Truly a great episode in a series so entertaining I am breathlessly waiting with anticipation its second half. My wife introduced me to Outlander many months ago and it is truly the most beautiful, compelling, well written piece of storytelling I have ever experienced. I have been on the edge of my seat, cried tears, and laughed myself silly watching this series. It is no stretch to say that it is the finest example of superb drama I have ever seen. Each episode is as rich in story and technical excellence as any feature film produced today. Any frame captured from any episode could easily become a piece of artwork in my home. Indeed, I must occasionally freeze the action so that I can analyze the sheer majesty of the costumes and scenic beauty. At nearly 65 years, I thought I had seen the best that television could offer. I was so very wrong, because this show now holds that position unassailably in my mind.
8 Reviews
Never Ceases to Amaze
barszman-3314012 August 2023
What a wonderful Mid-Season Finale!! It touched all of the bases. Intrigue, history and emotional beats throughout. We couldn't have asked for a better episode! Cliff hangers with Roger & Buck, Rachel and William. Humor with Claire and Jaime and why he has a hero complex. History with Benedict Arnold and the last scene was the ultimate emotional release. Props to Bear McCreary for making our hearts swell and to Sam Heughan whose face acting is a sight to behold! Thanks to the whole Production Team for Outlander who have given us this amazing story with the most artful and beautiful production values that I have ever seen on television!
Oh My Heart!
elliottremblay15 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
What a massive, well-written, well-paced episode. These amazing acting roles for every cast member.
The sets, the costumes, the cinematography, the staging, the action sequences!
Each character is so well developed that I can easily feel and immerse myself in their minds and hearts. The dialogues were moving (the part with Claire and Jamie in the tent was strongly played, as much for Rachel and Ian).
I found the use of the time travel aspect of Claire with Benedict Arnold, that infamous traitor and the whole story of Roger, Bree and Buck to be brilliantly written.
I burst into tears at the end of the episode. It reminded me of my trip to Scotland 5 years ago, Griogair Labhruidh hit me in my memories with his interpretation of the song.
It's easily in the top 10 best Outlander episode we've had since it started nine years ago!
On the other hand, here's is what I think about the first part of season 7.
I completely understand that Outlander is not what it was when it started (season 1, 2 and first part of 3) However, for me season 7 is one of the best so far. I am delighted about the storylines, the characters (old and new one) and the whole parallel storylines (Jamie & Claire, Roger & Bree, William and the British army/Rachel & Denny) These first 8 episodes are for my part better than all of season 6 and as strong as the first part of season 4 and 5. It's a robust and (really) packed first part. Some may say that it wasn't hard to defeat early seasons, but I disagree with that. And I'm positively surprised and satisfied that Outlander is still compelling at season 7.
Give me the chance to explain my point.
I strongly think that Outlander remains a great TV show. It has AMAZING characters (do I really have to develop on that point, I don't think so), original narrative pivot (the whole part with Buck and R&B in the 20th century is captivating, Jem and Mandy are adorable), in addition to offering us excellent moments of intimacy with our protagonists and wonderfully recycled narrative elements. When these repetitive elements occur (here I'm talking about abduction, assault, battle, bed talk, etc.) the real thing you must considered is how it affects the characters and so far, they managed to develop it perfectly. Like for example, in 707, yes it was yet another battle sequence, but it was William POV and only his. It felt fast and efficient, like the battle was truly back in time (it's so cliché when the battle goes on for hours), and I loved it. The acting was authentic, and it punched me right in the gut, remember his face when he screamed! You could easily feel William's disgust, terror, and anger. My eyes were watering a bit during the sequence. We didn't get to see a lot of soldiers getting violently killed during a 15 minute fight sequence like some people would like, it's useless. This gives us the necessary time to digest what we have just seen. This is what I call effectiveness.
