saturday night without them for another 4 months!

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    1. I am going to rewatch the episodes and start another of the outlander books. I'll make it. Waited this long for the tv series, guess I can make it four months

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  12. Of course, like most fans I had my own vision of the wedding and wondered how Team Outlander would define it. From the very beginning I have been delighted with the translation from the book to the show. One reader commented that it was poetry, and I heartily agree. Some of most favorite scenes were: Murtagh sweetly sentimental about Jamies mother, Angus and Ruperts quest for the ring, and the way Sam was able to convey the joy, nervousness, and love he felt for Claire. Can you believe the range of expressions he used during the "going to bed, or going to sleep?, and the "I want to see you" scene. He was priceless! The scene with the pearls from giving them to her and then the love scene with nothing on but pearls. What genius! By the way, did anyone else notice Jamie's finger tapping? This has been described in the books as a tell to when he is in deep thought.
    Some fans have mentioned the absence of the line about honestly between them. I am willing to bet that there will be more wedding flashbacks and we might get to hear it. If not, it won't change my impression of the care and consideration that Team Outlander has put into each and every episode, including this one. How many fans can pinpoint when Claire actually showed that she was beginning to love Jamie?

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    1. i think she admitted to it for the first time when she was thrown in the hole?

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    2. Are you referring to the thieves hole she was thrown into with Gellis? I loaned my copy of Outlander to a friend (what was I thinking?), so I can't reread to check it.

      Miss Val

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    3. I have noticed the finger tapping a few times. Right off the top of my head, I know the wedding night, and when he is entering the Hall in The Gathering, I believe, when he enters and looks around. It might be The Gathering, though... damn, I guess I'll have to watch again!

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    4. Heather,

      On Diana G. book discussion site, she commented on Sam being such a good actor and she specifically mentioned the finger tapping! I'm going to have to rewatch the Gathering as well to see if I can spot the finger tapping. Another one of his expressions is the half smile. Check it out during the wedding and other episodes. Sam really knows Jaime!

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  13. Tracey, I was also mesmerized by the structure of the episode! The fractured structure of the narrative and the linear progression of the emotion and intimacy were artfully done! The fractured structure also allowed them to space out the three sex beats in a natural way instead of running them all together.

    I totally agree with doolittle regarding the church! I always thought the fact that the church was the same one that Claire married Frank in was way too convenient (and logistically improbable) when I read it in the book. The other thing that I liked that they changed in the show was the dress. In the book the dress smelled strongly of its previous owner, which was a turn off to me. In the series they made it a point that "No lass should wear another woman's dress on her wedding day". Thank you Terry!

    I loved the addition of Claire taking Frank's ring off before entering the Church. I thought it was a sign of respect for both Frank and Jamie. She kept it on during the ceremony in the book and it was like nails on a chalk board to me. Thank You!

    Elizabeth! You are so right about how Book-Claire was able to compartmentalize the situation. Frankly, I'm starting to get a bit tired of the drunken, pouty Claire. I wanted to smack her when she started doing shots after Jamie's sweet toast - the look on his face simply broke my heart.

    Totally agree that Jamie should have had his moment in the sun when he stepped out I full regalia. Claire just had this disgruntled look on her face and I just wanted to nudge her aside and say, "Well, if you don't appreciate him..."

    *** Book Spoilers Ahead ***
    Being a book reader I haven't forgotten what a snotty a$$ Frank was. I know that the series has portrayed him much more sympathetically but I can't erase my brain cells and have to wonder if that decision might not back-fire on them when Claire makes her decision. I've seen/heard a few slips that Tobias has made about the next episode (which I will keep to myself for now) that may help diffuse the sitch a bit.

    Most of the comments I've seen so far are assuming that the key the ring was made is to Lallybroch - nice sentiment! The functional pieces (the blade and the bow) were saved and only the iron shaft was used to create the ring, so that leaves it open to being replaced in a very important future scene.

    The elegant strand of pearls were lovely, but they are going to have to rework a future scene because the necklace in the book was a custom design and recognized to significant import later.

    And the running stag brooch! The significance of that and it's tie back to the ghost has been lost?

