In this week in Outlander history: Dragonfly in Amber
Outlander Season 2 came to an end in this week in Outlander history. It was time to start the excruciating Droughtlander, but first a look back at the episode.
In this week in Outlander history, the second season of the series came to an end. “Dragonfly in Amber” aired, sending Claire back to Frank, meeting Brianna and Roger for the first time, and learning Jamie’s fate at Culloden. It was also the start of the excruciating Droughtlander. How did we manage it again?
We knew how the season would end. The Outlander Season 2 premiere had already given that away. Claire had to go back through the stones, knowing that the Battle of Culloden would take place and Jamie would likely die on the battlefield. What we didn’t know was how it would all play out in the end.
Reactions to “Dragonfly in Amber”
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There were a few mixed reviews at the time of the episode. Some of the negatives came from elements missed out in the series that were in the books–most notable the carving of initials in the thumbs. This is something that the showrunners have said they want to bring in, but they’re now trying to find the best way to do it. It just didn’t fit the series at the time, unlike how it fit in the novel. This is something that comes with adapting an 800+ tome into 13 hour-long episodes.
For the most part, viewers were glued to the screen; drawn into the emotions from Claire and Jamie. Caitriona Balfe certainly sold it, knowing that she had no choice but to walk away from Jamie and the 18th century.
Highlights of the episode
The writers wasted no time with the idea of stopping Culloden. After realizing in the last episode that the battle would go ahead, the idea to kill Bonnie Prince Charlie came up. Claire and Jamie had no time to even discuss what they would need, except knowing they’d need whatever Claire gave to Colum. Dougal heard them and that meant we’d have to instantly cut that plan and take care of this character. It was a shocking but thrilling goodbye, as Jamie and Claire were both involved in Dougal’s murder.
Fergus was instantly kept out of the battle, tasked with the job of getting Lallybroch’s deed to Jenny. Jamie wanted to make sure the family land remained in his family’s hands and by doing this he could prevent it from being taken as a traitor’s holdings.
Another plus point was definitely the 1960s. We got to meet Brianna and Roger. There was a chance to see Brianna learn that her father wasn’t the man she spent her whole life believing to be. The two learned time travel was real and we got to see Geillis in 1968, setting up her journey to the past.
Overall, it was a strong episode. It’s just a shame this week in Outlander history also meant the start of Droughtlander, as we waiting impatiently for Season 3.
Next: Ranking the Outlander Season 2 episodes
What did you think of “Dragonfly in Amber?” What did you do in this week in Outlander history? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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