Outlander - To Ransom a Man's Soul - Recap/Review
Last week on Outlander, Taran, died by hanging. Jamie was taken prisoner by Black Jack and was given the option of an honorable death in exchange for him to give Randall his body. Jamie refused but was later forced to agree to it, after Claire arrived, in an attempt to free him. He decided to give Randall what he wanted in exchange for Claire's freedom, but first Claire had to witness Jamie's sincerity. Randall kept his word and let Claire go where she and Murtagh hatched a plan to save Jamie, but it's too late as Black Jack was about to begin.
"You belong to me, I belong to you and nothing will ever change that" Claire
Jamie was forced to make a choice last episode, protect Claire or see her suffer the same fate he was about to. He showed signs of strength, not weakness, signs of nobility. He's brave, honorable and willing to do anything if it means preventing Claire from suffering. That's not someone who's weak.
Jamie, this episode, was broken. Randall broke him. He knew it, Claire knew it, and I knew it. Jamie may have been rescued, but it wasn't his hand that he may lose, it was his soul. Jamie wasn't angry that he'd suffered at the hands of Randall or even raped, it was that he allowed Randall to break him. He let him, and for that, he wanted to die. Jamie's not one to give up, but everyone has a breaking point, a point of no return. Jamie had reached his.
Randall has always been a terrifying character, but watching him get inside Jamie's head was horrifying. It wasn't about what Randall did to Jamie that frightened me, it was how he went about it. Randall forced his way into Jamie's mind, pretending he was Claire. Jamie was disorientated, sleep deprived and probably starving, so he wasn't entirely with it. Randall used that to his advantage as he knew if he kept pushing that he was Claire, Jamie would go for it because he wasn't with it. Jamie was also in severe pain. Randall had just raped him for the first time earlier; he needed the pain to stop. He wanted it to. So when Randall raped him again, he willingly let him, not because he wanted him to, because he didn't, it was because he had to. He couldn't take it anymore. He was bloodied and bruised and in agony, but only Black Jack knew what was happening, Jamie was hallucinating Claire.
What Randall did to Jamie was cruel and psychologically twisted, but it showed Randall's extreme desire to break him and ruin his and Claire's happiness. Randall kept on reminding Jamie that he was Claire, knowing too well that Jamie would accept that. He was hallucinating, he wasn't aware of his surroundings. The shock causes a person to hallucinate and having someone remind them that there someone else just adds to it. Randall's a twisted man, but proved that everyone can be broken.
It was hard to watch Jamie, a beloved character, someone who maintained a good-humoured spirit throughout the series, lose that. It wasn't what Randall had done that got me, it was the fact how it had changed Jamie, enough to make him seek death as his only solution. It was hard. Jamie's been the life and soul of the show, Claire's rock, and seeing his soul being torn apart, was devastating to watch. Sam Heughan delivered a mind-blowing performance. Even when he didn't say anything, it was the raw emotion, his expressions, that was equally powerful. He moved me. It was moving, as it was powerful. He deserves some attention for that.
Jamie has taken his fair share of undeserved punishment over the years, from the lashings to watching his family be violated. He remained whole and stood his ground; he never gave up or never stopped fighting. He soldiered through it all because he had someone to protect, to help. This episode, he helped Claire. He was fighting for her. He didn't care what happened to him, only that Claire was safe. Jamie is Claire's protector. Everything that happened to him this episode was for her. To prevent her from being treated like he has been.
"He made Love to me" Jamie
It was the scenes that followed Jamie struggling to allow anyone near him that caught my attention. Watching Claire confess to Jamie that he was her heart and without him there was nothing else for her was devastating, no, heartbreaking. I was heartbroken. More than that even, I was in tears. Jamie wasn't the only one who was broken, Claire was as well. She had watched Jamie in agony at Wentworth, but watching him give up, was tougher and was ultimately harder to bare. Claire never gave up on Jamie though, her optimism, her faith, is what I love about her. She's always positive and hopeful even if the odds are stacked against her. The odds of getting her Jamie back were against her, but she never gave up, and for that, she got him back.
Claire may have brought Jamie back from the darkness, but it's his memory of what happened that will haunt him forever. He may have recovered, but he'll never forget.
