The whispered ending to the Skye Boat song was hauntingly disturbing, in light of what happened last week. Rest in peace, Sinéad O’Connor. 💔
I really liked 707. The writing, directing, casting, acting, camera work, editing, and myriad other things teamed up to make a captivating and engaging episode. My one distraction remained the too clean costumes and faces, and there were a couple of issues, but mostly I thought this ep was top notch.
My favorite scene is a toss up between the sex scene between Roger and Bree – yes, I said that – and the scene when William loses his friend and goes berserk on the battlefield a la Jamie Fraser.
I mean wow! Roger and Bree had a hot sex scene! Kudos to the intimacy coordinator Vanessa Coffey. That scene was well choreographed and well acted, in my opinion. I bought it and was hormonally engaged (as Catherine would say). I also noticed that Richard infused Roger with some sexy in the scene just before the sex scene, when he’s wearing his kilt and looking for Buck. Roger has been missing that piece in my opinion, and it was nice to see that unleashed. I think the addition of Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” – very ’80’s was a brilliant move by Bear, I’m assuming. Roger should wear his kilt more often.
A lot worked for me in this episode – much easier to list what didn’t. But a few things are – excellent adaptations – lots of minor changes from the source material to make the story work, and they were seamless. I bought into them. The actor who plays Buck – Diarmaid Murtagh – was very well cast in my opinion, props to Suzanne Smith and team again and again. I thought Diarmaid did a tremendous job with that role, which could have been a huge fail if not played just right. And here’s an eerie Outlander Effect type thing – well, his last name is Murtagh, so there’s that, but Diarmaid is Irish, and his name has historically been anglicized as Jeremiah or Jeremy!!
I also feel that Chris Fulton, who plays Rob Cameron, captured that character perfectly.
Charles Vandervaart is doing a beautiful job of adding the layers to William over the course of this season, in my opinion. Someone commented that William is fiery and we weren’t seeing that. I think the character arc for William over this season is well written and being well played. Again, Charles takes his time, he lets us see the feelings and the transformations he goes through; like watching Sam, we see his emotions in his facial expressions, and in his body language. I feel like we watched William cross over from boyhood into manhood in this episode: the loss of innocence when his friend Sandy was killed. William’s baser self emerged, and we saw shades of Jamie Fraser when William went berserk on the battlefield. I loved how that whole sequence was shot, with General Fraser calling him out of his shock and grief, and to his men.
We have seen evidences of William’s honor this season – from trying to save the fireship, to his behaviour with Rachel, to telling Sandy he would not participate in ranking women’s breasts. And then we saw this honor infused with his birth as a soldier – his realization that war isn’t glamorous or what he fantasized about, these are real men who gave up their lives. William’s honor and role as a leader take on a deeper meaning, and a new version of William is born; we see him roll up his (perfectly white) sleeves and jump into the trench with the others and start digging. As he becomes a man, and a leader of men, he becomes more and more like his old da’.
William actually managed to look like both his fathers (I guess technically, he has three), in these battlefield scenes – some definite Lord John Grey here…
Did you notice the look in Sandy’s eyes before the battle? I thought “OK, this guy is gonna die.” Was that fear? Or fettling himself for battle? Did he know that he was going to die? Great juxtaposition of William the boy going in, with William the the soldier, coming out. And what a great vehicle to cement that – General Fraser quoting Aeschylus: “They sent forth men to battle, but no such men return.” And, “You’re a different man, now.” And then William repeats that line, and finishes the poem, “…and home, to claim their welcome, come ashes in an urn.” I thought this was a really well done scene. It made me think of my own grandfather – who fought in World War I – he was 24, and came back from the war a different person. How could you not? So whether you come back in an urn or just as a new version of yourself, it is striking to pause and acknowledge this.
Francis Lewis Williams , WWI (my Grampa)
We saw much less of Jamie and Claire in this episode, but it worked. All three stories – Bree and Roger in the 1980’s, William, and Jamie and Claire – were very engaging. When we switched from one to the other, there was no sense of let down that can sometimes happen if the story is not evenly balanced. Episode 412 is a good example of that – there were two storylines, and one was gripping and the other was meh (for me). I didn’t feel rushed or jostled around, I was in for the ride.
UPDATE ***After letting it simmer, I’m coming back to say that I did not find the Jamie and Claire storyline completely satisfying. I wasn’t sure what it was that bothered me exactly, but I think the answer is, not enough time. The other two storylines were given space to breathe. Specifically, this scene bothered me –
ALWAYS. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 #Outlander pic.twitter.com/YVuHV9rpdh
— Outlander (@Outlander_STARZ) July 29, 2023
At first I thought Sam was over acting (perish the thought), or Caitriona was under acting. But then I thought, well, he is going off to an unexpected battle. He usually has more time to prepare and do all his rituals. I think what didn’t sit right for me, was the abrupt change from the casual spectacles scene, to the suddenly dramatic leaving for war. I went back and looked and that whole scene, from when Claire enters the tent and asks what’s happening, to Jamie leaving is less than 1 minute!!! I ken these are our veterans, but I feel like that wasn’t enough time for my brain to adjust to the sudden intensity of Jamie. Maybe it’s just me. Did anyone else find that this sequence didn’t quite sit right? I will say that in the past, they have completely (or almost completely) left Jamie and Claire out of episodes where other storylines are focused on – 412, as I mentioned, Down the Terrible Rabbit Hole, for another, and that very definitely does not work, because as Antoinette says, they are the heart of the story, and the story revolves around them. Maybe we were seeing the contrast of Jamie going into battle (with so much experience) and William’s first battle. Sam said in the interview that Jamie’s an older man now, and it doesn’t go so well for him – maybe he had a premonition? I don’t know, but I think this scene needed a little bit more time to breathe. The fact that I didn’t notice that Jamie and Claire only had two very short scenes in the whole episode, when I first watched, speaks volumes about the power these two pack. I just think they needed a little more time with that second scene to make it gel.***
I am going to call out the directing and the writing in this episode. Unfortunately, having this episode come after 705 and 706 makes the difference in the directing prowess even more glaring. Same actors, continuation of the story. I will say that I think the writer/director combo in Ep 705 was the weakest. Ep 706 had many of the same issues, but was better. It was like going from a clunky high school production to a professionally well done piece of work. That was my experience, anyway. Kudos to writer Margot Ye, and director Joss Agnew.
The pacing and the flow of this episode worked. It could have been very choppy, and it wasn’t.
I loved the one snippet of Young Ian, in his war paint, confronting the deserter. And I really appreciated the way that deserter scene was shot, from above, when the character takes off his coat – running through the thick brush; it made me think of William in the Great Dismal. Perfect example of a tiny scene, creatively written and shot, moved the story forward (Antoinette), and left the audience to figure out what was happening / didn’t spoon feed us (Catherine).
