Outlander Season 2, Episode 1: The Night Outlander Fans Lost Their Minds

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Picture it. April 9th, 2016. A hungry crowd of American women and men sit in front of their TVs, heart pounding and biting their nails in anticipation. This was it. The moment that eleven months of Droughtlander finally ended with the words "Previously on Outlander." There was a collective scream of excitement in households all along the East Coast and beyond and people on the edge of their seat as the first scene opened to Caitriona Balfe's Claire, laying on grass.

I don't know about you guys, but I feel like we're in for some depressing shit.

"I wished I were dead." Melancholy sets the tone for the first half of this episode. Gray tones in the cinematography create the environment that feeds into the depression that Claire is obviously feeling, as evident by the first words she utters and the horrifying scream as she gazes at the stones. We of course, soon realize that she has been brought back to her own time and the year is now 1948 and her plans of stopping the complete evisceration of the Jacobite Army at Culloden Moor has failed.

After the slightly altered opening credits and Skye Boat Song (partly sang in French) commence, we're back to the story and Frank purposefully steps into our lives again after a long eight episode absence. He's the concerned husband, a man shocked to discover his wife has been found after disappearing near on three years ago and you can see the nerves as he slowly enters into the hospital room where his wife lay, staring out the window.

 I wish I had a funny and clever caption for this scene, but it's just too depressing.

Now this entire first half of the episode was not written like this in the book but I think what Ron Moore and the writers did with the material was fantastic, and I'm going to go out and just say that TV Frank is far superior to Book Frank. In the book, Frank flips out when Claire tells him her story, and literally loses his shit. Now, for a lot of people, this turns them off of Frank in the books and makes him out to be some sort of super dick for it, even though he's completely within his rights to flip his shit. I've written an entire article on the issues I have with the Frank Hate in this link here, if you want to read more detail about that. TV Frank, on the other hand, is very humanized. He's seen throughout his time on screen as understanding, hopeful, angry, relieved, nervous, and desperate.

 Seriously, TV Frank is way better than Book Frank.

TV Frank's acceptance of her story, mirrors Jamie's acceptance of her time travel way back in The Devil's Mark of Season One. He tells her he believes her, and he's on board with everything until Claire tells him she's pregnant. At first, he's ecstatic, but then she reinforces that the child is not biologically his and we see him lose his sense of understanding for a split moment. It's a tense moment and you can see the anger he feels, his fist clenching up at the fury and then he just stumbles out of the room and the house of the reverend to a shed and tears it to shit. I found his behavior, not at all to much, or to out of place considering the situation, and I think aside from the fact that Claire was carrying a man's child, his own manly pride was hurt in that he could never give her a child, but this stranger had. It was something, I believe, that reinforced his lack of self worth because as a man of that time, not being able to have children was something worthy of shame. He, perhaps, did not feel like a whole man because he was unable to create a child.

After he cools down and talks it over with the Reverend, it seems that a cool head prevails and he and Claire have a bit of a chat. Start from scratch, renew their life together. I found it rather touching that he was so willing to be there for her and for the child in her belly. That he was going to stand by her when he had every reason to leave her to raise a child on her own and face the stigma of being known as that "crazy runaway wife with the bastard child." It showed that Frank was indeed an honorable man, who was so willing to start over with his wife and begin again. He's a good guy, a little flawed for sure, but ultimately, a good man to Claire.

So, Frank and Claire are onto new beginnings, but what happened that led her back to the stones? A question that is starting to be answered when the scene transitions back to the past and to France.

The depression and melancholic look of the film is replaced with a bright and bustling port and with Claire and Jamie and Murtagh. I don't know about you guys, but finally seeing Claire and Jamie together made me literally scream out loud in happiness. FINALLY! As great as Frank was in the first half hour, I was so ready to see Jamie's sexy ass again and there he was, dressed well enough, still pained, his hand bound and dealing with a good bit of sea sickness. At least he's finally got his sense of humor back eh? At least of a fashion.

 Murtagh's look of disgust as he talks about Frogs really mimics my own face when I get told to stop obsessing about Outlander.

Obviously, Jamie is still recovering from his terrible ordeal with Black Jack Randall and there's almost a motherly feel to the scene when she tells him "I'm here." Her voice is soothing and soft, reaffirming that she isn't going to let him go so easily.

