Better to Marry Than Burn

Season 5 Episode 506

Directed by Meera Menon

Written for Television by Stephanie Shannon

 

Jocasta shares her heart and difficult history. Murtagh tries to sway her away from marrying. Governor Tryon continues to cause trouble for Jamie. Jamie has a crisis of pride and hurts Claire. Claire hatches a plan that gets her 20th-century self in trouble. Roger finally gets R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Jemmy becomes the heir apparent.                                          Forbes is a bad Hobbitses.                                                              War with the Regulators is back on.

 

Perpetual Adoration

Season 5 Episode 5

Written for Television by Alyson Evan and Steve Koracki

Directed by Meera Menon

It all feels very Greek tragedy with the webs and spinners. 

Claire is contemplative, hesitant, and pushed to discover how important a single patient was to her finding her way back to Jamie. 

Jamie, as ever, a man of honor, duty, and blood defends his family from incursion, exposure, and takes a life.

Roger's insecurities get the upper hand yet again before he is wisely counseled by Claire and the picture comes into clearer view for him moving forward.

Brianna's own webs of deceit unravel and she is exposed to Roger before they can make peace and work together. 

And for now and forever because of his introduction, Adso will be known as "Murder Kitty". 

 

 

In this podcast episode I discuss both 503 Free Will and 504 Company We Keep.

Roger is having incredible growing pains in the 18th century both in his relationship with Jamie and in his feelings of adequacy and fitting in.

Brianna is processing through her trauma and assault even more deeply now that she's learned Stephen Bonnet is alive. Her fear is causing her to panic and not think clearly. In this, Marsali proves to be a friend.

The Beardsley home and property are ill-kept with several secrets within. Jamie and Claire discover a shocking truth when they try to free the Beardsley brothers from their indenture. In the end, they leave with the proper papers, a herd of goats, and a wee bonnie bundle. 

Brownsville is rife with conflict, sorrow, adultery, an interesting broadsheet, and merriment. 

Claire and Jamie make a profound decision that draws them closer together.

And as ever, love, foolish or wise, wins.

 

Jamie Fraser is The King of men walking the razor's edge of loyalty, honor, and oaths between the Crown and his people. 

Murtagh Fitzgibbons has become a man of blood while stirring the Regulators to violence and rage. 

Claire Fraser is a frustrated 20th-century physician feeling stuck in the ways of the 18th. 

Roger Wakefield MacKenzie is feeling inadequate and cannot seem to find a useful place in the 18th-century. He wants to go home to the 20th-century.

Brianna Randall Fraser MacKenzie is struggling with trauma and desiring to stay near family in the 18th-century. 

Marsali Fraser is caught between two mothers and curiosity. 

Stephen Bonnet believes he is a father and wants what's his. 

Season 5 Episode 1

"The Fiery Cross"

Written for Television by Matthew B. Roberts

Directed by Stephen Woolfenden

The people of Fraser's Ridge, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the wedding of Roger MacKenzie and Brianna Ellen Randall Fraser. The big house was almost complete. Memories were shared and made, drinking games, feasting, dancing, romance, threat, treachery, bonding, politics, oaths, and a release of oath all happened in the two days lived onscreen.

Season 5 Episode 1 is the strongest opening episode only behind Season 1 Episode 1.  It was written with the deft hand of Mattew B. Roberts leading the writers' room. It inhabited the spirit of the written word and achieved an adaptation that stood beautifully on its own with well-crafted storytelling that requires no external explanation. 

From storyline references, character development, foreshadowing, costuming, hair, acting, music, variations of emotion and tone, all the way to the set design, no elements are left wanting. 

This season is looking to be a spectacular ride. 

Call or email me to share your thoughts and comments at 719-425-9444 or [email protected]. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.

The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Visit Outlander Starz on social media, like or follow: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and the official website. All photos are the property of Starz/SONY PICTURES TELEVISION INC.

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THE INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC SEGMENTS ARE TAKEN FROM A PIECE BY DAMIANO BALDONI AT URL ON FREE MUSIC ARCHIVE. CURATOR: CCCOMMUNITY. COPYRIGHT: CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL–NODERIVATIVES 4.0: HTTP://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-NC-ND/4.0/

 

The Fiery Cross

Installment 13

Chapters 23-25

Domesticity, Building Bonds, and Duty

Chapters:

23 – The Bard

24 – Playing with Fire

25 – The Angeling of My Rest

Summary:  Roger returns with mission incomplete. The baby is cranky. Brianna is at her wit's end. Roger gets beautified. He’ll sing to help Jamie prepare the guests. Roger gives an uncomfortable history lesson to Brianna. Roger sings to an appreciative crowd. Jamie calls the men to duty. Roger reflects. Jamie and Claire find respite in their room. Jamie writes a letter.

Setting: The settlement of Fraser’s Ridge, NC – December 1, 1770

Active Characters:

• Claire
• Jamie
• Brianna
• Roger

Of Interest:

• A peek into domestic life Roger and Brianna style.
• Jamie’s inspiring music list.
• The fiery cross in the yard.
• Roger warmed the crowd up for Jamie’s main event.
• The main event.
• Roger’s inner thoughts as he sings.
• Jamie’s physical reaction before…
• The need for private moments to ground and reassure.
• Claire’s happiness at leaving on an adventure.
• “Can you remember everything you did today?”
• A bedtime devotion brought on by a memory.
• Jamie’s letter to Lord John and the significance.

Links:

• Ho Ro! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c55j8teqiOM
• Birniebouzle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alBk-BTnxXI&list=RDalBk-BTnxXI&start_radio=1
• The Great Silkie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSxrH8yYI_E
• Killiecrankie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3Kp590Ovsw
• The Haughs of Cromdale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n24v5_sOx0Q
• The Sherrifsmuir Fight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TkQkyXV-M4
• Johnnie Cope - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcZ4uMmF0vw

 

Images are CC or Wiki Commons unless produced by ADoO or otherwise specified. Featured image.

 

Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or [email protected]. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.

 

The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the A Dram of Outlander Community

Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below!

Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr

To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page.

Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

The Fiery Cross

Installment 12

Chapters 21-22

Chapters:

21 – Twenty-Twenty

22 – The Fiery Cross

Summary: Claire administers an eye examination. Mrs. Bug takes ownership of the running of the big house. A family with a sordid past comes to visit. Claire worries. Claire struggles with the changes to come. Fight. Fight. Fight. Solace is found outdoors. Jamie ceremonially prepares for the changes ahead. The men Jamie calls to arms must come of their own volition. A family member is asked to join Jamie in the fight.

Setting: The settlement of Fraser’s Ridge, NC - Fall

Active Characters:

• Claire
• Roger
• Brianna
• Jamie
• Bug
• The Muellers
• Chisolm

Events:

• Claire exams Roger’s eyes. Roger doesn’t have binocular vision. He isn’t able to shoot at moving targets. He has eyes like a hawk! But the real question is, is it genetic?
• Mrs. Bug is in her element cooking and caring for Jamie, Claire, and those staying at the ridge or in the big house.
• The Muellers being at The Ridge is challenging since Gerhard is the one who scalped the local Tuscarora who he thought cursed his family with the measles.
• Claire does careful math of the stores to ensure Mrs. Bug isn’t being too elaborate with the feeding. Claire cleverly hides the special foods, so they won’t get gobbled up. She also worries about vitamin deficiency over Winter.  
• Claire’s botched penicillin experiment and the catfight between Mrs. Bug and Mrs. Chisolm.
• Claire yearns for the predictability of home, hearth, and her surgery.
• Everyone present is at their wits end with the overcrowded spaces and rowdy children. Brianna snaps. Claire decidedly finds the male folk easier to be around than a bunch of women.
• The echoes of Nayawenne visit Claire as she walks with Jemmy.
• Claire having unsuccessfully visited the malting shed to find some helpful whisky for Jemmy’s sore gums, happens upon Jamie bathing by the spring. He is in the act of ritually cleaning himself.
• After Jamie’s prayer reached its conclusion, Claire and Jemmy join him. Of course, Jamie has a flask of the holy water to soothe his sore gums.
• Jamie explains the calling of the clans for war as he had seen Dougal perform.
• There is a deep understanding that he is not clan chief or laird of the peoples on The Ridge or in the backcountry. The men must come by free will.
• Jamie walks a fine line of a loyalist who will have to turn traitor.
• Jamie shares it was his Uncle Dougal he was seeking for help when he prayed.

 

Images are CC or Wiki Commons unless produced by ADoO or otherwise specified. Featured image.

 

Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or [email protected]. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.

 

The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the A Dram of Outlander Community

Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below!

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To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page.

Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

The Fiery Cross

Installment 11

Chapters 19-20

Chapters:

• 19 - The Devil Ye ken
• 20 – Shooting Lessons

Summary: The activities of the Ridge create a picture of the day today. A friend visits bearing news. Brianna and Roger go hunting. The dangers of the 18th century run through Brianna’s mind. Only one has experience with a gun. A willing student Roger makes, but a great shot he is not. Memories of a dear one surface. Roger makes a confession. They play a game only travelers can play. Lactating breasts need relief. A fowl encounter happens on the way home. Brianna was purposely prepared for the 18th.

Setting: The settlement of Fraser’s Ridge, NC

Active Characters:

• Jamie
• Claire
• Herman Husband
• Roger
• Brianna
• Brianna’s lactating breasts

Events:

• Hermon Husband visits the Ridge seeking to sell a horse and carrying a letter. He’s being heavily fined and must sell whatever he can to pay or leave. The letter he brings is in service of the Regulators to meet friends versus foes. Jamie and he discuss friendship and duty. Jamie is called to bring his militia when the Regulators are set to assemble in Salisbury.
• Brianna and Roger go into the wilderness to hunt.
  • Brianna demonstrates how to handle the gun to Roger’s aw, appreciation, and astonishment.
  • Another animal is added to the farm’s menagerie, Jerusha AKA Mistress Piggy.
  • Brianna experiences mama guilt because she needed a break.
  • The hazards of the 18th century can easily lead to death.
  • The memory of Young Ian infiltrated Roger and Brianna’s outing.
  • Another round of “20th-century foods I miss” is played and arrived at “How Pizza Came to the Colonies.”
  • Roger assists Brianna in relieving her milk full breasts.
  • Insight into Brianna’s shooting skills and how odd it was that Daddy Frank was determined she has outdoor skills.

 

Images are CC or Wiki Commons unless produced by ADoO or otherwise specified. Featured image.

 

Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or [email protected]. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.

 

The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the A Dram of Outlander Community

Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below!

Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr

To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page.

Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

Hello, A Dram of Outlander listeners. The podcast is back after an unexpected and unavoidable hiatus. We're jumping right back in with The Fiery Cross chapters 19-23 on June 25th. 

Thank you for your patience! Join me for the next many months as we tackle the GIGANTIC book five in the Outlander series. 

Desirre

Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or [email protected]. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.

 The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the A Dram of Outlander Community

Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below!

Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr

To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page.

Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

The Fiery Cross

Week 10

Chapters 17 & 18

Chapters:

• 17 - Watchfire
• 18 – No Place Like Home

Summary:  The Gathering and the longest day draws to a close. Jamie ponders the act of surrender. There is a call to duty. The caravan heads to Fraser’s Ridge. Jamie happens upon a spirit-filled place. A gift for Claire is picked up amongst the trees. There is fear for what might be found at the Ridge. Homecoming is sweet and noisy. A wee posy for Claire. For what is a sponge?  Roger gives Brianna something practical and special. It’s not a dream.

Setting: The settlement of Fraser’s Ridge, NC

Active Characters:

• Jamie
• Claire
• Roger
• Brianna

What’s Happening:

• The Gathering is winding down and Jamie takes notice.
• To surrender and not lose oneself.
• Jamie’s call to duty.
• Jamie has a spiritual encounter.
• A feisty wee kitten is found.
• Jamie’s reticence at returning home.
• The relief of homecoming and Mrs. Bug.
• A wee posy for Claire in light of the lost gift.
• The parallels of sponges.
• Plump like a hen.
• Roger’s posy to Brianna more practicality than romance.
• A dream and a gift discovered.

Images are CC or Wiki Commons unless produced by ADoO or otherwise specified. Featured image.

Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or [email protected]. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.

The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the A Dram of Outlander Community

Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below!

Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr

To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page.

Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.