The people of Fraser’s Ridge, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the wedding of Roger MacKenzie and Brianna Ellen Randall Fraser. The big house was almost complete. Memories were shared and made, drinking games, feasting, dancing, romance, threat, treachery, bonding, politics, oaths, and a release of oath all happened in the two days lived onscreen.
Season 5 Episode 1 is the strongest opening episode only behind Season 1 Episode 1. It was written with the deft hand of Mattew B. Roberts leading the writers’ room. It inhabited the spirit of the written word and achieved an adaptation that stood beautifully on its own with well-crafted storytelling that requires no external explanation.
From storyline references, character development, foreshadowing, costuming, hair, acting, music, variations of emotion and tone, all the way to the set design, no elements are left wanting.
This season is looking to be a spectacular ride.
Call or email me to share your thoughts and comments at719-425-9444orcontact@adramofoutlander.com.Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.
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The highly anticipated Outlander episode 306, “A. Malcolm,” will air Sunday night 10/22 at 6pm PT/8pm ET. After 20 years apart, Jamie and Claire will finally be reunited. And all the fans do an exuberant dance while letting out a squeal. It’s more than sex. It’s the promise of brokenness repaired. It’s the fragile vulnerability displayed. It’s being fully seen and accepted. It’s nakedness of soul. It’s two halves coming back together. It’s love reborn.
Jamie and Claire have both experienced great loss and life since they parted company at the onset of the Battle of Culloden. They never stopped loving each other, we know that for certain. Yet I wonder, how have the years apart shaped and changed them? How will the twenty years of living behind walls of self-preservation be slowly shed and peeled away? What secrets or stumbling blocks might exist to hamper their reconnection?
Claire is many things, a trailblazing physician, mother, and friend. She’s also a wildly passionate and physical woman when she’s with a man she loves. She’s lived without sex and emotional intimacy from the time Brianna was very young. When Frank challenged her for being only physically present in their marriage and their bed, the fragile link between them broke. Though she followed the letter of her agreement with Frank to leave the past behind, but couldn’t let go of Jamie in her mind and heart. Ultimately, she put her energies and efforts into her work, motherhood, and keeping up the Randall family facade. After Frank died, the world re-opened to her, yet she was hesitant. Roger found Jamie working as a printer in Edinburgh in the precise timeframe traveling through the stones would land her. It took much cajoling and prompting from Brianna for Claire to agree to leave the 20th century behind. With quick preparations, she went back through the stones. The hope, worry, and excitement cling to Claire as she opened the print shop door. She took an incredible risk for the sake of love reborn. For the sake of being whole and truly herself.
Jamie had everything stripped away after he sent Claire through the stones back to Frank. He meant to die on the field of Culloden, but didn’t. He survived as a prisoner on his own land, a prisoner of the Crown, and a parolee at Helwater before being freed to return home. The men of Ardsmuir, including his Godfather Murtagh, were lost to him when they were relocated to the Colonies for 15 years indenture. His losses continued to grow as he left his biological son, William by Lady Geneva, behind to be raised by Lord John Grey and Lady Isobel Dunsany. Years of pain, separation, and living behind walls of self-protection. Jamie is a shell of a man. He’s a ghost of himself. We don’t know what he has done in the years after leaving Helwater and Roger finding him as A. Malcolm in Edinburgh. Is he married? Does he have other children? We have no idea what he’s up to, except surely not only the mild life of a printer.
I expect to see tender, humorous, and awkward moments as Claire and Jamie start to connect. I imagine the episode unfolding as a slow burn toward their physical reunion, with plenty of interruptions along the way. It’s going to be a tasty extended episode treat.
I don’t know who we’ll meet in the episode, but my best guesses are Madame Jeanne, adult Fergus, teenage Young Ian, Old Ian, Mr. Willoughby, several working women, and Geordie. Claire will likely be mistake for a whore once again.
This season has given non-book readers ample reasons to love these characters, as much as book readers do.
