‘Outlander’ Season 2, Episode 2: The Wounds We Carry

Very late to this incredible show. I am watching season 2. I loved episode 2. The dress was a little exasperated, but very beautiful. How they wear those garments I wonder how they manage to get around. They are so big. I wonder when things changed.

I agree with you twice. First, the ball scenes, including the king's time on the commode, were something of a waste.

And while the red dress was obviously meant to be a showstopper, I actually thought the white-and-black dress was the real stunner. Fantastic.

Unfortunately, I agree with the comments of most of the other reviewers. Season 1 was spot on and truly complimented the book sticking to the story-line. This season - granted only 2 episodes - has gotten lost between haute couture and Jamie being a lapdog. Wow! Writers remember Jamie is a stubborn virile Scott of Viking ancestry. No! He doesn't like her wearing that red dress (though quite beautiful) cut to her navel or going completely hairless and has no problems telling her so. Jamie's TV response was quite wimpish. The story-line of two strong characters who love each other but have clashing 20th and 18th century values makes this a very compelling story. Keep that tension alive. I also agree that Franks utter willingness to have his wife back on any terms is neither true to the book or remotely believable in real life. Also, having Claire take the lead in stopping this rebellion, and Jaime being pulled along is nothing but sad. Yes, we love seeing a strong woman but she must be matched by a strong man. Somehow the screen writers have gone off track. I hope the strength of the actors can carry this season, because if not, this may be the last season and that would truly be a shame.

OK, first off the amount of time spent on coutour in the books was scant. I understand this is an adaptation, which they always say when someone doesn't like something, and be that as it may the plot is not moved along with all the distractions in episode 2. Episode 1 was ok, but to portray Frank so willing to take back his crazy wife is an understatement. Their relationship is never the same and it is that way from the first moment he sees her again. My real question is, did anyone, other than the actors even read the books? I'm not sure they have. Too many cooks spoil the broth. If it weren't for Sam and Cait, I don't think I would be excited about the series, they make it worth it for me because they are so honest with their characters, they believe in them and I'm not so sure anyone else does.

So very glad I am not alone in disliking this episode. The writing was trite and cliched, as were the situations, with the exception of the scenes dealing with Jamie's trauma. The costumes, though a bit overblown, were brilliant, and though Claire's dresses are not historically correct, they serve to point out that she is indeed an anachronism who is out of time and place. I adored the "take" on the Dior even if it isn't period in the least except for the panniers. Claire was a beautiful stand out in the red dress, but the neckline was also not period in the least and serves as another anachronism, even if it is a stand-out one.

But if the rest of the season continues in this manner (Claire standing there fretting to Jamie and Murtagh that they "have to stop the Prince") it will indeed be a disappointment. The episode played like one of a long running, bad tv series.

I totally love this show but the recent episode was not upto the mark.. the sets and costumes are usually amazing but it kinda distracted me in this episode. And Claire's red gown was ravishing.. Cant wait for the next episode.. Hope my purevpn subscription doesn't expire by the finale of the show.. Arghh.. m jealous of people living in US who dont need VPNs to watch such amazing shows..

Yes, the costuming and sets are quite gorgeous in Paris. Claire's black and white outfit and the red gown strike me as overly modern. Although the fabrics were luxe, the lack of pattern and the strong, modern cuts throw things off for me. Her neckline in the red dress with the deep décolleté slash was particularly modern, lacking undergarment structure. and so different from the other ladies.

Something was missing in last night's show and I just can't put my finger on it. Certainly the costumes and settings did not disappoint. I'm a fan of all Outlander for over 15 years, so I show up with many biases.
Perhaps it's the incredulity of this story that has held my attention for so long coming to life on the tv screen ; now forced out of the images long held in my head. The books are a story told in many words. This is an hourly show. For the long time reader we're putty in the tv writer's hands. We know the entire story and, for myself, are still adjusting to it being told in "sound bites. "
One theme remains constant. This is Jamie and Claire's story. A true partnership.

I'm very confused about one point. Clare knows the date of Black Jack Randall's death from Frank's genealogy and tells him what it is. Why would she think he is dead??

Appalled. The storyline falls apart, it's poorly written and the flow is awkward. The spectacular costuming, set designs are ruined by gratuitous sleaze masquerading as theatre. A superb performance by LaCroix couldn't redeem it. Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis are better than this.