    I'm hoping they do give us the "secrets but not lies" line in the next episode because it is not only important for the foundation of their relationship but will also play an important part waaaaay on down the line.

    Dougal is definitely the same in the book... remember in the cave before Wentworth???

    Great episode in a great series! I couldn't be happier!

    ValGal

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    1. i am in love with how much you love jamie as i do. i never want to see claire not reciprocating his cuteness, even though i understand, it doesn't make it any nicer to watch. when he went behind her, and she shrugged away...ugh, and then he went back after claire apologized. his ability to understand her, and his appreciation for her, even when she doesn't really deserve it, makes him so amazingly irresistable. those looks are beyond the realm of my ability to deal. his chin is so georgeous, i think i will cry every time i see it.

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    2. the way he so clearly loves her already, and can't divulge all of the reasons he married her, and the way he made it so special, and wanted her so badly, and the ring being made out of something obviously very special to him, because he loves her so much already. i need help.

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  14. With all your diligence to detail my question is why Starz does not advertise the WHEN of this series? We are all so devoted to following every episode, accidentally find out there is to be a break but nothing whatsoever about when to tune in for the remainder of the season. the first week they agreed to a second season so certainly the scheduling of this has to be known. If you get a chance, Carol or Tracey, this is a big failure on Starz' part to garner more viewers and keep this going.
    Why is everyone so upset with spoilers? Being that essentially the main flow of the story follows the book, every now & then, however, details that feed the flow have to be moved around or sometimes done in flashback. Remember the HUGE worry when Mrs. Fitz slaps Claire and we were led to believe with the preview she would betray Claire? It proved to be not but the uproar was wicked. If I were to believe from the previews for 9/27's episode it looks like Frank fights the ghost or they even get to go to war. Not! One of the varied pieces to this I enjoy is putting it together so it seems at times to even make more sense than when I first read the books. Diana included mountains of information that were not required to tell the story when you see it on film. the fact they have allowed 16 hours for the first book alone implies the tremendous detail they have worked in. We love the characters and hate them for what we understand an follow with her amazing story lines. At times the action is well worth a thousand words or more.
    Someone is missing the boat big time not to take up your suggestion for an Outlander line of clothing or accessories.
    If anyone wonders why this series has caught on as magically as it has, hey, film folks, it's the STORY!!!! Even with shoot 'em up bang-bang action the pure story about love, dedication, honor and intelligence rings true in every scene. Any of us can identify with wanting a fantasy like Jamie's & Claire's; too many of us have known uglies like BlackJack; how many of us know hilarity with likes of Angus or the priest who eventually married them? At every turn the scenery and exquisite music backdrop pulls us into the mystical world we so wish we could be a part of as well. There is something about Scotland with its unexplained aura and luring atmosphere that begs to be lived over and over.
    In our world today where there is so much to be afraid over or depressed about, this tale warms the heartstrings and renews our faith in simple human kindness and goodness in the purist way. I wallow in its wonders and applaud each and every effort to portray the emotions on screen from one of my most favorite of all times books. Thanks to Diana, the entire cast & crew and to you two who so enjoy the interpretations. I toast my Scottish glass to ALL of you!

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    1. I'm with ya...but this seems to be the norm with most series today. My hubby and I watch a lot of them (did I just say that out loud?) and we are always wondering when the next season (or half season, grrrr) is airing. It's maddening, yeah??

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  15. Hi ladies!! Great job again this week! I have to say I was right there with you missing some things on Saturday night, but overall I thought the episode was okay. I sat and watched it again today, and I have to say I loved it! I think as book readers we're so busy comparing the 2 (book vs. TV) plus the accents, that we miss stuff and can't really just relax and enjoy until the 2nd or more viewings. While there were lines and rings that were missing or concerning, I feel confident at this point that the people behind the show are doing a fantastic job, and clearly know these characters and story, so I think some of the missing dialogue and other things will turn up later.