I also thought the actor who played General Burgoyne did a good job. As well as Sandy. I can’t decide how I feel about General Fraser. What did you guys think?
I liked how the Tufty Club opening credits were tied into Jemmy’s disappearance, and that also ties back to Roger mentioning the Tufty club early on back in… Season 4?
Likewise when Jemmy asks his mom to show him the tunnel (foreshadowing) and the interplay between Rob and Bree about the incident in the tunnel, he pretending to be a converted feminist. (Puh!)
What didn’t work –
OK, that little flashback with Young Jemmy: Speak line: “It sings” <walk two steps forward> Speak line: “She hears it too.” Eesh. That was bad. But, that was an awfully little guy, so I cut him a break. Perhaps they did many takes and that was the best one?
Again, all the costumes were perfectly clean, as were the people. What happened to the blood spray across William’s face in the battle?
Mandy was not as distraught as I had imagined she would be, when Jemmy was missing. Other than that small discrepancy (in my head), I thought she did great. And I again, appreciated that the writer just had Bree say “Their connection,” and we got it.
Things I noticed…
The other thing I tend to notice, besides the too clean costumes, is the lack of 18th century dentition – many of these people have clearly had braces and use teeth whitener!
Did anyone notice that Roger’s clothes certainly seemed to fit Buck very well, even though Buck looks a good deal bigger than Roger?
I loved Mandy combing Uncle Buck’s beard with a doll comb!
I noticed that Buck also looked pretty clean, for a guy who’d been living in the woods for a long time.
Standouts for me in this episode were Charles Vandervaart and Richard Rankin. I feel that Richard has really come into his own as Roger, and that he also conveys a lot with just his face and body language. He feels like he’s settled into the character. And, he gave Roger some sensuality in this episode, which made him feel more complete for me.
Karmen’s take –
“Interesting commentary as always, Courtney.
Agree on many things. I very much liked William’s transformation into a killing machine once his careful grooming was replaced with rage over Sandy’s death.
I do like General Fraser’s character a lot. Somewhat jaded, a classic British officer (although a Scott), with a perfect bit of wryness to his observations. He knew exactly what Williams struggled with and called him to action. See to your men! I wasn’t sure at first but I am now. He is great!
I found the Roger and Bree love scene to be a bit cringe worthy. I know Roger fans will love it. Did Roger shave his back? Cos, it was quite hairless. For me, shortening the whole scene would have helped. Also, wondered if Sophie had been watching porn clips with her mouth open for so long like that? I realize it was supposed to convey passion, but over done. I will say it was their best love scene to date. Where was Mandy while Phil was crooning? I guess Jemmy had already left for “Bobby’s house.”
I like Diarmaid Murtagh’s portrayal of Buck very much. What a hulk of a guy! Also notice that although quite a bit larger, he resembles Roger quite a lot which I think is a nice touch. Far more than Graham did.
I love seeing Mandy combing Uncle Buck’s beard. Reminded me of the book where Claire finds the children of Lallybroch putting ribbons in Jamie’s hair (DIA?)
I enjoyed the sweet scene between Jamie and Claire where he offers her a book he found discarded near a stream. Tried to see the title to no avail. Claire resisting his observation that she needs spectacles. But, especially his criticisms that the gutters and letters are terrible. Even knows the font type and size. So Jamie!
Agree, wee Jem trying to explain his baby sister’s ability was dreadful. I realize getting wee kids to act must be challenging, but then I think of Shirley Temple at 5 and other child stars that knock our sox off. Also think Mandy is too big for how old she is supposed to be. Her fear about the bad man taking Jem wasn’t convincing. She is super cute though.
Sandy swipes a wine bottle and William takes an apple from the officers tent. Reminded me of Claire swiping the orange from the King of France. 
Also enjoyed William slicing the apple in half with his sword. Real or CGI?
I am deeply disappointed over the “priest hole.” I under that it might have been difficult to create but this is just a storage room. The lock is covered by hanging jackets. Not exactly a hidy-hole.
I thought Sam made Daniel Morgan’s costume look manly!. The outfit does appear to be historically correct but it is a bit odd. Think perhaps the fringe was to wick water away from the main garment which is what leather fringe was designed to do?
I also very much enjoyed the last scene between Claire and Jamie when he asks her to kiss him. He appears concerned and uneasy…not his usual cocky stance before heading into battle. Does he have a premonition? Is he feeling his age in his late 50s? Does he really still want to kill men? All the above? For me, he portrayed that perfectly. My dad deer hunted all his life, but in his final decade, he would just go to be with the men. He didn’t have the heart to kill anything anymore. I loved that about him.
Richard is doing the best acting so far in this series. Can’t help but wonder if he is more comfortable playing a 20th century guy and also not acting next to Sam?
Congratulations to your grandpa and thank him for his service! My uncle served in WWII, was captured and put in a Japanese POW camp. He was eventually rescued but was never the same. Drank himself to death.”
My response to Karmen –
I did notice the lack of hair on Roger, and it made for a more aesthetic viewing experience, for me. I have nothing against hairy dudes, but I found it distracting in the hand fast scene – all backlit by the fire. That and the squishing noses.
Re Sophie’s mouth being open, hmmm, not sure. Maybe she does this in real life? Or maybe she is playing Bree as a mouth breather? 
That was a nice touch when the boys grabbed the wine and the apple – showing again, they are still boys at this point. Yes – I like your tie in to Claire taking the orange. A small act of defiance. I think that was probably a real scene with the apple, but I’m not sure. I forgot to mention that I LOVED Sandy’s scene with the horse and the apple – so well done! A cute addition – again – adding to the lightness of the pre-battle feeling.
Yes – Jem was at Bobby’s and I guess Mandy was asleep. Most caravans are pretty small, so maybe she’s a very sound sleeper?
I’ll have to look back and notice the physical similarities between Buck and Roger – I missed that. He is a huge dude!
I agree – the priest hole is pretty lame. They were able to construct a believable version of the place Geillis and Claire were “stowed” before the witch trial – seems they could’ve done something like that.
Sam was an absolute GILF in this ep, I agree. What happened to Daniel Morgan – who is supposedly a bigger and taller man than Sam? (I don’t think that’s happened since Lord Lovat). Those costumes are strange, but if accurate, more power to them – I agree with Felice though – too clean!!
I love what you shared about your dad and hunting 
. And (I know you know this), Jamie does indeed tell Claire that he doesn’t want to kill – especially young men – anymore, in Bees. I don’t think he’s feeling that way yet at this point in the books, but Maril said recently that they were halfway through filming Season 7 before they knew they were getting a Season 8, so they may have included those feelings earlier for the Jamie character. I think knowing Jamie, maybe he did have a premonition. Sam definitely did, since he had read the script 
.