They set their goal to try and stop the Jacobite uprising so as to prevent Culloden. Of course, it has already been revealed that the terrible Battle of Culloden Moor will happen, so it makes the optimism of Claire and Jamie a little harder to swallow and we as the audience, cheer them on, even though we know their endeavors will end in failure. Meeting Jared Fraser was certainly interesting and it's a shame we shan't see to much more of him. I like the passionate guy, that's for sure. Jared promises to get Jamie in on the Jacobite cause and to meet with the leaders of said cause, while also giving up the reins of his winery as he goes off on another business venture. It is after this meeting, that there is a panic on board a newly docked ship and as Claire is not the type to hold fast and leave things be, she jumps right in and lo and behold, the ship is infested with Smallpox.

"Seriously Sassenach, can you stop being selfless for once?There's no room in the past for you to be a decent person."

Smallpox being one of the most dangerous diseases in the world before vaccines were invented, causes everyone to panic and it is then that we meet Stanley Webber's Comte St. Germain. Now, I've seen Stanley Webber act before as Juan Borgia in Netflix's Borgia but seeing him in that powdered wig did make me giggle a little (not even gonna lie). Even so, the man cut's an intimidating figure and thanks to Claire's selfless act, he now has to deal with the fact that he's losing an entire shipment of cargo that he would have willingly put to the masses, knowing about the possible spread of small pox. Greedy selfish bastard.

 Is it bad that I think he's kinda hot?

Of course, losing all of that cargo certainly would put quite a hole in his finances so it's really not all that surprising that he would try to save himself money despite the horrendous outcome of spreading possibly small pox tainted cargo. Jamie notes that it sure doesn't take Claire long to make enemies but he still loves her anyway and they have a big ole smooch right there as St. Germain's ship lights up the night sky.

I'm sure the Comte will forgive them for making him lose a fortune. He seemed rational to me.

Now I did find the pacing of this episode a little off and while the Frank and Claire moments were engaging, words can't describe how happy I was to finally see Claire and Jamie together again after months upon months of waiting to see them back in action. I do think it's obvious that Season 2 will blaze through the source material a little faster than the original season of Outlander did with it's book. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, though with the liberties taken to Frank's story line might make some people upset. I'm not going to be upset because I really found Frank's character far more endearing here than I ever did in the book. I happen to like that such liberties were taken with the story line but that's of course, my own personal opinion.

Overall, the first episode was really great, and while the original premier of Outlander seemed slow to start, this one was full of raw emotion from the very beginning, gripping us by the heart strings and holding us tight through all of it. It set's the scene perfectly and makes sure to immerse us once more in a story we all love.

Though I love Wee Roger most.

So what were your thoughts on the premier? Did you enjoy it? Anything negative to say about it? I'd love to hear from you so be sure to leave a comment below or leave one on our Facebook page or on Tumblr.

Also OutlanderSassenach will be uploading PODCASTS every Monday following new episodes so stay tuned for that!

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Until next week, Sassenachs!

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The Top Ten Sexiest Men in Period Drama

Previously on this blog, we discussed what makes period dramas so awesome and with a few top ten lists already under my belt with The Top Ten Claire Moments and Top Ten Jamie Moments of Outlander Season One, I decided to throw my hat in and do something a little differently. Why not a top ten list of men I think are sexy in a Period Drama. Now this is just in period drama roles, and not overall and it's a perfectly debatable top ten list since beauty is of course, in the eye of the beholder. This list will include men featured in miniseries, television shows and feature films. Don't agree with this list? Want to add to it? Feel free to comment with your own personal favorite or someone I didn't mention. That being said, onto the list!

#10 - Jonathan Crombie, Anne of Green Gables

My first book boyfriend come to life, Jonathan Crombie played the infuriating, and ultimately wonderful Gilbert Blythe. Starring as Blythe in the entire Anne of Green Gables franchise,  he had boyish charm, a competitive spirt and ultimately a well felt love for Megan Follows' Anne with an "e". Watching him progress from boy to man over the course of the three different miniseries was perhaps the start of my love affair with men in period drama.

#9 - Clark Gable, Gone With the Wind

No one else on this earth could play Rhett Butler so well. Timothy Dalton tried to do so in the made for tv miniseries Scarlett (based on the sequel of the same name that was written by Alexandra Ripley) but there is no one that could play the dashing scoundrel with such ease as Clark could. His sarcasm, wit, and charm were well delivered thanks to Clark's impressive timing and though he actually hated the role, you couldn't tell when he played opposite Vivien Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara.

#8 - Heath Ledger, Casanova

Heath Ledger is no stranger to period drams. He was in quite a few before his untimely death at the age of 28 but my favorite role for him, has to be Casanova. Charming, debonair, fly by the seat of his pants type. He was charming, sexy, and arrogant, and yet it was far to easy to love him. He and Sienna Miller had true chemistry in this film and it will forever be a treasured favorite to see him avoiding inquisitors and realizing what true love is after all.