    I have made some comments in the past about Jamie's portrayal. While I agree the first checker game seemed a lot more awkward than I recalled, and it disappointed me at the first viewing, it didn't the second time around. I realize that what I get out of my reading isn't always going to match what others do. DG did have Claire commenting on instructing Jamie about how to carry his weight, and realistically how much staying power is the lad going to have his first time around?! I am loving seeing what this crew has interpreted, and even more I am loving the discussions that follow all the next week! Tides me over to the next show ya ken?!

    Is anyone else freaking out that next week is the last one before the break????

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  16. Yes, I am sad as well, I know there will be a cliffhanger that will be torture to wait for the resolution. Claire did get Jaime to rest on his forearms, you have to watch for it. I'm not sure if she instructed him ,but right after she told him he was crushing her, he started using them. Honestly, these episodes are so layered that you have to watch them several times to catch all the nuances (lol).

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  17. I have no problems with Dougal's portrayal in this episode. So much of book Dougal's story has been lost in the show that viewers haven't seen his true colors. He hasn't been the most likable character but the impression is that his actions are appalling but his motives are understandable. It is time we start to see the real Dougal - the Dougal who, Jamie believes, would kill his own nephew and, as we'll see, has no qualms about trying to steal his wife and land when the opportunity presents itself.

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  18. I completely agree with you that Jamie did not get his “due” in this episode, and hasn’t gotten it throughout all the episodes so far. See? I said before…there is some agenda afoot to castrate Jamie Fraser and make him less important—almost secondary to—Claire! I was concerned as far back as “The Gathering” when they cut out his line during the oath, but everybody told me I was crazy.

    That said, these are my thoughts after having watched 107 four times now:

    It does get better with multiple viewings. I got over being confused/annoyed/ seriously pissed off and decided, okay, this is what they are doing—deal with it. Then I got to appreciate the smaller details of the scenes in the loft. Jamie smiling while he slept. Claire taking command in the second go-round (even though I was grumbling, “Should have done that from the start…”).

    I loved all the scenes in the stable and with the guys performing their assigned tasks. I liked seeing what took place “off-stage” in the books.

    I’m with Carol though, on the Bible smackdown scene. What was the point of that?

    Agree also with the WHOLE POINT OF SEEING JAMIE IN HIS REGALIA. What. The. Hell. I point to my first remarks…the writers did a complete role-reversal here and it was MESSED UP. Are we not seeing this whole series from Claire’s point of view? Why the switch here then? We could have still seen the dress. But fans really wanted to SEE Claire SEE Jamie.

    I am hoping that we will still hear Jamie’s honesty/secrets/lies speech in a later episode, because that was too important to be tossed casually aside. It would have acknowledged that Jamie was aware Frank was in the room with them, rather than him looking like a clueless, horny teenager.

    The “two-pump Chump” ordeal. My interpretation of “book Claire” was that she just stepped up, you know… “Oh, what the hell. Do it for Scotland.” Instead, the viewer had to suffer through endless scenes of Claire alternating between looking miserable, appalled, pouting, traumatized, grossed out, on the verge of vomiting, and then WAY disappointed. Seriously?

    Again, leaving out portions of Jamie’s dialogue left him looking like a complete doofus. (ie, “If you need me to stop..”) While book Jamie was clumsy, he wasn’t completely insensitive. Instead, we got, “Oof, oof, ahhh… was it good for you?” Please.

    The cold shoulder shrug when Jamie is touching her hair was another thing that had me screaming, “NO!!!” at the television. Sorry, Starz Claire, there IS a difference between being “conflicted” and being “a mindfuck.” She went into mindfuck territory there. Something like that could damage the boy for life!

    Jamie’s sex faces in the fur. That was not a turn-on for me. It reminded me of that parody of “Endless Love” from the “Airplane!” movie.

    The “Pearls” scene. Loved this. Just loved it. This was when the intimacy finally looked and felt real. The look on her face lets the viewer know that it gets real for Claire. She doesn’t do a VO or anything other than give him that long look that shows she finally understands, “This is IT for him. I may be playing living history dress-up, but HE is not playing. Shit just got real.” That was very nicely done.

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    1. "The “two-pump Chump” ordeal. My interpretation of “book Claire” was that she just stepped up, you know… “Oh, what the hell. Do it for Scotland.”"