That’s so sad about your uncle, but understandable. There was so little known about trauma and how to work through it in those days – I think alcohol was the therapy of choice. My grandfather was not an alcoholic, but he could be mean, and in most of his photos in later life, he looked like he had a headache. He was a machine gunner in WWI – it was his job to carry the machine gun to different places (I’m sure with help), set it up, and then shoot it. You have sons – when I think about my son going from his normal life to something like that as his obligation to his country, and the trauma – I know it was and still is a fact of life, but it’s heartbreaking.
I love you Karmy!!! I miss you, and the other gals. xoxox
(you can respond to both our takes in the comments below!)
Some BTS…
Sophie and Diarmaid
You might say our cast is pretty dam good at doing their jobs. 😏 #Outlander pic.twitter.com/7l7apMHgnX
— Outlander (@Outlander_STARZ) July 31, 2023
Anyone who's watched #Outlander as long as I have has long thrown away the rose colored glasses in exchange for very intense protective goggles. Enjoy these insights from the making of Episode 7!
(previously recorded) pic.twitter.com/b78R25ynSb
— Outlander (@Outlander_STARZ) July 30, 2023
Cheers and best wishes to all xo
Past posts for this season…
I’m so glad you are back to doing these weekly. Commentaries! You capture much of what I’m thinking and say it so much more eloquently and then weigh in thoughtfully, on many things I’ve missed completely! You are terrific!
Thank you Piper – I haven’t accomplished weekly – but about every other week so far – and I declare a victory! (As my uncle Bob used to say).
I agree with you about 705 and 706, just clunky. 707 is definitely better but I didn’t love the extended sex scene with Roger and Bree, they just don’t have the chemistry and for me it was a waste of time. I really felt the limited time for Jamie and Claire here. I’ve read all the books several times, so I know to expect the different story lines. After 2 clunky eps, I was really hoping for more time with J&C who are the center of the story. Yes William is excellent and the scenes at Lollybroch are wonderful but the balance didn’t satisfy me. Probably would have appreciated it more if 705 and 706 were better. Just my opinion.
Felice, I read your comment last night and thought about it this morning, and your comment along with a persisting niggling feeling I had about that J&C going to battle scene – made me update my comments. See above! x
I wasn’t disappointed in the acting in the last scene w/J&C, just felt it wasn’t enough. My thinking is that no matter how the books diverge into various story lines, Diana always brings it back to Jamie and Claire as it really is their story. When the show forgets to do that it’s not as satisfying. Honestly I don’t think I’ll be replaying these last few episodes as much as I usually do. I’m hoping 708 is better. My concern is that as they try to fit in 2 books in season 7 some of what we love will be rushed or just not covered. I’ll still be watching though.
BTW I’m so glad you’re back giving us your reviews/comments. 🥰🥰❤️
Thank you Felice, me too xo
I’ll have to rewatch 705. Thank for your writing! I agree that Roger in the kilt was 🥵 first time I felt that!
Me too. I think I can honestly say that I have never found Roger attractive in this series until the kilt scene 😬.
Love having your insights, Courtney. Raced through the earlier posts, but plan to take my time with them as I re-watch Season 7. A quick take on Roger and Bree. What struck me immediately was that both of them are in their time, in their century; they appear more comfortable, despite their relocation through time. In 1980’s clothing both are thinner and sexier. Roger’s kilt is a modern-fitting kilt and his sweater is a sleek buttoned crew neck in a color that accents his beautiful dark hair, trimmed and groomed beard. and highlights his gorgeous blue eyes. Frontier Roger or Roger in the voluminous kilt that raps around the entire body (doubling as a sleeping bag) with a blousy, full-body shirt, was what he needed in the 18th century. Roger MacKenzie wears the 20th century with style and panache
Be well, Courtney!
This was an improvement. Indeed there have been some seriously inept eps this season. (Seriously, Jamie could shoo fire arrows and jeep hitting the same inconsequential piles of hay over and over?) I have often felt rushed along this season, yet bored!
And yes, as a former scenery and costume designer, don’t get me started about the pristine scenery and the clean and pressed actors! Angus Macfadyen, who plays Simon Fraser, is a long-guilty scenery chewer and pulls me out of scenes as badly as the French officer with the accent out of Python’s Holy Grail.
That all being said, I basically liked this ep and am looking forward and dread the next and final 2023 dose of Outlander in a weekend a half.
Hahaha Shelley – he was like a guy out of Monty Python! He was almost comedic (the French commander). I think 701 through 704 were very good – especially 702, 3 and 4. But 705 was indeed amateur feeling for me.
Scenery chewer 😂 – yes – I just kept thinking of Robert the Bruce – the way he leans over and then looks up with his kind of bulgy eyes – so I googled Robert the Bruce in Braveheart and sure enough it is he! One in the same – Angus Macfadyen actually played that character almost 30 years ago! I loved that movie back in the day. He played Robert the Bruce kind of the same way imo – like a slightly drunk melodramatic guy.
Yes Droughtlander begins again soon. I hope we get part 2 of S7 early in 2024 at least!
As always I enjoyed your detailed summary of the episode. Although I don’t care for Sinead’s version of the Sky Boat song I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I just love Raya’s voice and for me no one can do it justice after hearing her. I think Suzanne’s casting is superb. She has such a keen knack for choosing the very best actors to match up with Diana’s characters. I have to admit that I miss what made me fall in love with Outlander and that is the intense and passionate love story between Claire and Jamie. Thankfully it remains alive and well in Diana’s books. As for Vanessa Coffey, I think if she had been on board from day one Outlander would not have become the absolute sensation that it became.
Wow! I so agree with you about Vanessa. Sam & Caitriona navigated the sex scenes in earlier seasons beautifully without Vanessa’s intrusion. Their uncensored lust & passion is why Outlander was such a huge hit! A true reflection of Diana’s intent. I’d hate to think how stilted the earlier scenes would have been if Vanessa was on board.
Sam has said that he felt exploited (I don’t know if he used that exact word, but that’s the feeling I got) in earlier seasons; I don’t like that piece of it – but the slow burn and the eventual sex scenes were amazing.
I think when Sam was talking about feeling exploited it was more about the rape scenes with BJR when the film crew kept on shooting even after everyone had agreed there would be no frontal nudity. Sam felt it wasn’t needed or necessary. He said it did wind up being cut but he felt betrayed, and rightfully so, that they kept filming.
That sounds like a huge violation! I would feel betrayed too. And- rape is sex – so an intimacy coordinator would likely have been involved if there’d been one back then. I also remember Ira Steven Behr (sp?) talking about how uncomfortable Sam was during the oral sex scene that opens 110. I think there were possibly lots of times he felt pushed out of his comfort zone.
