“Hail Mary, Coach Wesson! Throw a Hail Mary!” was the cry of one of the fans in the stands at my husband’s football games. He coached for over thirty years and I heard a lot of things yelled at him from the stands, but the memory of that phrase lingers for a couple of reasons. First, the lady that called it out at every game was a great character and it was always shouted with such fervor and good intent. The second reason was my husband’s reaction to her yelling at him to throw a “Hail Mary”. He would just smile and shake his head, No.
Read more after the jump!
–
“A Hail Mary isn’t a go to play. It’s a last desperate attempt. As a coach, you hope you’ll never need to throw a Hail Mary!” he would explain. My husband may not have wanted to throw a Hail Mary, but…there where times over the years when he had to and they were indeed last ditch efforts to avoid imminent disaster. I can remember a few times that they worked, but mostly they didn’t. The quarterback drops back, sets his feet firmly, pulls his arm back behind his head, and lets go of the highest and hardest ball he can throw. As a fan, you follow the desperate high flying path, holding your breath, and yes, saying a little prayer, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…”. When they work, they are received as the miracle they are with cheers and shock. But, success is rare and usually, loss cannot be avoided.
This is the penultimate episode, the next to the last,…I’m struck by how aptly Outlander episode 12 has been titled. Jamie and Claire will indeed be faced with a need for a last ditch effort, a Hail Mary. They will find themselves in a desperate situation and with no options left to them except a last despairing action. History marches on and Jamie’s prediction that they may find themselves looking over the abyss that is Culloden Moor appears to have become reality. I’m sure we will see them plant their feet firmly and let loose their best and last effort. They know the odds are stacked against them, but they will go down fighting until the end because so much hangs in the balance. We all know they will fail, but we will watch holding our breath and saying a little prayer, “Hail Mary, full grace, the Lord is with thee…”
Last season, the penultimate episode contained some of the most remarkable performances I have ever seen.
I can’t imagine these next two episode will be any less so. This truly is a wonderful show, lovingly crafted and bravely performed. As a reader of Diana Gabaldon’s books, I knew what was going to happen to Jamie in Wentworth. As difficult as I knew it would be, I watched. It was difficult and horrifying and… moving. What will happen at Craig Na Dun will be different, but no less difficult, horrifying, and moving. The worst will happen. They will be unable to change history. Without spoiling anything for those who haven’t read, I will say that circumstances will force them to make the choice they have been trying to avoid all season. Jamie will make sure that Claire is safe. What that means to both of them brings tears to my eyes even as I type.
I have let go of many of my expectations of seeing and hearing things exactly as they are in the books. I am truly okay with keeping the two separate and enjoy them both, but I am hopeful that they will keep some scenes and dialogue the same. There was some powerful and poignant things written by Diana about that flight to those stones.
“I stood still, vision blurring, and in that moment, I heard my heart break. It was a small, clean sound, like the snapping of a flower’s stem.”
― Diana Gabaldon, Dragonfly in Amber“D’ye think I don’t know?” he asked softly. “It’s me that has the easy part now. For if ye feel for me as I do for you-then I’m asking you to tear out your heart and live without it.”
― Diana Gabaldon, Dragonfly in Amber“I will find you,” he whispered in my ear. “I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you – then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest.”
His voice dropped, nearly to a whisper, and his arms tightened around me.
Lord, ye gave me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well.”
― Diana Gabaldon, Dragonfly in Amber
Like the last two episodes of last season, I will steel myself to watch knowing that what I will see will be difficult to get through.
But, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
I will cry. I will take in ragged breaths. My heart will be filled with the bittersweet knowledge of the soul deep love felt and lost by these two. And, I will say another prayer, “Lord, may she be safe. She and the child…”
These are the two episodes I have been dreading most of all. I have read all the books and know how I am feeling already, knowing what is about to happen. It will be an endless summer, fall and winter, waiting for the third season of “Outlander” to come into view!
I feel exactly the samen about the last 2 episodes, but… Thank goodnesss (and Starz) for season 3 & 4, so wel know what is coming up, and that is a BIG relief !
Right ??? 💋
Reblogged this on My Outlander Blog! and commented:
New Outlandish Anticipation post!
2o years without each other?! I buy the book yestarday. I watch on sunday episode 9. I look forward for all season 2×16. And after, waiting for season 3.
It’s kinda like waiting for the next Outlander book to come out. You’re left with a cliffhanger and then you wait 4 years for the next one lol 😉
Holy crap. You just killed me. On a school trip with 6 students on a bus trying not to be found our – my mascara gave me away! Can’t wait.. Glad I know there will be joy again at some point. Thanks so much. I love this blog!!
