The Outlander season 3 Jamie – Brianna discussion, a.k.a. trust the process
Therefore, we find it curious seeing what some of the interactions are to various scenes, and for us the most interesting reaction that came out of “A. Malcolm” came following the scene where Jamie saw pictures of Brianna for the first time. It was written in the original script, after all, that he broke down after seeing her in photographs.
This is a moment that executive producers Maril Davis and Tony Graphia addressed in a weekly writers Q&A with fans on social media (see below), and it’s one that drew some criticism for those who wanted to see him more emotional in an external sense.
Yet, does this actually mean that Jamie wasn’t emotional in an internal sense? Let’s discuss.
There is something to be said for quiet introspection and processing events within your own time. There are people who are often more closed-off than others, and for Jamie, what he may have been experiencing in that moment was such a profound sense of shock that seeing her was still reeling in his head. This is a man who was not only reunited with a woman he thought he would never see again, but he was seeing pictures of his daughter through a medium that did not exist in his time period. There are so many conflicting emotions in his mind as of that moment that he may not have been able to feel any one thing exclusively. In life, we cannot judge someone who reacts emotionally in a different way than we anticipate; why do so for the character of Jamie? It’s clear that he loves his daughter — it’s one of the biggest reasons he sent Claire away in the first place. We saw his reaction to the photos more as him taking his time and eventually taking in this moment for himself as opposed to making a big showcase of it. It’s something he can ponder over and the photos will remain with him.
For those of you who do want to see a dramatic reunion scene with Jamie and Brianna, it’s possible that moment comes down the road and it will echo most of what some fans wanted from this scene. We didn’t have any problem with how the “A. Malcolm” moment played out, which is why we didn’t write anything negative about it in our recent CarterMatt episode review. To us, there is a sort of foresight within the way it played out. If there is a Jamie – Bree reunion scene down the road it could be broader and more emotional; with that, the show won’t be playing the same beats multiple times and giving you something new when it happens.
Ultimately, we found Jamie’s reaction lovely, and almost a perfect example of light and shade within an episode with many broader moments and emotion. As the great Joel Embiid once said about a billion times over, trust the process. Outlander hasn’t done us wrong to date.
What did you think about this Outlander scene and how it played out? Share below!
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MaryBeth Havel
October 27, 2017 @ 10:08 pm
I am a rabid book fan. Yet I am also totally wrapped up in the show. Both give me such different views of the same saga and both views are addicting. My 1st viewing is ALWAYS a disconnect. My heart and mind argue over what’s what and what’s not. The second viewing allows me to SEE the show without the book hitting me in the head. I found many things in this episode jarring,some still are. The photo’s, not so much. The glasses more so….the WILLIE thing has me crying. So Outlander , in ALL it’s forms ( i do audio too) is magical, emotional, and I can’t get enough!
Chris F
October 26, 2017 @ 9:00 pm
I agree with the fact that this is the BEST TV show currently on and everyone connected to it is doing a spectacular, undeniable job of perfection. Yes, it’s an interpretation/adaptation so go with the flow of a visual appreciation vs. the book. Every moment is packed with poetry and exquisite performances that only add another dimension of appreciation for one of the best romances and adventures ever. Quit complaining about nit picky preferences. You shoot the messenger for lacking the ability to appreciate the message.
Daisy3161
October 26, 2017 @ 8:52 pm
I don’t necessarily think that the negativity/issue was the lack of emotion during the picture scene. Personally, I didn’t expect him to breakdown full of tears. And I can understand the internalisation of the emotion, but when that internalisation takes multipltiple discussion and SM posts to make clear, it was not executed well. I think that if they had left this scene to be just about Bree and the pics (no William introduction/discussion), there would not have been as big of a hullabaloo. That internal shock he wanted to convey would not have fallen as flat.
I think a big reason why it fell flat for a lot of people (and me) was because he rebounded from that internalised struggle pretty quickly when he told claire about willie. The contrast between the two was so striking that it made it seem like he didn’t care about Bree, but cared more about Willie. Yes, I know that he was there for his early years and helped raise him but Bree was the reason why he sent his wife away and why he hasn’t seen her in 20 years!
I like that they introduced Willie earlier than in the books (it didn’t make sense for Jamie to have 2 big secrets to keep from Claire), but I just wish that the reveal was literally not 1 second after the last picture view of Bree.
This episode is full of long shots by the director. I think that if they had let it breath a little bit longer between the two discussions, we would not even be having this discussion.
I really liked the episode overall. Not sure if my expectiations were too high but it wasn’t a perfect episdoe (wedding episode was perfection). Yes creative choices were made around this scene, and whether it was in the actor’s creative choice, the editing, or the directing, it fell flat.
Jennifer Root
October 26, 2017 @ 5:04 pm
I was fine with it.. felt it was emotional. The only thing I didn’t entirely like is that he showed the the miniature of Willie already.. but, it’s not anything that’s a big deal to me. Just added to the drama when Claire first sees LJG with Jamie.