Here is another example. I hear a lot "where is our Claire, where is the fearless and dedicated Claire, where is our season 1 Claire" well SHE IS NO LONGER HER. Claire from the first season goes back over 30 years in time. Therefore, in season 6 (just after being brutally assaulted) and the whole first part of season 7, after all the trauma and loss that happened to her, she learned that she can't always put her nose up in anything, and thinks she will be successful (remember that poor slave she thought she could save in season 4 episode 2, people said she was stupid trying to save him , and now she's a lot more cautious, a lot less reckless and a lot more reserved and people say she's boring, flat and gone.
It's what I call "character development" and it's perfectly designed. She has just lost a part of her soul by being raped, she lost her house, her daughter, her son-in-law, her grandchildren, even her cat, without forgetting her whole life (WW2, Faith, Frank, Culloden, Murtagh, and more). It would be pure nonsense and illogical for her to be the reckless and fearless Claire that she was. And I love seeing how loving and caring Jamie and Claire because of what I just said. Literally he will go to war, but of course he will care about his visual health with these spectacles. I love seeing those little details. Also, during 708, when she unfolds the sword to protect his beloved. I love to that at any cost she would have killed anyone who got in her way to Jamie. No matter how affected and traumatized she may be by her life, the world will stop for Jamie if he's danger, with these good old insults!
Recently, with season 6 and the first part of season 7, the show was subject to a huge wave of bad comments. And it makes me sad. Very sad. That this great show that is Outlander has fallen into this specter of massive negativity and poor review, like so many other shows before. It's obvious that sometime, not everyone, not always, people come here just to say ugly things. And it's important to understand that I don't single out people who come here with a bad review followed by solid points and explanations of their thoughts. It is their opinion and I respect it; I will take the time to read them. However, I strongly disagree with some people who show up on IMDb, put a 1/10 review, and disappear. How disrespectful, just to come, put a 1 star and fade away, I can't stand this and if you take a closer look at each episode there's always a whole bunch of mischievous and anonymous 1/10 reviews with no commentary. Therefore, it's obvious that Outlander fell into the hands of these people, and that makes me sad. But, with 708, full of poignant narrative point, straight out of the book, decisive and more captivating than ever. I'm happy to say that Outlander was able to catch up with some viewers who were disappointed with the turn the series had taken since season 6, with a impressive rating of 9.0. If you go back to my last comment on 608 I Am Not Alone, I had to raise the fact that the series would bring back in its seventh season most of the elements that created the magic of Outlander in the first seasons. Et voilà! I said that because I read all the books!
Inside this first part they managed to integrate, drama and romance, time travel, major location changes, wonderful treatments and excellent chemistry between our good old characters (Claire, Jamie, Ian, Bree, Roger, John, Tom Christie, but also the arrival of new ones (William, Rachel, Denzel, Buck, Rob with an excellent casting choice), perfectly connected to previous seasons with exquisite references, magnificent battle sequences, 18th and 20th century in parallel, lavish sets and costumes, and more.
These points I just listed are all the reasons that made Outlander what it is today. And why fans love this great story.
The only negative comment I have about the seventh season (season 5 and 6 too, but especially this one) is the uneven pacing of some episodes. This season (more than the previous one) covers a lot of pages of the seventh volume in very few episodes. Despite the excellence of the screenplay and the dialogues as such, there was this reasoning impression that the episodes covered a narrative moment to the next without further delay, like llright, that's it, we can move on to the next one. I noticed that it created an effect of distance between the spectator and the story, like never before. This is what people called bad acting, bad script, stupid decisions. But I firmly believe that's not what it's all about, just an uneven rhythm. For example, a dialogue scene can last almost 10 minutes, while sometimes we could cover several months, from large displacements of locations to arrive directly at the relevant actions in less than 5 minutes. As if the series and the characters were extremely rushed. That's why I loved the scene in 708, as Claire tends to Jamie's hand, there's a shot of Claire wringing out her laundry in a small bowl of water, Jamie watching her delicately, long. At that precise moment, I felt the series take its time and it was so pleasant, to see them live gently, slowly. On the other hand, I can put myself in the shoes of the writers who, until 2/3 of season 7 (around episode 10 or 11 then), they did not know that the series would be renewed for an eighth and final season. So, they had to find a way for them to conclude the series and give an end effect to our characters. Despite this fast and accelerated pace, which in my opinion has affected the authenticity and fluidity of the episodes, I am more than delighted that they have worked hard to deliver the best of books to us.