Rewatched ep 1. So much more heartbreaking now, at the end, knowing what is coming
Yep. Weeping. Already. My box of tissues is handy for the upcoming eps. Just reading DG’s lines that you shared above got the waterworks going! As a book reader, at least I know it’ll all work out. But, maaaaaaaaaaan…the getting there…
Dawn
The ragged breaths and the crying have already started just reading this! I know I will be a mess when we get to this part. No matter how many times I read the book DIA, I still have the same reaction. Even though I know it will work out for Jamie and Claire, it still does not lessen the struggle to get there.
Lynda
Okay, now I’m crying too. Diana’s beautiful words evoke the picture of dispair, the face of grief and dread of the future. But, also hope with the words “I will find you.” Beth, thank you for your heartfelt analysis and foreshadowing of the next two episodes. I enjoy your comments and the eloquence of your writing. I’m so happy I’ve read all the books or I would not be able to bear the wait for Season 3.
Dear God, Beth. You have me crying already! At least we of the Fan Clan are all in this together!!!
Someone PLEASE tell us that season 3 won’t be long in coming like the other two…the wait is just toooo painful! But we thank you for this blog! Keep up the great work!
You had me in tears, beautiful writing!
Tears are running down my face. I am often moved by these wonderful books and I think the ugliest cry for me was the heartwrenching and soul deep pain I felt with Jamie and Claire at the end of DIA. You just brought it back to me and it hurts so good. I just have to remember that the source of my pain will only serve to increase my joy and love for this extraordinary couple in the future! Thank you, Beth.
So beautifully said by you that the emotions I felt when reading the book all come back to me and then some. This part of the story as written by DG was what did and always will bring me to tears. What a story…what a gift Diana has given us!
Even though I know what is going to happen in the end I know I will be crying and heart broken just like everyone else. Even though we know what happens in the future and Jamie and Claire find each other again it doesn’t help. I try to imagine what it would be like to have to leave the one you love like that, and can’t imagine the pain. It’s terrible to wish your life away but spring 2017 won’t come fast enough. DG hinted that the next book “may” be out next year, lord I hope so it would give us all something else to wait for as well.
Excited to think the next book could be out by next year – it already has a tug at my heart that this could be the last book to DG’s “Outlander” series – that thought in itself brings tears to my eyes. Has been a most enjoyable journey traveling with Claire & Jamie both on paper and on tv series.
book 10 is suppose to be the last if she doesnt change it.
Excited to think the next book could be out by next year – it already has a tug at my heart that this could be the last book to DG’s “Outlander” series – that thought in itself brings tears to my eyes. Has been a most enjoyable journey traveling with Claire & Jamie both on paper and on the tv series.
I too will say the prayer—Lord that she may be safe, she and the child.
Linda
Okay Beth – you have started the waterworks ; ( Given the writing teams that have been assigned to the last 2 episodes I am confident that book fans will hear some of these beautiful lines from the book which frankly can not be improved upon so why change them. It will be heart wrenching and my guess it will be Fall 2017 before Voyager premieres because they haven’t even started filming and it took 11 months to film the 13 episodes of Season 2 and then you have post production time. They generally complete all filming before they air the first episode.
Reading one of Matt Roberts’ comments, he said they have already begun filming season 3 – did so at the conclusion of season 2 but did not say anything – and that we, the fans, would be very surprised & pleased not to have to wait nearly as long for the TV version to air as we did last time. Maybe season 3 will air much sooner than all of us believe. Dare we hope?
Sam gave a interview recently maybe last week and he said that he had a few months till filming but he already got the first script. Also about a month ago someone posted picts of filming o twitter or facebook but you couldnt really see anything so who knows if it was last minute changes on this season or is the next one.
Truly hope they put in the last episode the marking of their hands with J and C.
Please, Please, Please to anyone who hasn’t actually read ( I listed to them on Audio Books ) the Outlander series, take the time to indulge in the extraordinary experience that is the tale of Claire and Jamie!!!
Sitting here reading this with tears in my eyes. i am in the middle of book 2 and have gone back to re-explore some of what i have read… I am sad, I love them both and want them to stay together.. This story has gripped my heart and willna let me go ye ken… i canna bear a unhappy ending.. praying it ends well.
I’m already gut hurt, just thinking about seeing it! You picked two of my all time favorite lines: “When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest. Lord, ye gave me a rare woman and God, I loved her well!” and “Lord, may she be safe. She and the child…”, Jamie’s mantra throughout The Scottish Prisoner. Just looking at that picture of Claire outside of Craig Na Dun makes the hair on the back of my neck prickle. I’m not sure what pieces from the book (if any) RDM&CO will choose to show. Like you, I hope that Sam get’s to deliver those lines, but it almost doesn’t matter, because that scene with Claire has already been aired. I already know how devastating the outcome will be. Like you, I’ll watch (and re-watch) every second. Just like last season. This show is as hard on its fans as it is on its characters!!
It will be wonderfully bittersweet
i canna wait til sunday ….This is the best series i have ever watched..