Mary I agree with you – I don’t care for the Sinead version either & Ray solo is my enduring favorite. I believe Suzanne’s casting prowess is one of the major reasons for the success of the show.
Yes – it’s all about J and C for me too but I understand the limits of an hour of TV. Good point about Vanessa Coffey – honestly- for better or for worse, it was a different time and even a different world – it seems to me – when Season 1 was made. I’m grateful for it!
Cortney! Glad to see your thoughts again! I also really loved this episode but my enjoyment was someone ruined by all the Twitter complainers who only care to see Jamie and Claire, and who don’t want to see Bree and Roger’s romantic side. I was also “hormonally engaged” 😜. In general I think the 80s look and feel amazing on Sophie and Rik 🔥🔥
Charles as William is an amazing find! And yes, the writing to develop this character is very good. I was worried because I love William but many readers don’t. The show is allowing us to see how likable he is and how much he is like both of his fathers.
I do like Gen Fraser. He is wise and burdened by war. He seems to have connected with William in this episode and is being fatherly toward him. Also, I have liked this actor before when I watched Turn: Washington Spies, where he was a pretty ruthless baddy 🙂
Hi Veronika – I’m glad I missed the Twitter complainers! Thanks for your thoughts on Gen Fraser. x
Got a kick out your comment regarding 18th century dental health vs that of 21st century Hollywood actors’ teeth. But honestly, I don’t think any of us want to see Jamie or Claire with missing, broken, brown teeth! The actor who plays William is doing a fine job in what I think is a tough role. Just a little too wimpy still. Suspect that may start to change.
😂I listened to a podcast about the Mini series John Adams with Paul Giamatti. He talked about the makeup people giving the actors particularly the extras a brown rinse to swish in their mouths before filming. The director just couldn’t reconcile all those sparkling teeth!
I’m with that director! Maybe just less white! Even done in post production?
I bet Sam and Cait would manage to still look amazing with brown, broken teeth! 😁 I don’t notice their teeth (Jamie doesn’t show his teeth often) as much as William’s and I remember the sad guy in Ardsmuir talking to Jamie and his teeth were glowing in the dark! I think Isaiah Morton had especially good teeth too!
I have mixed feelings for ep 707. As you says Williams character is coming along well, changing from a boy with an idolised veiw of war into a man. Also enjoying Buck especially with the kiddies.
Rob Cameron is just how I have imagined him.
I have struggled with Richard R in the 1800. He’s much better in the 20th century.
But THAT scene between Roger and Bree… no way! Sorry to so strongly disagree Courtney 🤪🫣
Why do the PTB try to make them out to a younger Jamie and Claire! They can never be..why try?
For me, no chemistry between them at all. Did it move the story along, nope!! Can I get you to look on YouTube, type in ‘Cadbury advert Gorilla’ you won’t be disappointed.🤣 I know which I prefer watching!!
Again costumes far to pristine, I noticed too how Williams shirt was totally bloodless and mud free!!
Ep 707 was so much better than the previous 2, except for THAT scene, I just ff, sorry 🤪
To have such a short time with Jamie and Claire saying goodbye, as yet again as he goes off to battle, but have a longer time enduring R and B ‘at it’!!
My favourite scene was the ‘spectacles ‘ scene, love their humour…so good! Love the smile on Jamie’s face as he lowers it once he realises Claire needs glasses!
Sorry this has turned out way to long…😏😉
Hahahaha I saw the ad! Are you drawing a parallel between our hirsute hero and that gorilla? Susie you crack me up. I’m not sure but I think you didn’t like the R & B love scene?
I need to go back and rewatch the spectacles scene. Well, I just want to be clear that I’d rather watch a love scebe between J and C any day of the week and twice on Sundays – but I do think R & B deserve a mention for most improved! xo
Haha, I hadn’t thought about the ‘hairiness’ between RR and the Gorilla. Truly, as Jamie would say!
It was the use of Phil Collins song. Here in the UK most of us are reminded about the Cadburys advert whenever we hear that song. So for me I would rather watch the advert than endure that certain scene.
But you are right, I reckon, overall both Richard and Sophie have improved.
Could be 20th century living suits them better…😅😉
I must say I try very hard to look at each episode positively! I am my own worse critic!!
Roger and Bree are NOT Jamie and Claire and that “special” connection will never be there between them. Although the intimate scene between Bree and Roger was very nice and the choice of music was perfect! The hair on my arms stood up!!
Buck and Rob Cameron were clever choices for their characters and Suzanne gets a huge applause for her picks. She does an exceptional job at character picks!
My favorite scene was twofold; Jamie suggesting that Claire needs glasses was funny and needed to point out they are aging. Ian in his war paint told me he is more Indian then not! He has matured and has really come into his character. When this story ends, there will be a lot of tears and sadness!
Indeed 😢 – but we’ll just keep rereading and rewatching 😊
Just watched “Cadbury advert Gorilla“ so appropriate. I actually fast forwarded during B/R scene, but have replayed J/C bedroom scene S7 over and over. I wonder what it is that doesn’t work with them. I feel awful, but it’s not Roger. In fact, he needs a new actress to make it work. When Jamie grabbed Claire and said “he wants ya” so sexy. They played it in the preview for that episode and I couldn’t wait to see. To be fair, the director’s decision to have Jamie seated in the shaving scene on the boat S3 was awful with forced chemistry. That is the sexiest love scene I’ve ever READ. I think it’s the writing or Brees personality. In my opinion, Roger is emasculated by her. It’s a shame bc he is very sexy just to look at. I’m really enjoying their storyline with time travel. Same with the clean costumes. Loved J/C banter about the glasses and need more of it in the show. Sam is so sexy when he teases her. “Did you like it” after TC kissed her. 😍
So pleased you watched the YouTube clip. For us in the UK, whenever we hear that song by Phil Collins that advert comes to mind evertime.!
Interesting pov Michelle
Wonderful to hear from you Courtney!! I hope your health is improving. Thinking of you often.
Sorry Courtney!! This is the first time ever that I vehemently disagree with you. Roger & Sophie sex scene Eeewww! Cringe, cringe, fast forward. No chemistry. Please don’t waste valuable screen time with this nonsense. Have a playful pre-sex exchange & move on. Sophie’s acting was on an upward trajectory this season, but kind of stalled this episode. She struggles IMO. Richard came into his own in season 6 & continues to shine this season. He is very talented. The directing/ writing etc. for this ep was wonderful!! Back to Outlander’s standard of excellence. 705 was embarrassing & 706 somewhat better. Love Joss Agnew’s work in general. My favorite scene was between Jamie & Claire re: spectacles. Sam’s sweet smile in reaction to Claire squinting was perfection! He continues to amaze!! J&C relationship has deepened & is so gently loving & intimate this season. Really natural & lovely. William & Sandy pure gold. The actor portraying Sandy is so charismatic. Their banter very believable. Great casting! Charles really nails it doesn’t he!! A nuanced William. Wonderful portrayal. Loving all the casting choices except General Fraser. Agree with you that this didn’t work. Not who I imagined as a Fraser relative. The pristine costumes & sets are a distraction in all scenes. The caravan is laughably huge. The opening sequence with little Jem was necessary for non-book readers. His cuteness compensates for his limited acting skill.
