Monday 27 April 2015


Oh, dear. This was the lost weekend when I discovered Outlander, which only goes to show that one is never too middleaged for - sigh - utterly compelling romantic tosh. I'm appalled to say I watched 11 episodes back to back, completely gripped and feel as if I have gorged my way through a big slab of Highland toffee. If only I'd had a nice single malt to wash it all down, but sadly I had to make do with mugs of tea.
Poldark? Ladies, Poldark is nothing ... Poldark is a lukewarm Cornish pasty.
I've never read Diana Gabaldon's historical time travel novels and I don't really want to because, honestly, this is all too preposterous. It is 1945 and Claire, who was an Army nurse, is reunited with her puffy-faced English husband at the end of the war. He looks as if he's escaped from an episode of Foyle's War (and when I googled him, it seems that he really did). But we can forget about him - completely not my type, I'm afraid - because next thing, she's in the middle of some standing stones and  whoosh, she's transported back to Scotland in the 1740s and gorgeous Jamie in his kilt - see above - is rescuing her from the puffy-faced English Redcoat, the sadistic b...... who is her husband's ancestor.
No wonder they had to delay showing it until after the referendum.
It is beautifully filmed - apparently, the most expensive series ever filmed in Scotland - and shame on the BBC for not buying it up for mainstream TV.

9 comments:

Miranda | Miranda's Notebook said...

ooh, I loved watching Outlander too!! Have only seen the first 8 episodes - can't wait for the next ones. Her husband was definitely not my type either - Jamie much better!! And it is so beautifully filmed. xxx

mary said...

I think it's up to 11 or 12, Miranda. I was desperate when I couldn't find the next one but I think that's as far as they've got.
It does make you long to go to Scotland.

mary said...

Sue, this is Poldark meets Fifty Shades of Kilts.

Anonymous said...

I have never heard of this, I must investigate. Off to Scotland ourselves on 8th May, I can hardly wait!

mary said...

If you're off to the Highlands, this will put you in the mood, Toffeeapple.

Sunday Taylor said...

Absolutely adore this! Jamie is just so...hmm, no words! I have heard it referred to as "50 shades of tartan"! I am off to the Highlands partly because of this show.

mary said...

It's doing a great job for Scottish tourism, Sunday. Everybody who's watching seems to be hooked.

Lesley Anne said...

Thank you so much for this recommendation. Absolutely brilliant escapism. only downside is that it is completely addictive- have just spent the last hour (9-10 this morning!) watching episode 9 rather than getting on with my day! Also have ordered wool to knit some of Claire's lovely accessories!

mary said...

I think it's probably just as well I can't knit, Lesley Anne! I'd love to have one of those tartan throws!