#7 - Ewan McGregor, Moulin Rouge

Another star crossed lover's story is Moulin Rouge. We have a down on his luck writer with a gift for song and a love for a dancer/courtesan. While Baz Luhrman's Moulin Rouge is flashy and full of pizazzz, Ewan doesn't need any of that to stand out above the rest. He's a hopeless romantic, handsome, full of love and light and optimism despite all obstacles. His voice is heart melting alone but when he looks at you, you feel like the only woman in the world.

#6 - Tom Hardy, Wuthering Heights

Dark and depraved Heathcliff is played excellently by Tom Hardy. He manages to be as charming and handsome as he is frightening. He manages to be so cold, and yet there is nothing one wants more than to be Cathy and let him kiss you as passionately as he can. Yes, Heathcliff was truly a terrible anti-hero when one considers his actions but there is no denying that Tom Hardy makes you want the bad boy even more.

#5 - Sean Bean, Lady Chatterley

Aside from being known as "that guy that dies in every movie" Sean Bean is an exceptional actor and has appeared in quite a few period pieces like The Black Death, Scarlett and my personal favorite, Lady Chatterley, where he plays the married groundskeeper to the Chatterley estate, and consequently, Lady Chatterley's lover. Witty, sarcastic and passionate, he lights up the screen and makes more than few smiles that might very well knock your socks off.

#4 - Richard Armitage, North and South

Often, the characteristics of a great period drama include broody men who are tall and dark haired. Mr. Thornton, played by Richard Armitage, is one such character. His presence is powerful and despite the air of command he exudes, there is gentleness as well as an honesty in his manner in disposition. You get the keen feeling he will protect you and hold you close, but not be afraid to speak his mind. And honestly that kiss at the train station was a cherry on top of a perfect miniseries romance.

#3 -  Henry Cavill, The Tudors

Playing opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers as his best friend and the Duke of Suffolk, Henry Cavill brings a bit of elegance, charm and ruthlessness to the role of King Henry VIII's best friend. More than a little debauched, it was totally worth all of the screen time when he was busy walking around naked and showing his taut buttocks. Most people who don't enjoy period dramas probably only see him as Superman but to those of us that have been fans of period dramas since the dawn of time, you will have noticed him in a few roles aside from this one, but for me, this role was my absolute favorite.

#2 - Sam Heughan, Outlander

I'm an Outlander blog so OF COURSE Sam is going to make this list, but he is not my number one. Shocking right? Well he is my number two. Red hair, tall, built, he personifies Jamie Fraser in a way no one else could and man can he act! Sexy, and easily playing a man both generous, innocent and at the same time rather worldly, Sam Heughan pulls it off effortless. And let's be honest, who doesn't enjoy a man in a kilt?

HONORABLE MENTIONS

So this is a top ten list, as such plenty of sexy men did not make the cut. Leonardo DiCaprio for Titanic, Dominic Cooper from The Duchess, Cillian Murphy from Peaky Blinders, Tom Hiddleston from Crimson Peak, Jonathan Rhys Meyers from The Tudors and Francois Arnoud from The Borgias were narrowly edged out. You don't know how hard a time I had deciding between all these men who are each sexy in their own, unique ways.

So, without further adieu, let me introduce my number one pic for sexiest man in a period drama

#1 - Colin Firth, Pride and Prejudice

Colin Firth, is the ONLY Darcy. Let's be real here. Sure, Matthew MacFayden did a good job in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice opposite Keira Knightly but ultimately, the crown will forever be held by Colin. He is perfectly Mr. Darcy. Of course, this was not his only period drama either but it is perhaps one of his most iconic roles. He is sophisticated, tall, brooding, dark haired, handsome, and even be taken down a few notches by Elizabeth Bennett. He is Darcy, he is sexy and I have just three words for you to epitomize my reasons for making him number one. The pond scene.

So, do you not agree? If not, who do you think should be number one. Feel free to tell me who I missed, and who I got wrong.

Until next time Sassenachs.

What Makes a Period Drama Awesome?

What made you interested in Outlander? The romance? The adventure? The Time travel? The characters? Maybe it was the historical setting and the intrigue of the time frame in which Outlander and all of it's sequels take place? I have ALWAYS been a fan of history and romance and combining the two together. I grew up on Disney Princess movies and got my start on period dramas watching the CBC and Disney production of Anne of Green Gables with Megan Follows. Gilbert Blythe was my first literary boyfriend and it kickstarted my love of romantic period piece dramas and television shows. So what makes a Period drama so wonderful anyway?