They all decided that Scotland isn't safe for Jamie, and that the best option is to flee the country, to France. Leaving Scotland will help Jamie to recover as well, so perhaps it's a good thing. A fresh start somewhere new will do Claire and Jamie a world of good.
After securing a ship, Claire had to say her goodbyes to Angus, Rupert and Willie. All three of them have been joys to watch and have each added something special to the story with their appearances in episodes. I will miss seeing them around, especially Angus. He was a hard man, but, at times he was humorous, I enjoyed that. His goodbye to Claire was a typical Angus moment, I bet he had waited to kiss her ever since he first met her. At least Murtagh is going with Jamie and Claire, he's the supporting character I enjoy seeing the most. So that's something.
Elsewhere, Claire, aboard the Cristabel, reveals to Jamie she's pregnant. After all he's been through, he needed something positive, something to look forward to and Claire gave him that. Hearing the news put a smile back on his face, something we haven't seen for a while now. Jamie's has had it rough these past few episodes, but it was nice for him to be able to be have something to look forward to, something to hold onto. Jamie's not quite whole again, but with Claire by his side and the prospect of a child on the way he'll get there.
The ending was sweet, but, for me, it failed to live up the books ending. I loved how it ended, it was beautiful and I was satisfied with it, but the book ending was slightly better. More romantic, I felt. But not everything can be the same as the books, so I'm not too bothered by it. In the end it was about setting the story up for a new chapter, and in that regard Outlander fully delivered.
Summary
This episode was a beautiful end to a fantastic season. It was dark, twisted, at times, but yet the acting was so good that it overshadowed it all to the point where watching it was hard but bearable. Watching Jamie struggle to cope after his ordeal with Black Jack was hard, as it was devastating. Black Jack is a twisted man and accomplished all that he hoped he would, and more. Jamie will never be the same again, he'll live, and recover, but he'll never forget. Watching Claire though deliver him the good news about her pregnancy was touching and lovely, something that was needed to overshadow the horrific bits. The ending was satisfying and sets the next chapter up nicely and I for one can't wait for Outlander to return.
As always, thank you for reading! Let me know in the comments what you thought of "To Ransom a Man's Soul"
What did you think of the episode?
ReplyDeleteI found it extremely hard to write something about it. (Not my best review)
I normally agree with you Robert but I can't on this. There is no acting in the world that is good enough to overshadow the degradation they portrayed and make it bearable. Some things are better left unseen. The amount of realistic detail they put into this for "artistic" value is disturbing. This episode was full of "triggers" for real life victims. I missed the very first minutes so I pray they put a "Warning Triggers" announcement before it aired, as they do with novels.
ReplyDeleteI respect your opinion.
ReplyDeleteI think it was more of the fact that I knew this was coming that made it bearable. It's a sensitive subject, but I thought the actors did a fantastic job given the hard material. It wasn't easy to watch, but it would have been a lot worse for me if the actors didn't perform well.
For example: Game of Thrones, when Sansa is raped. That was unbearable to watch. I didn't know it was coming and the actors, I thought didn't handle it well, it wasn't shown sensitively, like it was here. That was a shock, but at least with this I knew it was coming.
I do see your point about it the realistic detail they put into, they could have toned it down a bit, as like I said above, it's a sensitive subject that needed to be handled carefully.
Agreed. The actors were wonderful but the only thing I will remember about this is Jamie. I'm also done with GoT. I feel like TV writers are becoming desensitized in their quest to "go where no show has gone before" and I just don't respect that.
ReplyDeleteEven though I cried with Jamie' suffering on the last episode, I belief is important to realized other persons suffering. Today we still have horrible abuses. Cruelty and unconditional love, well balanced. Congratulations to the actors, great performances. Can't wait for season 3.
