- This was an extremely difficult episode to watch. It stayed pretty close to what was in the book, but they of course added a few things, like starting off with the hangings, and MacQuarrie. Seeing Jamie up on the gallows with a noose around his neck was CREEPY, even though I knew they wouldn't kill him off. Having Black Jack ride up and "save the day" was an ODD twist. Nowhere in my mind is he a hero. Exactly the opposite. So I'm sure they were thinking this added to the drama of the story, but really, isn't it dramatic enough without embellishments?
- I was prepared for this episode to go VERY DARK, and it did. I reread the Wentworth Prison section in the book beforehand to sort of desensitize myself (this was about the third time). The first time through I VERY SERIOUSLY thought about just putting the book back on the shelf (or in the trash) and throwing in the towel, giving up on Outlander. But I knew there were more books, and I'd loved the story up to that point, so I gathered my courage and barreled through. So glad I did! But, while I can appreciate the talent it takes to write and act something this dark, there's no way I'm going to like it, or watch it without a pillow handy (to bury my head in). Jack is just TOO depraved for my tastes. Villians have their place in literature and film, and some villains can be very entertaining. But while I like Tobias Menzies and think he's a great actor, I'll be really glad when Black Jack finally gets his due! Sorry Tobias, but it's coming!
- Another change from the books was they "ruined" Jamie's left hand instead of his right hand. In the books, Jamie is "caurry-fisted" or left handed. Obviously Sam isn't (he carries his sword in is right hand), so it made sense, but that's one more difference that carries through.
- They removed some things too, most of which I was fine with, like Claire killing the wolf (no problem, I always thought that was a bit strange). One thing they left out that I wish they hadn't was the very touching moment when Claire is forced to leave Jamie in the dungeon and be escorted out of the prison by Jack. In the book Jamie is trying to convince Claire that she HAS to go, and he tells her that since he's going to hang in the morning anyway, it really doesn't matter to anyone what happens to him tonight. What's important is that she's safe. She tearfully but emphatically states that what happens to him matters to her!
- As disturbing as it was to read this section in the book, WATCHING it was even more emotionally charged. ALL THREE OF THE MAIN ACTORS WERE BRILLIANT! As much as I loathed Black Jack, Tobias played him perfectly, and I'm sure that was very hard to do. Both Cait and Sam had me in tears over and over! I could feel their characters' pain, and I think that's what great actors do, bring their characters to life so that we feel what their characters feel. I've watched a lot of great actors bring great characters to life in my lifetime, but I don't think I've ever been so totally immersed in a story before, and a lot of people are responsible starting with Diana Gabaldon, Ron Moore, all of the writers and directors, all of the actors but especially Sam Heughan, Caitrona Balfe, and Tobias Menzies, Bear McCreary for the music, Terry Dresbeck for the costuming, and all of the behind-the-scenes people as well.
- I was REALLY hoping that this episode would conclude with the actual rescue, but it makes sense that they're saving that for the finale. I was really glad to see COWS at the end of this episode though! But I'm worried that they're going to include more of Black Jack's sadistic torture, and less of the healing that happens after Jamie's rescue in the final hour. To me, less torture, more healing would be better, but then again, I'm not a TV producer. If they can crank up the tension even more, they will and I understand the need for a dramatic season finale. If you want more of "Jamie's healing process," read the book!
- Sadly, we're going to have an even longer wait for Season Two to resume the story (than between the first half and second half of season one), but it should be more than enough time to recover from the emotional trauma of the final two episodes. And if you haven't already read books 2-8, DO IT!
- I'm just ecstatic that this story is being told on film (even the gruesome, awful parts), and I'm overwhelmingly pleased with how well they're doing it (everyone involved is just fabulous and deserve the highest possible honors).
- I stumbled upon THIS POST praising Sam Heughan's incredible acting skill at portraying Jamie in the Wentworth Prison and To Ransom a Man's Soul episodes. I agree that Tobias Menzies' portrayal of Black Jack was perfect in it's awfulness, but Sam's portrayal as his victim was beyond words. Can't imagine how difficult that must have been - I don't want to even think about someone going through that, and yet Sam had to live it as an actor and make us believe it, which he did way too well for my peace of mind. I was haunted by the words when I read the book, but it's ten times harder SEEING characters we LOVE suffer. I suffered with Jamie, and hope that I'll heal along with him as well. I hope they don't shirk on the healing process and give it it's due.
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