by Miss Sally
A down-and-dirty review of Episodes 1 and 2. **Spoilers and vulgarity ahead!**
| Season One ended on a cliffhanger. Will Jamie save poor Claire from Black Jack’s evil clutches? |  |
Episode 1 gives us a little bit of Jamie’s perspective. We get to watch Jamie’s chiseled jawline as he knocks guards out, climbs in a window and fails, then succeeds at rescuing his wife from Black Jack’s clutches. No doubt this will mire them further in Jack’s ill graces, and cause plenty of trouble down the road. I can say this with confidence because Jamie foreshadows it himself.
Repercussions from Season One come to a head in this episode. The political aspirations of the Jacobites and the Sassenach wedding cause problems in the MacKenzie clan.
But enough about Outlander’s utterly boring politics. So far it’s been nothing but angry men shouting at each other over who pledged loyalty to whom. Let’s talk character development and romance.
Repercussions from Season One come to a head in this episode. The political aspirations of the Jacobites and the Sassenach wedding cause problems in the MacKenzie clan.
But enough about Outlander’s utterly boring politics. So far it’s been nothing but angry men shouting at each other over who pledged loyalty to whom. Let’s talk character development and romance.
What did I like about these episodes? The steamy sex, of course. We get nipple sucking, boob grabbing, cowgirl, missionary and more. Episode 2 starts with Claire discovering Jamie is particularly talented at going downtown. Llllladies!
“What does “fucking” mean, Sassenach?” - Jamie Fraser
The writers REALLY want us to feel the passion. One moment the newlyweds are shouting at each other in the most confusing marital spat ever, then a moment later are wailing about how much they love each other. Claire goes from being Jamie’s property to being his equal, from being spanked with his belt to pressing a knife to his throat mid-coitus.
Yet as hot as the sex scenes are, why do they feel so awkward?
In the words of Murtagh Fraser, “It’s getting a wee bit uncomfortable around here for my taste.” I hope they work out their tensions in a believable way, because I can’t get into makeup sex when I know the reason for the conflict is because Jamie beat Claire with a belt to punish her - and enjoyed it. Even if he does randomly flip-flop the next day, over-apologizing by dramatically swearing his fealty to Claire and swearing to never hit her again.
Okay, does Jamie really have to get into yet another brawl and get his bare torso patched up AGAIN? **Eyeroll.** I mean, it’s been done, but… don’t take his bare torso scenes away or anything.
Yet as hot as the sex scenes are, why do they feel so awkward?
In the words of Murtagh Fraser, “It’s getting a wee bit uncomfortable around here for my taste.” I hope they work out their tensions in a believable way, because I can’t get into makeup sex when I know the reason for the conflict is because Jamie beat Claire with a belt to punish her - and enjoyed it. Even if he does randomly flip-flop the next day, over-apologizing by dramatically swearing his fealty to Claire and swearing to never hit her again.
Okay, does Jamie really have to get into yet another brawl and get his bare torso patched up AGAIN? **Eyeroll.** I mean, it’s been done, but… don’t take his bare torso scenes away or anything.
Then there’s that little brat Laoghaire, who offers her plump teenage bosoms to Jamie down by the river. Claire finds out, and after looking like a lost waif for an episode and a half, she regains some of her former spark by confronting the girl. Claire, as usual, can’t control her temper and slaps Laoghaire across her smug little face. Oh boy, I have a feeling she is going to regret that power play…
…And then she suffers the consequences. Of course, as soon as Colum sends Jamie away from home, Claire gets into trouble. Jamie warns her to stay away from black sheep Geillis, which obviously means Claire goes straight to Geillis. The end of Episode 2 shows Claire on her way to the slammer, thanks to high school mean girl Laoghaire setting her up.
Let’s hope Sunday’s episode veers away from plot points that are quickly becoming tired Outlander tropes. The romance seems forced, and the setting is bleak. The characters have room to grow, so I am still optimistic that Season Two will introduce some new and interesting action (in and out of the bedroom) and lay off the cheese.
…And then she suffers the consequences. Of course, as soon as Colum sends Jamie away from home, Claire gets into trouble. Jamie warns her to stay away from black sheep Geillis, which obviously means Claire goes straight to Geillis. The end of Episode 2 shows Claire on her way to the slammer, thanks to high school mean girl Laoghaire setting her up.
Let’s hope Sunday’s episode veers away from plot points that are quickly becoming tired Outlander tropes. The romance seems forced, and the setting is bleak. The characters have room to grow, so I am still optimistic that Season Two will introduce some new and interesting action (in and out of the bedroom) and lay off the cheese.
