I feel so out of the loop! So, much has happened since the last time I wrote anything about Outlander! Forgive me if I seem a bit uninformed, but there is no way I could get caught up. I just got a chance to see my DVR’d episode 2×12 The Hail Mary this Sunday. I’d do a review, but I’m pretty sure it was covered in a timely manner. I haven’t read any recaps or reviews, but it has been pretty hard to avoid comments on social media the few times I’ve been on. Sex or lack there of seems to be the topic of conversation. My guess is the conversation is surrounding the entire season rather than this last episode. The perception is that fans have somehow been cheated and that the core of the story of Jamie and Claire’s relationship diminished. One of the comments I saw said ” It is going to be hard for me to believe the love between these two characters would last the test of 20 years apart”. People are missing the pillow talk and the physical connection that they feel advances the story of this relationship. Per usual, some of my readers have left some great comments on the blog.
…Just because we don’t see them having sex, doesn’t mean they are not having it. Their intimacy is theirs, not ours. Love that they are showing them trying to make their marriage work. Like Jamie said, he almost lost it. They love each other and have proven that…
…One of the things I find most special about Diana’s books is how wide a net they cast in the fandom from lovers of romance to history, drama and action. In a way, it’s ironic that there are people who get all upset at the “bodice ripping” narrative and there are people who are missing the sex scenes in the television show. Sometimes I’m not sure if it’s the same people or different people? I agree, they have been laying a groundwork of slow and steady drumbeats (aka breadcrumbs) leading up to what we know will be a dramatic and heart wrenching conclusion to the season. The little looks, the silent prayers, the brief moments of intimacy always interrupted by the exigencies of the moment due to their status as leaders. For me, their romance, while wonderful and fun, isn’t what has made this couple a great literary success. It’s their shared sense of responsibility towards others to the potential detriment of themselves as individuals and as a couple. And this season has illustrated that masterfully…
…I am a book reader, but I’ve finally been able to understand and separate the 2 mediums. What I think a lot of book readers struggle with (as I did) is that what is in the background in the books (all the actions and adventures) is in the foreground now. And that means what was in the foreground (Jamie and Claire’s love and quite a bit of sex) is now in the background and will for the most part remain there. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, it just means it’s life, daily life and drama sits on top. Their love is not a lesser thing, it’s something that runs through everything they do, think, decide and act upon. If I’m being honest, I read through all of the adventure, some with more interest than others, to get me to the next sex scene (show of hands please!) and eventually began to enjoy their adventures and take comfort from the bond they’d formed as the sex scenes became more infrequent through the books…
…To me, the books would not be as powerful without the love scenes. In Fact, I can’t even imagine the books without those scenes! They make Jamie and Claire who they are. In that same vein, to me, the show needs that as well. There’s a reason Diana puts those scenes in the book. They do move the story forward and make the couple closer. As for the entertainment weekly cover, it seems like again marketing is quick to use sex to sell anything, but It did not represent this season well, since in comparison to last season, there’s hardly any sex at all. They set the bar and expectation with last season, so to me that advertising was false. That’s just my opinion. Yes, we can use our imaginations of course, but I don’t pay for starz just to use my imagination! LOL!…
And my favorite…
I could care less about the sex, because I know Jamie and Claire are having lots of sexy time off camera. For all those complainers, the producers are probably waiting to cackle, “You want sex? Here’s the gut-wrenching ugly-scream-cry sex, last-time-for-twenty-years-sex. Enjoy!”
They make me laugh and think. So, I’ve been thinking about this whole issue with the Jamie and Claire relationship and whether their love has been accurately represented this season. It really sort of boils down to what you think the relationship is doesn’t it? I’m sure that it is as subjective as anything else we fans discuss. We all have different ideas about what are the important and essential elements of that relationship. The one thing we all seem to be able to agree on is the fact that their relationship is one of the biggest reasons we read and kept reading Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. The question then seems to be if that relationship is represented in the show in a way that will keep us as engaged.