Get the tissues out….
Thank you Beth, your words have said it all. Truly wonderful series and books. Love Outlander!
I have not finished reading the second book. When season two began, for me it was so depressing knowing that Jamie was gone. I love Outlander and I enjoy so much watching it. I have learned some history that I never really thought about. Also I guess I didn’t think about some of the main characters dying. Kind of stupid. This is an amazing series and amazing books to read. Thank you for my enjoyment.
Beth I love to read your thoughts every week. They are spot on and thoughtful! Thank you!
Getting choked up already. Looking at one of the preview clip for “Hail Mary’, you can see the emotion written all over Claire’s face, of things to come. Your words are sum it up.
I think I am going to die.
What I am dreading is when Claire does go back through time later, what she finds out! Ugh!! I am going to be so super upset when that plays out on my TV!
We’re all going to need a truckload of tissues!
Jesus Christ Rosevelt…I cannae breathe!
LOL!
This site is wonderful. I am so glad I came across it. It will be one of my favourite Outlander sites now.
Glad you found me! lots to read about 180 articles! hit the follow button!
it will be bitter sweet to see it all end in a couple weeks cry we must but we will look forward to the next season as we always do. this is the most wonderful and amazing shows i have watch in along time the books r a must if u haven’t read them a good summer pick. <3
I am truly amazed at the impact that Outlander has made on my spirit, my soul. I have to yet understand the depth of the love I feel for Jamie. My granddaughter keeps telling me he is a character in a book. No! Diane has truly made him into a living being. I have started reading the books. That should help me get through the wait. Bless you, Diane, for sharing your truly phenominal talent. Oh! My heart is hurting!
I feel much the same Diana has created multi layer real people.
Can I just bury my head in the sand until it’s time for the printshop???? I feel the sobbing starting already.
I think we alllll may want to bury our heads….just PLEASE don’t let it take too long for season 3 to premier! Hell, they need to make sure alllll the Outlander books are created for our viewing addiction!
Bravo!! Well said! I am a book reader, at least 5 or 6 times each. I too, hope they keep these special lines in the next two episodes. Thanks for your viewpoint.
OK so you are making me tear up just reading this! This is going to be so difficult ! Maybe even worse than last year.
Yes,I too am heart-heavy thinking about seeing the actual separation of Claire and Jamie’s time together and the loss they both must somehow endure. The twenty year separation was most devastating for me while reading the books the first time. Their best years and their youth gone not to mention the years they could have raised Bree together was too hard to reconcile. (Spoiler) Then I realized all the time Jamie spent hiding in a cave and in prison was made more bearable knowing his soulmate and their child was safe in the future. Oh the “feels” this saga tears from my heart!
Once again you have stated my feelings too ! I remember the first time I read it years ago and was devastated. I’m reading Fiery Cross now and yes again. I love the Starz series and do keep them a bit separate , mostly to just enjoy it. Really looking forward to watching while recovering the next 3-6 months from surgery, It’s been so helpful to me while dealing with all unpleasant stuff I’ve been living with. Please get season 3 going ! Thank you Diana Gabaldon for these books, Beth for this blog , and Starz for making the series.
Hope your recovery goes well!
Spot ON Beth ! I got 4 boxes of Kleenex yesterday…I am Ready !!….sort of….well maybe…..ummmmm…….
I’m was eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when I started reading this post and finally had to throw it away. I was on my 4th bite when I got to the Dragonfly In Amber quotes and I couldn’t eat another bite…because of the enormous knot in my throat. I’ve read more books in my lifetime then I could ever possibly count, but Dragonfly in Amber is the 1st book that has ever made me cry…so far 😢😢😢😢
I remembered this post after I watched the finale & had to comment that I was a runny, snotty mess by the time their final scene was over. It was heartbreaking…and beautiful.
😥😥💔💔
“I will find you,” he whispered in my ear. “I promise. If I must endure two hundred years of purgatory, two hundred years without you – then that is my punishment, which I have earned for my crimes. For I have lied, and killed, and stolen; betrayed and broken trust. But there is the one thing that shall lie in the balance. When I shall stand before God, I shall have one thing to say, to weigh against the rest.”
His voice dropped, nearly to a whisper, and his arms tightened around me.
Lord, ye gave me a rare woman, and God! I loved her well.”
― Diana Gabaldon, Dragonfly in Amber
That is the most heartbreaking moment in Dragonfly in Amber…I swear, the tightness in my throat and the crying…all I can ask is…Please don’t take long for season 3! And for those who haven’t read the books, you really need to start so you’ll know how Frank passed away, and what happened to all our favorites during that 20years they were apart from each other….and seriously…the cut to their palms…still should’ve happened…and I wonder if they are going to show Jamie’s grave? Didn’t Frank put up fake one…not the headstone that marked all the Fraser’s that Claire visited, or am I mixing something up…