I agree with some of what you've said and you make some valid points especially the bloody need for bloody rescuing AGAIN (PunkRockOldLady look away: This is because Claire is a crap heroine).

That's true. Whatever did happen to all those incredibly talented people? The vile TV machine used them up and spat them out?

That's true but I think he was quite selective in his choice of deputy. I think the fans did realise that, perhaps not to the extent you detail, because there was so much DVD extras interview time with the above named.

Especially as the plots start to stagger drunkenly between snoozefest and bonkers.

I've had this conversation with sigrid previously and I think what she's saying is how much of the PR around shows is geared to manipulation of our feeble minds, mine most definitely!

I've just rewatched the kitchen scene and see what you mean so retract the bit about Mary not being empowered by the stabbing. Her stabbing the rapist was fab; so glad they didn't shy away from it.

I've just rewatched the kitchen scene and retract the bit about Mary not being empowered by the stabbing. She really did gird the loins.

Thank you, gio.

Thank you.

I'm struck again by the beautiful cinematography, art direction, the sets and the overall use of colours and camera composition. And of course the costumes. A visual delight to watch.

I agree Geillis and Jenny are strong female characters and in the case of Jenny a strong leader. Harder for me to tell about Geillis as a leader. I loved that Gabaldon didn't shy away from making her self-interestedly evil.

His malevolence is shown in the tiniest hand and eye gestures and he's so jovially malicious.

I laugh every time I see that.

I wouldn't be a bit surprised. Pretty much no one agrees with my views EVER.

SPOILERS***
I'm reading book 3 now and skimming post Claire in Edinburgh, as PunkRockOldLady suggested. The whole unbelievable conicidence of the nephew and the pirate kidnapping makes me hyperventilate and pass out. I wake up somewhere at the floating of the wrecked ship.

ShowDuke is fantastic and what a brilliant actor. The only actor I can imagine doing an equal job is/was Alan Rickman.

Is it? Woops. I retract immediately!

I re-read books 1&2 this week and appreciate Gabaldon's world much more.

You cumudgeon, you!!

I loved the killing and I thought Mary doing it was wonderful. One act don't make for empowered, though.