For me, there always seems to be something I see hear or read that causes me to look deeper or clarifies what I’m thinking. This week it was three things; some fan artwork, a comment from Ron Moore on writing for television, and the Outlander marathon.
THE ARTWORK
I’d love to give the artist credit for this the signature was difficult for me to read! Please if you know its creator let me know! For me, this powerful image represents where this couples’ relationship stands at this point in time; riding side by side, equals, partners, connected to each other. Two who are one. As my reader so eloquently stated, “Their love is not a lesser thing, it’s something that runs through everything they do, think, decide and act upon”. I would love to have seen some of the wonderful love scenes Diana wrote, and believe fans have every right to express their disappointment, but for me what interaction they did show me in no way lessened the relationship I knew from the book. Their love is still the core of this story. It informs everything.
As wonderful as Jamie and Claire’s sex life is it doesn’t define their love. Those of you you have read the rest of Jamie and Claire’s story know that it isn’t sex that they miss when they are apart, but rather who they are when they are together. They miss their other half. The heart-pounding , lustiness too, but it isn’t whar they miss the most. I’ll let Jamie and Claire explain…
“…to have you with me again_ to talk wi’ you, to know I can say anything, not guard my words or hide my thoughts_God Sassenach” he said, ” The Lord knows I’m as lust crazed as a lad and I canna keep my hands from you _ or anything else_ ” he added wryly, ” but I would count that all well lost, had I no more than the pleasure of havin’ ye by me, and to tell ye all my heart”. And she replies, “ It was lonely without you, ” I whispered,” so lonely.”
“I had feared he couldn’t, again. or wouldn’t. and, then had known those few days of perfect joy, thinking that what had been true was true once more; I was free to love him, with everything I had and was, and be loved with an honesty that matched my own”
Love like theirs endures not because of what happened in their bed, but because of what happens out of it. Their love will be strong enough to endure the separation of time because it has been tested, tempered and forged in fire. The show chose to show us Jamie and Claire finding their way back to each other after crises, grief, war, and perceived betrayal. They chose to show us a couple whose sense of personal responsibility allowed them to put other’s above themselves. They chose to show us two who become one because they fought for it. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
AN INTERVIEW WITH RON MOORE
The second thing that caused me to look deeper was this interview with Ron Moore about writing for TV. As fans of the books it is really tough for us to lay aside expectations and our desires for the adaptation. I’ve come to learn over the past two years, thanks to our interaction with those creating the show, that this process is more difficult than we can possibly imagine. It is easy for those of us on the outside looking in to criticize. It isn’t that I believe that critique of the show is wrong, I’ve done my share, I just believe it should acknowledge the enormity of the task Ron and company took on when they decided to adapt Diana Gabaldon’s story. I was reminded that Ron is very aware of the fans love of this story and he doesn’t take that responsibility lightly.
We have to play to the audience that knows the novels and loves them, the audience who is looking forward to seeing how we’re going to bring these beloved stories to life. These are very passionate fans. They know these books very, very well—the characters, the dialogue, the minutest of details—and they have certain expectations and hopes about how the show will portray all of it. But we also have to play well for an audience that has no idea what Outlander is or where these stories are going. We’re always striving to connect with both audiences. – See more at: http://www.wga.org/writers-room/features-columns/the-craft/2016/outlander-ronald-moore#sthash.C1Z0gVWh.awVvhwfe.dpuf
I, for one, have learned that his integrity and experience is not usual and we were lucky to have him at the helm. He cares, they all do, but he still needs to stay true to his art and vision.
A MARATHON
The third thing that caused me to look deeper was a marathon this week. My son was down for a holiday visit. I had introduced him to Outlander last year and he asked to watch this season. Our watching together gave me a chance to see the show with new eyes. I watched with an eye for how the story was being presented to someone who hadn’t read the books. He got it. In fact, I felt an odd sense of pride. I have had absolutely nothing to do with the production of this show and yet, I was proud of it. My son was mesmerized and he is a tough crowd. This show is a wonderful blend of all of the things that made us love the books. It was a quality production lovingly created. The characters and story arcs are well developed. The sets, costumes, and makeup worked together with the writing, filming, and directing to create a believable world and story. I watched with a special eye to the intimacy and love between our two main characters. They portrayed it well and often with significant looks, touches, and meaningful dialogue. They told us an engaging and moving story with remarkable honesty and amazing performances. We are lucky fans indeed.