#1: The Costumes

Whether it's the beautiful dresses of The Tudors, the corsets of Victorian Dramas like Little Dorrit or Nicholas Nickelby, the costumes tell  a story as much as the movie or show itself. The costumes are a character and that's what makes them so important. The puffy sleeved white shirts, the cravats, the surcoats, the jewels, the hair, the simplicity or the ornate. Each costume is a part of making my heart aflutter.

#2: The Settings

What suits your fancy more? The gray and green Scottish highlands of Outlander, or the cheery hamlets of Prince Edward Island? Perhaps you prefer the hustle and bustle of London or the beautiful courts of Versailles there is always something to be admired. Much like the costumes, the settings are just as wonderful to gaze upon and soak up. They are a character too. If the settings don't seem authentic, then the entire production feels like a waste. With such settings, mixed with the costumes, you could also be transported to that place and time and if the production mucks up the setting then it's no good as a whole.

#3: The Speech

Speech, and dialects are often key to a period drama and make them awesome. The eloquence of Mr. Darcy as he proposes to Elizabeth Bennett, who's witty reply this hurtful comments make you wince with the sting of the burn inflicted. Shakespeare probably has the win here because there is nothing more romantic than seeing two people in period costumes professing love and more fantastic than characters demanding retribution or revenge. It just seems more refined, and the words a bit more flowery. The elegance and propriety of most makes it especially pleasing to the ear.

#4: The Men

Alright ladies, I think it's quite safe to assume that there is something extra special about men in period costumes. For instance, in real life, I don't think Sam Heughan is all that attractive, but when he wears a kilt and he's a little dirty, he's one of the sexiest men on the planet. Otherwise handsome men, look even sexier wearing puffy white shirts with a hint of chest hair showing at the vee of the collar. It's the fact that it hints at more I think, that makes it so sexy. It's probably why for men, back in the day, ankles when seen were so sexy. You wouldn't think they were but seeing just a hint of flesh under a lot of fabric gets the heart afluttering. Modesty really can be super sexy.

#5: The Romance

Probably what put's the cherry on top of the sundae for me is the romance that is seen throughout period dramas (especially those based on books). Growing up I wanted to be Anne to Gilbert, Elizabeth to Darcy. I wanted to parade in an extravagant ballgown and dance the night away with Bingley and be kissed under a tree by a handsome man in a cravat. Period dramas feed into this fantasy and as we grow older, watching a film, we can pretend we are part of the setting. Even as adults, we can act like little princesses again and enjoy a wonderful romance with the rakes and hellions of whatever time period we decide to immerse ourselves in.

#6: The Story Itself

Even with all of the above elements, what is probably most important of all, is the actual story. There are several genres of Period drama, though romance seems to be the most popular. The stories of war, of honor, of chivalry. The stories of beating the odds, of becoming more, of heroes and villains, of heroines and heart. They are relatable stories in one form or another, despite a space of time between them. With all of the elements, nothing completes a period drama better than a good story.  Whether it's overcoming one's own pride and vanity, like Elizabeth Bennett and Anne Shirley had to do, or overcoming selfishness and understanding that your feelings aren't the only one that matter as Scarlett did with Rhett. Perhaps it's the sad truth that even good heroes must die and that guilt or innocence, doesn't necessarily matter if you are in the way of a King as Anne Boleyn found out when her ambition was to great. That even if you are truly not a terrible person, a rule that does not cater to the downtrodden might end in your peril (as it did with Marie Antoinette). The story makes the drama, and makes all of the other elements truly worthwhile.

And to be clear here, it's not just the movies and television shows that are awesome. My favorite book genre is romantic historical fiction which is how I was so able to get into Outlander. I love a Julia Quinn, a Connie Mason and a Catherine Anderson to fill my world and immerse me in a story of love, and passion and corsets. I'm a history lover and history is my greatest passion. Seeing history and romance come together in books or in film, truly make it worth the while.


So what get's you excited about Period Dramas? The passion, the costumes? Feel free to let me know.

Gearing Up For Season Two!

Hello all, it's been a super long time since I updated this Outlander blog and a lot has happened since my last top ten list. What with the Golden Globes, and the Critic's Choice Awards and the People's Choice Awards and the BAFTAs and all the other awards of the season. I have been super busy getting settled into my new place, role playing (basically writing a story with another person) and trying to keep up on the latest news. Thankfully life has settled down and wouldn't you know it's nearly just in time for the start of Season Two. Last April, if you had told me I would have to wait a whole year for a new season, I would of told you I wouldn't of made it. Droughtlander 2.0 has truly been that. The worst kind of drought imaginable.