Analise never had an affair with Jamie..He had a crush on her . Thas all..As for the Mastermind Claire plot..childish. As for Jamie being he lap dog..sad. As for dragging his recovery out to boredom just to get another shot of TM's face ...barf. Sick of that dude. The only time Claire is a feminist in the 1700' with a bossy attitued bordering on rude is the writers definition of Feminism..insulting to women ..who wants to make lap dog out of their soulmate...Either Cait has it wrong or the showmakers do.
Sam Heughan is an amazing actor and the first few episodes proved it ..but its now hard to find Jamie in the mes Ron Moore had created ..its flat , fragmented and dull giving lead characters a back seat to the costumes and background...So sad. I am sure Mr. Heughan had high hopes of working his magic with the role of Jamie but he has been cheated out of it. We all know Sam Heughan is a fine talented actor and even more wonderful human being who praises his coworkers without hesitation while they sit silently by and bask the lime light without returning the compliments.

I absolutely loved it! After being a bit let down by episode one and the lack of focus on the central character of Claire and Jamie, I was riveted to episode two. I thought the sets and costumes were perfect, but the acting was superb. It was delightful to see more of Murtagh and several scenes that made me laugh out loud including his "dirty knees" and "is it too late to slit his throat". But when he was talking to Charles about Scotland and the love and loyalty to country came out, it was really beautiful. The two leads were great. Claire's expressions when Jamie was confronted by his ex (whom I don't expect to see any more of in the series), and when she was confronted by the news that BJR is still alive just served to demonstrate the range of her acting. She was terrific throughout. But for me, this was Sam Heughan's night. Walking that balance between a strong, passionate, intelligent man reduced to something lesser and trying his best to reconnect with himself as well as his wife while leading a duplicitous life in decadent Paris was a joy to watch. And I loved that he is regaining some of his sense of humor. Shown in unexpected places like telling the King it was time to develop a taste for porridge. Or lifting Murtagh's kilt to examine his dirty knees. Or telling Claire she needs a bigger fan. Episode two has restored my love for the series and in my confidence that Season 2 is going to be as addictive as season one.

My only disappointment with this ep is the BJR reveal. This was an epic moment for me when reading the book and I had so wanted to see it played out on screen as it had been written by DG. The way it was done on screen just didn't have the same impact. I am sure there are reasons for the change but it will always be a let down for me. I truly appreciate the positive comments concerning Sam Heughan's performance. He is not just eye candy! He is a wonderful actor and for me he embodies Jamie Fraser and truly brings him to life.

Claire's red gown was so distracting, I failed to pay attention to any of the dialogue and plot. So where were they, EuroDisney?

I thought it was a wonderful episode, though not as great as the first. I hated the Prince's character. The book did not make him out to be that much of a sniveling, simmering idiot! However, the casting for Master Raymond was superb. Never thought that the character on screen could resemble a frog but he does! His acting was a perfect portrayal of the book's character. I look forward to that subplot's development. Loved the foot fetishist scene. As funny as the book.

Amazing!!

Sadly this is by far the worst episode to date. Versailles is phony and the costumes stink. Why can't King Louis' wig FIT? France looks like a suburban Disneyland at best. Claire's New Look clothes are ridiculous.

Why is the stupidly named Duke of Sandringham there--also BAD WIG and unnecessary chatter--let's get on with the STORY!

It's all so sumptuous and over the top, it feels like a big giant ice cream sundae with chocolate and strawberry sauce, bananas and nuts and sprinkles on top. The political intrigue has to be so much simpler and quicker than the books in order to move the story along for non-book fans. I do like that we are finally starting to see a bit of the real Jamie come out - the humour - the businessman in addition to the PTSD and that Murtagh's loyalty is finally becoming forefront. There were some good moments - the hour was over before I realised!

Having read the book series by Diana Gabaldon, I am continually impressed beyond expectation how the series tells the story in 60 minutes when it's original source is vastly much longer. And yet they tell it without losing any of what fans of the book first fell in love with. I CAN NOT get over the incredible sets & the magnificent costume design, each with such attention to detail you'd swear this was made for the big screen. Add to that the music that emotionally connects you to each scene so brilliantly you are transported out of your living room and into the 17th century along side these rich characters you no longer recognize as actors. To the entire Outlander creative team, there are no words to thank you enough for translating this beloved story from the written to the visual with superb quality for all the senses. Bravo! (grateful we can't actually smell some scenes ; ))

Dinna ye fash.... France is BORING!
Potties, whorehouses, waxing! AAUGH!
Can I wait this season out in Scotland???

Ah, Murtagh. Why did such a kind and affecting actor have to play you?

great show

"...I’m curious about how Claire’s burgeoning friendship with Master Raymond (Dominique Pinon) will develop..."

You mean you haven't read the books? As good an adaptation as it is, last season prompted me to re-read all 8 volumes -- this time on Kindle. It was even better the 2nd time thru as I was better able to absorb the characterizations and the tangential descriptions of locale, history, medicine, etc. because there was no need to discover plot points.

Thank you SO MUCH for your praise of Sam Heughan's performance!! With all the praise for Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies, sometimes it seems like the critics have no room for kudos for Sam, and he gets short shrift.