A LOOK AHEAD
Despite being eager to see an end to some of the fandom drama this season , I will be sorry to see it come to an end. This has been a vastly entertaining show that chosen to show us truths about life and love. I believe this last episode will give us all the feelings we have been looking forward to and dreading. In the article I linked, Ron Moore said some of the best advice he received as a writer was to not be a whore. I would add that includes not being a whore or slave to fan expectations. Someone has to call the shots and I would hate to have someone calling the shots who could be easily influenced by fans. Time after time he and his team have proven that they have a vision and reasons for the decisions they make that have best story-telling in mind. My patience has always been rewarded and I’m not anticipating anything less in this final episode. I am anticipating a culmination the likes of which will make me feel like my guts have been ripped out and the next Droughtlander at least…twenty years long.
Beth, I haven’t even read what you wrote above yet, but I’ve been worried about you and have been wondering where you’ve been!! It’s been weeks. Welcome back!! Now I’ll go up and read what you’ve posted. Whew! You were missed – hope you are well!❤️
Beth, You’ve said it so brilliantly. I truly agree. Thank you so much. I’ve read all the books. And I absolutely love Outlander. Bravo!!!
After reading your article, I would like to offer my opinion. Yes, the sex between Jamie & Claire is exciting to watch. They are two handsome adults that make us feel we are there with them. However, if that’s the only thing that interests viewers and the history, development of the other characters, fabulous costuming and spectacular sets plus the most important of all, outstanding dialogue written by extremely talented writers, then I suggest these persons content themselves with Fifty Shades of Gray which offers NOTHING worthwhile than poorly portrayed sex!
Thank you, so wonderfully put!
I agree
Beth, a wonderful writing! Thank you and welcome back. I am an avid fan.You’ve given great perspective and a heart felt understanding of the characters and story.
I agree that we’ll be amazed by this last episode and need to have faith in the writers. One question, though, Do you have any idea why they changed the wedding ring? It’s a curiosity, not a complaint…I’ve always wondered when it’s such a focus all through the books.
Thanks in advance, and look forward to reading more of your thoughts after Saturday night!
I think they changed the ring to be vastly more significant than the one she received in the book. It’s the key to his home. If you really think about it, it’s the key to his heart.
Beth, the artwork in question is by Vera Adxer @wininona on twitter…her work is absolutely incredible…love all of it! GLAD YOUR BACK, MISSED YOU! But hope you had a fun vaca!!!
Welcome back, Beth! I hope you had a fabulous vacation. I love the love in Outlander both the sex we see and the sex we know that Jamie and Claire are having that we don’t see. I’m a child of the 1950’s. If you are in the same generation as I am, in television and movies no one shared a bed, kissed with passion or got naked no matter how much they loved one another! Not Lucy and Ricky, Rob and Laura Petrie, Donna Reed and her husband, Ozzie and Harriet, Father Knows Best or Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver! So much has changed since then. Changed, in Outlander and by Outlander, for the better. What we are obsessed with is a quality production that created a reality for us, from make-believe, thanks to Ron D. Moore, his cast and crew and especially, Herself! I’m looking forward to Saturday, but not to Droughtlander.
I don’t think it’s just sex that people miss. It’s the intimate love and conversations that occur during the physical act. That level of intimacy has also been lacking in their daily encounters when sex does not occur. These actors are so good and I do believe they have some real chemistry that it is so real. I have no interest in watching most other shows depicting romance bc they are rediculous. They could be going on having sex for hours and I could care a less. Meaningless. I do love the series and am currently reading FC. There have been so many conversations between them in FC that I laughed out loud or found endearing.
I really believe this is what people miss. I also think the tone of some on board directed at people who write about missing the sex is condescending.
I caught Season 1 just the week before Season 2 started. The following week I started the books. I have ZERO issues with how Ron and his team have adapted the book for TV.
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I guess I will be the dissenting opinion here. Because I have missed more physical intimacy and sex between Jamie and Claire this season doesn’t mean I have a problem differentiating the books from the show. I put the books aside since the beginning of Season 1 and have thoroughly enjoyed the adaptation, at least until the past 5 episodes. 5 episodes, 5 hours of television and no time for any sexual intimacy. There was plenty of time for Leery, poetry from Simon Fraser; plenty of time to dig and talk of potatoes, and oh of course the dentistry couldn’t be left out! It really moved the story forward. It doesn’t mean I want a full episode or a repeat of the wedding night but something more than what we have been given. For Pete’s sake at the very least if Claire wasn’t wearing her granny gown when Jamie got into the bed, naked, and held her, that would have been at least a breadcrumb of something! As a show that was critically acclaimed last season for the realistic portrayal of sex and a strong, confident woman who was not ashamed of her sexuality, this season seems to have totally lost that. I am 60 years old, have been a fan of the books over 20 years. I have also been married 41 years and am not ashamed that I am a sexual being and hey, after 41 year I still enjoy it! This is an adaptation of a book that has a story of love and marriage at its very core. Sex is a very important part of that story. War and violence has been a part of this story as well, but Season 2 seems to be about nothing but the rape, war, blood and violence. Just a little more Jamie and Claire loving time would balance part of that. Yeah, I’m missing the sexual connection and I am tired of being chastised by others for it. If you don’t miss it fine, but don’t make those of us who do sound like whiny, ungrateful fans. I take offense when you say that you are glad Ron can’t be influenced by the “whims of the fans” or that he shouldn’t be a “whore or slave to fan expectations.” We’re not expecting him to put in every little detail that this fan or that fan wants. What we are saying that this season has been lacking an important part of the story for many of us. Are we to believe that Ron and the other writers are really not capable of adding this in? I really have a hard time with that notion. No Ron, Maril, the writers, directors, actors and everyone else shouldn’t listen to the “whims” of the fans, but neither should they be surprised if viewership drops. I don’t know that it will, but I do know that last season I re-watched every episode at least 20x and could watch them more. Season 2 I re-watched up to 208 but since then they have left me flat. Believe me, there was no bigger fan than me and I got other people watching the show. I hold out for all of the promises made about 213 but unless it delivers a lot of needed feeling I don’t think I will even experience Droughtlander and that makes me really sad. – Ann
Kudos Anne! I agree with every word you said! Well done!
Thank you Lisa.
I agree with you. There were many tender and loving moments that were left out of Dragonfly in Amber. I missed them, and the intimacy. Because the sexual scenes were so well-crafted (and I mean, not porn – but realistically sexy and sexual) in Season 1, I hoped that some of that love would have been given to us in Season 2. Yes, I know that Jamie and Claire are intimate – but the lack of that this season has been a bit of a let-down. I’m not saying that every episode needed sex. And I understand that timing played a big part in getting the story told. You are right about some of the scenes played out were “unnecessary” – the time it took to film and portray some of that could have easily been replaced by a tender and intimate love scene. Oh, I read my words and think – “that’s not what I mean!” I want it all! I want Ron’s vision – and more. You have given a great comment – and you are not alone! I, too, have watched and rewatched Season 1 over and over. Not so much Season 2 – well, I have, but not with that sweet zeal of Season 1.
Season 2 was beautiful. I think Ron and crew did an amazing job with moving the story forward. I missed the sex and didn’t really want to just imagine it. I’m over 60. So for me, it’s all about remembering those sexy, lovely times with my husband of 40 years. Add the great story/imagination of Dianna – plus that love and loving – we all got transported.
I know the finale is going to be fabulous. And we seriously look forward to Season 3. I am and will always be a fan – for as long as Outlander exists.
Beth Wesson – I missed you and obviously missed you saying you were going on vacation. Hope it was great.
I’m sorry if you felt chastised that wasn’t my intent. I don’t always agree with everything that is done on the show and I would have enjoyed seeing more sex also, but I disagree that the relationship is lessened because they didnt show more. When I was talking about the whims of fans I really wasn’t thinking about the desire to see more sex per se , but the idea that there are so many opinions from so many different fans which should you listen to? Thanks for voicing your opinion
I appreciate your response and do understand that wasn’t your intent. I enjoy your blogs and like to read the opinions of others. Sometimes it makes me think differently about something. To me it seems that every time someone expresses an opinion about missing the intimacy a lot of response has been to tell us why we shouldn’t feel that way. Some have implied that all we care about is the sex and/or that we don’t understand the way they are showing intimacy, neither of which is true. This is why I say I feel chastised, and I guess I have become defensive about it. Believe me, I love the books and loved the show, I really wish I felt more because it makes me really sad. As I said, I am hoping that the finale will bring me back the emotional connection I am missing from Jamie and Claire and then see how Season 3 begins.
Wow, great points annspassions. I really agree. I also see and agree with some of what Beth has said. I rewatched episodes 8-12 and found great moments of love and tenderness between J&C. They did a fine job with that. But why not sexual love too? J&C relate on all levels and what’s wrong with showing that? Again as pointed out, they had no problem doing that in Season 1. Was that to spark talk and interest in the show? The opening of the episode Pricking of the Thumbs does not really forward the story, but it’s a great scene from the book! I’m concerned that all involved were trying in S2 to attract more critical acclaim but not as a bodice ripper, sexy cable show. They wanted to be taken more seriously by the critics. It’s a shame. GOT has plenty of incest and whoring and is a favorite show, more perhaps because it is ultimately about the struggle for power. I like Outlander so much more because it’s a portrayal of a marriage, over time, through history. I just wish this topic was considered more serious fare.
You are absolutely spot on. The intimacy between them balances out all the other stuff they (and we) have to go through. I have missed their closeness so much and, yes, the sex. So what if the last episode gives us this and more…there was a whole season that could have been expanding on the love between them. This season was a bust for me. But still looking forward to next season!
Sorry you feel this way.
I agree with both of you….they’re good points in both of your summations. Sometimes I think the writers feel that they have to be absolutely realistic with the relationship of J&C, however, I don’t believe book readers read the books for their realism, they read them to experience the love of two fictional characters, Jamie & Claire. Just a wee-bit-more of Jamie & Claire would have gone a long way for most this season…personally I was tired of all the focus on War…we knew it was coming…but didn’t really need all the extra background of it. Diana gave us the balance of love & war in the books…why not follow her lead??? The books & S1 showed us the deep love and pure “animal magnetism” between these two characters just as Diana Gabaldon intended, while still allowing the other characters to surface…balance…that’s the key….just my opinion….:-) BTW, I love this show and will always watch!
I do really love this show and enjoy reading your comments. But do think about one thing…during season 1, the show received constant rave reviews from writers after every episode and constant talk about how revolutionary and exciting it was, even (or especially) the sex scenes. Has anyone noticed that Outlander isn’t generating that kind of love this season? S1 led us to believe this was going to be a sexy, exciting show. But that is not what they delivered in S2. Still love it, just saying.
Beth, I too think the artwork is breathtaking and the artist is Vera Adxer @Wininona … as I watched the 12 hour marathon, I really enjoyed it all together and felt there was more intimate scenes than I remembered… in particular the wonderful scene with Claire going to Jamie in the dark, saying “come find me Jamie” after Jamie’s blade of grass admission. Just when they were back in Scotland and showing that natural love again, here comes the Bonnie Prince calling them to war… and the momentum builds. After Prestonpans when Jamie walks in the door and sees Claire, it gave a heartpounding embrace that they had both survived and still had each other.. The prayer at the bed was so innocent and tender.. if that is not true undying love, I don’t know what is. Outlander remains the beautiful Love story for me
Reblogged this on My Outlander Blog! and commented:
The new Outlandish Anticipation post is up!
I have debated whether I should even comment but I am compelled to; I believe that Yes; even though there were many intimate moments in DIA that we missed; I feel as though we have been given intimacy in other forms. I can tell you that I have been married for 14 years and can say that we aren’t hopping in the sac constant but we show intimacy in other ways; I can say if I had all the drama they had going on maybe we could see; I remember my grandma telling me that when WW2 was going down her and my grandpa had small intimate moments and that sustained them while he was in the war away, I believe a true love can last a lifetime (even if we are deprived of it) Yours Sincerely; A beliver in California
Thanks for commenting!
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Glad to have you back Beth. I too was worried about you. Glad it was a vacation and not something serious.
I previously posted the comment about how the adaptation had changed the action/adventure of the background in the books to the foreground of the show and visa versa with the love/sex/relationship. I’d finally made the switch to just watch the show on it’s own and I really have enjoyed every episode (with the exception of 8, I’ve watched it a few more times and can’t get beyond the “meh”). I liked ep12 a lot, but found that after watching it twice as usual, when I was thinking about ep13 a few days later and came to a startling realization. I was worried about what would happen to Fergus and the Lallybroch men, would they get away? What about Rupert? I would hate to watch him die after Angus. I was excited at the possibility of Murtagh maybe continuing on into Season 3 since they’ve been building that character up so much. I was pondering all the layers he might add if that does happen. I was curious how the tension between Jamie and Dougal would play out in the show. I was anxious about BJR showing up again and being his awful self when there was already enough going on. I was gritting my teeth about what that stupid Prince Shortbread would do to totally ruin everything once again.
What I realized is that I wasn’t thinking about Jamie and Claire at all. I know what will happen in the grand scheme of things, we all know they are separated, we saw it in ep1. But I also know that about all the rest of the characters I’m thinking about. Specifics will change, surely there will be surprises, but I know what’s going to happen. I was disappointed to find that I wasn’t anxious or worried or emotional about Jamie and Claire…at all. I would expect to be really emotional about what’s to come with them at this point. I’m not. Why?
They have done such an exceptional job to building the stakes for the bigger themes of the rebellion, leadership, loyalty, clan, family, culture and tradition and for Scotland that I’m oddly feeling the absence of big emotional stakes in the relationship. I didn’t expect to be here. It sort of feels like I was carrying a handful of sand and it slowly sifted out as we moved along through the episodes. Now I’m looking at my empty hand and wondering where it went, I had it a few eps ago. At the same time, I look at the last 5 eps and can’t see where they could have put a love scene or more deep personal connection time without it being jarring to the war story they are telling. Essentially it’s not the time for it, but it certainly is happening somewhere at some time.
I’m sure I will cry a lot through ep13, I’m sure they have some magic up their sleeve to make me feel for them again.
To your last point Beth about an end to some of the drama this season, I too would love to see a more peaceful Season 3 for all. I’m not even on any social media platforms, but got caught up in my Outlander zeal going in and checking on all the cast and crew on a daily basis on Twitter and read everything I could find in blogs or news. The tension in the fandom was impacting my enjoyment of the show and making me tense just watching it from afar. I finally had enough about 3 or 4 weeks ago when everything really went haywire, and I stopped looking at any social media or blogs other than yours. I find my days to be less stressful and I’ve enjoyed the show more. I’m working on regulating my Outlander zeal and will continue to look forward to your posts and insights, I always find them interesting, enlightening and as I’ve told you before I greatly appreciate the space you have created here to civilly yet passionately agree or disagree when sharing our love for Outlander.
I was thinking about this a little more last night and I think they are right where they should be emotionally. All their energy has been going into the bigger picture and trying to stop the rebellion and change history. In reality, very little of their attention would be focused on their on personal consequences. That’s about to come crashing down on them. Oh it’s going to be a big ugly cry.
“People are missing the pillow talk and the physical connection that they feel advances the story of this relationship.”
Yes, people are missing it and talking about it on a variety of blogs which suggests to me there is more than a little validity to the reaction. If I hear someone speak in terms of “sex” scenes once more, I think I will go mad. As Diana says in every talk she gives, this isn’t a romance, it is the story of a couple having a relationship over many years. I frankly could care less if we see sex on the screen, although Sam and Cat are two extraordinarily attractive and gifted actors who are easy on the eyes and make it lovely to watch. The point, however, is that they needn’t be “doing” it to get the message across that Jamie and Claire always derive pleasure and comfort from coupling. The physicality, humor and earthiness of their intimate moments not only advances the story, it is a fundamental part of who they are. I would submit that their love survives because of what happens IN the bed AS WELL as out of it.
I think we agree. Love the the scenes Diana wrote.
Agree…it’s the words, the “Jamie speak” that I miss. Yeah, sex is A+, but his words of love to her is what makes Outlander different!
Thanks for this, Beth. Beautifully said and I completely agree.
Brilliant, Beth. I can only repect “beautifully said and I completely agree.” Books and film are two different things; Diana wrote a beautiful and compelling story, and Ron brought it to life on flim– a completely different medium. .Through the Outlander series we were able to see a bigger picture. For instance, we saw a bit of how Frank reacted to Claire’s sudden absence (and return) and could only wonder as we read the books. And thanks to the writers and Duncan LaCroix we saw a fully fleshed Murtagh whom I will greatly miss. Can’t wait for Saturday–I’ll probably have to stay up to midnight Friday!
Brava Beth…everyone said a snippet of what I would say and what I feel. I remember what DG said …separate the book from the show…enjoying Outlander…sex…remember what Claire said to Murtaugh…”mind your own bloody business”…
Thanks for using my “breadcrumbs” comment in your post! I still believe it to be true. I do actually think that they should have and could have put in at least one really good sex scene this season because it is _an_ important, but not _the_ important, aspect of their relationship. And it’s fun to watch. I’m sure we’ll see it in the last episode and we’ll all be crying throughout. Sometimes I think readers forget that this was a sad book and to me it was a “let down” after Book 1. It was about the run-up to war and their machinations to prevent it. It was about Paris and intrigue and rape and blood and gore and deep loss. So, the TV show followed the basic story arc of the books and that’s what we got with Season 2. But they have done a great job of building the tension, of telling a complicated bit of history and also showing that no matter what Claire knows and how hard they tried, history is history and can’t really be changed. I love the fleshed out secondary characters and the amazing, amazing actors portraying them. Graham McTavish at Column’s deathbed – Shakespearean. When do we see that level of acting in a tv series? Grant O’Rourke (Rupert) after Angus died – deeply moving. Tobias – well, he can probably do anything and is always willing to go _there_. I think part of the sense that the “supporting story” of the books is taking more of a front seat role in the TV show speaks to the depth of writing and acting in those secondary roles. No one seems to be complaining about the enhanced Murtagh character because Duncan Lacroix is so amazing (and sexy to boot). Always take a Murtagh! When they released the still image of the Brianna and Roger characters and the ensuing shrieks from some the rabid “fans” that they were not “their” Brianna and Roger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think I was going to scream. The casting has been so spot on – from Sam and Cait to Father Bain. Literally everyone has been an A+++ choice. And yet because one photograph – which was a staged press image – doesn’t look right, all hell breaks loose. Oy. Or, perhaps I was just annoyed because B & R were never my favorite characters – I always found them immature and irritating (don’t hate on me fandom!!) and don’t really look forward to them. But, I expect that these actors will bring to life the characters in unexpected ways – as has the rest of the cast.
Want to put in my two cents worth. I think that the adaptation of Jamie and Claire’s love life is very much in keeping with a realistic everyday depiction of what most happily married couples go through in their lives. I’m perfectly satisfied with the stream of events as they unfold because it gives me a sense of reality even though the actual story has a fantasy nexus. My husband and I had fantasmagorgorical sex when we were much younger but as we got older I think the blood of my blood, bone of my bone part of our relationship took over. I believe the same sort of thing is happening to Jamie and Claire. They have to survive Jamie’s horrific nightmare with Black Jack and try to regain the passion that was twisted by the torturous experience. Claire’s bravery and determination sometimes gives me hope when I look at my husband and want to take him out with the trash. But we all have our moments and they are usually healed with a good passionate twining with a little bit of animal instinct thrown in there. I personally find the stream of events to be right in line with the books (all of which I’ve read and are rereading). Don’t want to miss a thing.
I cast my vote for more sex, not just because all of the sex on Outlander so far has been exceptional in TV history and not just because it’s hot, but because for Jamie and Claire, sex is such an important part of their relationship. I know it’s important for all married couples but not as much as J and C. A large part of their bond is due to their special ability to use sex to communicate with each other and reinforce their deep connection. In Season 1, Jamie asks Claire if what he feels when he touches her is usual among married couples. She admits it isn’t, it’s unusual.
They never have humdrum sex, out-of-duty sex, let’s-get-it-over-with-I-have-other-things-to-do sex, they always have I-love-you-more-than-life-itself sex. It may be healing or lustful or joyful but always serves to show the viewer that all is well and moving forward in their relationship. For the story to make any sense, the physical part of their union has to be extraordinary.
I say that because soon we will see Claire make a decision that can only stand because of the need for a physical connection. Right now on the TV timeline, Claire is back in the present and mourning the separation from Jamie. Soon she’ll find out that Jamie survived Cullodon and make plans to reunite with him. She will leave behind a 20-year-old daughter, a daughter she loves dearly who has no siblings, aunts, uncles or cousins, only a family friend to care about her, to return to a man who has lots of loving, supportive family. Is it because she loves Jamie more than she loves Brianna? What mother would willingly abandon her only child to fend for herself in order to go to a man who can survive without her?
Jamie is the love of Claire’s life, and she wants that reconnection more than anything — but enough to account for leaving Brianna behind? Yes, if you believe she has to have the flesh-and-blood touch of him to be whole. Jamie, too, needs the physical presence of Claire. The few times he has sex with other women he either dislikes it or is a poor lover; only with Claire can he show love.
Because sex is so important in their relationship, it becomes important to the viewer, too. When we have an entire season without much sex, we take it as portrayed — they aren’t connecting — rather than assuming there’s lots of off-screen sex. And if they aren’t connecting, why would Claire be so avid to come back 20 years later?
I hope we will see more of the loving intimacy at heart of their union next season. The writers and directors of the show have a special ability to present sex as something more than an act (not the case with other shows.) It is never gratuitous or only to titillate the viewer; it always advances the the growth of Jamie’s and Claire’s relationship, and I, for one, am grateful Ron has the courage to show such emotional sex.
Barabara, I agree that their physical relationship is important and that they are missing their other half and of course she wants his touch again,but I believe sex is only part of the equation. I’m not sure why the physical act wasn’t shown more this season, but I’m not assuming that means they weren’t connecting. Thanks for the comments.
Tthe first season was the honeymoon story with all the sexy trimmings. With the devotion that just glows frrom Jamie and Claire, their love is not questioned. So quit complaining about fewer bed scenes and enjoy the whole story. There are too many adventures in the books to take up all the time indoors.
Thank you Beth, I’m so glad you are back, you were indeed, missed.
I must confess, I wasn’t one missing the sexy bits to the extent that you recounted of others. I read the Books and think they were as perfect as any series could ever be. I also think the TV series is the same , but on a whole different level. It was great to see the foundation laid in S1 that this was a couple in Love and needing a place to meet , probably on many levels, to ,develop what being Married to each other was truly going to be. They “clicked” on a sexual lever for different reasons, but they not only clicked, they sparked and flamed! It’s not that the sex diminished, as we clearly saw their trouble re-connecting after Wentworth, and it was totally understandable. The connection they have to each other was demonstrated by the way they spoke, gestured and expressed themselves. The story had to be so compacted to meet the demands of a TV Production, and this is not Fifty Shade of Grey we are being served on a Silver Platter. To these nay sayers I say, GO READ THE BOOKS. We aren’t missing a darn thing to those of us who have read, and cherished, these Characters !!