      This exactly! It actually bothered me so much that I stopped the show to explain it to my husband. In the books it really felt like once she decided to marry Jamie she just did it and didn't spend the whole time malingering like Claire did in the episode.

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  19. I still think I would have preferred to watch the story in order. But definitely enjoyed watching the preparations, and the comic relief of Angus & Rupert. I have to believe they will include some of the "important" lines in next weeks episode? Maybe even a flashback to Jamie's magnificence at the wedding??? I was surprised they Dougal being such a douche. I DO remember a line from the book along the lines of "I'd furrow your field everyday", or something like that, when he was talking about how Jamie hadn't gotten her with child.

    I'm torn about reading the books now... I read them starting in high school, which has been like, 20 years ago now. Then only made it halfway through book 5 because I was busy moving and making babies. So was intending to start reading after episode 8, but I've been enjoying watching the shows so much, I'm not sure I want to know what's going on. Does that make sense? Though have been enjoying GofT, and have no interest in reading those books.

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    1. Diana Gabaldon herself has been quoted as saying that if you watch the series with the book in your lap you will probably not enjoy either. If you plan on rereading, I would recommend waiting until there season is over. Just enjoy the series for now!

      ValGal

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  20. I SO missed seeing Claire's expression when she first saw JAMMF in his Highlander regalia! I wanted the sun to shine on HIM!! I also wanted them to have the "honesty instead of lies" and "I know you think of Frank....." conversations (I think the Frank conversation would have explained why Jaime was nervous, too).

    Okay, so Claire tells Jaime that she enjoyed their first time. Did anyone see joy on her face? Nope. It was over in what 5 seconds....10 tops!!! Then the obligatory lie...."I DID enjoy it." mmm....NOOOOO!!

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    1. I believe she was telling the truth and it dismayed her. She feels like she is cheating on Frank, yet she is enjoying sex with this young virile lad. She wanted to let him know she liked it because she was considering his feelings.

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  21. Don't you feel Frank didn't mind skipping the big wedding because he wanted to tie her down...like he wasn't sure enough of her love to wait for the long engagement and large wedding?
    I agree with Carol, Clare without the dress is still feeling completely clothed because she is so used to wearing less inch
    If from her normal era.
    In my opinion Dougal is a douche because while he wants Jamie to marry Clare to remove Jamie as a threat to him becoming the laird, but I think they are going to show Dougal wants Claire in his bed almost as much as that is why he is so angry. I think him being bitter about not being able to bed Clare is why Dougal isn't married on the show.
    I think the draw of TV Murtagh is that he sees Clare and treats her and talks to her with a level of sensitivity that book Murtagh never gives us. It does make him much more appealing.
    Ginger Walker

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    1. Wee correction. Dougal IS married on the show. It comes up later. (Don't know why he didn't mention it when Claire was speculating that he was offering himself as her bridegroom to keep her out of Black Jack's hands).

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  22. What is wrong with me? I was so excited for the wedding night and all I can think about is Murtaugh is a sexy beast! Yes, Jamie and Claire were hot, but I am envisioning a trist with Jamie's main man.

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    1. i am very surprised and pleased with the way the show is developing murtaugh. they are giving him other characters lines, but in a very effective way. he is also much larger in the show than in the book, and yes, there is something unexpectedly sexy about him. i would never select him over jamie, but i see what you mean. his devotion to jamie and his seeing that jamie and claire would be a good pair very early on, made me like him a while back. you and i are kindred souls in the "what is wrong with me" arena. i have posted several times that i am worried about myself in regard to my being love sick, but especially the fact that i actually loooooove sam heughans chin. i do. really.

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    2. Old lady that I am, I'm happy to leave young Jamie in Claire's capable hands. But I am all over Murtaugh! Or... would like to be. Hehehe.

      ValGal

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  23. They explained on the episode podcast that they wanted to have everyone in the clan helping to make this day happen for Claire.

    I liked the line where Jamie said he had three conditions and Dougal responds it would be easier to just kill them both. Funny line but me thinks it is a bit of foreshadowing.