Let me know what you expect, are pondering, or what you hope to see in this upcoming episode. Email contact@adramofoutlander.com or call 719-425-9444.
What’s Coming up? Episode 306 A. Malcolm.
How can you participate? To have your questions, comments for email or call in to the listener line after the show airs. Join the weekly Twitter chat Wednesday nights at 6pm PT/9pm ET to discuss the previous latest podcast chapters using the hashtag #ADoO. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.
Matt Roberts, Executive Producer and Writer for Outlander on Starz, gave fans a Super Bowl Sunday early morning Q and A.
Fans showed up in droves! He graciously spent more than hour answering tweets. As always, he is funny, straightforward, and kind…at times, properly secretive.
I’ve done the work compiling the chat, so you don’t have to.
All About Work Matt:
When do you anticipate to complete filming in SA? We will be in SA for a few months… can’t say anymore then that or I’ll be working on a new show come fall.
What is the most unexpected part of your job? I really didn’t expect the fans to be as engaged as they are; it’s both a blessing and a… :-{)>
What are you currently reading? I’m currently reading “Drums of Autumn” for the 3rd time. I’ll let you guys figure out why…
Will we see maroons and alligator heads at the end of S3? You know me better than that — No spoilers But I do think book fans will be pleased with what’s to come.
How many episodes have you written for S3? I’m writing 2 episodes and also co-writing one with #ToniGraphia for S3.
Is it true that you wrote the longest ever sex scene on T.V.? Well — they say “write what you know!” :-{)>
When do you start filming in S.A. and have u started prepping for season 4? Sorry everyone I cannot give out production or premiere dates.
How many people total will be traveling with #outlander to SA? Just me — oh and one big bag and one carry on. (He misread question.)
Still here Matt? Can I please know how EPIC Turtle Soup will be since you’re so good at these scenes? Stephanie, I do not give away spoilers… they spoil things. Patience
You introduced @TallShipProds to #Outlander. Did someone introduce it to you or did you discover it on your own? I was a reader for a prod company & #Outlander was my first assignment Lucky me. then I just kept reading.
I’m curious what a typical day (if such exists) is for you? You seem to be up at all hours? Up around 5-6 to write, 7-8 off to studio or location, depends on if I’m directing 2nd U or scouting or in mtgs, LA calls until 8-9.
Iconic moments in books..do you try to keep much of what is in book for show or try for a bit of adaptation? They’re iconic for a reason –
Matt do you foresee any controversial fan reactions to anything you’ve done/will do in S3? I can’t predict how fans will react. But I’m very excited for you all to see S3 if that counts for anything.
What do you do when you have writer’s block? Drink heavily. Write drunk, edit sober…
Will you get a break this year, or are you going straight into prepping s4? Nope — straight into S4 … that’s how we roll.
I’m super excited for #Outlander title cards. They are always thrilling. How many are you to direct this season?I’m doing all the title cards this season. We have some really creative and special ones this year.
What do you think makes Jamie and Claire “work” so well?Even in conflict they respect each other. Oh, and unconditional love.
Any interest in recreating this scene with Jamie &Claire? (The iconic Titanic scene) Aah, no.
Have anything fun planned for this year’s #Outlander day? Fun… what is this thing you call fun?
What is the best part of co-writing a script?I only have to type half of it.
How are locations picked? Do you scout & send in suggestions or are you sent to specific locations? We brief the Locations dept – they search – we go scout what they find – we pick what we like.
When you write a scene that you know will rip or hearts out, do you chuckle gleefully or cry along with us??I love to write scenes that bring the “good” pain, tears. And l’ll be bringing the pain in S3.
What is the best first step I could take to working on script writing? Can I be your intern? 😉Read every script you can get your hands on. Best way to learn.
Who’s writing the finale?? I am co-writng with the amazingly talented #ToniGraphia.
Are Outlander scripts available anywhere? Would love to learn from them. I think the @Outlander_STARZ website has them up.
