The Binge-Watcher’s Guide to Outlander: Season 1, Part 1
You meant to jump on the Outlander train, you really did. While all your friends were raving about Sam Heughan’s smoking hot Jamie Fraser and wondering aloud if they could pull off a kilt, in the back of your mind you were thinking, “I need to watch that show. As soon as I get the chance, I’m sitting down with the DVDs and Outlander-ing the weekend away.”
Well, sometimes life gets in the way, and now it’s zero hour. The second half of season 1 is underway. You may think there’s not enough time to get caught up, but I’m here to tell you that with a little elbow grease (by which I mean nachos), and a couple of evenings, you can quite easily put your binge-watching hat on and power through the first 8 action-packed episodes of Outlander without breaking a sweat—although not, perhaps, without blushing.
So pour yourself a tankard of ale, dust off your finest plaid, and prepare to become intimately acquainted with one of television’s smartest, sexiest, and most addictive new shows. Here’s a little primer on what you can expect when you enter the lush, dangerous world of Outlander:
The bagpipes have never sounded sexier
You may not have previously considered bagpipes to be a tool of seduction, but you will henceforth. Outlander’s haunting score, by composer Bear McCreary (who has also worked on such shows as The Walking Dead and Battlestar Galactica), is inspired by Scottish folk music, and it’s heavy on the fiddle, bagpipes, and accordion. Lyrical and evocative, it fits the mood of the show perfectly. You won’t be able to get the opening song out of your head after one or two episodes, nor will you mind.
Prepare to get your brogue on
Jamie’s voice may sound dreamy in your head when you read Diana Gabaldon’s epic series, from his “canna”s to his “lassie”s, but actor Sam Heughan’s dulcet tones bring that delicious, honeyed brogue to life in the best way. You may even find yourself picking up some of the terrific Gaelic words and phrases sprinkled through Outlander—from “Aye” (yes) and “ye ken” (you know) to “dinna fash” (don’t worry).
Well, sometimes life gets in the way, and now it’s zero hour. The second half of season 1 is underway. You may think there’s not enough time to get caught up, but I’m here to tell you that with a little elbow grease (by which I mean nachos), and a couple of evenings, you can quite easily put your binge-watching hat on and power through the first 8 action-packed episodes of Outlander without breaking a sweat—although not, perhaps, without blushing.
So pour yourself a tankard of ale, dust off your finest plaid, and prepare to become intimately acquainted with one of television’s smartest, sexiest, and most addictive new shows. Here’s a little primer on what you can expect when you enter the lush, dangerous world of Outlander:
The bagpipes have never sounded sexier
You may not have previously considered bagpipes to be a tool of seduction, but you will henceforth. Outlander’s haunting score, by composer Bear McCreary (who has also worked on such shows as The Walking Dead and Battlestar Galactica), is inspired by Scottish folk music, and it’s heavy on the fiddle, bagpipes, and accordion. Lyrical and evocative, it fits the mood of the show perfectly. You won’t be able to get the opening song out of your head after one or two episodes, nor will you mind.
Prepare to get your brogue on
Jamie’s voice may sound dreamy in your head when you read Diana Gabaldon’s epic series, from his “canna”s to his “lassie”s, but actor Sam Heughan’s dulcet tones bring that delicious, honeyed brogue to life in the best way. You may even find yourself picking up some of the terrific Gaelic words and phrases sprinkled through Outlander—from “Aye” (yes) and “ye ken” (you know) to “dinna fash” (don’t worry).
Outlander (Outlander Series #1) (Starz Tie-in Edition)
Paperback $18.00
Outlander (Outlander Series #1) (Starz Tie-in Edition)
In Stock Online
Paperback $18.00
It’s edu-tainment
Author Gabaldon’s novels are exhaustively researched to ensure that her portrayal of life and customs in 18th century Scotland is as authentic as possible. While she didn’t have complete creative control over the television adaptation (and she didn’t want it; she was too busy writing books, which is fair enough), she did consult with the show’s creators, and their devotion to accuracy in historical detail is impressive. You’ll learn about 18th century Scotland’s history, politics, and customs—a fascinating period and subject, but trust me, you won’t even realize you’re learning, because of the breathtaking scenery, heartstopping fight scenes…and Sam Heughan.
The clothes! The clothes!
Although no one misses the days when women had to wear corsets, bustles, and 18,000 petticoat layers, it’s hard to watch Outlander without feeling a twinge of wardrobe envy. Claire’s 18th century outfits are stunning, and the knitted shawls, cowls and wraps she wears have inspired many a modern knitter (and are taking over Pinterest boards everywhere).
Don’t let anyone tell you these are based on “romance novels”
The Outlander series is often pigeonholed as romance—and while romance novels are great, it’s impossible to categorize this book under any one genre heading. Politics, history, time travel—not to mention love, lust, danger, terrible brutality, and intrigue—these books really have it all, and so does the show. There’s something for everyone. Just ask my spouse, who’s more of a Walking Dead kind of a guy, but who wandered by during the beginning of my Outlander binge and then never left.
Discover the world of Outlander >
It’s edu-tainment
Author Gabaldon’s novels are exhaustively researched to ensure that her portrayal of life and customs in 18th century Scotland is as authentic as possible. While she didn’t have complete creative control over the television adaptation (and she didn’t want it; she was too busy writing books, which is fair enough), she did consult with the show’s creators, and their devotion to accuracy in historical detail is impressive. You’ll learn about 18th century Scotland’s history, politics, and customs—a fascinating period and subject, but trust me, you won’t even realize you’re learning, because of the breathtaking scenery, heartstopping fight scenes…and Sam Heughan.
The clothes! The clothes!
Although no one misses the days when women had to wear corsets, bustles, and 18,000 petticoat layers, it’s hard to watch Outlander without feeling a twinge of wardrobe envy. Claire’s 18th century outfits are stunning, and the knitted shawls, cowls and wraps she wears have inspired many a modern knitter (and are taking over Pinterest boards everywhere).
Don’t let anyone tell you these are based on “romance novels”
The Outlander series is often pigeonholed as romance—and while romance novels are great, it’s impossible to categorize this book under any one genre heading. Politics, history, time travel—not to mention love, lust, danger, terrible brutality, and intrigue—these books really have it all, and so does the show. There’s something for everyone. Just ask my spouse, who’s more of a Walking Dead kind of a guy, but who wandered by during the beginning of my Outlander binge and then never left.
Discover the world of Outlander >