Summary:
Outlander
the television series “Follows the story of Claire Randall, a married
combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where
she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened.
When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young
Scottish warrior, a passionate relationship is ignited that tears Claire's
heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.”
(IMBD)
Review:
For as long
as recorded history has existed, mankind has had a fascination with time
travel. Whether the motivation stems from the desire to rewrite history or to simply
experience a time far removed from one’s own, the notion of leaving the present
to travel to a distant past has inspired fictional works such as A Wrinkle in Time and even A Christmas Carol. While escapism has always
been the common thread, be it voluntary or not, the conflict of past meeting
present is always an interesting mix of confusion and enlightenment. True to
form, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series
falls within these bounds. The involuntary time travel of Claire Randall brings
two vastly different worlds crashing into each other, creating a love story
that transcends both time and space. Now brought to life on the small screen,
fans of Gabaldon’s novels can watch the pages unfold right before their very
eyes on the STARZ network blockbuster series -- OUTLANDER.
The year is
1945 and World War II has just ended. Claire Randall, a military nurse who has
seen the absolute horrors of war, has returned to her home to be with her
husband Frank. Frank also served in the war with British Intelligence. After
being separated for the majority of 6 years, the couple decides to reconnect on
a second honeymoon to Scotland. During the onset of their travels through the
highlands, Frank shows off his considerable historical knowledge, much to the
indifference of Claire. While she politely listens to Frank’s ramblings, she
finds herself being distracted by the beautiful scenery of the Scottish
countryside. Eventually they reach their destination, and Frank becomes absorbed
with tracking down any genealogical information on his ancestor Captain “Black Jack”
Randall who served during his military career in the Scottish Highlands
squashing Jacobite rebellion. Franks preoccupation allows Claire quite a bit of
free time to explore.
Claire’s exploration leads her back to a mysterious grouping of rocks that jut up from the ground in the style of Stonehenge. Just the night before, she and Frank had witnessed a troupe of woman performing an old, pagan ritual at that very location, only adding to the mysterious nature of the rock and earthen monument. As Claire enters the ringed structure, she begins to feel an eerie presence. She reaches down to pick a cluster of purple flowers and places her hands upon the most central rock formation in the grouping to steady herself. Almost immediately, she is whisked away, unbeknownst to her, back to 1743. Scared and alone, Claire makes her way back to where she parked her vehicle, only to find an empty field.
Bewildered, she runs through the
forest where she encounters a man that looks oddly familiar…”Frank?” she
questions. But it is not. It’s none other than Captain “Black Jack” Randall.
Taken aback by why any respectable Englishwoman would be traipsing through the back
woods of Scotland, Captain Randall proceeds to attempt to have his way with
Claire. In swoops Jamie Fraser, a virile and ruggedly irresistible Scottish
warrior, to her rescue. From this moment, Claire’s life takes a major turn, catapulting
her directly center stage in the Jacobite uprising. She finds herself embroiled
in mystery and intrigue, while all the while subjecting herself to danger due
to her modern, free-thinking ways. As her time with the Highland clans ensues,
Claire finds her loyalties to Frank and her own time in history tested. Will she choose to follow her heart and stay
in the past, or will she follow her head and try to get back to 1945?
While I
tend to be one of those book snobs who typically feel like the book is always
better, I must digress that with this series, I am not so certain. The STARZ
network has taken the best of Gabaldon’s books and created a vivid, visually
enticing masterpiece that completely mimics what my mind’s eye created from the
written word. While, in complete and total transparency, I have yet to
completely read the entire 9 book series for myself (I am currently working on
that faux pas), I have discussed my opinion with those who have, and they will
attest that STARZ has done a fabulous job keeping with the integrity of
Gabaldon’s novels.
Outlander has its fair share of action,
adventure, and intrigue to please even the most discerning palate. In other
words, it’s not just for the girls. (*wink wink nudge nudge*) With other series
that I watch, I find myself feigning in between seasons. With Outlander, I am waiting with baited
breathe and a longing heart to find out what lays ahead for the delicious Jamie
Fraser and his strong-willed Sassenach, Claire.
I have been thoroughly enraptured by this series from episode one. The strong, distinctive characters are portrayed in such a way, that I found it hard not to become completely obsessed, and the storyline is engaging with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Not just a “romantic frolic through the Highlands”, I give the STARZ original series Outlander two thumbs up…If only I had more thumbs to give. J
I have been thoroughly enraptured by this series from episode one. The strong, distinctive characters are portrayed in such a way, that I found it hard not to become completely obsessed, and the storyline is engaging with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Not just a “romantic frolic through the Highlands”, I give the STARZ original series Outlander two thumbs up…If only I had more thumbs to give. J
Latest news headlines from India & around the world. Check out today's news coverage live with videos & photos on https://newstodayheadline.com/
ReplyDeleterockbeatz
ReplyDelete