    I think the key/wedding band is Jamie's key to Lallybroch.

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  24. I loved the episode. I think I was probably 97% happy with the way the episode was done. I do agree with carol about the priest scene. It was a bit off, but here's my take. I think it was the least successful of the "three conditions" vingettes/flashbacks because instead of highlighting what was going on with the Highlanders and how they were contributing to the wedding, it instead highlighted the priest, who is a totally new character and not likely to be seen again. I think if that scene had instead focused more on Dougal and Willie instead of the priest, and his cold, and his eccentricities it would have worked better. It seemed like they were spending a lot of time building up a new character that wasn't really warranted.

    Also, about douchey Dougal . . . I thought his proposition was spot on and I think it's great that they're making it more overt in the show that Dougal is lechering on Claire. In the book he has that one kiss at the Gathering and then I never got a sense he was into again until much later and it seemed a bit out of the blue. So I think this is just keeping this idea in the viewers minds that Dougal is no friend to Claire and has always wanted to get with her. But then I disagree about Dougal being different in the books and being classier. I NEVER thought Dougal was hot in the books or thought Claire should get together with him.

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    1. I read a bit o' trivia from Diana over on CompuServ that was interesting. When she first started writing Outlander she initially considered Dougal as Claire's love interest - and later changed her mind and gave her to Jamie :-) Staggers the imagination, trooooly!

      ValGal

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  25. Here's hoping that they will give us 'Jamie in regalia' for future show flashbacks ('..now - back by popular demand - it's Jamie in all his fine splendor!') Or could it be the difference between a female author's vision and a male tv producer's vision. Like Jamie's virginity, (the strength to honor his father's point about taking responsibility for consequences) marrying in his own name and plaid makes the character point of Jamie's honor and loyalty. He wants to be worthy of Claire and honor her by coming up to standards (BIG Time !) So, yes, Ron should certainly have made more of him.

    And 'Douch-gal' - can he still possibly be uncertain that Claire isn't a spy? There ARE some things unexplainable about her. Is he still testing her to be sure she will be true to Jamie, or is he just a randy old goat??

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    1. I vote "randy old goat." Or more precisely, "self-serving randy old goat."

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    2. i think he said what he really thinks about her,"Claire i find you to be a most singular woman." i thought that in the book and i believe it still.

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    3. I really wanted to believe that Dougal had good intentions, but have changed my mind when I remember that he is all about power, that Geilis (his 'side-swive') is now gone and he is looking for another strong woman to match him physically and mentally. Both he and Jamie have tremendous charisma, but for different reasons: Jamie has a heart of gold, Dougal a heart of steel. Both tremendously sexy. Seen through 20th century eyes, kind of like Beatles vs Stones!!
      ScanBrit (original poster)

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  26. I love what everyone has had to say so far! I've only seen the episode once but immediately said to myself that this is the episode that has to be seen multiple times.

    My only comment about the episode and about your comments is that it wasn't only about giving Jamie his due on his wedding day. This was the first time in the book and in the series that we see how important and real it is for Jamie. It's the first time the reader/viewer realizes that Jamie has cared for Claire in secret, for a while and that Claire was oblivious to it. We didn't really get a lot from Jamie other than he was nice to Claire. So yes, I agree, the focus had to be on Jamie a bit more but for the reason I mentioned before. For the most part they showed the thought and care Jamie put into the day but a Highlander in full regalia was not only impressive but meant that this was an extremely important event and furthermore to Jamie because no one else dressed up for the occasion.

    I hope that was clear!

    Good job, ladies. Wish we could just have one big Starz Outlander viewing party. I would love it. It would have to be like four hours long. One to watch it in silence and then the other hours to dissect and analyze. LOL.

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    1. OOOOOOH! One last thing. Not sure if you remember or not... but I had mentioned a few weeks back that I wasn't really impressed with Sam. Ladies and gents.... Sam has finally become Jamie to me. This was the episode that did it. I was waiting for it, thought it might happen around this time... Thank goodness it did because he wasn't doing it for me.

