Outlander series one, Starz

Based on a best-selling series of books by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander very successfully suspends disbelief to time travel between the 1940s and the 1640s and create an epic adventure romance. Costumes and settings are perfect and the casting is close behind. Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe are supremely engaging as the leads, Jamie and Claire, and Tobias Menzies makes a fine fist of two very different characters in two different time zones. There are some strong sex scenes and much has been made of them being filmed from the women’s point of view. This is actually true; they are very powerful and sit comfortably among the adventure and politics of this complex tale of an intense historical period in Scotland. It was frustrating to realise the DVD of series one had been released in two parts. Just as total addiction had set in, there was a wait for the second half. After the early focus on Claire, part two shows more from Jamie’s point of view. The love story is very credible as the chemistry between the leads is off the charts. This show is seriously sexy! Episodes 13 and 14 take a slightly strange, slow meander that doesn’t really add much to the story, but does serve as a suitable lull to heighten the impact of the violence and trauma of the last two episodes. Those familiar with the book expect it but it is still harrowing and hard to watch, perhaps made more so by the anticipation. All in all, series one is a very good adaptation of the book, taking all the good things from it and making them better. Roll on series two. Not to mention three and four, which are already in the pipeline.