I just finished the first part and I'm proud and happy to say, they did it.
Thanks to the cast and crew. Thanks Diana. Let's watch it again.
The sets, the costumes, the cinematography, the staging, the action sequences!
Each character is so well developed that I can easily feel and immerse myself in their minds and hearts. The dialogues were moving (the part with Claire and Jamie in the tent was strongly played, as much for Rachel and Ian).
I found the use of the time travel aspect of Claire with Benedict Arnold, that infamous traitor and the whole story of Roger, Bree and Buck to be brilliantly written.
I burst into tears at the end of the episode. It reminded me of my trip to Scotland 5 years ago, Griogair Labhruidh hit me in my memories with his interpretation of the song.
It's easily in the top 10 best Outlander episode we've had since it started nine years ago!
On the other hand, here's is what I think about the first part of season 7.
I completely understand that Outlander is not what it was when it started (season 1, 2 and first part of 3) However, for me season 7 is one of the best so far. I am delighted about the storylines, the characters (old and new one) and the whole parallel storylines (Jamie & Claire, Roger & Bree, William and the British army/Rachel & Denny) These first 8 episodes are for my part better than all of season 6 and as strong as the first part of season 4 and 5. It's a robust and (really) packed first part. Some may say that it wasn't hard to defeat early seasons, but I disagree with that. And I'm positively surprised and satisfied that Outlander is still compelling at season 7.
Give me the chance to explain my point.
I strongly think that Outlander remains a great TV show. It has AMAZING characters (do I really have to develop on that point, I don't think so), original narrative pivot (the whole part with Buck and R&B in the 20th century is captivating, Jem and Mandy are adorable), in addition to offering us excellent moments of intimacy with our protagonists and wonderfully recycled narrative elements. When these repetitive elements occur (here I'm talking about abduction, assault, battle, bed talk, etc.) the real thing you must considered is how it affects the characters and so far, they managed to develop it perfectly. Like for example, in 707, yes it was yet another battle sequence, but it was William POV and only his. It felt fast and efficient, like the battle was truly back in time (it's so cliché when the battle goes on for hours), and I loved it. The acting was authentic, and it punched me right in the gut, remember his face when he screamed! You could easily feel William's disgust, terror, and anger. My eyes were watering a bit during the sequence. We didn't get to see a lot of soldiers getting violently killed during a 15 minute fight sequence like some people would like, it's useless. This gives us the necessary time to digest what we have just seen. This is what I call effectiveness.
Here is another example. I hear a lot "where is our Claire, where is the fearless and dedicated Claire, where is our season 1 Claire" well SHE IS NO LONGER HER. Claire from the first season goes back over 30 years in time. Therefore, in season 6 (just after being brutally assaulted) and the whole first part of season 7, after all the trauma and loss that happened to her, she learned that she can't always put her nose up in anything, and thinks she will be successful (remember that poor slave she thought she could save in season 4 episode 2, people said she was stupid trying to save him , and now she's a lot more cautious, a lot less reckless and a lot more reserved and people say she's boring, flat and gone.
It's what I call "character development" and it's perfectly designed. She has just lost a part of her soul by being raped, she lost her house, her daughter, her son-in-law, her grandchildren, even her cat, without forgetting her whole life (WW2, Faith, Frank, Culloden, Murtagh, and more). It would be pure nonsense and illogical for her to be the reckless and fearless Claire that she was. And I love seeing how loving and caring Jamie and Claire because of what I just said. Literally he will go to war, but of course he will care about his visual health with these spectacles. I love seeing those little details. Also, during 708, when she unfolds the sword to protect his beloved. I love to that at any cost she would have killed anyone who got in her way to Jamie. No matter how affected and traumatized she may be by her life, the world will stop for Jamie if he's danger, with these good old insults!