There have been quite a few casting reveals but as of this post we are still not aware of who they have cast as Bree though Richard Rankin was announced as Roger Mac way back in the middle of December. Outlander production says they are close so finger's crossed we at least have that. Come on Ron, announce it for Valentine's Day and we'll love you forever (maybe).

So, with Season Two being just roughly over two months away (depending on when they decide to premier since we only have April and not a specific date), I think it was time to discuss a game plan to really get back in the Outlander Spirit. I for one, have quite the plan to which I will share with you lovely people, my dear readers who are honestly the most amazing people there are.

First thing's first, I'm going to start a reread of Dragonfly in Amber. It's only my eighth time, but honestly, I might of missed something. You never know. Amiright?

I was also hoping to revisit the first season of Outlander by watching two episodes a week over the next couple of months, if only to pass the time until the Season Two Premier. Even though the last eight months have been agony, these months leading up to the premier are true and total torture because it's SO CLOSE and yet SO FAR! Ya feel me?

I'm also enjoying discussions in my favorite Facebook groups that center around all that is Outlander and I started coloring in my Outlander Coloring Book but I'm not the best coloring person, as calming as it is. I really fucked up the skin tone of Claire standing with that printed dress on and I'm completely and totally ashamed. I was trying to color blend and used way to much of this pale yellow color to add something besides just peach. It didn't turn out so well.

OH! I forgot to mention that I also started up a facebook page. I know a lot of people don't follow twitter or tumblr and aren't big fans of joining facbeook groups. It's much easier to click like on a page. I get it, which is why for shorter posts that don't warrant a blog, I've now created a facebook page that ties in with everything else that is OutlanderSassenach. I will post the link at the end of the blog post if you care to give it a like. No pressure though!

Anyways, so while I spend the next couple of months re-emersing myself in the world of Outlander, I'm curious. What will you all be doing to gear up for Season Two? Feel free to reply in the comments.

Until next time Sassenachs!

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Top Ten Moments of Season One: James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser

Welcome once more to a top ten countdown in relation to season one of Outlander. Thanks to the success of the Top Ten List on Claire Moments, I have decided to dedicate an entire series of top ten lists. This will be a top ten list of Jamie's best moments, and will be followed by top humorous moments and then top moments overall. Outlander certainly has become my passion over the past two years and nothing was perhaps more satisfying then seeing Jamie Fraser come to life. Sam Heughan, really has done a bang up job as the leading man, and it was an absolute joy to see him on screen. Before I get into this top ten list, I'm going to ask what your favorite funny moments, and favorite moments overall in the show were.

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Now, onto the list!

#10 - "So long as I'm with you." Castle Leoch, S1E02

Jamie's character has always been strong, compassionate and as hot headed as Claire. The tender moments he shows Claire are honestly some of the best in the show. This is one of them. After a long ride, and a few scratches, Claire's meltdown prompts him to just hold her close and let her cry about her husband. He whispers calming soothing words in her ear and offers her a much needed shoulder to cry on. And then promises her that so long as he is around, he'll keep her safe but is also sure to remind her that she's an English woman and to be careful all things considered. Poignant, touching and wonderful, a true mark of Jamie's character.

#9 - "I guess that means you're coming with me." Sassenach, S1E01

We first get our eyes full of Jamie Fraser in the first episode and the best moment, for me, from the first moment is when he judges Claire's character accurately enough to call her bluff. He catches her running away from the men and informs her that if she doesn't come with him willingly, he'd pick her up, throw her over his shoulder and carry her back. She of course, doesn't want him to do that, and so he replies with that cocky grin. "Weel, I guess that means you're coming with me." It's the first glimpse we have of Jamie's ease of humor and wit (though, my one woe is how little of it we truly saw in the show, compared to the books, but that's another blog post altogether). It's a testament to Sam's acting to pull off ruthless and charming at the same time.

#8 - A Trip to the Snackbar. By the Pricking of My Thumbs, S1E10

Another humorous, and definitely sexy moment in the show, is Jamie waking Claire up with a bit of loving. And it's glorious, especially when Murtagh's trying to break down the damn door. There isn't really much to this scene in the form of substance, but it was super sexy and he was such a gentleman to let her finish. I don't know, I just like this moment because it's a rare tv moment for the focus to be on the woman's pleasure and woman's pleasure alone and honestly, Jamie certainly seems to satisfy her on screen.And what woman wouldn't want a man that saw to her needs before his own every now and then.

