I grinned, I oohed, I laughed…the sex talk, beauty, and plotting in the TVLine exclusive footage (to view, click here), might be my favorite glimpse into Outlander Season 2 thus far.  I hope those who’ve not watched Season 1 yet, will be drawn in by the humor and pageantry. Yes, yes, some of the content will be different from the book, it’s an alterverse afterall, and what is shown is utterly enthralling. I’m not saying, I’ll be non-critical on some points as the episodes unfold, I’m saying, I’m looking forward to watching with an open mind. The underlying tone is purely Dragonfly in Amber (Big Book #2 in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon). Viewer fans, I know you’ve been amply warned about the drastic change in scenery and story arc. Stay with it. It will be okay.

What’s the sex talk about? Well you see, Miss Mary Hawkins, is a tad bit naive. Who am I kidding, extensively naive and romantic about the notion of sex. In the clip she is discussing what she’s heard men in France do sexually and basically says men where she is from certainly would never expect such things or do such things with a woman. I can hear the abdundant laughter amongst her seriousness. Rosie “Mary Hawkins” Day expresses perfectly how I’ve seen Mary iover and over n my mind speaking to Claire Fraser. She needs to have a Claire sized sex talk to be sure. Claire “Louise de Rohan” Sermonne is pure Louise and so exactly French.  The QOTD from the book I’ve been posting during droughtlander on social media was recently this very scene. I genuinely giggled re-rereading this passage, as well as, while watching it. I’m terrifically glad it made it into the episodes. This still needs to be captioned by wittier people than I. By the way, Claire’s take on sex gets better and better as the books er years go by. Stay tuned. 

What about the beauty? It is everywhere From the exteriors in Prague, to the sound stage interiors, and the exquisite costuming by Terry Dresbach and the design and production teams, including, Jon Gary Steele seen in the footage. All of it is quite intensely visually stimulating and elegantly impressive. I’m no fashion historian, hence, I’ve no idea whether every piece is exacting to the time period. I do know what is quality and what is beauty. This IS that.

Prague was chosen to replace 18th century Paris because Paris has changed substantially and is not suitable for a period relevant piece. The mix of behind the scenes with episode clips is a nice touch.

The landscape, gardens, interiors, and clothing are breathtaking. They really do not look like costumes at all do they? I feel as if I’m transported back in time.

I cannot get over this cloak. I swoon.

The presentation of Claire Fraser.

Who’s plotting? Perhaps the correct question is: Who isn’t plotting? I smell a rat. I mean a plot. The plotting has so very many layers and locations, it’s a challenge to keep up. A spreadsheet might be in order. Double-dealing is happening by more than Claire and Jamie. The twists and turns will keep viewer fans guessing. Paying attention to detail is the key.

Is it merely women’s gossip and cards at play here between Louise and Claire?

What about The Duke of Sandringham? This man is as slippery as they come. Can Jamie figure out what he’s up to and who he supports?
  
What are Claire and Jamie discussing?

Jamie is most definitely not at ease of mind. The gears are spinning and planning.

In a not so gentlemanly locale, the Bonny Prince is weaving his own plots.

Claire working her own solution to a highly problematic situation at hand.

Chess an avenue to build trust and access.

Louise sharing an idea with Claire and Mary.

Behind the scenes.

  
As the droughtlander days count down, all of this lovely imagery helps pass the time in a pleasant and helpful way. Here’s to another day checked off the calendar.

All photos property of Starz. 

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