ReplyDeleteMarÃa Elena
I thought this episode was powerful, riveting television. The talent of all those involved in this series made it a glorious season 1 and I can hardly wait for season 2. There absolutely was a warning shown prior to the airing which contained language I had not seen before. For those of us who have read the books, we knew what was coming. For those who hadn't and were upset by what they saw, they should have heeded the warning. I watched 116 on StarzPlay last night on my computer with closed caption and earbuds so I could see and hear everything. After the first viewing, I needed to process what I had just seen. I watched it again as soon as it became available "on demand", and throughout today and this evening, I have seen it a total of 7 times. Each time I watch, I see more and digest more. It was incredible and brave and actually, there aren't enough words I could use to praise the writers, actors and director without sounding trite.
ReplyDeleteGood review Robert. This episode was unbelievably dark. The acting by Claire, Jamie and Black Jack was outstanding in this Season Finale. They brought me to tears, anger and joy. I look forward to Season 2.
ReplyDelete3? You mean 2. Hope for 3 too but in 2017
ReplyDeleteGreat episode, great season, great acting. The scenes between Jamie and Black Jack were very very hard too see, harder than episode 15. But the love of Jamie and Claire is stronger than all. Waiting for the next season Will be so long. Thanks for the review, very good as always
ReplyDeleteThis was a Jamie centered episode. It was about the torture he'd endured, and getting him past it. So, I'm sure, most people will just remember this episode for Jamie, seeing him be broken and the affects it had on him.
ReplyDeleteThis season of Game of Thrones hasn't been great. The Sansa rape scene was not needed at all. They did for shock and awe, but to be honest, if anything they lost a number of viewers to it. Some things shouldn't be included into a show unless they're vital and needed for character development etc.
I'm 100% certain we'll get a Season 3 and beyond. It's STARZ highest rated show in viewers and 18-49 (Apart from Power). Also, the DVR & On-Demand numbers must be huge seeing as most Outlander fans watch an episode a couple times.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sensitive subject to talk about, yet alone write for television. The actors did a good job with the hard material, it's never easy hearing about something like this, but seeing it is a whole different situation and I felt it was handled with care, unlike some other shows.
ReplyDeleteThanks. The acting throughout was outstanding given what the subject matter was. Sam, especially was incredible. He is a gifted acting and showed that he doesn't even need to speak for it to be powerful. His expressions, emotions, said it all. They spoke volumes.
ReplyDeleteThe Season as a whole has been fantastic, one of the most captivating shows around. These past two episodes haven't been easy to watch, they have been dark and horrifying.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this season ended on a high note with Claire's pregnancy reveal. It didn't make up for everything that had happened, all the bad bits, but it was something positive. The wait will be very long, I hear Spring 2016 is when Season 2 will be airing.
I started reading the novels after this show premiered. The two things this show got absolutely right from the start is the cast and the setting. The actors are wonderful. I could never say enough about them. My dislike for the glorified rape of Jamie won't take away from that. I knew it was coming so I wasn't surprised at all but what did surprise me was the sheer brutality of the visual. It was unnecessary. Ron Moore stated it had to be shown that brutal to stay honest to the story and I will never agree with that. Just as I don't agree with the vivid screencaps TV sites and other places are using to talk about it.
ReplyDeleteThat said, all Emmy's should go to this cast for a job well done. Just because I dislike the material, doesn't mean I don't appreciate the performance.
I had read the book previously so I knew what to expect from this episode. The acting as well as me knowing what was coming made the episode bearable, still dark and horrifying, but bearable. I had been prepared for this for a while.
ReplyDeleteI have seen it three times so far. It took me two viewings to be able to write something about it. It's a sensitive subject and was very hard to write about.
The Season as a whole has been fantastic, brilliantly directed, acted, everything has been great. These actors deserve some recognition for their fine work.
I did as well, I'm currently on book 5. I agree about the casting, everyone who has come into the show, whether it be for a few episodes or more, have played the role of that person they're playing perfectly. Scotland is a beautiful place, I have been there myself.
ReplyDeleteThe actors do deserve some awards for their fine work throughout the season, I'm hoping with the Emmy's coming up they'll get recognized, but with the countless shows ending I can see the Emmy votes being biased towards them.
I wouldn't use a screencap at all from them scenes, too brutal and horrifying, I don't agree with them using them either.
This episode had to be brutal, the books are so powerful, and this scene in the book was meant to be horrifying, dark, brutal and I think that's what Ron was going for here. If it had been toned down a bit it wouldn't have had a lasting effect on the audience like the book did.
