Episode 401 General Discussion

[jo]

***WARNING: This post and discussion may contain spoilers for anyone who is not current with the Starz series Outlander
(including seasons 1-3) or who has not read the first four books in the series.***

Episode 401 (November 4, 2018) -- "America the Beautiful" written by Matt B. Roberts and Toni Graphia, and directed by Julian Holmes.

Synopsis: Claire and Jamie cross paths with Stephen Bonnet, a pirate and smuggler who enlists their help. Claire illuminates Jamie on some of America's history, leading him to wonder if it's possible for them to lay down roots.

Did you like the episode? Thoughts, impressions, quibbles, highlights and lowlights?

Comments

[jo]

I've managed to watch the episode twice now -- I like to do that before attempting to comment on it. First, I have to say that the way my brain works, I rarely pick up on symbolism/recurring themes/metaphors -- that sort of thing. I'm a very literal person and just take everything at face value. So it was only after I'd read Connie's review of the episode that I picked up on all the ring symbolism. So I won't get into that -- you all can go read Connie's take on that side of things.

Anyway, I thought the episode, overall, was very well done. I can imagine that for non-book readers, there might have been a few things that they'd find confusing? Perhaps like how on earth did Jamie and Claire end up at that dinner with the Governor et.al.? I saw on Twitter that they had filmed a scene showing just that -- the invitation -- but had to cut it for time concerns.

Ed Speleers as Stephen Bonnet was incredible. When I'd read of his casting, I had my doubts since I mostly knew him as Jimmy the Footman from Downtown Abbey. And Jimmy the Footman was one of the sweetest, most decent characters on that show -- you know, the total opposite of Mr. Bonnet. Well, watching his performance, I completely forgot about Jimmy the Footman. So well done, Ed.

I was a bit puzzled re: the ring swap at the very end (as in, why is it Jamie's ring that Bonnet makes off with and not Frank's, as per the book). At least in the book, the ring Jamie gives to Claire is an actual ring, that would have actual value other than sentimental -- not a piece of a key banged into ring shape. Jamie's ring in the show would have zero $$$ value to a thief -- who'd pay anything for that? So really not sure why they changed that bit.

I will say that I am undecided re: the use of the Ray Charles' version of "America the Beautiful" over the last scene. I know many complained (on Twitter) that it was too political, but my issue was more the anachronistic aspect of it. I know they used a 1960s song in season 3 -- I think that one worked a bit better because it started off in that period, but I still wasn't that keen on it's use when applied to the 1700s. Same here. I didn't hate it like some did, I just didn't love it either.

But overall, solid episode and the season is off to a great start. I really hope we don't have to wait too long to see Bree and Roger -- I am really looking forward to their parts of this season.