Hahahaha Gail! Thank you for letting me know how you felt. I was pleasantly surprised, but you are not the only one who was apparently cringing! I agree re Sophie, she has improved and is holding her own in most scenes. Passable. I agreed with the rest of what you said and enjoyed reading your comment, thank you!
My health continues to improve. It is very much not linear, so I gradually improve, and then have little setbacks. I can really see the improvement when I have a doctor’s appointment and look back at my old notes to him about what I’m currently able to do. I’ll take it. I’m trending in the right direction, and plan to keep on going – thank you for thinking of me xo
Always thinking of you Courtney. I am in your corner cheering you on. We all are!
That means more than you know – thank you ☺️
Thank you Courtney! 💕
Well done Courtney. So very nice to see you back at it. I can’t say enough how much I am loving this season. I am rereading ECHO alongside watching and it’s great fun as there is so much book content.
Thank you Donna xo
I have to disagree. I thought the episode was horribly unbalanced continuing the trend over the last several episodes. Cait was on screen for 4 minutes and 24 seconds. Sam was on screen for 3 minutes 47 seconds and he was unconscious for 12 of those seconds.
Sam is being treated like César was. He’s being written as little more than as a prop.
I completely understand that there are multiple story lines. I expected to see less of Jamie and Claire but I expected it to be balanced.
We did not need an added dinner with Rob Cameron that was much too long. We didn’t need an extended love scene with Roger and Bree. We did not need the scene with the generals. There were so many places that could have been given less time.
There is so much great Jamie content and great Claire content in these battles and pre battles. I think it is very very unfortunate that their stories are being sacrificed for the 1980 story line which is getting told with quite a bit of detail.
In Episode 706 we got quite a bit of Claire content but very little of Jamie except shooting burning arrows.
As you can see, I’m disappointed in these episodes. I thought season 7 started off so well but the last 3-4 episodes are disappointing.
I don’t dispute the quality of the other actors. But I do dispute that it’s a balanced adaptation.
Thank you Ruth Ann!
Did you read the email I sent or the piece on the blog? I updated and amended my comment about it being balanced. I did not realize at first how little Jamie and Claire time we got (because the other parts were compelling), but yes, not enough screen time for those guys – I agree!
I’m sorry this season is disappointing you. I also think – as I wrote to Karmen – they thought this was the last season until midway through filming (according to Maril), so they were trying to get in all the major storylines.
I can see your point on how some of the time was allotted. I think Roger and Bree needed a redemption sex scene though. And I think Rob Cameron’s character was getting established as an actually nice guy. I can agree about the scene with the generals though! Nice to see you xo
I won’t repeat what others have said as I’ve given thumbs up to comments with which I concur. However, I will comment on “General Fraser” whose OL character is based on an historical Brigadier General.
Played as a war-weary and somewhat less than inspiring commander (which didn’t match my reading of him in the OL books–I don’t know him from the historical record beyond a quick Wiki perusal) I was at first, mystified at the interpretation.
After Culloden the historical Simon Fraser fought with the British (apparently to atone for Lord Lovat the old fox) in a long series of wars both in Europe and in North America before the American Revolutionary War. In the fictional account he is drawn to a young idealistic man who, unbeknownst to him, is also his kinsman.
Then it occurred to me that this rather jaded interpretation of the General’s character is part of a larger theme. We have the young man seeking glory, the middle aged-man doing his duty with valour in spite of his reluctance because he must, and the “aged” General who has seen it all before and wonders at the waste and futility of it all. Hence the quotation from “the father of tragedy” Greek tragedian Aeschylus. All the more poignant because William is able to finish the poem shattered by knowing what it means. Though William does not know it, this is further underscored by the fact that his father lies wounded on that same field.
Once placed in the larger context of three kinsmen to underscore that “all men are brothers” the deeply complex thematic idea and characterization seem perfect.
Really like your conclusion about these 3 kinsmen, I hadn’t thought about it taht way before.
Lynda – that’s a brilliant observation! Thank you. I think the writer would definitely have had this in mind – my guess. Excellent interpretation.
Even so, I thought the way the actor chose to play General Fraser was almost like a Scottish Jack Sparrow? He seems seasoned, if not jaded, and also maybe slightly drunk? The way he leans and kind of sways – did anyone else see that?
I haven’t watched Pirates of the Caribbean so I’m not familiar with the Jack Sparrow portrayal. I also don’t know anything about the actor playing Gen Fraser, but some actors do come to set in some state of inebriation. It might have been that. Or not. No wish to cast unwarranted aspersions.
However, what I noticed is that (like Simon Jones’s King George in the Downton Abbey movie) the actor doesn’t sit a horse very well. I know squat about horses, but immediately noticed that his posture wasn’t that of a British Officer nor Jones’s like a King. You only have to see a brief clip from Trooping of the Colour or an RCMP cavalry perform to see it immediately.
Those little things count, even for viewers who can’t exactly put a finger on why it seems off.
I’m an equestrian and didn’t notice – I’ll have to go back and look!
When you do, please compare the actor and Prince William at this year’s Trooping of the Colour.
OK, I noticed the riding in 708. He looks like he’s already been shot in most of his riding scenes 😂
I noticed that he has his arm on his hip as he rides just as Dougal Mackenzie does.
I love you guys!! I’ve read(this will be the 7th) reviews of this episode, but this is by far the best one. Insightful, respectful of the fans(both book and screen) and very good. Thank you!
Thank you Rochelle!
Great article! I loved this episode too. This season has been great!! Did you notice Mandy’s doll that she was playing with at the dinner table? It was a rag doll with red hair! With buck, she was back to the bunny, which I love. So you think it was Bree’s childhood bunny? It probably wasn’t worn out enough, though, bit still. Also did you notice Jamie swallow when he asked Claire to kiss him? I just wish he had made a courtly bow to Claire as he stepped back 🥲
Donna-Marie. I hope you’re feeling better!!
I am headed in the right direction Donna-Marie – thank you. I did not notice these things – I guess they’re setting up Ezmerelda? (Sp?)
Interesting commentary as always, Courtney.
Agree on many things. I very much liked William’s transformation into a killing machine once his careful grooming was replaced with rage over Sandy’s death.
I do like General Fraser’s character a lot. Somewhat jaded, a classic British officer (although a Scott), with a perfect bit of wryness to his observations. He knew exactly what Williams struggled with and called him to action. See to your men! I wasn’t sure at first but I am now. He is great!