I've had a hard time shaking off this episode. That's only happened once before and that's when I first saw Silence of the Lambs. The rape scenes were beyond brutal, but what was most disturbing was you could see the very second Randall broke Jamie.
ReplyDeleteI cannot fault the screen adaptation because it was true to the source material. After thinking about it, it's the source material itself that troubles me. In just this season alone, we have seen the rape or attempted rapes of several characters. Claire has been attacked twice and unfortunately will have to face this violence again in the future. I understand the brutality that existed during this historical period. However, Diana Gabaldon continued with the idea of how sexual violence affects a person in her series. In another timeline, there is another important female character that will have to endure this violence and it will have a ripple effect.
I don't regret watching Outlander's first season. I completely respect the amazing work the screenwriters, actors, directors, and crew have invested in this show. Outlander should be nominated for and win in every applicable Emmy category. However, I think this series isn't one that is suited for my own personal taste. For those who love the book and/or televised series, hopefully you can continue to enjoy this incredible production.
Once again, well said Robert! The Finale was very disturbing & dark, BJR broke Jamie, it was very difficult to watch & will stay with me a long time, which I think goes to show how great the performances were. Although I would have loved a a beautiful love scene with J & C, learning she is pregnant made Jamie happy & sailing away did leave us on a happy note. I will also look forward to Season #2 DIA. Let the countdown begin.
ReplyDeleteyes! Hope for The Blacklist, Suits, OUAT, Chicago Fire & Shield & Saving Hope Canada to go on beyond 2016 but don't know... 2016-2017 might be a sad year for me...
ReplyDeleteIt was a great review, you never disappoint! Still decompressing from this episode. The podcast is very interesting as well.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very nice write-up, Robert and I agree, with the majority of it. The only thing, I would differ in opinion on, was Jamie didn't allow or chose, to let himself be broken at the end, but was simply physically and emotionally wrecked, by that point, and was incapable, to stop it from happening. As you said and Jamie, everyone has their breaking point and Jamie was at his, at that moment.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy. I plan to listen to the podcast tomorrow, instead of the typical Wednesday. It will be very interesting to hear what Ron has to say about this episode.
ReplyDeleteAll of them will continue for a while at least. Suits is the only one I could see ending soon, because it's ratings have been slowly dropping, but the rest are doing very well.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's a matter of opinion. I found it easier knowing what to expect. It was still horrible to watch, horrifying, but it would have been a lot worse, I think, going into the episode, them scenes, blind.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
ReplyDeleteHe was disorientated and unaware of his surroundings, but he still must of had some, knowledge of where he was, and what was happening.
At times, he was seeing both Claire and Randall as well. Even though he was picturing Claire when Randall was making love to him, he must of had some idea of what was happening. He wanted it to be over, he let Randall do what he had to, but retained the thought of Claire.
Thanks Tammy!
ReplyDeleteIt will remain with me for a while, it was one of the hardest things I have had to watch, ever, but as I knew it was coming it was made slightly bearable. It was still horrifying and hard to watch though. The actors were fantastic throughout, they performed exceptionally well given the hard material.
I would have loved a love scene as well, but I guess it just wasn't doable given the limited time within episodes. I still loved the ending and how it ended, and I'm just glad it ended on a positive note and that they didn't change something to dramatic.
If it's making money for STARZ, it'll continue!
ReplyDeleteIt was very tough to watch. Seeing Jamie break like that was very unpleasant. It's a sensitive subject to cover, but I think it was handled with care, unlike some other shows which have covered "rape."
ReplyDeleteIt's a show that does this for the progression of the story or the characters, the bad things, such as the sexual violence, can be used to further develop character's. The brutal scenes, this episode, can be used to look at a different side of Jamie, someone who is weaker, which is what happened. It's not nice, but in the end of it's part of Diana's story, and the writers/directors are just adapting it for television.
It is making money. It's popular, I'm sure, worldwide as well. Well, it's popular in the UK. Which benefit's the show.
