Outlander –“Rent” Review. Prepare Yerself for a History Lesson.

Season 1, Episode 5

Air Date: Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

“Even amongst the beautiful landscape, I felt trapped.” – Claire Beauchamp

Claire is the epitome of calm during a really bad storm. Oh yeah, it’s about to rain.

“Rent” goes under the kilt (pun intended) as we continue the Outlander story. The times are taking a turn toward rebellion, and the Clan MacKenzie sets off to collect what is due from their tenants. We all know what a landlord’s responsibilities are to their tenants, and vice versa. Or so we are led to believe in this case. When the men set off on their errand, they don’t only come away with coin. Bonds are forged, respect is earned, and we find out what the Clan men are truly made of. They are a gruff, crude, and smelly bunch, yet loyal to their very core. With that loyalty comes a gentleness the men don’t often show on a day-to-day basis because they have to keep up appearances.

The one exception to the rule is Scottish outlaw Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). Heughan does an excellent job of portraying Jamie’s anger (and shock) using facial expressions, as well as body language, as he watches the goings-on around him. Jamie can’t do much because he has to remain inconspicuous. Sucks to have a price on your head, doesn’t it, Jamie? But the underlying problem stems the feelings he’s developing for a certain time-travelling damsel. When she’s manhandled, he wants to leap to her rescue; when she’s alone, he wants to comfort her; and when she’s standing up for a cause, well, he wants to agree with her. But something stops him. She isn’t his. Yet. For an Outlander insider like me, I’m dying for things to get rolling between Jamie and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) so we can see the bounds a man’s loyalty for his woman can reach.

Random Tidbits

The scenery takes my breath away. What a great decision to film the series in Scotland where the grass glows an emerald green, the sky remains only one hue of the deepest blue, and the lakes are mirror like in appearance. The opening scene alone gives me the chills. A beautiful shot of a still lake and rolling hills sits as a backdrop for one of Claire’s thoughtful moments. She always manages to take time to ponder things in a breathtaking location.

Sorry. You lost me at hot piss.

Claire learns more than she wants to about the Clan MacKenzie and their ‘dealings.’ She remains adrift and is still maneuvering a world she is unfamiliar with, the ways of which would take her years to master. Having a history book handy would certainly help a bit. She’s humbled by the men defending her honor, and it makes me feel what she’s feeling in the moment. You can’t judge a book by its cover. Even if that cover needs to shave, take a bath, and behave with better manners.

Is it fair to hate—or strongly dislike—Dougal (Graham McTavish) now? I’m not so sure. He is not a complete brute but he comes across as a right asshole when he feels the need. The tenderness he shows in one moment falls away when you see him treat his flesh and blood like a means to an end. I don’t understand why blood overrides disrespect and duty. What about that loyalty again? McTavish doesn’t skimp in his portrayal of the often misunderstood Dougal.

I have to make one comment about the clothing in “Rent.” Claire is wearing a spectacular coat that seems a bit out of place. It doesn’t look like something from the 18^th century. I swear I could go out to the mall right now and find something just like it. The fur trim is a blinding white, the length all encompassing, the heft made to keep out the cold. I kind of want one too.

Memorable Lines

Murtaugh to Claire: “You’re a guest of the MacKenzie. We can insult ye, but God help any other man who does.”

Murtaugh Fitzgibbons (Duncan Lacroix)—a man of few words, but words you’d better heed.

Claire: “Is that hot piss?”

Um, what?

Overall

Frank returns in a flashback to give us a short history lesson. Thanks, Frank!

While not the most action packed or progressive episode, “Rent” satisfies my curiosity. I’m enjoying the ride as we follow Claire through the Scottish countryside. The views are spectacular, the kinship familiar, and the sleeping arrangements … questionable at best. Claire may not mind having a hard rock for a pillow, but I sure as heck would. How do you think you would fare if you were in Claire’s situation? As a woman, would you stay quiet while the men make crude sexist jokes? As a man, would you stand by while the only female in your group is being handled roughly? Or would your mind be focused on finding a way back to your life in the future with the aid of a few Redcoats? Dun, dun, dun, dun …

If you are enjoying the trip back in time, drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss. Tune in to Outlander, Saturdays at 9PM ET/PT, only on Starz. For more on the show, visit the official site.

Follow Outlander on Twitter, using #Outlander.

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Elle

Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle