April is the new September, with the long-awaited premieres of some of the best TV shows this month, like Mad Men, Louie, Game of Thrones and Veep. But you're going to need to add another show to your watch list: Outlander on Starz.
Based on Diana Gabaldon's book series of the same name, eight episodes of Outlander have already aired. Binge (you can buy it on Amazon and iTunes) and catch up on the show, created by Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica), and get hyped for the season’s final six episodes that will start airing tonight. I was skeptical of the show, but I was quickly drawn in and it's become a favorite.
The words "historical," "time travel" and "romance" may throw people off, but trust me when I tell you that there’s something for everyone. Fans of Game of Thrones will enjoy the political setting of 18th century Scotland that pits Highland clans against British soldiers—there’s plenty of sword fighting and action, too. People who were confused by GoT’s huge cast and expansive world will have a much easier time keeping track of Outlander’s tighter, and historically-set narrative. However, everyone can get behind the (or against) the show’s main characters caught in a love triangle that spans centuries: Claire Beauchamp Randall (Caitriona Balfe), Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and Frank Randall/Jonathan Randall (Tobias Menzies—OMG, Edmure is alive!).
The story starts at the end of World War II when Claire and her husband, Frank, are finally reunited after five years and take a trip to Inverness, Scotland. Both served in the war, Claire as a combat nurse and Frank as an intelligence officer, and while wandering the Scottish countryside, Claire is magically transported to 1743. There’s history, chivalry, women kicking ass, raucous laughter, magic, and romance. And sex—did we mention that Claire takes Jamie's V-card?
The contrast between past and present is just one of many tensions as Outlander shows its true strength in balancing a multitude of opposing facets, from challenging the past’s (and today’s) views and expectation of women to demonstrating how someone can love two men in two different times. It also weaves through the tumultuous relationship between England and Scotland in the 18th century. Plus, the viewers are constantly on edge as the the show’s cruel 18th century villain, Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall, is played by the same actor that portrays Claire's 1945 love, Frank Randall.
Outlander has a gravity and momentum that makes you yearn for more. Will you be on Team Frank, hoping that a husband can find his beloved missing wife? Or will you be on Team Jamie, eagerly waiting for an act of chivalry or a show of boyish charm?
Catch the mid-season premiere on April 4th at 9 p.m. on Starz.
In addition to being a couch potato, Eric Chung is a video game designer by day, and a martial artist by night.
