So for Jamie to accept Claire’s word, without hesitation, says a lot. The message was clear: women are not to be trusted, even by other women. The women weren’t believed but the men went unchallenged. The two female witnesses were routinely challenged and almost made to look foolish, but Laoghaire (exemplifying the catty stereotype of women), the priest, and the crazy guy were never challenged. I was also really impressed to how they wove the themes of the show throughout this episode. She really believed Claire had been sent back for a reason perhaps Geillis’ goal had always been to change the past and therefore change the future? Did she really come back, from 1968 (23 years later than Claire), to help the Jacobites win? There are so many possibilities now.
There are more time travelers around Geillis obviously knew how to get back and could’ve done so, but decided against it. Her reveal as a woman from the future was incredible. But then, (and I didn’t catch this till after), Geillis realizes that she’s going to die, and she yells at Claire, “Looks like I’m going to a f***ing barbecue.” There was a throwaway line in the first episode of the season in which Jamie asks what “f***ing” meant, and it’s played as just a cutesy little moment that reminds us of the past. It makes so much sense, and was set up so subtly. The reveal of Geillis as a woman from 1968 just blew my mind. The first half of this first season was essentially perfect to me, save a few moments here and there.
reality and all sorts of things that fascinate me.
It discusses feminist ideology and perception v. It’s got a beautiful setting, strong characters (and actors to fill them), and the plot they’re creating is as interesting and bold as anything on television.