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  27. Each one of these books is an epic. I really, really, like how they are developing the depth of all these characters esp. Murtagh. He loves Jamie like a son and for those who haven't read the books, I won't say anything else (no, he is not Jamies father!) And I really, really, like how the episodes are not carbon copies of the book. I don't even try to compare them anymore, because I don't want to. I had visceral reactions to the wedding in that I wanted to smack Claire for flinching when Jamie came behind her and touched her, but she saved herself with that smile. I loved the narration when Jamie said he remembered every minute of it! The back scenes showing the procurement of the dress, the ring, and the priest were priceless!!
    It take take me a moment when the episode first came on and they were in the bridal suite. I was going "whaaat". I am hoping that in future episodes there will be more backflashes or conversations about the wedding. I am sort of dreading watching the next episode cause it will be that last one for awhile. Yeah, I did notice Jamie's beautiful chin, and damn!

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  28. I agree with a lot of the comments above. I didn't really like the episode until I watched it a couple of times (but of course now I love it). Jamie's tenderness throughout the whole show just melted my heart. I thought his toast to Claire was beautiful and felt so bad for him when she just kept downing the drinks. I was happy to see her returning his tenderness by the end of the show. And, I think that what Dougal did toward the end was well in character for him.

    Thank you Tracey and Carol for your recaps, you are hilarious and do a great job!

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  29. I don't know anyone who has read the books or is watching the series, so I am so glad I discovered both of you. I loved the first book of the series so much. I have enjoyed the series on Starz. I thought The Wedding episode was good and sexy. Although like you, I think they should have focused more on Jamie dressed in his highland wedding clothes. Thanks for the recap. You two make me laugh out loud with some of your comments.

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    1. You need to go to the Outmander link mentioned in one of the above posts. Talk about making you laugh

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  30. I think the book spends a lot of time telling us how conflicted Claire is about her situation but TV is all about showing us things, and so Claire has to act more conflicted than just tell us. In the progression from consummation sex to love making, I totally believed that Claire was living in the moment. She does love him and that is what is conflicting her. Not the sex, she is a nurse and a "modern" woman - she realizes the basic function of straight sex (as a physical act not as a form of love making) and if it was only that, I believe she wouldn't have had a problem. She is conflicted because she does love Jaimie (although she doesn't realize the full extent yet) and she was enjoying the love making, both of which feel like a betrayal to Frank. Also she believes she will be going back and so it is also wrong to encourage/let Jaimie get even deeper feelings for her because she knows she will be leaving him.

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    1. Cathy,

      I agree totally with your perspective. I also remember from the first episode that Claire and Frank would be able to re-establish their bond through sex. Claire uses her body to communicate, and as you mentioned above, she was communicating her feelings for Jamie. She is a good woman and the conflict and guilt are normal reactions.
      Miss Val

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  31. Great commentary!
    Question for Tracey, whose discussion of the writing is appreciated- when _so much_ from the book is changed, where does adaptation verge on fanfic? It seems changes aren't considered in light of the future books but rather to highlight Terry's work i.e. The Dress vs. Jamie in full regalia, The Nail ring vs. Jamie's father's ring. This episode made me sad.

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    1. Have tried to answer this a MILLION time but keep getting kicked out!! Let's see if this will be lucky million and one... ��. So interesting question re: fanfic... I guess that the big difference is that DG signs off on one but not the other, lol. The dress itself didn't bother me as much as the focus it pulled from JAMMF. And the ring....well, trying to reserve judgment until we see where that goes...but if it does turn out to be the key from Lallybroch...I get the symbolic nature of it, but here's the thing--in my mind, that represents JAMIE and what's important to him. I like the fact that the ring JAMMF has made in the book represents THEM and their relationship. It's not something that represents anyone's past or what's rightfully theirs or anything like that--it's a symbol of what they have together. All that said, I'm trying to keep an open mind and see where they go with the key. And at least it's not a nail Lololol.

