When seasons 1 and 2 of “Outlander” were released on Netflix, I had never heard of it, and boy was I in for a surprise, and also my next obsession. The show has received comparisons to “Game of Thrones” because of fighting and sex, but those things are not what draw the fans, and certainly aren’t the heart of the stories by Diana Gabaldon.
Unfamiliar with “Outlander?” Here’s a quick rundown:
A World War II nurse (Claire) in 1946 accidentally travels through ancient stones while on a visit to Scotland. She eventually realizes she’s in 1743 and encounters the Highlanders of Scotland (among them her soon-to-be husband), along with the British soldiers. It’s a whirlwind adventure that takes the viewers to France with them in the 2nd season, MANY ocean voyages and Jamaica in season 3, and my favorite so far, when they land in the Americas and we find out what it’s like to be an early settler in season 4. Season 5 begins on STARZ February 16th and promises more excitement.
Time-traveling 200 years in the past was certainly never what Claire intended, yet she found the most epic kind of love imaginable. The love story doesn’t happen right away, and they have their fair share of big fights, but Claire and Jamie make us believe in a love that time would stand still for. (Yes, I paraphrased Practical Magic.)
Enough from me. Here “Outlander” fans rave about their favorite things:
From the Facebook Group “Outlander” Universe:
Linda Lawler Haverman: “I’ve never related to a program (or books) like I have to the “Outlander” series. The relationship between Jamie and Claire and their families and friends seem so genuine (and the kind I wish I had). I enjoy the history so much so that I traveled to Scotland this past November and learned so much more. I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction books but “Outlander” has certainly given me a whole new perspective to consider.”
Soph Adara: “I love the history in it, but the bond between Claire and Jamie is I think what draws me to it more… the bond of that one person you’d do anything for, give anything for. For me, that’s my daughter, and I don’t know it just speaks to me. I also love the acting, the talent these people have for making you love, hate, admire or pity them throughout the show is just amazing.”
Tammy Smith Aston: “I started reading the books in the early 90s, and on about the 3rd book, told my hubby ‘They need to make this a series.’ I was so thrilled when they finally did. Reading Jamie and Claire’s beautiful love story is awesome, but being able to watch it is the BEST!! The history, the scenery, the characters, and ok, maybe the sex. Diana Gabaldon wrote (and is still writing) an epic love story.”
Lonnie Stehman Keeler: “I don’t know what it is… but it’s still there after finding it 8 months ago. Superb quality show on ALL levels: writing, acting, producing, directing, costuming, set design, music, format…all of it. It becomes a part of your life too!”
Jan Farrell Repath: “The eloquent words that come from Jamie can’t be beat. All the writing is out of this world, and the actors they’ve selected couldn’t be better matched to their character!
Plus the genuine charisma and chemistry between Claire and Jamie, and their brilliant acting skills make it an unbelievable series!”
Sandra Francis: “The acting is superb. The love story is the best and I have fallen in love with everything about the show; the characters and actors. So much planning and hard work to make this such a beautiful series from the location to the costumes to the superb set design. The music draws us in and is relevant and beautiful. I have NEVER felt this way about anything similar to this. No other show comes close – they are all pale by comparison.”
Robin Tupper: “I really do love it all, but the history is fascinating. Couldn’t wait for Seasons 4 & 5 because I live in North Carolina. I’ve learned so much about the area and its role in the Revolutionary War.”
Vanessa Ogletree McCoy: “I love historical fiction. I just didn’t know it until “Outlander.”
Susan Gail: “Time travel, history, and romance. What’s not to love?”
And if that didn’t convince you, I can send you all 8 pages of comments. OR you could just watch the latest trailer. I personally can’t wait!
Written by Nielle McCammon
