Based on the mega bestseller Diana Gabaldon books, the decade-long Outlander series combines time travel dramas (modern day Claire and various others travel between modern day America or Scotland and 18th century Scotland and American-Civil-War-era United States), sumptuous, deep love affairs (Claire and James Fraser, a Scottish warrior, for example), and realistic historical fictional tales. The ongoing series possess wonderful narrative momentum, brilliant plot surprises, romance, lust (the least engaging portion in my opinion), acute character portrayals, and exploration of human themes. In other words, Gabaldon has created in her books a fertile historical fantasy setup that has been, for the most part, translated effectively to the screen. The series derives its core appeal from the superlative acting of Catriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in the two central roles, plus fine acting from an extended supporting cast. Season 7 covers a period just prior to the climax of the Civil War, plus a back-and-forth-in-time drama featuring Claire’s daughter and her husband. In contrast to the best seasons, which have complex, compelling plots, Season 7 flags badly in its middle half section, but the scene setting involved in this “downtime” viewing period has a payoff: the final two episodes, thick in the Civil War’s fury and horrors, remind us why we continue to watch Outlander with enjoyment.
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