Series Review: Episode 1, Sassenach; Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Rating:  Thumbs Up

If you have read Diana Gabaldon Outlander series you are sure to enjoy this television series brought to you by Starz.  I love to read time travel/fantasy romances, but you may not believe this, but I have never read one of Diana's books.  And after watching the first episode, I have to say that I'm glad that I haven't.  It also makes history much more interesting and not boring like back in school.

There have been book series that have been turned into movies, like Nora Roberts' novels, and I like the movies better than the books.  Then there are other authors, like Stephenie Meyer, that I enjoyed the movie and I just couldn't seem to make myself read the book because I didn't want to disappointment myself.

I do have cable but not any of the pay movie channels.  I heard that this series was coming out and I sat on the fence but after watching this episode, and looking forward to when Lisa Renee Jones series Inside Out comes to Starz, it was my deciding factor to take the chance and to be a  subscriber.  I could watch it on Xfinity (yes I have Comcast) but you still need to have a subscription.

This first episode starts in the future - not our present but our past.  The war has just ended for Great Britain and our female character, Claire, is celebrating a second honeymoon with her husband.  This honeymoon sets off a series of events that take Claire into the past.

If you love men in kilts, you are going to enjoy seeing some of the men that she encounters.  It still left me wondering what they have underneath.  This may come to light as the series continues.  I watched this first episode, which is free at Starz.com right now (http://www.starz.com/freefullepisodes/videos/video/6dd18f29a87b4d3188e9963c7bf68e67), on my computer and even though the screen was small I enjoyed every minute.  You got the sense that you were there right along with our main character.  There's was some strong language (or what they would consider strong) along with a near rape, some adventure, some action, some blood (in case you get queasy), and yes even sex.  The only thing I questioned is that the men didn't seem to be puzzled by what she had on.

I think that this is a series that I want to take a chance on.  Am I disappointed that it's not on regular cable - sure.  But if it were on regular cable then you would have commercials and you probably wouldn't have the nudity.  Plus it might not have stayed true to the book series.  I'm also glad it's not on Netflix because then I'd have to get another subscription in order to watch it there.  This is not a series for children to watch because of the nudity and language (unless you are cool with that).

One thing I've decided on is that once this season is complete, I will give the book a chance and hope that I won't be disappointed as I have been in the past.  I hope that it gets enough of a viewing that it will return for a season two.  Maybe you can also give this series a chance and if you need an incentive watch the trailer above and then go and watch the free first episode.  If you need more incentive stop by the Outlander page, http://www.starz.com/originals/outlander,  and check out the cast.  If you can't afford an extra channel, check to see if any of your friends are going to have viewing parties. -- Looking forward to episode two :)

If you do watch this episode, please come back and let me know what you think.  Are you willing to take a chance on this series?  What are you looking forward to?