Outlander - Season 1: Volume 1 Review
This review of Season 1 Volume 1 of Outlander is spoiler-free!
We live in a time where Hollywood struggles to create unique ideas for films and tv shows. As a result of this studios look to novels that have had major success and attempt to adapt them to the big or small screen. From things like Harry Potter to Ready Player One, we are constantly watching stories be retold in a film that has already been done on the written page. For many people, this is better because it allows for those of us who don't have the time to sit down and take in a book to enjoy that lauded work of fiction or in some cases non-fiction. Outlander is one of these such series of adapted novels. I'll admit, going into this show I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to get out of it, and that's mainly because I really didn't understand what I was getting into. Well, I'm here today to explain Outlander and talk about whether it's worth checking into.
Outlander is a series all about Claire Randall, who was once a nurse in the British Army during World War II. After returning from fighting, she and her husband decide to go to Scotland to finally spend some time together after years apart. One night, they take in the sights and sounds of the area, and Claire finds herself transported through time back to the 1740s. Here she meets the Scottish Highlanders and has to make due with a completely different world. This is where she meets Jamie Fraser, a man of good intentions among a group of scoundrels. What results is a story where Claire is forced between two worlds, the world she knew and the one she finds herself in. Honestly, Outlander is a very emotionally charged show and while I'm not usually a fan of such shows, I found Outlander to stay consistently interesting to me. For a Volume 1 that was focused mostly on establishing the dispute that is to come in Volume 2 of Season 1, I think it was rather strong.
Caitriona Balfe plays the most important character in this show with good reason, Claire. When she is sent through time, she is forced into an entirely new world and way of life. Seeing Balfe adapted her character to the new world and getting an opportunity to stretch her emotional depth was great, as sometimes it shows that focus heavily on matters of the heart, it's tough to be connected with the characters. The other main character though that I really want to discuss is that of Jamie Fraser, Claire's friend and eventual lover when she is back in time. Sam Heughan plays Jamie with a gentle care and compassion that directly counters the rest of the people in his company. Heughan's character also has a rather great innocence and strength that work well together and help to allow Claire to adapt to her new surrounds. Their chemistry is also absolutely stellar and results in some of the best moments throughout the first 8 episodes.
So I've mentioned it quite often, but Outlander is a highly emotional series. It plays on the mind and heart of Claire, and her psyche with the changing times. While she is a quick learner and can easily adapt to changing situations, there were times that I felt the show leaned too much on her as a story piece. There are times where I felt like we were often seeing too much of her and her story, and felt a yearning for more time with possibly Jamie or her husband. Other than that, the one other thing I want to discuss is just how gorgeous this show is. With lush scenery and beautiful costumes, it's one of the best-looking shows on television. There's times where I just sat with a dumb smile on my face just because of how well done the show was visually, and I only hope they keep that up.
Reflecting on Outlander Season 1 Volume 1, I felt a bit odd about the series overall. It's understandably a very good show, but since my expectations for the show were different than the show I got, it was a bit tough for me to fully indulge and enjoy it. Having had time to reflect and think back on this first 8 episodes, I think Outlander is a good show for two reasons. The chemistry between the main characters is glorious and some of the best on TV, and the look of the show elevates it from just being another show focused on combat and a historical time. For those of you who need a show that fits a look like Game of Thrones, but doesn't want all of the heartbreak and misery, I think you should give Outlander a try. It's a unique show that for me at least, is off to a good start. I'm hoping by the end of Season 1 that I'll be at a point where I can fully appreciate it, but we'll see when that time comes!