Recently, with season 6 and the first part of season 7, the show was subject to a huge wave of bad comments. And it makes me sad. Very sad. That this great show that is Outlander has fallen into this specter of massive negativity and poor review, like so many other shows before. It's obvious that sometime, not everyone, not always, people come here just to say ugly things. And it's important to understand that I don't single out people who come here with a bad review followed by solid points and explanations of their thoughts. It is their opinion and I respect it; I will take the time to read them. However, I strongly disagree with some people who show up on IMDb, put a 1/10 review, and disappear. How disrespectful, just to come, put a 1 star and fade away, I can't stand this and if you take a closer look at each episode there's always a whole bunch of mischievous and anonymous 1/10 reviews with no commentary. Therefore, it's obvious that Outlander fell into the hands of these people, and that makes me sad. But, with 708, full of poignant narrative point, straight out of the book, decisive and more captivating than ever. I'm happy to say that Outlander was able to catch up with some viewers who were disappointed with the turn the series had taken since season 6, with a impressive rating of 9.0. If you go back to my last comment on 608 I Am Not Alone, I had to raise the fact that the series would bring back in its seventh season most of the elements that created the magic of Outlander in the first seasons. Et voilà! I said that because I read all the books!
Inside this first part they managed to integrate, drama and romance, time travel, major location changes, wonderful treatments and excellent chemistry between our good old characters (Claire, Jamie, Ian, Bree, Roger, John, Tom Christie, but also the arrival of new ones (William, Rachel, Denzel, Buck, Rob with an excellent casting choice), perfectly connected to previous seasons with exquisite references, magnificent battle sequences, 18th and 20th century in parallel, lavish sets and costumes, and more.
These points I just listed are all the reasons that made Outlander what it is today. And why fans love this great story.
The only negative comment I have about the seventh season (season 5 and 6 too, but especially this one) is the uneven pacing of some episodes. This season (more than the previous one) covers a lot of pages of the seventh volume in very few episodes. Despite the excellence of the screenplay and the dialogues as such, there was this reasoning impression that the episodes covered a narrative moment to the next without further delay, like llright, that's it, we can move on to the next one. I noticed that it created an effect of distance between the spectator and the story, like never before. This is what people called bad acting, bad script, stupid decisions. But I firmly believe that's not what it's all about, just an uneven rhythm. For example, a dialogue scene can last almost 10 minutes, while sometimes we could cover several months, from large displacements of locations to arrive directly at the relevant actions in less than 5 minutes. As if the series and the characters were extremely rushed. That's why I loved the scene in 708, as Claire tends to Jamie's hand, there's a shot of Claire wringing out her laundry in a small bowl of water, Jamie watching her delicately, long. At that precise moment, I felt the series take its time and it was so pleasant, to see them live gently, slowly. On the other hand, I can put myself in the shoes of the writers who, until 2/3 of season 7 (around episode 10 or 11 then), they did not know that the series would be renewed for an eighth and final season. So, they had to find a way for them to conclude the series and give an end effect to our characters. Despite this fast and accelerated pace, which in my opinion has affected the authenticity and fluidity of the episodes, I am more than delighted that they have worked hard to deliver the best of books to us.
I just finished the first part and I'm proud and happy to say, they did it.
Thanks to the cast and crew. Thanks Diana. Let's watch it again.
Great ending to the mid season finale
MazzyMayhem-117-54451117 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I have really enjoyed season 7 and look forward to its continuation next year as this was a great ending to the mid season finale.
I have read all the books and know that there is an awful lot of detail missing. However, this is to be expected as Diana Gabaldon writes in such great detail it's nigh on impossible to recreate this. Still, there are a lot of genuine facts and it's exciting to see 'real' historical people interwoven into the story.
Once again Sam and Catriona are fabulous in their roles. I'm pretty certain they were genuine tears from Sam when Scotland again; I can relate to that, as I get a swell in my heart when I return to that bonny land. The newbies, Rachel and Denzell have slotted in beautifully and as for William, well that's perfect casting!
Now to the negative points. Whoever is singing the theme tune just murders it. Even my husband commented on how dreadful it is. Please can we go back to the singer in season 1!
