Outlander season 2 kicked off with a monumental, foreshadowing cliffhanger that had a searing emotional bang. The question for the rest of the season is, “How does Claire end up back in 20th century Scotland?”
Book-to-screen changes
Many recent TV shows such as How to Get Away with Murder and Quantico have gone with the gimmick of a foreshadowing cliffhanger before the series jumps back in time. Outlander’s take on this technique is different. Instead of the frenetic back and forth that seems to be the hallmark of recent ABC shows, almost forty minutes of Outlander’s hour-long, season 2 opener was spent in 1948 before jumping back to 18th century Scotland.
By beginning in 1948, rather than a more modern year as is the case in the novels, the emotional roller-coaster that Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Frank (Tobias Menzies) go through upon Claire’s return makes the choices they face as a couple more clear. Why did they compromise? What did each of them give up? How were the Reverend Wakefield and Mrs. Graham involved in establishing Frank and Claire’s new relationship? It all makes the viewer wonder where we are going from here, and how Claire got to this point.
Any season 2 show needs to grab viewers right away with the opening moments. You have to captivate new viewers and retain the old ones. By beginning in 1948, Outlander certainly accomplished that. Claire’s visceral scream of horror at being thrown back to her own time, followed by her collapse on the roadway upon realizing that the decimation of the Scottish Clans at Culloden had not been averted, is gut wrenching.
Tobias Menzies told us in our exclusive red carpet interview why Frank’s choice given the circumstances is a noble one: “He’s dealing with a very difficult situation. She [Claire] returns, but she’s not the same person anymore. He’s got tough decisions to make whether he chooses to accept that or not. For me it’s an exploration of a different kind of love really. There’s a lot of romantic love in the show and in the books, but what’s interesting about Frank and Claire’s sort of flawed compromise is that it’s no less rich and heroic. That he chooses to make that sacrifice for her is rather remarkable.”
Best Scene
Upon her return, Claire spends two weeks trying to find out what happened to Jamie Fraser in the annals of history, and Frank patiently stands by waiting for her to open up to him as he puzzles out the odd clothing she appeared in. Once Claire explains it all, and Frank chooses to believe believe her far-fetched tale, things get worse when Claire reveals that she carries Jamie’s (Sam Heughan) child. The scene moves from resignation to heartbreak to anger. Eventually there comes a point of acceptance.
The point at which Frank and Claire come to their mutual compromise of staying together, and raising Claire’s child together showcases how high the emotional, life-changing stakes are for the two of them. Claire is able to move beyond being unable to bear Frank touching her because he reminds her of Black Jack. She agrees to leave the ghosts of the past behind (possibly more for Jamie than for Frank). Frank agrees to raise Claire’s child as his own knowing that he’ll never father any children. They mutually agree that it’s “time to leave the past behind.” The only items Claire retains are her wedding ring from Jamie, and another damaged ring that she secretly puts in the box.
Best Jamie and Claire moment
Jamie and Claire are truly committed to each other for better or for worse. The ghost of Jack Randall and the brutal rape that Jamie suffered at Randall’s hands still haunts him, and in turn affects his relationship with Claire. No doubt that Jamie’s bandaged hand will leave physical scars; however, it will leave fewer scars than the emotional ones left by Randall. Undoubtedly, it will heal faster, too. Viewers can see vestiges of these emotional scars as Jamie stays to Claire, “You have a high opinion of what a crippled Jacobite and a pregnant Englishwoman can do.”
Together Jamie and Claire will attempt to change history, not only for their survival, but for the survival of the family they love. There is a danger in what Jamie and Claire are about to undertake, and it’s not just the political intrigue. There is a real betrayal of trust of family such as Jared and Murtagh. It’s really Murtagh, Jamie’s godfather, who Jamie regrets having to lie to. In the end, he and Murtagh make an uneasy peace based on Jamie’s integrity and his position as Laird Broch Turach.
Book lovers squee
Seeing Jamie, Claire and Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) set foot in France with hope to change the future kicked off a series of introductions to new characters. Some of these new acquaintances are allies, others are bitter enemies.
We had our first glimpse of Jared Fraser (Robert Cavanah), Jamie’s cousin who runs a wine and spirits business. Jared has connections through this business to the aristocrats in the French court. In addition, he is connected to fellow ex-patriot Jacobites. If Claire and Jamie need to stop Prince Charlie from attempting to grab the Scottish throne, Jared and his connections will be invaluable.
Fabulous 18th century facts
The most memorable introduction was that of the Comte St. Germain (Stanley Weber). In classic, headstrong Claire fashion, Claire charges ahead, not realizing that by blurting aloud a sailor had small pox, it would cause a huge financial loss for the Comte St. Germain. In a society without vaccines, there is no stopping smallpox, and Claire’s announcement was a bit of winning the battle, but losing the war. As Jamie points out, St. Germain’s threats of revenge are quite real. They just landed in France with a high-stakes mission. They can’t afford any enemies.
Special kudos to Caitriona, who performs almost the entire scene in rapid-fire French with no hesitation.
Fun fact about San Germain, composer Bear McCreary told us how the real-life San Germain actually wrote the theme music for his fictional counterpart.
Best Costume
We’ve talked about how stunning the costumes are this year. In our exclusive interview with costume designer Terry Dresbach, she told us how they made all the French costumes from scratch.
The standout costume this episode was that of the Comte St. Germain, who managed to look thoroughly menacing in his gilded refinement.
Best Quote
Jared: “Make no mistake. The compte will not forget what happened. You have made an enemy here today.”
Jamie: “Another country, another enemy. Life with you is certainly never dull, Sassenach.”
Claire: “I will endeavor to be more dull if that would suit you better.”
Jamie: “I wouldn’t change you to save the world.”
At the end of the day, no matter what they endure, Claire will give all to protect Jamie, and Jamie will give all to protect Claire. They will not change the core of who they are, and that is what attracts them to each other. This will continue to bind and complicate their lives this season, and hopefully beyond.
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