She is the fire this episode desperately needs. She plays the part of the scared wife with intensity and desperation that allows viewers to understand her frustrations, while still validating Roger’s lack of engagement. The way she slowly amps up her frustration with Roger’s refusal to speak and allows it all come to an explosive head is rather exhilarating to watch. It may be Roger’s silent anguish and pain we find ourselves wallowing in for most of the hour, but it is Brianna who ultimately saves the story from falling too far into its own despair. On an episode dedicated to letting its male characters shine, one woman manages to steal the spotlight. Outlander Season 5 Episode 8 – Sophie Skelton (Brianna Randall Fraser), Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) His moment of silence with Ian demonstrates the kind of tenderness we need to see from Jamie as he continues to mourn. One only wishes we could see even more struggle from Jamie going forward as he comes to terms with this loss. The use of Jocasta’s moment of mourning as an outlet for Jamie to express some of his own pain over losing Murtagh is admirable as well. Related Outlander Season 7 Episode 5 Review: Singapore Seeing these two men fight to regain some control over their situation helps frame the themes of this episode in dim but hopeful lighting. Ian’s struggle with his mental health beautifully mirrors Roger’s silent torment. This is a strong episode but it is not one I would like to revisit before the end of this season. To bring him back several episodes later would only dredge up all the emotions this episode brings to the surface. Ian is in a bad place for reasons he’s yet to fully disclose and that makes him the perfect addition to this gloomy installment. The reintroduction of Ian is not only great if you’re a fan (and how could you not be?) but it is also great timing on Outlander’s part. Mohawk Tribe, John Bell (Young Ian) – Outlander Episode 413 Between the grim faces and looming omens, are brilliant uses of character and dialogue to tell a better story - an important story. This episode does an excellent job of introducing new elements to Fraser’s Ridge to keep the subject matter interesting even when it feels like everything has been standing still a little too long. These are loses that shape the story going forward and the series does a great job of demonstrating the potential that story has to shine, even in the face of grief. Jamie has lost a parent, Brianna lost a part of her husband, Roger lost his gift, and Claire lost a friend. Outlander is smart in letting this episode be one entirely of mourning.Īfter the devastating loses the Frasers faced, it is expected that these characters would struggle with their new reality. Related Vote! Tell-Tale TV's Battle of the Ships 2022 (Round 1) Outlander Season 5 Episode 8 – Maria Doyle Kennedy (Jocasta) Outlander‘s storytelling could have benefitted more from an artistic choice in its wheelhouse - similar to the silent episode Mr. One could also argue that the choice in formatting is jarring and desensitizing as the short films stall the momentum of these emotional inner struggles. The choice to show this episode’s most horrifying images of Roger’s hanging with subtitle cards instead of verbal dialogue is, from an artistic standpoint, a brilliant way of depicting trauma in a format that is specific to his situation. However, I’m not entirely sure it’s one that pays off. It’s very unusual to see shows set strictly in a historical setting shake up the aesthetic with a black and white silent film - but that is exactly what Outlander does to accurately depict the long-term effects of Roger’s PTSD (or shellshock as Claire refers to it). It may be hard to believe with how quietly this latest installment trudges, but this episode takes some big swings in terms of formatting. Outlander Season 5 Episode 8 – Caitriona Balfe (Claire Randall Fraser) In mourning, the episode clings to the dark veil of sorrow that lingers from the incredibly devastating events of “The Ballad of Roger Mac” and uses its success to test the waters before diving into the last of this season.įrom Roger’s rise from the dead to Graham McTavish’s name reappearing in the open sequence to Ian’s sombre return, Outlander is looking to shake the very foundation Fraser’s Ridge stands on. Outlander Season 5 Episode 8, “Famous Last Words,” tackles the aftermath of tragedy through new lenses of storytelling.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |