We’ll Take a Few…Please and Thank You…#EmmysforOutlander

Beth-Topper

A friend and I were speaking today about how every time we read something or hear something about Outlander Behind the Scenes (BTS) we are gobsmacked by the effort, talent, and artistry of the people involved.  I’ve heard folks working on the show say that it is like doing a movie every week. I’m really not sure what the means, but I’m impressed anyway! It sounds like they are doing something monumental and it certainly feels monumental when I sit down on a Saturday night to see the latest installment in the Outlander epic adventure.  In fact, my friend and I decided that once we heard about what all has to be done and how many people are involved, we can’t figure out for the life of us HOW it all comes together!  We agreed that it is a miracle that any movie or show doesn’t fail when you consider the logistics alone.  Outlander is far and away from failing.  When I sit back and just take a look at what I have been presented , I begin to understand how truly remarkable the show is and how lucky I am as a  fan to have people who have so lovingly cared for the story of Jamie and Claire.

Read more after the jump!

And, so its Emmy time again.  Some have coined the phrase the “silver age” of television in an attempt to describe the sheer amount of good television there is to be viewed right now.  There is a lot of TV and performances for the Emmy voters to choose from. The fairly new ability to binge watch a show has made us all slightly better consumers of TV and a bit more informed about the shows up for possible nominations.  Binge watching Outlander deepened my appreciation for the choices and storytelling I witnessed this season. Once again, I’ll acknowledge that I don’t know a whole lot about what sets one performance or show above another in the voter’s minds.  I only know what I like.  I only know what moved me. However, the fact that Outlander moved me so often has to mean something! And, if they are looking for a show that isn’t afraid to tell the whole truth or be different then I think Outlander has a chance.  Quite frankly, there is nothing like it on tv.

Does this count?

When I think of the risks taken, I’m so impressed.  This show does honor to its sometimes controversial subject matter.  Difficult topics are handled honestly and bravely.  We saw the aftermath not just the event. We saw ground-breaking TV.

How about this?

This show was a visual wonder set to music in Paris and Scotland.  I keep saying it, but they made me believe and transported me to the foreign world of 1749’s Paris and Scotland.  I’m so appreciative of the creative minds of Jon Gary Steele, Terry Dresbach, and Bear Mc Creary.  And, I’m appreciative of Starz for committing to making this show the quality program it is.  They told a beautiful story.

And…

Diana Gabaldon’s story of the adventures of a passionately committed couple has enriched my life in many ways and I’m grateful.  We fans were so excited to see that story come to life on the screen and I believe we were hoping for a literal translation. I’ve grown to understand that wish is impossible and maybe not even desirable.  I’ve grown to appreciate the difficulties of visually adapting her huge books and stories.  It is a juggling act that I don’t believe any of us looking in from the outside could ever fully appreciate.  As I have so recently learned, doing right by a great book and being faithful to it are two separate issues and that good adaptations have an active engagement with the material that can be faithful to the source material without being a slave to it.  There were some great episodes this season that told wonderful stories about the truths of love, life, and war.  The writers and producers told their story and yet, honored the source material.

And,  finally…

It has been a joy to watch the acting in this series.  I love that the actors love going “there” because this story definitely has emotional places to take us. The performances were stellar.  What wonderful casting.  It is difficult for me to see the book characters in my head anymore because these actors have so embodied them.  The subtlety was sublime.  What they were able to emote with a swallow, a look or body carriage spoke volumes. In my humble opinion, Emmy worthy performances.

We will find out soon.  I hope they get nods.  They deserve it.