You stated you’ve reread #DrumsOfAutumn. Any scenes you are sure you want to see in S4 or possibly write for S4? I’m eyeing any S4 episodes with a certain SB in them. (Stephen Bonnet is my guess.)
Are there script writers whom you consider to be your guru. William Goldman, Blake Snyder, or someone else? Funny you should mention William Goldman – he’s simply the best of the best. I’ve read everything of his.
Do you move with the cast to SA? I’ll be in SA the whole time we are there…
The More Personal Matt:
How has your life changed with the success of Outlander? Well I’ve been lucky enough to see Scotland South Africa and parts of Europe all while working on.
You have a very busy schedule. You are: happy about it? tired of it? or both? All of the above… happy and tired. #Outlander a full time job. Rarely home to see family and friends.
Are you recognized & asked for autographs when you go out?Just by my accountant on bills…
Your thoughts on Glasgow? Have you enjoyed it? I love Glasgow, and the whole of Scotland — it’s been a home away from home.
So happy ur an NFC fan. Where R U watching the game? The Super Bowl doesn’t start until midnight here… won’t be able to watch — early call in the morning.
Do you get seasick like JAMMF? I do get seasick.
So the big important question. Do you like coffee? @TallShipProds and @Writer_DG do not! I never drink coffee. I drink tea. #greatminds or tastebuds
Do you drink whisky like the rest of the cast?I’ve been known to throw back a few in my day.(How many bottles of whisky are going to arrive at the offices now?)
What is your Birthdate? Nice try!
The Miscellaneous Matt:
How’s that table book of photographs coming along? Well Beth, as you know my day job keeps me quite busy so I’m not sure the coffee table book will be coming out anytime soon.
If there was one person in the world or history you would love to photograph, who would it be? Bigfoot… then there’d be PROOF.
If you weren’t working on #Outlander right now, what sort of projects would you be working on? Well, I have to fix the back fence in my yard (or maybe a western).
Is there anything we fans can do for you? Play nice amongst yourselves After all you ALL love outlander.
Hi Matt. @Mattenach posted a photo collage to you yesterday. As always, thanks for your photography insipration. I saw it — the Mattenachs are awesome!!!
Jamie, Claire, and Murtagh must stop the wine sale going through to further compromise Prince Charles’ ability to get the uprising funded. Claire makes Jamie a promise. Murtagh is trusted and told everything. Le Comte St. Germain and Prince Charles are out of sorts. Black Jack causes Jamie to break his promise. Schemes do not necessarily go according to plan. You will find this and so much more in this Outlander episode, Best Laid Schemes, written for television by Mathew B. Roberts and directed by Metin Huseyin.
Listen on iTunes, Stitcher, or directly below to my recap, review, and discussion. Find out why I love this episode. Slainte!
What do you think of this episode? Message me on social media or leave a voicemail on the listener line, to have your thoughts included in a future post or podcast.
“Looking For A Time and Place” Blu-Ray sneak peak release.
Herself, Diana Gabaldon introduces this clip explaining the Dr. Who connection to finding the time and place -in which to set her practice book. Her being enthralled by the thought of a man in a kilt while in church the next day, well that pretty much settled it. With no real idea about the 18th century or Scotland a writing she went.
Thank you Diana for being intrugued by both a man in a kilt and Scotland as your starting point.
Though her practice book was never expected to be seen, a three book deal was had. The rest is history, herstory.
Sam Heughan , “Jamie Fraser”, expressed how he sees the characters as vast and intricate with Diana revealing more and more each book.
Indeed Sam. The layers are rich and satisfying. It is no wonder re-reads are not only gratifying but revelatory in nature, bringing each character more into view and understanding. I have no doubt the tv series will show this beautifully.
Matthew B. Roberts talks about the necessity of episodic structure versus making two hour film adaptations for each book in order to do them justice.
Finally we hear Matt speak! Quite a treat for those who follow him on Twitter. The wisdom of turning each book into a season of television absolutely can tell the complete complexly written storylines.
Thank you Sony for releasing these clips for the masses without Blu-Ray!
A Dram of Outlander 