The Binge-Watcher’s Guide to Outlander: Season 1, Part 1

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).