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  32. Sony purchased the film rights from Diana. Ron Moore is the showrunner Sony hired to do the adaptation. Ron does consult with Diana and sends her all of the dailies - although he is not contractually obligated to do so. An adaptation CANNOT be a literal translation of the book. It MUST be a second, separate work independent in form from the source material. To be copyrightable, it has be different enough from the original to be regarded as a "new work" or has to contain a substantial amount of new material. Making minor changes or additions of little substance to a pre-existing work will not qualify the work as a new version for copyright purposes. The new material must be original and copyrightable in itself.

    ValGal

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    1. Val Gal,
      thank you for that information. It makes sense now when the series is referred to as Ron's show and Diana's books. These shows are so sensual in nature it is hard to believe the amount of talent gone into them. I am referring to the beautiful scenery, the costumes, the dialect, the actors, and of course, Jamie and Claire. I feel like it has become a labor of love for the entire cast and crew. I read on the writers blog that yesterday was the end of filming Season 1 and they are starting to cast for Brianna.

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    2. Excited to see who they cast for Roger and Bree!

      ValGal

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  33. This is my first time here and I really enjoyed reading your comments. While I have been waiting forever for the series and understand poetic license the things that bothered me in the wedding episode have been reoccuring themes. Jamie has been minimalized from the beginning. I get they want there to be a struggle within Claire but the way she is acting bears little resemblance to book Claire. She seems to lack most of Claire's best qualities. Honesty with herself, her dry humor and sensitivity to others. I agree when she pulled away as he caressed her neck I felt like BJR had punched me in the gut. Jamie deserved the same respect she was shown by him. When she giggled about spending the day drunk while Jamie recounted all the memories he had stored up. I was left feeling like I was watching a spoiled teenager who I would happily send back to Frank while finding Jamie someone who would appreciate him. (I will sacrifice myself if need be.) Two key things that were missing were Jamie's request they be honest with one another. He knows Claire doesn't feel the way he does but he is willing to be patient. The second would have established his character at once when he asked her to tell him about her husband. He knows she loved Frank and he is trying to send the message that he understands.

    I think Ron Moore and company have created a very fine production with their attention to detail. The use of historical detail in costumes, language even the use of the locations themselves has set this series above the rest. I think each cast member has brought their character to life and whether it's one of my favorites or not, they leave me in awe of their craft. I have to mention Murtagh, He was one of the characters I wished DG had developed more and I love the understated strength and devotion to Jamie he exibits. This bodes well for later in book one.

    The trouble with a book vs television is the amount of detail allowed. I know some of what I love will be changed for the sake of artistic license; but beware of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Does anyone miss Jamie's *whiskey eyed lass* whose eyes could flash like a hawk when she was concentrating?

    Finally I agree with anonymous when she talked about the world we live in. We have gotten all too used to giving up on our ideals and settling. We seem to have forgotten or lost sight of what could be while we slough through all the Black Jack's of the world. Claire's loyalty to Frank is commendable but was I the only one to ask. Why is this man so eager to forgive me my trespasses even when I haven't?

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  34. LOVE LOVE LOVE you guys for all these comments and discussion. So thank YOU!!! :)

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    1. No, thank YOU!! ("No, YOU must be Don Francisco's sister.") I wanted to say that we are lucky to have you guys putting so much effort into spreading the love of Outlander. We're also very lucky to have someone producing the show that is at least attempting to do justice to the source material. I want to see other people to learn to love these characters as much as we do. Claire is my favorite female literary character, and Jamie runs a very close second to Atticus Finch. Hopefully such a well-produced, well-told, and well-acted story with honorable, principled, and intelligent protagonists will be able to survive in a smut, gore, and Kardashian-filled medium. Characters like Claire and Jamie can only improve the landscape. Here's wishing the show a very long and successful run!

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  35. Sorry I don't have time to read all the comments yet, so this might have been mentioned but I thought they missed the boat big time by not including the convo about how he knows she can't tell him everything and there are things he can't tell her just yet. The line about respecting each other and that respect having room for secrets but not for lies is so big and says so much about Jamie. I thought that should have been included. I agree on the not giving the Jamie in full Highland regalia his due also. I still loved it and am loving the show, but.....certain things I miss.

