Is Outlander a strange television series? Absolutely. You might find cartoons pushing boundaries on late-night TV, but Outlander, airing on Starz, occupies a unique space of delightful oddity. Having watched the initial episodes of the second part of the first season, my initial positive, yet slightly perplexed, reaction to Outlander has only intensified. The show’s refusal to be easily categorized, its constant shifting between genres and tones – at times tender, then preachy, shockingly violent at moments, before becoming proper and restrained – is precisely what makes it so compelling.
For those unfamiliar, Outlander centers on Claire, a sharp-witted English nurse from the 1940s. Her life takes an extraordinary turn when she’s inexplicably transported back to 1743 Scotland after a fateful encounter with a mysterious stone. In this rugged and dangerous era, Claire’s intelligence and resilience shine as she navigates the intricacies of Clan Mackenzie society. She also captures the attention of Jamie Fraser, arguably the most captivating Highlander ever depicted on screen. The first half of the season saw Claire grappling with her desire to return to her own time while simultaneously falling deeply in love with Jamie in the past. Circumstances involving the British army forced Claire into a marriage with a Scottish laird for protection, and as fate would have it, that laird was none other than Jamie. This union led to what many consider the show’s most sensual episode, a beautifully portrayed and respectful exploration of intimacy that resonated with both longtime book fans and new viewers alike. However, tranquility was short-lived as Claire was captured by the menacing Captain Randall, leaving audiences in suspense.
The show’s return after a break plunges us back into this world, initially with a slight shift in perspective as Jamie takes over the narration, at least for the opening episode, replacing Claire’s familiar voice-over. But the essential elements of Outlander remain firmly in place – that distinctive mix of adventure, romance, fantasy, and a dash of historical drama. After resolving the cliffhanger, the narrative smoothly transitions into another intricate storyline involving Jamie’s family and ancestral home. But not before a detour into a witch trial episode, broadening the show’s genre palette to include “courtroom drama.” This willingness to explore diverse television genres is one of Outlander‘s strengths. The show possesses a solid foundation that confidently supports these varied elements.
Of course, the undeniable chemistry and intimate scenes between the lead characters are a significant draw. Yet, the sensuality in Outlander never feels gratuitous. It’s deeply intertwined with the narrative, emphasizing passion and emotional connection rather than mere physical attraction. Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, portraying Claire and Jamie, share an undeniable on-screen bond. It’s a connection that feels genuinely soulful, if one dares to use such a term. Their on-screen presence is magnetic, a captivating blend of chemistry, magic, and spark. Their scenes together, both romantic and otherwise, are consistently engaging, a testament to excellent casting.
Despite its moments of melodrama and occasional earnestness, Outlander remains consistently entertaining and thoughtfully crafted. At times, it evokes the charm of a high-quality network drama from a bygone era, perhaps a more sophisticated Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. This touch of old-fashioned appeal, this comfortable familiarity, is then often juxtaposed with intensely passionate scenes, highlighting the show’s inherent duality. Outlander is, indeed, an anomaly. Yet, its strangeness is inviting, not alienating. The series masterfully blends romance novel tropes, historical epic scope, and fantasy elements into a captivating and seductive whole.
This second set of episodes propels the overarching story forward, delivering significant plot developments and solidifying Outlander‘s position as a rare series capable of sustaining itself over the long term with its central relationship intact. While the desire for Claire to return to her own time – 18th century Scotland certainly has its drawbacks – remains, her ongoing journey with Jamie and their clan is undeniably absorbing. Outlander, in its own way, feels like a captivating anomaly, a series seemingly transported from another time or place. And we should be grateful it stumbled upon that mystical stone and found its way to our screens.