#7 -Fixing the Mill. Lallybroch, S1E12

In one of his more humorous scenes, Jamie wakes up with a hangover after playing Laird of Lallybroch the night before and finds out the mill is broken. Determined to fix the issue himself, we once more get that wry wit of his and well, a decent glance at his backside. While humorous, it's also a bit of a nail biter because the redcoats show up while he's fixing the mill. It's also the first time that Jenny sees the scars left by the floggings he received at the hands of Black Jack Randall. Which brings us to my next favorite Jamie moment.

#6 - Facing the Flogging. The Garrison Commander S1E06 & Lallybroch S1E12

Not many men who have received 100 lashes live to tell the tale. That same number probably would take the offer that Black Jack offered than take the punishment. Jamie's bravery certainly takes center stage. We first see the flogging scene in The Garrison Commander but the back story behind that scene takes place in Lallybroch. Jamie explains that he didn't want to have another flogging, but he couldn't dare imagine giving her body to Black Jack to spare himself the feel of the cat o nines again and that to do so, his father might think less of him. It is a strength of character, but it is also Jamie's tried and true stubborness.

#5 - The Oath Taking. The Gathering, S1E04

Thanks to Claire's shenanigans, Jamie finds himself in quite a dilemma. He has to swear an oath of fealty to his Uncle Colum at the gathering. If he doesn't pledge, the clansmen will kill him. If he does pledge, his Uncle Dougal will kill him. Quite the pickle I'd say. Regardless, Jamie's ability to think lightly on his feet grants him a perfect way of swearing fealty, but also ensuring that he is not killed by Dougal. It's eloquent, on point and perfectly encapsulates Jamie's intelligence.

#4 - "Fair is fair." The Wedding, S1E07

By far, one of the best episodes of the season finally gave Jamie the limelight. After six episodes of being a passive character in the background, he came to center stage as the virginal young man who thought that sex was done the back way. The best moment for me, during this whole episode was right after Claire explores his nakedness and then he counters that it's just as fair for him to ogle her. I could of went with a million moments in this episode that were poignant, funny or ultra romantic, but I think this statement really sets the tone for that second and much for satisfying sex scene in the whole episode. He was cocky, self assured and damn if it wasn't sexy as hell to watch.

#3 - The Spanking Scene. The Reckoning, S1E09

On the previous list, I included the argument between Jamie and Claire and highlighted it as one of Claire's best moments. I would of liked to duplicate it in this but decided to give you this moment instead. Now this has to be the most dividing scene of the entire season. People like me, who grew up in a house where a spanking with a belt was considered proper punishment, sort of laugh and giggle through it, especially since Claire's reactions are so similar to us bargaining kids doing anything to get out of it. I thought it showed that while Jamie is strong, he is a man who is also from a different time. A time where corporal punishment is the norm. And it's because this scene is so divisive to different audiences, that I decided to place it on this list.

#2 - Jamie's Acceptance of Claire's Story. The Devil's Mark, S1E12

Picture it. Your significant other, whom you love deeply, has just told you that s/he is a time traveller and is 200 years from the future. I bet most of us in that given situation, would just smile awkwardly, pick up the phone and call the local psychiatric hotline. We wouldn't believe it. What a crazy ass story right? But Jamie, dear sweet Jamie, actually believes her. He doesn't understand it, but he believes her all the same. If that is not a testament to true love, I don't know what is.

#1 - Jamie Offers his Body in Exchange for Claire's Safety. Wentworth Prison, S1E15

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking scenes, and a true showing of Jamie's love for Claire, is when he offers himself up in exchange for the safety of his wife. He is already beaten, bruised and tortured but none of that matters. Even when Black Jack Randall drives the nail into his hand, he doesn't waver in what he means to do, even though he knows the steep cost. It is heartbreaking, watching the weight of his decision cross his features after Claire is gone, but that doesn't stop him from comforting her when BJR sends her away. He doesn't let her see how scared he is. He is the perfect embodiment of strength and vulnerability and it is one of the most devastating scenes of the entire season, and also the one scene that resonated the most with me overall.

So what were your favorite Jamie moments?

Top Ten Claire Moments of Outlander Season One

It's the end of the year, and with Droughtlander upon us, I decided to go back and rewatch all sixteen episodes of Outlander and pick and choose which moments I decided were the best. Claire is a complex character, both strong and vulnerable, both impulsive and patient. She gets shit done, and she is honestly one of the best female characters ever created. Many props to Diana Gabaldon for creating such an awesome, realistic, complex woman that women of all ages can relate to in one way or another. And so here are my top ten moments of Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser.

