After months of waiting, every Outlander fan was finally able to see the first episode of the second half of the first season, The Reckoning. Compared to former episodes, the viewer gets for the very first time Jamie’s perspective of different events. Here are my favourite scenes.
The argument between Claire and Jamie at the glen: This scene is probably my favourite one so far, loaded up with great acting skills and lines from the book. Basically Claire is just thinking for herself without taking into consideration the serious consequences of her actions. She has put in danger both Jamie and the MacKenzie clan. Jamie’s perspective of the events allows the viewer to show his concern for Claire, his actions such as fighting and questioning English soldiers, threatening Jack Randal with a firearm that was not even loaded – he is risking a lot to save Claire. What hurts him is Claire’s lack of acknowledgement of his actions / decisions and the precarious situation in which they all are. There is screaming, swearing, slapping, grasping and forgiveness. Overall it is a very emotionally intense scene and both actors excel in doing it.
The hiding / spanking (my least favourite scene): When I read the spanking scene in the book for the very first time, it did not bother me much. I was well aware that spanking kids and women was a common practice in the past. I have read some fan comments saying that they found this scene “hilarious”. I would not describe it like that. However, I did smile slightly while watching it but I felt uncomfortable (probably guilty) for doing that though. I guess this element of amusement was incorporated to tone down this scene. What I like about this scene is that Claire is able to fight him back and it is not an easy task for Jamie to spank her. This scene made it obvious that Jamie was just aiming at her buttocks. He does not try to hit her in other areas (no slapping and punching). He does not try to have intercourse with her immediately after this event – he restrains himself (in the books he confesses that he wanted to “roger” Claire afterwards). Something that calls my attention during this scene is Jamie’s grin while doing the deed – he is actually enjoying it after telling Claire that he was not going to enjoy it. I guess this is probably one of the reasons of my mixed emotions while watching this scene, and of course the graphic aspect of it. Does spanking really work to discipline a person or to make people think twice before doing something? Based on Jamie’s actions (especially concerning Roger MacKenzie) in subsequent books the answer is “no.”
The change of perspective allows not only the viewer to get familiar with Jamie’s 18th century mindset but also a streamlining of the adaptation. In the books Jamie tells Claire about how his father used to spank him for discipline. He even tells her about the humiliating (but not traumatizing) hiding he got at Castle Leoch for making fun of Mrs. Fitz’s weight. These experiences are no longer required to be incorporated in the TV adaptation due to the introduction of Jamie’s point of view.
Overall I am happy with the adaptation of this controversial scene. I cannot think of any other way in which this could have been done.
The reconciliation: I like this scene because it shows that Jamie has realized that something that is applied to and accepted by his own culture cannot be applied to somebody with a different background. He decides to make a move by swearing fealty to Claire and by telling her about the origins of her wedding ring – Claire is basically all to him. This oath is followed by a steamy sex scene which is healing and reconciliatory in nature, even though Claire threatens him to kill him with his dirk if he ever hits her again. Some fans cheered at this. I did not but I considered Claire’s choice of action fair – the beginning of mutual respect in their relationship.
Here is a link discussing the spanking scene in detail, probably the best review that I have read regarding the three highlights that I have discussed so far.
Outlander’s Controversial Scene: A Great Choice
The argument between Dougal and Colum: This is another scene in which the change of perspective is a requirement to make it work. I loved this scene because it portrays Colum as a physically weak character with a strong mind. He is shown as wise and intimidating, and having supporters even though not being a warrior himself. He is able to upset Dougal who does not wait to mention to him that he fathered Hamish regardless of who was present at that moment. This scene also shows Colum’s concern for the clan’s well-being. Obviously he does not want to get his clan in trouble with the crown and the English army.
Jamie as a mediator: The scene between Jamie and Colum left a certain impression on me. It reveals something that was a subtlety in the books: he wants Jamie to be his successor. Of course, this wish is trampled by Jamie’s marriage to Claire – nobody in the clan would accept a laird with a “sassenach” as a wife. Furthermore, Jamie convinces Colum to give the money collected for the Jacobite cause back to Dougal in order to hold the clan together. His reasoning is very logical – there is no Jacobite army and no threat of Bonnie Prince Charles claiming the throne at that specific time. I think this foreshadows Jamie’s leadership skills in the future, probably the reason of Colum’s preference of Jamie over Dougal or Hamish as his successor. Furthermore this scene explains Dougal’s needs to get rid off Jamie – he suspects his brother’s preference. Of course, this is another scene in which Jamie’s point of view is a must.
I cannot wait to see next episode, especially Geillis. All screen shots are property of Starz and Sonny Pictures.