Gv
October 26, 2017 @ 4:11 pm
I respectfully disagree. Although I LOVE Sam Heughan’s portrayal of Jamie Fraser, and I don’t think there is another actor on earth who could embody Jamie as well as he does- I totally disagree with the way he interpreted this scene. I think he came across as way too cool in seeing Brianna for the first time. If his emotional reaction was meant to be internal – then it was too internal. He came across as having very little emotional reaction. I’m obviously not the only fan who feels this way. Although I love the show and Sam, I don’t like the way he performed this scene.
Linda Trout
October 27, 2017 @ 4:14 pm
I agree, I think if this scene had really told the story we wouldn’t be debating, rewatching, articles written, writers explaining, Sam explaining we, the audience, the fans would have scene and felt the emotions. It just simply wasn’t there and it seems like we are trying too hard to find it. Probably because we do love the show and the actors and story! What really is bothering me is the SHOCK, DISMAY, many fans have to anyone saying it fell flat for them. Why?? I’m not trying to take away your joy in the TV show I am just expressing an opinion. It seems if we express an opinion that the TV show isn’t PERFECT and the actors PERFECT we are labeled negative and told to stop. Why? I love the show too, I watch every episode some multiple times, I have read all the books so far multiple times too but if I don’t think a particular scene within a whole episode worked for me then its ok to call me negative etc…I don’t understand…I am just as much a fan as everyone else!!
Hoosiermama
October 26, 2017 @ 3:21 pm
I thought it was very well done. He’s a man who’s held his emotions in for over 20 years. I saw tears, and I also saw a man who FINALLY had the person he could confide anything to…and he wanted to tell her about the son he could not mention to anyone else.
Sherry Riley
October 26, 2017 @ 1:30 am
It is so sad to read the negative feedback from some of the Outlander fandom. Considering all the hard work, time, and money that go into making such an epic drama, it is frustrating to see them pick apart these episodes apart like an overcooked turkey!
Anyone who has an issue with The Reunion Episode needs to make their own version and quit harassing the Outlander Family! There is always going to be something that may be changed during the course of making a television series from a set of popular books….that is why it’s called an ADAPTATION!
My suggestion is to start writing more about what you liked about the show and leave the whining comments at the back door. There is a saying about being careful what you wish for….don’t allow disappointment cause negativity to flow into the Best Series on TV! Isn’t there enough of it in the world already?
I support Outlander and everyone associated with it, even when I don’t always agree. They are A+ on my report card and I pray that they don’t allow some disgruntled viewers to influence the choices they make in putting each season together.
To all the cast and crew…..Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to a unique and fascinating look into a special relationship and journey of a lifetime! Continued success as filming progresses on Season Four! Slainte mhath!
Janet Ewaskiewicz
October 25, 2017 @ 8:46 pm
Film is a collaborative medium, while writing a book is not (unless there are multiple authors, which is most decidedly not the case with Diana Gabaldon’s work). What plays beautifully on the page doesn’t always translate as well in a visual medium. “Going quietly to pieces” is a lovely image in the book, but I think this is one of those scenes that could have been “too much” if we watched it on screen. That’s apparently how Sam Heughan felt. He’s the one who had to act the part, and I have no problem at all with the way he portrayed Jamie going weak in the knees and having to sit down before looking at more of the pictures of Brianna. I also was fine with his mentioning Willie now. I always expected it to come up sooner in the books, so it’s fine the way they did it here. It’s an adaptation. It’s never going to be “exactly the same as the books” because everyone visualizes the scenes in their own mind. It’s never the same for everyone. Thanks so much for writing this article, Matt.
Darlene Cates
October 25, 2017 @ 7:58 pm
I thought is was very well done. I felt the emotion and the longing. These 2 are slowly getting reacquainted. Jamie showed great emotion – especially when he sat down and closed his eyes – like he was seeing Bree and imagining her. I believe the adaptation of the book series has been brilliant. I am enjoying each moment. I will never understand the harsh critics of each minute of the episode. I enjoy the changes as they come. The book is always there and I can read it any time. The series is a wonderful adaptation of a beloved book. Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe are fabulous as Jamie and Claire.
Lapequenafuriaparlante
October 25, 2017 @ 8:33 pm
People are sometimes so damn picky.
Lapequenafuriaparlante
October 25, 2017 @ 7:34 pm
I don’t know what these other people were watching. I mean they expected some sort of SAPPY and Moppy episode a la Hallmark. The episode was good!
Alison Birks
October 25, 2017 @ 6:19 pm
No complaints here, part of the silent majority. He (Jamie) reacted physically he moved over to the bed and lowered himself onto the bed holding onto the wall. The guy is genius at acting without words as well as with.
kmc
October 25, 2017 @ 6:17 pm
I am shocked, actually, at all the criticism. I have read all the books and some of the choices made me wonder about how other book scenes will play out, but Outlander the TV show has done a masterful job adapting Diana Gabaldon’s vision of the love and adventures of Claire and Jamie Fraser. The costumes, the sets, the screen writers, the actors and Scotland have brought this wonderful world to us and I, too, will trust in the process. I haven’t been let down.
Sherri Hass Lewis
October 25, 2017 @ 5:15 pm
I think it was done perfectly. Everyone has their own ‘vision’ of how it should play. I, for one, am sick of all the criticism!