Time travel has been done before. Many times. But this one is a little different. Full of adventure, danger, fighting, great costumes, sex, plotting, beautiful scenery, and a story that pulls you in from the first scenes. Outlander is the first of an eight book series by American author Diana Gabaldon. We start in 1945 just after the end of World War II. A British couple, the Randalls, tries to reconnect after five years apart due to the war. They are in Scotland in order for the husband Frank (played by Tobias Menzies) to investigate his family tree when Claire (played by Caitriona Balfe) visits the mysterious old rocks at Craigh na Dun. Suddenly she is transported back to a time she knows is not her own. The adventure begins.
Episode 1: Sassenach: Claire and Frank, after a long separation due to World War II, are on a second honeymoon in Scotland. While out exploring at the ancient rocks called Craigh na Dun Claire is suddenly transported back to 1743 Scotland. She is rescued from a dangerous encounter with a British soldier from a group of Scottish Highlanders.
Episode 2: Castle Leoch: Claire is taken to Castle Leoch. Many are suspicious of the strange English woman. Trying to blend in Claire makes a friend in Geillis Duncan (played by Lotte Verbeek).
Episode 3: The Way Out: Claire formulates a plan to escape from the MacKenzies and Castle Leoch so she can return to Craigh na Dun. As part of her plan she makes herself valuable to the MacKenzie leader, Colum (played by Gary Lewis), due to her medical skills. She even treats an ill child making her an almost mystical healer amongst the Highlanders.
Episode 4: The Gathering: The residents of the castle prepare themselves for The Gathering. Claire is still planning her escape using The Gathering as cover. After an encounter with a drunken Dougal (played by Graham McTavish) and a subsequent rescue by Jamie (played by Sam Heughan) ruin Claire’s plan for escape.
Episode 5: Rent: The MacKenzie’s are out on the road to collect rent and insist Claire join them. Claire is disgusted by Dougal’s use of Jamie’s scarred back to collect more money for the Jacobite cause. She remembers that an important and tragic event is coming up quickly.
Episode 6: The Garrison Commander: Claire travels to the British outpost and meets up again with the dangerous Captain Jack Randall (played by Tobias Menzies). A medical emergency gives Claire a chance to get away briefly. Soon after she finds herself alone with Captain Randall.
Episode 7: The Wedding: Jamie gets ready for the wedding. Claire is having a hard time adjusting to the fact that she is getting married. She finds herself divided about her feelings towards Jamie and Frank.
Episode 8: Both Sides Now: Frank continues the search for his missing wife. Claire tries to come to terms with her marriage. An opportunity to get to Craigh na Dun renders Claire conflicted.
Special Features: Outlander: An Epic Adaptation, Authentic in Design: The Dresses and Kilts of Outlander, Previews of Diana Gabaldon novels, Outlander: Season 2, Starz series
