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outlander_forum***WARNING: This post and discussion may contain spoilers for anyone who is not current with the Starz series Outlander (including seasons 1 and 2) or who has not read the first three books in the series.***
This thread is for discussing episode 307 of Outlander. Please limit your comments to what happened in the episode.
Episode 307 (October 29, 2017) -- "Crème de Menthe" written by Karen Campbell, directed by Norma Bailey.
Synopsis: Claire follows her conscience as a surgeon, even though it could put her and Jamie's lives at risk. At the same time, Jamie attempts to evade the reach of the Crown as its representative closes in on his illegal dealings.
Have at it, people! Did you like the episode? Thoughts, impressions, quibbles, highlights and lowlights?
ETA:
caitri 's take on everything that was wrong with the print shop scenes in ep. 307.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-30 12:45 pm (UTC)If we start with Jamie and Claire, there was notable tension between the two at different points in the episode. It brought home that the two had been living very independent lives for the past 20 years, and suddenly having to take someone else into account, being a partnership again, wasn't exactly like riding a bicycle, to use last week's simile. These two are still strangers to each other.
We saw this when they differed over trying to save the man who'd attacked Claire, over Jamie's lie to Old Ian about Young Ian's presence in Edinburg, and in Claire's desire to first go help the Campbells, and again when she suggests moving out of the brothel and setting up their own place.
Speaking of the Campbells... I had thought that maybe the show would omit these two characters, but lo and behold, there they were! And I have to say, I much prefer how the show presented them. I think Margaret Campbell's situation in the show makes far more sense than the book version. Book readers likely picked up on some of the gibberish she spouted at Claire when Claire took her pulse, namely the line "Abandawe will devour you". I am not sad that they've left out the whole "Edinburgh Fiend" side plot.
The other major relationship in this one is of course Fergus and Young Ian. Their scenes together were so good! Definitely loving these two -- both the actors and the characters. Iloved that Fergus called Ian "brother". Young Ian is one of my fave book characters, and with every scene, John Bell just brings him to life so wonderfully.
The print shop fire -- you know when Jamie jumps down from the upper level to the floor to get to Young Ian? Did anyone else thing "Batman!" I was wondering if that was done on purpose as sort of a nod to Sam having played Batman on stage. Apparently, there were a lot of issues with the print shop scene between Young Ian and the bad guy --
So good to see Ian Murray Sr. again!
And the secret that Jamie's been keeping from Claire is out of the bag -- for viewers anyway -- Jamie has another wife. Which likely explains his weird reaction to Claire admonishing him for lying to Ian about Young Ian. When Jamie got all defensive about lying, and made that comment about lies having shades now -- this from a man who's been lying about his identity from the day he and Claire met. But it was really a guilt reaction -- he's been keeping the biggest lie from her. Although, technically-speaking, he's not lied to her about having another wife -- because she hasn't asked if he's married anyone else. But he certainly hasn't TOLD her about the other wife -- so it's a lie of omission. And his repeated claims to everyone who raises this with him that everything will be fine... Will it Jamie? Will it really be fine?
I may have a bit more to say later -- only managed to watch this one twice and there was a lot in it! Meant to watch a 3rd time but got sucked into the baseball...
no subject
Date: 2017-10-30 04:05 pm (UTC)BAH.
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Date: 2017-10-30 04:22 pm (UTC)I think what's been happening with me, is that on every reread of the books, I find myself skipping more and more sections because they're annoying/stupid. This applies mostly to the first 4 books as they're the ones I've reread the most. So with the show, because they have to drop certain things, or merge some events for time purposes, you lose a lot of the stupid and I now find the show to be vastly superior to the books (esp. season 1 compared to the first book which I can't even bring myself to reread again).
I am finding Claire-Jamie in 307 much more realistic. I don't care how deep your love connection was/is, you can't erase 20 years of being apart, becoming someone somewhat different, etc., in a flash. I mean, the events of 307 happen the very next day after the reunion, so yeah, reality is going to hit hard. I'm really really loving it, what can I say?
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Date: 2017-10-30 06:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-10-30 06:17 pm (UTC)It would be wrong to say I loved their tension but... I don't know how else to say it... I did like how it was portrayed. I don't want them to be on oposite sides obviosuly but it is so understandable and relatable. 20 years is such a long time, you can't overcome that after one night of passion no matter how much you want to. They are still two strangers that has led two vastly different lives. But yes, they are both still very stubborn. It wouldn't be them otherwise though would it?
I think Jamie described his own change perfectly to Claire. He has lived in the shadows for so long... and he did so almost always by being someone else. He hasn't been Jamie since their parting really. Even as Alexander MacKenzie, which was probably his most happy time it was still not as himself, he played a part so it's no wonder he is so changed.
I did not like that Jamie lied to Ian sn though. Claire was right in the being a worried parent part bit but oh my the way she said it. That sure hurt Jamie. I'd say he does feel like a father figure to Young Ian (as well as Fergus of course, I loved that he said mon fils btw). How do you see it? Young Ian seems to idolize Jamie maybe?
I loved Young Ian and Fergus together. They are great fun and Fergus is so... well, Fergus. *lol*
Oh gosh, a wife though! No. Claire will not take these news well. I think Jamie reassuring everyone that it will be fine is his way of calming himself. He is so scared of Claire leaving again. I saw that last epsiode and I thought it was evident here too. His huge secret is what cause the distance/hesitation I think you can see in Jamie whenever he talks to Claire.
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Date: 2017-10-31 01:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-10-31 02:33 pm (UTC)