ReplyDeleteDG's use of sexual violence as a means of character development is the very problem I have with this show. I can understand this sensitive subject being used to further explore a story and/or character. However, this theme has been place upon more than one character. In the first season alone, we have seen sexual violence perpetrated against Jenny, Jamie, and Claire. Like I mentioned before, Claire has been victimized on two occasions. Seeing sexual violence portrayed in such a realistic manner is beyond disturbing. Having to watch it multiple times in one season has taken away my desire to watch future Outlander episodes.
ReplyDeleteI love the show and haven't read the books yet. I plan to read each one after its season because I don't want to know what's going to happen. Jamie's rape scene was as horrific and brutal as thought it would be, even more so. The acting was phenomenal in particular Sam's performance. Here is an trained actor that came out of no where basically and blew us away with a wonderful season long performance as Jamie. That being said, here's what I don't get. If Jamie thought he was going to die why didn't he fight Randall more? Claire was "away safe" , Marley was dead and it was just the two of them. I know he's a man of his word and he was injured but to see him not fight to the death and give in to the sodomy by Randall was a bit puzzling to me. Maybe I need to read the book to understand it better. Other than that it was a riveting ep. Rape should not be entertainment but when it makes sense to the story line I'll forgive. Can't wait for season 2!!
ReplyDeleteI thought OUAT dropped a lot from 2.3 to 1.8 or even 1.6 at tines. Same for the Blacklist even thou it's still n.1 of NBC but that's why I fear so much they could end in 2016-2017. I am wrong to see the huge drop as a treat? Hope they stop dropping, they don't deserve it. :( I need so bad them to go on.
ReplyDeleteI have not read the books but I have heard some of what happens so warning spoiler ahead
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else hope that they don't follow the second book with the time jump and that Claire stays in in Jamie's time or he goes with her to her time? I think it would be interesting to see either way. (or maybe I am the only one who thinks this)
Aside from Jamie being a man of honor, Randall could have hunted Claire down whenever he wanted. Giving in was the only chance to ensure her safety.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming Claire will eventually be back in the 20th century with her husband, as happened in the book. How could she separate him from the spitting image of Jack Randall and not recoil from him, after what his ancestor did to Jamie.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading the Outlander series for years, and have been very pleasantly surprised at every development, from Casting to locations and from costumes to adaptational variances from the books, where its been necessary. I haven't seen a few of my favourite bits brought to life, but equally, there have been some minor characters developed beyond their bookish selves that have been incredibly good and enriched the story no end. All in all, its an amazing body of work, and I will look forward, impatiently at times, for Season 2.
ReplyDeleteOUAT has been dropping, but that was over spring. Spring typically brings the ratings for most shows down. It's one of ABC's highest rated shows, a sixth season is guaranteed unless the creators want to end it.
ReplyDeleteThe Blacklist is one of NBC's highest rated shows. It will be renewed regardless because of Syndication. A fourth season is 100% guranteed.
That's true. Although, with Jenny it was kind of a brief introduction for us to see how twisted BJR is. Who would later use sexual violence to break Jamie.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a nice thing to see and to some extent I agree with you. It shouldn't have been used multiple times throughout the season, but, for me, only Jamie's scenes in the finale disturbed me. The others weren't nice, but they were no where near as bad.
Some of my favorite scenes have missed out on the show, but for the most part it's been an incredible first season. It's hard to adapt a show for television and get it right with casting, locations and detail, and I think Outlander does the books justice.
ReplyDeleteI'm still reading the books, currently on book 5, so I know what's coming and I'm just excited to see more of the books come to life on television.
It would be interesting to see the show deviate away from the books slightly. It's always interesting to use the same material., just add some fresh and new ideas to it. Game of Thrones has done it, and it's worked out very well for that show.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I liked the second book, but it wasn't my favorite one. I think because I have read the book I would prefer them to stick to it, but a change might be equally as good.
I'm currently reading them, on book 5. That's a good plan, I just couldn't resist reading more, they're quite addictive.
ReplyDeleteSam is always phenomenal, but the finale was his Emmy submission... He didn't speak in some parts, but his emotions/expressions said it all. To pull of a performance like that is something deserving of recognition.