1985. I was a teenager and I remember it very well. I know Scotland can be a bit behind in the fashion stakes (I know this for certain because I visited my family in Glasgow every summer and they were never quite there with current trends in London), but whoever was researching fashion and home decor of 1985 was way off the mark. This was the era of New Romantics and Madonna - not 60s hairstyles and 1970s bedding, even in Scotland!
I have read all the books and know that there is an awful lot of detail missing. However, this is to be expected as Diana Gabaldon writes in such great detail it's nigh on impossible to recreate this. Still, there are a lot of genuine facts and it's exciting to see 'real' historical people interwoven into the story.
Once again Sam and Catriona are fabulous in their roles. I'm pretty certain they were genuine tears from Sam when Scotland again; I can relate to that, as I get a swell in my heart when I return to that bonny land. The newbies, Rachel and Denzell have slotted in beautifully and as for William, well that's perfect casting!
Now to the negative points. Whoever is singing the theme tune just murders it. Even my husband commented on how dreadful it is. Please can we go back to the singer in season 1!
1985. I was a teenager and I remember it very well. I know Scotland can be a bit behind in the fashion stakes (I know this for certain because I visited my family in Glasgow every summer and they were never quite there with current trends in London), but whoever was researching fashion and home decor of 1985 was way off the mark. This was the era of New Romantics and Madonna - not 60s hairstyles and 1970s bedding, even in Scotland!
sides
Rob-O-Cop12 August 2023
Another good episode from director Joss Agnew . Still not firing at full power like in the Stephen Woolfenden directed episodes of series 4 and 5, but it's going in the right direction.
Some interesting key moments aside from the non cliff hanger of a dead Jamie, like anyone believed that. I liked the british soldiers bringing their dying Brigadier General a relative and dropping the pretense of war for family.
That was a really interesting and thought provoking scenario.
Not a lot happened this episode except a few things happened.
The Roger and Brianna story progressed the smallest amount they could but set the story up for forward movement so hopefully we'll see that playout next episode.
And we're finally moving away from the US civil war back to scotland. I think we're all looking forward to seeing more of that.
Some interesting key moments aside from the non cliff hanger of a dead Jamie, like anyone believed that. I liked the british soldiers bringing their dying Brigadier General a relative and dropping the pretense of war for family.
That was a really interesting and thought provoking scenario.
Not a lot happened this episode except a few things happened.
The Roger and Brianna story progressed the smallest amount they could but set the story up for forward movement so hopefully we'll see that playout next episode.
And we're finally moving away from the US civil war back to scotland. I think we're all looking forward to seeing more of that.
Looking towards improving
Gazoopi17 August 2023
The last couple of series have been a little monotonous. This episode has marked a turning point, where things are beginning to happen. I love the program but interest has waned over the last couple of series, as they Frasers have taken on mundane daily life.
Obviously Jamie wasn't going to be dead, but this episode contained some very interesting and historical elements, which had me googling afterwards to do some fact checking.
A great ending to the mid term of series 7. We will keep watching, as we have from the very beginning of this wonderful program.
Anyone new to this must watch from the very first episode, otherwise it won't make much sense.
Obviously Jamie wasn't going to be dead, but this episode contained some very interesting and historical elements, which had me googling afterwards to do some fact checking.
A great ending to the mid term of series 7. We will keep watching, as we have from the very beginning of this wonderful program.
Anyone new to this must watch from the very first episode, otherwise it won't make much sense.
Turning Points
bobcobb30126 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I praised the show last week for not showing us Jamie in the battle scenes and shocking us with the reveal that he was severely injured during the combat. But then they went and ruined it by having him in numerous battle scenes here.
Roger going back in time feels like a cop out, but what a crazy journey that would be going back without your wife and traveling all over at a slow pace trying to find your son. That kind of love is good to see on TV.
It was an okay season finale, it was an okay first half of the season, but I kind of think we need a little bit more "chaos" and action in the back half.
Roger going back in time feels like a cop out, but what a crazy journey that would be going back without your wife and traveling all over at a slow pace trying to find your son. That kind of love is good to see on TV.