I found the Roger and Bree love scene to be a bit cringe worthy. I know Roger fans will love it. Did Roger shave his back? Cos, it was quite hairless. For me, shortening the whole scene would have helped. Also, wondered if Sophie had been watching porn clips with her mouth open for so long like that? I realize it was supposed to convey passion, but over done. I will say it was their best love scene to date. Where was Mandy while Phil was crooning? I guess Jemmy had already left for “Bobby’s house.”
I like Diarmaid Murtagh’s portrayal of Buck very much. What a hulk of a guy! Also notice that although quite a bit larger, he resembles Roger quite a lot which I think is a nice touch. Far more than Graham did.
I love seeing Mandy combing Uncle Buck’s beard. Reminded me of the book where Claire finds the children of Lallybroch putting ribbons in Jamie’s hair (DIA?)
I enjoyed the sweet scene between Jamie and Claire where he offers her a book he found discarded near a stream. Tried to see the title to no avail. Claire resisting his observation that she needs spectacles. But, especially his criticisms that the gutters and letters are terrible. Even knows the font type and size. So Jamie!
Agree, wee Jem trying to explain his baby sister’s ability was dreadful. I realize getting wee kids to act must be challenging, but then I think of Shirley Temple at 5 and other child stars that knock our sox off. Also think Mandy is too big for how old she is supposed to be. Her fear about the bad man taking Jem wasn’t convincing. She is super cute though.
Sandy swipes a wine bottle and William takes an apple from the officers tent. Reminded me of Claire swiping the orange from the King of France. 😊 Also enjoyed William slicing the apple in half with his sword. Real or CGI?
I am deeply disappointed over the “priest hole.” I under that it might have been difficult to create but this is just a storage room. The lock is covered by hanging jackets. Not exactly a hidy-hole.
I thought Sam made Daniel Morgan’s costume look manly!. The outfit does appear to be historically correct but it is a bit odd. Think perhaps the fringe was to wick water away from the main garment which is what leather fringe was designed to do?
I also very much enjoyed the last scene between Claire and Jamie when he asks her to kiss him. He appears concerned and uneasy…not his usual cocky stance before heading into battle. Does he have a premonition? Is he feeling his age in his late 50s? Does he really still want to kill men? All the above? For me, he portrayed that perfectly. My dad deer hunted all his life, but in his final decade, he would just go to be with the men. He didn’t have the heart to kill anything anymore. I loved that about him.
Richard is doing the best acting so far in this series. Can’t help but wonder if he is more comfortable playing a 20th century guy and also not acting next to Sam?
Congratulations to your grandpa and thank him for his service! My uncle served in WWII, was captured and put in a Japanese POW camp. He was eventually rescued but was never the same. Drank himself to death.
So glad to read your comments as well, miss your discussion group! Your insight is most welcome. I wasn’t bothered by the rifle men’s costumes as they are accurate but they were a little too clean. Looking forward to seeing Jamie in that outfit w/his kilt in 708 hopefully. Definitely love Roger in the 20th century, he does seem a better fit there. And I like both Richard and Sophie’s acting in this season, except the longer sex scene didn’t work for me as well. Great acting overall in this episode.
😂 I did notice the lack of hair on Roger, and it made for a more aesthetic viewing experience, for me. I have nothing against hairy dudes, but I found it distracting in the hand fast scene – all backlit by the fire. That and the squishing noses.
😂😂 Re Sophie’s mouth being open, hmmm, not sure. Maybe she does this in real life? Or maybe she is playing Bree as a mouth breather? 😁
That was a nice touch when the boys grabbed the wine and the apple – showing again, they are still boys at this point. Yes – I like your tie in to Claire taking the orange. A small act of defiance. I think that was probably a real scene with the apple, but I’m not sure. I forgot to mention that I LOVED Sandy’s scene with the horse and the apple – so well done! A cute addition – again – adding to the lightness of the pre-battle feeling.
Yes – Jem was at Bobby’s and I guess Mandy was asleep. Most caravans are pretty small, so maybe she’s a very sound sleeper?
I’ll have to look back and notice the physical similarities between Buck and Roger – I missed that. He is a huge dude!
I agree – the priest hole is pretty lame. They were able to construct a believable version of the place Geillis and Claire were “stowed” before the witch trial – seems they could’ve done something like that.
Sam was an absolute GILF in this ep, I agree. What happened to Daniel Morgan – who is supposedly a bigger and taller man than Sam? (I don’t think that’s happened since Lord Lovat). Those costumes are strange, but if accurate, more power to them – I agree with Felice though – too clean!!
I love what you shared about your dad and hunting ❤️. And (I know you know this), Jamie does indeed tell Claire that he doesn’t want to kill – especially young men – anymore, in Bees. I don’t think he’s feeling that way yet at this point in the books, but Maril said recently that they were halfway through filming Season 7 before they knew they were getting a Season 8, so they may have included those feelings earlier for the Jamie character. I think knowing Jamie, maybe he did have a premonition. Sam definitely did, since he had read the script 😝.
That’s so sad about your uncle, but understandable. There was so little known about trauma and how to work through it in those days – I think alcohol was the therapy of choice. My grandfather was not an alcoholic, but he could be mean, and in most of his photos in later life, he looked like he had a headache. He was a machine gunner in WWI – it was his job to carry the machine gun to different places (I’m sure with help), set it up, and then shoot it. You have sons – when I think about my son going from his normal life to something like that as his obligation to his country, and the trauma – I know it was and still is a fact of life, but it’s heartbreaking.
I love you Karmy!!! I miss you, and the other gals. xoxox
I had an uncle who ran away from home (several times) to join the army in WWI. My grandmother let him go after the 3rd try, he used his brother’s ID as he was under age. When he came back he was still a sweet man but he was active in Veterans of Foreign Wars and was always against war writing to several Presidents many times about it. His daughter saved his letters and writings. A changed man…
Interesting Felice – he clearly had a romantic view of war until he got there – and then was an anti war activist! That says a lot.
You wonder: Does he really still want to kill men?
Well he certainly doesn’t wish to kill one British man in particular, and in the book’s it’s clearly two. He may not be able to succeed in any attempt he might make to miss the target without appearing inept or hitting someone he doesn’t intend to by aiming wide.
Good point – facing William in battle is likely on his mind too. And going in trying to be careful is likely certain death for a warrior.
thankyou Courtney!!!
❤️😍
Thanks for adding my comments to your post. So thoughtful and generous of you, as always. I was thinking of Roger and Buck’s faces not their builds. I should have explained that.
I enjoyed your rethinking if Jamie’s “farewell” to Claire. I do think more time might have helped the viewer. I can also see that when battle is upon a person, thee may not be time for more time. It might have made this more realistic.