#10 - "You have strong fingers." The Way Out, S1E03

I have to say this was the pivotal moment where the friendship between Jamie and Claire was well and truly established. When she asks if he's got strong fingers and then they both set about rescuing the boy from the pillory, it always makes me grin. Especially the part where she feigns a faint and then Jamie says she faints at the sight of blood. It has to be the oldest trick in the book, though, considering the time travel, maybe the diversion is the newest trick in the book? Either way, it is one of my favorite moments of the entire series and always makes me giggle.

#9 - "Not a Wet Nurse." Sassenach, S1E01

By far one of the humorous scenes. Back in the day, the only nurses anyone knew anything about were the wet kind, so that moment when she's putting Jamie's shoulder back in place and says she's a nurse, his eyes go straight to her boobage and she's all aghast about it. Honestly, if not for the situation, I think she would have slapped him. And it would have been a well deserved slap.

#8 - "Oh Fuck" The Search, S1E14

Nothing quite encapsulated the moment so well when Claire was forced to literally sing for her supper, or at least information. She and Murtagh are scouring the highlands for Jamie Fraser and part of doing so means putting on singing shows. And so, Claire's first show to a rowdy bunch of drunks in a tavern is quickly started off with the exclamation. Brilliant and funny.

#7 - The Dagger to the Throat, The Reckoning, S1E09

After the six month break between episodes eight and nine, nine came in with a huge bang. And by bang, I mean Jamie slamming that window open and pointing that pistol at the sorry bastard BJR. Now the reckoning, was actually my favorite episode of the entire season and there are two moments on this list. This is the first one. After all the fighting, and back and forth between them, Claire and Jamie have some good ole fashioned make up sex, you know, the best kind there is and while she is on top, laying it on him thick, she takes his weapon, puts it to his throat and makes him swear to never lay a hand on her again. It's also a sex scene where she is most definitely in control of him and she lets him know it too. Considering the fact that he'd tanned her hide earlier, getting fucked while subsequently being told if he ever hit her again, he'd have his heart cut out and she'd eat it for breakfast, is probably enough for a man to get the picture. She was the boss, and Jamie knew it.

#6 - "Does it bother you?", The Garrison Commander, S1E06

After a really tense hour of superb tension between Claire and the disgusting Black Jack Randall, it is determined that the only way to save Claire from the clutches of the evil bastard is to turn her from an Englishwoman into a Scot. And that means marriage. And so, she and Jamie are set to be wed. After all that tension, the two moments that break up the anxiety the most are Dougal's Corn Grinding line, and this one when she asks Jamie "Does it bother you, that I'm not a virgin?" And when Jamie responds. "No, so long as it doesn't bother you that I am," the look on her face and the guzzling of her wine are proof enough that she's just not wanting to deal with this shit. It's also why she gets more than a wee bit drunk. Who wouldn't with that kind of news?

#5 - Choosing Jamie, The Devil's Mark, S1E11

One of the most pivotal moments in the entire show for Claire, was when she makes the decision to permanently put Frank behind her. In a way. When she decides to choose Jamie, in this world of war, pain and torment, versus the much safer world she lives with Frank, you can see the angst, the fear and then the complete and total determination. The moment she tells Jamie "On your feet soldier" and you seem them embrace and kiss, you know that everything, for now, is going to be alright. That she's found her soulmate and she loves him, even if she doesn't say the words.

#4 - The Dying Man, The Gathering, S1E04

This moment is truly when you see Claire's compassion. The man gored by the boar has no chance of survival and it is this moment that I also believe Dougal finally gives Claire some respect. Granted, he is still a major asshole, but he's the kind of asshole, you can't help but admire a little. Regardless, this moment when she comforts this dying man in his last moments, it's tender and shows Claire's true want to help and the grief when she cannot do so. A common thing for a woman who is used to seeing the dead and dying on the battlefield.  A poignant moment for Claire's character and her relationship with Dougal's character.

#3 -Pregnancy Announcement, To Ransom a Man's Soul, S1E16

The ending moments of the season, after all of the ups, the downs, the terrible things that have happened, when she tells Jamie she's pregnant is truly the light at the end of a dark tunnel. They love each other, and the child she never thought she'd have, is now in her belly and so she and Jamie are truly a family again. Things aren't back to normal, by any means, but they are getting there. And this baby is truly that hope for a better future between them.