It was an okay season finale, it was an okay first half of the season, but I kind of think we need a little bit more "chaos" and action in the back half.
Cleverly Scripted, Elegantly Delivered - S07-Pt1 Review
JoshuaMercott24 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The show was off to a great continuation. After being part of the lives of these amazing characters, "Outlander" season 7 did not play its cards close to its chest for fans to keep guessing. From the get-go, they dove right into the highs and lows that have defined the unsteady and often unpredictable journey of the series' core characters.
Speaking of which, Caitríona Balfe as Claire Fraser and Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser continued to impress. They clearly still had many a mile to go as a couple out of time. It was endearing to see them still retain that enviable chemistry they captured over the course of six wholesome seasons.
Between saving Claire from the hangman's noose to uncovering more truths behind how the time-travel monoliths work, season 7 of "Outlander" delivered noteworthy entertainment, suspense, and romance. They also touched upon ley line topics, which added to the intrigue.
It was a relief to see these tropes play out in full, while colouring within the lines established by the original novels by Diana Gabaldon. I haven't read the books, but I could tell that with just one final season left the show's seventh innings wasn't kidding around.
Continued colonial governance and old manipulative agents returned to sow chaos, thus enriching this season. All four - James, Claire, Brianna, and Roger - were in disparate places, weaving another beautiful multi-layered story that I feel did Diana Gabaldon's novels justice.
All the other artists did notable work this season, which also delved a bit into the nuances of the ancient Gaelic language. The Battles of Saratoga (September and October 1777) were duly re-enacted as well.
Jamie's illegitimate son William Ransom (played by Charles Vandervaart) was all grown up and serving the cause of the Red Coats. This added a distinct layer of suspense to season seven "Outlander".
As time went, the story proved to be deeply emotional and delivered some unpredictable twists. I sometimes felt as though I was fondly watching the earlier seasons all over again.
In the finale, some time-travel was once again called for, this time Roger was going back to rescue his and Brianna's son who was forced to lead Rob Cameron (played by Chris Fulton) to the Jacobite gold. A relatively normal travel was also on the books, namely Jamie and Claire finally returning to Scotland from war-ravaged North America.
There's just one final season left (technically Season-7 Part-2 of "Outlander") and I'm already feeling the pinch of parting.
Speaking of which, Caitríona Balfe as Claire Fraser and Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser continued to impress. They clearly still had many a mile to go as a couple out of time. It was endearing to see them still retain that enviable chemistry they captured over the course of six wholesome seasons.
Between saving Claire from the hangman's noose to uncovering more truths behind how the time-travel monoliths work, season 7 of "Outlander" delivered noteworthy entertainment, suspense, and romance. They also touched upon ley line topics, which added to the intrigue.
It was a relief to see these tropes play out in full, while colouring within the lines established by the original novels by Diana Gabaldon. I haven't read the books, but I could tell that with just one final season left the show's seventh innings wasn't kidding around.
Continued colonial governance and old manipulative agents returned to sow chaos, thus enriching this season. All four - James, Claire, Brianna, and Roger - were in disparate places, weaving another beautiful multi-layered story that I feel did Diana Gabaldon's novels justice.
All the other artists did notable work this season, which also delved a bit into the nuances of the ancient Gaelic language. The Battles of Saratoga (September and October 1777) were duly re-enacted as well.
Jamie's illegitimate son William Ransom (played by Charles Vandervaart) was all grown up and serving the cause of the Red Coats. This added a distinct layer of suspense to season seven "Outlander".
As time went, the story proved to be deeply emotional and delivered some unpredictable twists. I sometimes felt as though I was fondly watching the earlier seasons all over again.
In the finale, some time-travel was once again called for, this time Roger was going back to rescue his and Brianna's son who was forced to lead Rob Cameron (played by Chris Fulton) to the Jacobite gold. A relatively normal travel was also on the books, namely Jamie and Claire finally returning to Scotland from war-ravaged North America.
There's just one final season left (technically Season-7 Part-2 of "Outlander") and I'm already feeling the pinch of parting.
See also
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