I knew it was coming, but it was still incredibly difficult to watch, although it was made easier by the brilliant acting, I felt. Had the acting been bad it would had been more horrific. Well, for me at least.
He didn't fight Randall, because it was the reminder that he could bring Claire back at any moment. Although, he might not have been able to find her, Jamie didn't want to leave it to chance.
yay! 1.7 and 1.6 is still good ratings in general I mean. Plus ABC seems to love OUAT and it'd be crazy to let it go at the final season. Can I come to you next year to talk when time comes? I hope to not bother you.
ReplyDeleteYou don't bother me at all, I'm happy to talk.
ReplyDeleteThey would be crazy to let it end and I don't think they will. I'm positive that the numbers will be back up to high ones, low 2's for S5.
1.7 & 1.6 are decent numbers anyway right? But agree. I hope you liked the finale a bit. To me it was amazing!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't call the second rape "making love" no violence doesn't means is not a rape, no matter what Jamie is hallucinating.
ReplyDeleteFor a Sunday show, yes.
ReplyDeleteanyone who would honestly think jamie is gay is quite a fool.
ReplyDeleteenjoyment of a sexual ACT does not determine sexual ORIENTATION. many
men would not admit so, but if they received oral sex from a bottom boi,
who does it 'properly', they would likely enjoy it just as if it was a
woman doing it. that does not make them 'gay'. being gay is the DESIRE
TO BE WITH only men, including finding them ATTRACTIVE etc. what we feel
during sexual pleasure is the body's NATURAL response to enjoyable
stimuli. and when ALREADY AROUSED, the body is more receptive of
pleasurable stimuli. there have even been many cases of women feeling
pleasure and even having orgasms while being raped. THIS DOES NOT
NECESSARILY MEAN they 'liked' being raped. but as much as she may
resist, if the cauc is fat and they are wet, there is likely little they
can do to stop feeling pleasure when they're being stuffed. bottomline
is, there is a lot that goes into pleasure and it has little to do with
sexual orientation. what IS IMPORTANT is that victims, such as in
jamie's case even niyla styers enjoying being eaten out, no be made to
feel guilty because they 'enjoyed' it. their significant others need to
try to understand that it was simply a physiological response and not
dare claim that it's something they (victim) would like happen again.
claire did the right thing in showing jamie she did not care in the
least. claire did the right thing by showing jamie she did not care in the
least that he enjoyed being bullered
loved how meaty & juicy this season was. so thick and rife with tension that it left you gripping and clinging to the edge of your seat.
I know, but rape is more the earlier scene when BJR was violent with Jamie (The table). That scene, although he was hallucinating, wasn't resisting and BJR wasn't using force or violence.
ReplyDeletenot you, i've seen it said on other forums / reviews.
ReplyDeleteAh right. Well, that's crazy whoever said that.
ReplyDeleteI have a problem with you not calling it rape. rape is not only violent sexual act against consent, is *any* sexual act against consent. BJR not using force and Jamie letting it happen, non resisting in a state of pain induced hallucination is still non conscious consent from his part, hence is, from every POV, still rape.
ReplyDeleteplease, as a reviewer, be responsible with what you write.
I had to go and search it on the internet as I'm not too familiar with it as it's a sensitive subject. After looking through, I do agree with you now that it was rape.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can accept my apology. I will be changing the review shortly, and I would also like to thank you for clearing this up. Now I know, in case a topic like this comes around again, what's correct and not correct.
thanks for taking the time to research it. no apology needed. it is a sensitive subject and a lot of misinformed messages can pass (re: what is consent) if not treated with the right sensibility. you've shown it.
ReplyDeleteWows, it shocks me that someone would even think that. Clearly his "making love" moment was nothing more than manipulation and brutal toeture of someone who was at his worst- in more pain than anyone can imagine, starving, broken and scared. His guilt was all too realistic: I let him do this to me. Suggesting that he's gay just because he was clearly being forced, is just as bad as saying to a rape victim that they were asking for it.
ReplyDeleteI for one don't envy you for having to write a review on that episode! But your review showed truth and respect, and showed a level of sensitivity that actually cooled fans down - not an easy task for an episode that not only touched on this subject but showed it in great detail. Whether or not you liked the episode, most know they took the visuals a little (or a lot) too far. But you seemed to have found some light in an episode, where lets face it, there was very little.