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  36. About being honest with each other in the bed chamber..........Claire and Jack kind of had that same conversation in the Garrison Commander. She said she would "match his honesty". If she had had that same conversation with Jamie it might have sounded too similar too soon? Regarding the reasons why J is marrying C I think it might give too much away of how Jamie feels if he says "There are one or two reasons why that I can't tell you yet." I like how he keeps it so close to his vest in the show. I totally agree that that Jamie didn't get no love in regards to how well he cleaned up for his wedding. I liked the change with Claire and Frank's wedding and I love, love when they are walking into the registrars office and Claire skates along the wet pavement and Frank holds onto her and they fade into the blackened doorway - ah maze ing! This difference with the ring is going to be interesting. I like not knowing where that is going. I thought it was the key to Lallybroch and he thinks he can't go back there, so why not make a ring out of it. I also like the fact that he brought out the pearls later, after she had "given it up" so to speak, to reward her. In the book he gave the strand to her before the wedding. So, the opening shot to the title credits was with the cat eating the wedding feast. That is the same scene where C talks with Dougal. It is important because she is wrapped in the Fraser kilt and clearly states, "I am Jamie's wife". Dougal thinks she is just "doing her duty" to make the wedding legal and that she doesn't actually like sex with Jamie. But as in the first episode where she states that sex was a bridge back to Frank. Well, sex is a bridge to Jamie. That is why Dougal is so mad when Rupert say she looks "well ridden". She has made a crucial decision and that is when the shit gets real when they have sex for the third time. In one of the podcasts Terry mentioned that the demanding filming process was really taking a toll on Catriona's immune system. She was breaking out in a rash from just the wool touching her skin. So maybe this writing style of breaking up the scenes and not having it in first person gave her a break. O.k. just one minor little thing.........I love the word whore and how they say it but it is said a little too much. I would like just a few synonyms. Women of loose morals was good, strumpet also, I'm sure there is more slang from that time and I want to hear it. Thanks for all the comments. Jen Hyatt

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  37. More general comment - did you all hear that the first season resumes April 4? arrrggghhh I thought it was going to be in January :( so sad to wait that much longer!
    -Lisa in GA

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    1. Yeah, it's a bummer, but there is a bright side. Things will be spread out so we don't have to wait so long for Season 2 to start. Our international friends (some of whom haven't even seen episode 1 yet) will be all caught up so we'll be watching together. And April is in the middle of 2 major sweeps for the Nielson ratings so the show will get more visibility. All good things! In the meantime.... there is whiskey! Slainte!

      ValGal

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    2. I loved the episode (and Jamie/Sam is just perfect in every possible way), that said, I think Carol was spot on when she said that there was almost an Austin Powers moment in one of the sex scenes. My pet peeve is that the director seems to be focused on how they both look as opposed to conveying what the characters are feeling at a given moment. Frankly, I had to read the chapter to find out whether Claire… found sex with Jamie equally as pleasing as he did. I sort of thought they stopped. Same goes to Jamie when Claire was showing him that “rough” in sex does not necessarily mean “unpleasant”. I was surprised that many viewers called these scenes “honest”, I think they were beautified and idealized. (I’m blushing now) I would like totally them to be more honest.
      My favorite moments were their first kiss in the church (OMG) and their third time in their bedroom. The pearls, the tenderness, I just can’t… Sorry for the rant but Outlander is so darn addictive!
      (Oh, is it too late to say that “It would be pretty to think so” in Tobias Menzies’ deep, sexy voice will haunt me forever?)
      Love your podcast, ladies. And let me just say that you both look mighty fine in red:)
      M.

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  38. I think it was Carol who said when she first read the book she thought that the romantic plot would be between Dougal and Claire? I thought exactly the same!!! Glad to know I was not the only one to totally misread it in the beginning!
    I think the reason for it is that most people (Claire included) kept referring to Jamie as the "lad" so for the few first chapters he just didn't come across as a potential suitor for Claire. How wrong was I??!! :-)
    Anyway, love you ladies and have been reading you for quite a while now, although this is my first time posting.

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  39. I knew to the Outlander series and I just wanted to say that I'm enjoying your blog.

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