The added info about your grandpa is certainly understandable. Men in those days just didn’t talk about what happened. They still don’t as much as is healthy, but improvements are visible in our society.
I miss you, too. And, Antoinette and Catherine. Such fab therapy sessions for us! 😂
We all miss your group sessions! Such intelligent, thoughtful, and amusing discussions are rare and a delight.
Reckon we are all missing your discussion group…😉❤️
I really enjoyed the episode and think it has been the strongest in this series. This episode seemed to have a better flow tae it.
I wisnae sure about William to start wi but I think Charles played a blinder in this episode. I think there were definite parallels to a younger Jamie. I’m beginning to really like him as I do in the books. Then there’s another wonderful Irish actor ninth cast playing Buck (cannae think how Diana thought this Americanism for a name wid ever have been used in 18C Scotland- even in 21st C Scotland it wid be a terrible haunle) Anyway, I thought Buck had a better Invernesian accent than any of the others and was great as Douglas and Gellis’s offspring – a muckle chiel.
Aye, everybody is way too clean. I’m amazed that Claire has such perfectly laundered blouses on the field and aye, like the others looks like she’s had a good sauna and pampering rather than being clartit or mockit fae the conditions – and Jamies boots are blindingly shiny!
Oh, I’m sure about Angus as Simon Fraser. Pure keech – almost as good as the Ello, Ello, French officer the other week. Total pants!
Another thing. A now ken we hae 8 types of crickets in Scotland – or so I’ve been telt by someone on another group who was ‘shocked’ I didn’t realise the entire series was filmed in Scotland so there must be crickets in Scotland (gie me strength) – 8 types for my info. Watching Bree and Roger standing by their caravan in the deep of the night with crickets chirping or whatever crickets do in the background made me think ‘aw, away….. ‘ Ye just dinnae hear crickets in Scotland (apparently the 8 varieties found in Scotland are not nocturnal and dinnae chirrup for that wummins info) If they wanted authenticity they should have been cursing that fierce wee Scottish beastie – the midge.
Thank for your report on this episode. I’m missing aw you lasses (or quines). Take tent.
I really enjoyed the episode and think it has been the strongest in this series. This episode seemed to have a better flow tae it.
I wisnae sure about William to start wi but I think Charles played a blinder in this episode. I think there were definite parallels to a younger Jamie. I’m beginning to really like him as I do in the books. Then there’s another wonderful Irish actor ninth cast playing Buck (cannae think how Diana thought this Americanism for a name wid ever have been used in 18C Scotland- even in 21st C Scotland it wid be a terrible haunle) Anyway, I thought Buck had a better Invernesian accent than any of the others and was great as Douglas and Gellis’s offspring – a muckle chiel.
Aye, everybody is way too clean. I’m amazed that Claire has such perfectly laundered blouses on the field and aye, like the others looks like she’s had a good sauna and pampering rather than being clartit or mockit fae the conditions – and Jamies boots are blindingly shiny!
Oh, I’m sure about Angus as Simon Fraser. Pure keech – almost as good as the French officer the other week. Total pants!
Another thing. A now ken we hae 8 types of crickets in Scotland – or so I’ve been telt by someone on another group who was ‘shocked’ I didn’t realise the entire series was filmed in Scotland so there must be crickets in Scotland (gie me strength) – 8 types for my info. Watching Bree and Roger standing by their caravan in the deep of the night with crickets chirping or whatever crickets do in the background made me think ‘aw, away….. ‘ Ye just dinnae hear crickets in Scotland (apparently the 8 varieties found in Scotland are not nocturnal and dinnae chirrup for that wummins info) If they wanted authenticity they should have been cursing that fierce wee Scottish beastie – the midge.
Thank for your report on this episode. I’m missing aw you lasses (or quines). Take tent.
😂😂😂 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Thank you for this Scottish perspective in Scots!
I think he was named Buck by his 1980’s relatives – maybe Bree? He is very muckle!
Yes Claire has been way too clean too. I wonder that the actors don’t comment on this during filming?
Omg the midges! Terrible. I think they should’ve had them being bitten by midges during the sex scene 😂😂😂.
Thanks Ann – verra entertaining. Get up to speed on those crickets 😜
I am shocked that you liked Bree and Roger’s sex scene so much. I thought it was cringe-worthy. I still haven’t figured out what she was doing with her mouth. She seemed to be trying to eat Roger’s face.
😂😂😂😂😂
I just finished editing a podcast episode and took out my own “face-eating” comment as I thought it was too harsh 😂😂 Maybe I should put it back in!
I’m also on team Cringe at the R&B scene, but not 100% of it. I thought if they had faded to black right at the drop of the drumbeat it would have worked. Either that, or they should’ve had them stay upright, putting paid to Diana’s famous “up against a wall in a minute” quote.
I think the problem is the intimacy coach.
Mary I thought this was so much better than the hand fast love scene (which was pre-intimacy coach!)
This latest love scene was two people wrapped in a sheet with Brianna using or trying to use her facial expressions to sell us on what was happening under the sheets. For me, that was put together very poorly by the intimacy coach.
OK I can buy that.
I can see that – yes
I love your insights; frequently you bring my attention to details I missed, and many times you put words to my feelings. Like you, I was disappointed with eps 705 and 06. They did feel amateurish. 707 was a relief–we are back on track.
Yes, the sex scene between Roger and Bree was the first I could actually watch. I physically felt uncomfortable with the previous ones.
I would have liked to follow Jamie a bit in the battle. Hopefully there will be flashbacks in the last ep to show how he ends up unconscious. From the preview of Claire wielding his sword, it seems likely they will include the battle scavengers.
I miss the banter among you all.
Hi Laurie, I hope we will see flashbacks of Jamie’s experience in battle. He and Claire got very little air time in 707, surely they will get more in 708. I miss us too. Hopefully we can be back together for the second half of Season 7.