#2 - The Big Fight, The Reckoning, S1E09

By far the best Claire moment with Jamie is this one. By a mile. The tension between them and the chemistry are clashing. The insults back and forth, the affrontry. The sexual chemistry is so strong between them in this one scene that you can feel it steaming off the tv screen and when they glare at each other, you don't know if they are going for blows or for hard kissing. It's sexy, raw, powerful. Claire hold's her own, she let's Jamie know what for, she calls him a fucking bastard, he calls her a foul mouthed bitch. By far some of the best acting of the entire series happens in this moment and I'm honestly sure when she slapped him, she really slapped him. Note to Jamie, never tell a woman to apologize when they don't think they've done anything wrong. I think he learned his lesson.

#1- The Bitch Slap Heard Round the World, By the Pricking of My Thumbs, S1E10

Ah yes, nothing quite felt as satisfying all season, in my opinion as the moment when Claire loses her shit on Laoighaire. Now...I get it. Laoghaire is a teenager. She's a bit bratty. She's got this huge ass crush on Jamie. But she really crossed the line when she tried to seduce him by the stream. Then she has the utter nerve, to say that Jamie must get sloppy drunk to fuck Claire. And the reaction to such a thing is the satisfying bitch slap that Claire lands on her. Now, hitting anyone is wrong, but admit it, most if not all of us felt a great deal of satisfaction in watching that display.

So what were your favorite Claire moments of Season One?

Sam Heughan is a True Winner

This morning, Outlander fans waited with bated breath, waited for the Golden Globe nomination announcements with fingers crossed. Surely, the Golden Globes would nominate Outlander after the Emmy's snubbed us. And sure enough, we were nominated. We were nominated for Best Drama Series next to heavy-hitter Game of Thrones. Caitriona Balfe received a nomination for Best Actress in a Drama and Tobias Menzies received a Best Supporting Actor nomination in a Drama. For the first time, on a stage that didn't rely on fan voting, we were legitimized. But almost immediately, there was drama within our fandom over the fact that Sam was not nominated for Best Actor. There was anger, a lot of it, over the fact that Sam did not receive a nomination, more anger than I remember when the Emmy's snubbed the entire show.

The problem with award shows like this, is that usually there is a lot of back door politics going on, not to mention, a lot of the basis for a nomination depends on screen time for the actors within the show. As it stands, Jamie's character was a side character, at best, for the first eight episodes and didn't become a full main character until after the wedding. Blame Ron Moore, blame the writers, that's just the way it panned out. So no, Sam did not receive a nomination. But to me, that doesn't matter, because Sam is the true winner.

Since becoming Jamie, Sam has dealt with a lot. Harrassment on social media, for his behavior, for his significant other, for not answering questions on his personal life, for dealing with crazy obsessed fans who get jealous of any woman in his life who might be his girlfriend; for being to thin or too buff; for having a beard and not having one at all; for anti-shippers who scream and throw fits on twitter and tumblr just so they can try and rub it in shippers faces that he isn't with Cait (I'm not a shipper myself but shipping them doesn't bother me in the slightest). He's handled it all fairly well, though it must be quite an adjustment to go from a small actor to catching the biggest break of his career and becoming the human embodiment of one of the greatest literary men in modern literature. He has handled it all graciously and humbly and to those who've met him in real life, they say he is nothing but a true gentleman.

So even though Sam did not get a nomination, to me he is still a winner. He has handled transition from unknown actor to a top tier actor gracefully. He involves himself in charity work, he has a life that is actually quite normal outside of his role as Jamie and his acting is superb. When the Emmy's snubbed us, everyone was angry. Emmy's and Golden Globe nominations legitimize television actors to most and there are plenty of actors in smaller TV shows that never get the recognition they deserve. Much like everyone knows that Leonardo DiCaprio deserves an Oscar more than plenty of men who've won over him. We know that despite never winning one, that he is a fantastic actor. So even though Sam did not get a nomination, I know that he is still a winner. I know that he is still a wonderful actor. That even though he did not receive a nomination, he is still one of the best actors on television right now and he will only grow as an actor as the show progresses. As I said when we were snubbed by the Emmys, we do not need these nominations to legitimize these actors, because they are already legitimized in our eyes. I'm excited that Cait, Tobias and the show nabbed nominations and am I disappointed in Sam being snubbed, a little yes, but at the same time, I know that he is an actor that is utterly wonderful, and just because he doesn't win a nomination, doesn't make him any less wonderful in my eyes. So congrats to Cait, Tobias and Outlander, and especially to Sam, who will no doubt treat his snub with quiet dignity and grace. To the fandom, Sam Heughan, you are indeed a true winner, regardless of the backdoor politics in Hollywood.

Slàinte mhath!