by Cookie N Screen
Despite a few middling episodes, Outlander has quickly become a popular and well-written show, perhaps one of the best on television now. If you, like me, are following it weekly since its UK premiere on Prime, then you’ll have heard rumours of story lines to come. And articles that solidify the fact that Outlander continues to defy and has transcended into a smart, emotional and riveting television series. This episode sees it fully unhinge the middling episodes that were weighing it down at the belt. With ferocity, it leads off into a second half of the series much stronger than the first.
Despite a few middling episodes, Outlander has quickly become a popular and well-written show, perhaps one of the best on television now. If you, like me, are following it weekly since its UK premiere on Prime, then you’ll have heard rumours of story lines to come. And articles that solidify the fact that Outlander continues to defy and has transcended into a smart, emotional and riveting television series. This episode sees it fully unhinge the middling episodes that were weighing it down at the belt. With ferocity, it leads off into a second half of the series much stronger than the first.
The Devil’s Mark continues on from last week’s episode where Claire and Geillis were accused of witchcraft from some small minded town-folk (aren’t they all?). At the trial, the girls are shocked when supposed witness’ lay claim to their sorcery and the pair edge closer to the pyre with each testimony. The Castle Leoch lawyer Ned comes to represent them and is successful in quelling the somewhat extravagant claims until the gilted Laoghhaire seems to place the final nails in their coffins. Or matches to their kindling. That is until a surprise witness comes to absolve them….But who could save them from the fire?
The procedural aspect of the series those channel the likes of Law and Order but with the air of period drama. Though that isn’t entirely important here, what is pivotal to the episode is the extraordinary acting by the pair. Caitriona Balfe has made Claire less of an irritating character as she used to be (the narration has been heavily dialled down which and has evolved her into this engaging woman, strewn on the lines of different times. Her story isn’t even centred on Jamie or Frank but more on which time would make her happiest and that is important to the evolution of Outlander, away from the films it is compared to.
The procedural aspect of the series those channel the likes of Law and Order but with the air of period drama. Though that isn’t entirely important here, what is pivotal to the episode is the extraordinary acting by the pair. Caitriona Balfe has made Claire less of an irritating character as she used to be (the narration has been heavily dialled down which and has evolved her into this engaging woman, strewn on the lines of different times. Her story isn’t even centred on Jamie or Frank but more on which time would make her happiest and that is important to the evolution of Outlander, away from the films it is compared to.
But whilst we know that Balfe can act and evoke incredible passions of Claire, at the centre of this episode is Lotte Verbeek as Geillis. Now, spoiler, the main twist that we could see coming is that Geillis herself is a time traveller from the sixties. The character presumed to be a witch has been weaving hints into her conversation for a long time (the big one being that the pair are assumed to be evil sorceress’s because they know medical practises beyond the 1700s capabilities). Verbeek, here is spellbinding (pun intended) and captivates Geillis’ journey far beyond the jokey personality we have seen before. As the fear of burning wraps around her mind, she accomplishes this strength and will alongside fright. It’s a well done, established performance and it will be sad to see her go (forever or for a while? Who knows?)
The finale of the episode is the most crucial though and brings Jamie and Claire closer than they could ever imagine. The Devil’s Mark is an impressive episode and gifts Outlander with more excitement and promise that it ever could.
The finale of the episode is the most crucial though and brings Jamie and Claire closer than they could ever imagine. The Devil’s Mark is an impressive episode and gifts Outlander with more excitement and promise that it ever could.
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