Maybe my second favorite episode ever. (Dragonfly in Amber is #1) There is so much to love about this episode. I’s hard to believe I could love it so much when we got very little of Jamie and Claire. 1. In the book Claire was writing a letter to Brianna as she was in the show. Jamie noticing she needed spectacles was so cute and Sam’s acting was great. When he looked down with that little smile you could just feel the love he has for her. And their goodbye scene! Fast but beautiful. Of course the episode ends with Jamie lying in a field, again. 2. Angus MacFadyen is perfect as general Simon Fraser. It’s not a big role and I think Outlander was lucky to get such a perfect man to have the gravitas to pull it off. His interaction with William is so subtle but so important to Williams character development. “They send forth men into battle but no such men return.” His “You’re a different man, now” sent chills down my spine. 3. Roger! Loving modern Roger. And he’s not just a professor anymore. Looking great in a kilt! I think he’s had some manscaping done. But when he was driving to Craig Na Dun berating himself the look on his face was truly vile. He’s scary roger now. 4. I think the star of the episode was Charles. This episode William went from a boy playing war games to a man. A man who reflects both his fathers but more Jamie I think, as I don’t remember seeing a warrior John. First of all he was Brave William, to approach the General and get himself off of courier duty. (Good move don’t want to be hanging around Richardson). Then the shock of having his friend shot before the battle really began. General Frasers command “To your men!” woke him up and suddenly we had Warrior William . (It reminded me of Jamie when he was rescuing Claire.) He is a fierce fighter and that’s the Highlander in him. Then we have Leader William, during the grave digging detail he showed true leadership insisting the graves are suitable for the heros they will hold. And he shows them he doesn’t just order them. It also shows how he cares for his men (another Jamie trait). I loved General Frasers’ reaction to seeing William do this. 4. Honorable mention to the character Buck, loved seeing him watching TV with the kids, getting his beard combed and explaining astronaut in Latin! “Star Traveler, that’s what we are?” And Rob Cameron I hate him a lot more than I did in the books. Great acting here too, quite the slimeball! Oh and the great overhead shot of the deserter shedding his redcoat . Only seconds but it was so artistically beautiful. Boy I loved this episode. On the priest hole yes not like the book describes BUT they could pull a “hidden hole under the root cellar floor” like they did when Jamie ripped back the floor rug in the hall way to reveal the hidden Fraser armory. That would be so thrilling! Hope you’re feeling better every day. Nice to hear from Karmen on here too. So many comments it will take me all week to go through them!
Cindy I agree with so much of what you wrote. I am responding after seeing 708 – I think Charles V just is a star. He commands the screen when he’s on it – much like Sam, Mark Lewis Jones, Laura Donnelly, and Lauren Lyle imo. He is making William come alive for me – almost better than in the books, which is a pretty big feat. I liked Simon Fraser better in 708, except for his terrible horse riding. His death scene with Jamie was well done imo. x
Roger’s best look of the series. Loved it!!
Agree
I read this review of 707 after viewing episode 708. I must confess I enjoy reading each episode’s review as it appears, but there is a downside to this practice. The comment about how little Claire and Jamie appears in 707 didn’t resonate for me since they absolutely dominate 708, because the second battle of Saratoga was portrayed. It’s as if the penultimate episode featured everyone else in order to balance out the midseason finale’s emphasis on Claire and Jamie. I look forward to the review of 708 which I hope will address this.
I don’t know if you plan to do a “wrap up” review from you that encapsulates the entire season (or half season, as it may be). I would like to see it. How difficult it must be to not only cover and adapt such long books as Diana’s! To expect the writers to feature even roughly equal amounts of time for each character every episode is impossible.
I also have a problem with picking on the performance of little kids. Shirley Temple was an absolute phenomenon, so comparing the performances of other children to her doesn’t appear fair. The child who played Jem on Fraser’s Ridge and now the girl who plays Mandy in Scotland are both very young. I don’t expect them to approach Shirley’s level of acting (which was in movies, btw, not a TV show that would spend a lot less time on scenes than in the cinema). Perhaps the overall level of performance by the entire case makes their inexperience more glaring.
I have enjoyed this “half” season more than any other, and that says a lot. You all have been quite vocal in saying that they producers should stay as close as possible to Diana’s books in their adaptation, and this season they seem to have done just that. I love seeing so many bits included that use her words for dialog. I do enjoy your reviews, but sometimes you are all very picky!
Hi Janet – I read everything you said. Yes, we can be picky! And yes, the production is doing a phenomenal job to capture the essence of these books in a screen adaptation. I will work on a 708 review soon. x
Janet, I’m glad you mentioned the balance of J&C time and people’s negative responses to that. I often read (on various platforms and often the same people repeatedly) that all they want is J&C time. If that were the case in the original material, the books would not only be quite skinny, but also quite boring. My opinion is that if that’s all some people want there are ample J&C moments to rewind and re-watch or in the case of the books, to flag and reread.
The books often diverge from J&C to spend long periods of time on other characters and their story arcs. I suspect that, in some measure at least, that accounts for some people’s dislike of certain characters–most especially if those same people want nothing but J&C. Just one example: I loved book William in the swamp and particularly the fog episode at Helwater, the ghost-voices he hears and touches he feels which becomes a recurrent flashback over several books and links him to Mac/Jamie, his father. That’s impossibly hard to film, but one of the reasons I found the TV version of it underdeveloped and wished there were more of the Great Dismal storyline consistent with the books in the show. But that’s TV. Always a slave to time, time, time! (Ironic for a time travel narrative). In earlier seasons Ron pratted about that regarding all the deleted scenes constantly.
As for an episodic series over many seasons, the showrunners really can’t measure air time in equal portions for a show with as many characters as OL. Also, some feeling of deprivation helps to create a hunger that the next episode can satisfy.
I agree with you about criticizing child actors and find your reasons for your comments valid. However, I might pick a bone with the director. That is perfectly appropriate. I’m sure that the actor playing Mandy could have shrieked continuously–even 5 seconds would have been more convincing than a single, off-camera scream and a calm child in Bree’s arms. Any kid can shriek for that long, actor or not. Just walk past any elementary school playground at recess.
And yes, that is being picky. I’ll own that. But the beauty of Courtney’s posts and the previous BTS videos with the fab four in previous season, is sharing forum in which various passionate opinions can be openly exchanged by people who are deeply invested in the subject matter.
All good points Lynda! I thought the actress who played Mandy did a really good job in 708, by the way. She stayed in the scene and didn’t look at the camera, which I think is really hard for kids! My husband was a child actor and I tease him about looking at the camera in scenes – which he did, at a much older age!
After seeing 708, it makes sense why they developed the William and Roger and Bree storylines more in 707. I did not even realize there was so little Jamie and Claire in 707 upon my first viewing because the other storylines held my attention. I just would have liked a little bit more time in that last scene – Sam’s instant intensity threw me off.
And yes! We can all discuss openly and be as picky as we want to be – as long as it stays respectful. We are discussion art, in my view.
Courtney, it is so good to have your commentary and insight into the episodes. I raced through the earlier comments, but plan to spend time with them as I re-watch Season 7.
Thoughts on Roger and Bree. I truly feel that both are very much more comfortable in their “proper time.” Both are thinner and sexier in their 1980s wardrobes. Roger is wearing a modern, slim kilt with a button-neck crew sweater in a color that accents his beautiful dark hair, well-groomed beard and gorgeous blue eyes. Frontier Roger is served well in pioneer style or the 18th century kilt with its volume of material that wraps around the entire body and doubles as a sleeping bag. BUT Roger Mac wears the early 80s, 1980s that is, very well!
Wishing you continued progress on your road to full health and complete wellness, Courtney.