ReplyDeleteI admire a show/season that can go to Such lengths to show the realism of the time period, and what life was like for a man like jaimie and those Around him - it's horrible that we have to deal with some of these issues even today. The fact that the acting and production is so good makes it all the more realistic looking. details are not held back ever, they lay it all out even if it's painful to watch, even if it controversial and devides its audience-whether it be their love making or their torture (any type of torture). But sometimes less is more, they took the realism a little too far. Hearing about what happens to him and seeing how badly it affected him would have been just as effective in this case. Just look in his eyes as laid there talking about how he wanted to die, it's obvious what happened to him, Im not sure we needed to witness it first hand.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's really kind thing to say!
ReplyDeleteThis review took me a while to write, longer than I normally take. I wanted to remain truthful throughout it, from the heart, whilst remaining sensitive to the subject seeing as it's not something easy to talk about, yet alone write about.
The episode was very hard to watch, but there were parts in it that showed true character from Jamie. I do feel the episode could have done with a bit more "light" moments though as the brutal moments were featured more often.
I do agree with you. I for one knew in 1.15 what was going to happen to him once Claire was set free. Everyone could see what Jamie had went through, what had been done to him just by looking at him.
ReplyDeleteWhat might of been better could of been for Jamie just to tell Claire everything, it would have been equally as powerful. We didn't need to see all of the brutal moments of what happened to him, especially given that it was featured so heavily throughout.
Small showings even of what happened to him would have been as equally effective, not a 7 minute long scene. It was just a little bit too much. Not enough redemption scenes and heartfelt moments, too dark.
Specifically, the warning said that the episode was suitable for mature audiences only and contained prolonged scenes of violence, rape and nudity.
ReplyDeleteTruth is, in this episode, seeing Jaimie lying in bed with Claire looking so lost is even less bearable for me than the brutally graphic scenes. Even though I couldn't have said it better, we didn't need to see it all, the end results would have been the same. It's a part of the story that unfortunately that needed to be told, for future relationship development. As Claire hinted at (in my fave scene in the whole season), they needed to survive all that they had survived to be believably this close, for us and them to get the future that they deserve. so I guess there is a little something to look forward to. The road ahead looks good for them, hard for jaimie but as we've already started to see she can help him get better.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, this must have been such a hard episode to review. For your sake and for all of our sakes, more episodes like "the wedding" please. Do these writers ever know how to write to absolutely opposite episodes or what!
No problem, your hard work paid off and a lot of us appreciated it.
ReplyDeleteI can't say i disagree about the light and dark being unbalanced. The end scene was nice but not romantic enough, we expect so much more in that department esp when they gave us so much dark, the show is usually so much better at giving us the good when they give us the bad (The devils mark is the best example of that). i Do like what it means for S2, a chance to start over and lead a whole new life and storyline, but it doesn't mean we'll ever forget all that he went through - which in this case is not a good thing, I wish they didn't have to make it so memorable. I'm all for season finales to be emotional, but this was a little over the top to say the least.
I agree with that. The books ending, for me, was far better. The ending felt rushed and like you said less romantic. There should have been a little more time focused on it, but at least it sets the next chapter up nicely.
ReplyDeleteThe Devil's Mark is my favorite episode so far. I enjoyed the balance of it. You kind of have to expect some episodes to lean more towards either bad or good moments, but the finale should have been balanced. It wouldn't have been as horrifying. It still would have been memorable, but a little less damaging to our memories of the show.
I got a question : Why do you think they ordered 13 Outlander episodes for S2 if s3 is sure 98%...? Strange & scary
ReplyDeleteIt's down to the lack of content. They don't need 16 episodes because some would have to be filler episodes if they did.
ReplyDeleteoh ok. So is S3 still sure?
ReplyDeleteI heard Amazon bought the rights for the show so we are even more safe I hope. Anyway I plan on reading the books too one day.
Yep it is. Amazon did indeed buy the rights to it. It's on their subscription service "Amazon Instant Video"
ReplyDeletegood.
ReplyDelete