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| [graphic: STARZ via IMDB.com] |
Outlander’s
overwhelmingly female fanbase has been waiting more than 20 years for
the adaptation of Diana
Gabaldon’s eponymous first
bestseller. The author turned down a number of opportunities for
the book to be realized as a movie, but it was Ron
D. Moore’s treatment as a cable TV series that got the nod.
Since
the series was announced over a year ago, fans expressed concern as
to whether the series would adequately reflect the rich history of
two war-shattered periods — the aftermath of World War II, and the
ramp-up to Scotland’s 1745
Jacobite uprising. The book had been pigeon-holed as a romance
when first published, though it crosses historical, sci-fi, fantasy,
and romance genres. Would the series fully realize the breadth of
these fiction categories?
But
readers also worried about the preservation of the book’s strong
female protagonist, Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser, and the feminist
themes she represents. Feminists point out that the series is helmed
by a man, and only one of four directors are female. Could the show
tell Claire’s story with so much testosterone on board, and not
revert to a male-centric swashbuckler?
Dinna
fash, as the Scots might say — not to worry. The first episode
demonstrates in subtle but deep detail that this is not the usual
fare. We are definitely “outland” of traditional cable series.
Let’s
take a fine-toothed comb to this first hour of programming, giving it
the deep analysis this long-awaited adaptation merits. It bore the
additional burden of establishing canon for viewers not familiar with
the book, while adding new reinforcing content to replace the level
of detail only the text could provide.
WARNING:
SPOILERS AHEAD — LOTS OF THEM.
It’s
important to remember as viewers we don’t know how much of these
details were created consciously or unconsciously. But we can analyze
them for what they may say to us at both levels. Details are listed
here by the minute:second they appear in Episode 101.
Caitriona
Balfe’s name appears first in the cast listed during the title
sequence. Modified as the theme for the series, the lyrics to the
traditional Skye
song, have been changed from 'lad' in reference to Bonnie
Prince Charlie, to 'lass' in reference to Claire.
The
hour opens with Claire in voice over, looking at a shot of Glen
Coe, Scotland — the beauty of which transcends conflict and is
beyond time in appearance. Like the book, this story is told from
Claire’s perspective — hence her voice first and the lack of a
gendered gaze. By way of her voice it’s implied her thoughts are
more important than her appearance.
