Outlander echoes with this week’s “Rent” a defining statement; “take me for what I am.” Which means at this point, you have to shed all thoughts of comparisons to Game of Thrones or Vikings because this is a different breed of show. Whilst the gruesome elements are still there including the attempted sexual violence against Claire, it is all worryingly fluffed up by the narration and romance that never quite happens. Yet there is something here a little bit enjoyable. Though it’s stiff and underdeveloped, the writing leaving the biggest gaps where true engagement thrives, there is a sniffle of interest that’ll keep you going.
Claire continues to be incessantly annoying. Her growing petulance grumbles underneath the real drama of the show. She throws tantrums and storms about the place, wondering why none of the men really like her and talk in Gaelic to hide their secrets. This irrational uppity attitude eventually broils to a broth the audience fail to swallow. Because the reason Claire isn’t trusted is because she’s a British woman who fell from the bleeding sky thanks to magical stones. Yet somehow she assumes the world will bend to her way and slowly grow to trust her instead of keeping her head down. Just keep your head down Claire! She is certainly a rather impetuous cow that it’s a shame she takes away the focus.
Outlander dillies across issues, though and instead of providing a wider scope of the onslaught of war, takes us into secular narrow mind of Claire who at times is a reasonable lead to follow and other times a proper nuisance to the proceedings. There's also a rather nice moment where Claire sees how clothes are piss dyed. As she flumps around the Highlands, and with the finale, there is promise of an excellent episode to come. Until now, we just have to wallow in the irritation.