I had a free weekend of STARZ last weekend, and I ended up watching about four episodes of the Outlander marathon. Let’s not kid ourselves: this is not a great show. It’s fun, it’s bodice-ripping, it’s silly, and the story makes little to no sense. It’s not “good TV” but it’s watchable. That’s mainly due to the beautiful locations and chemistry between the two leads, Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe. They do have a lot of heat together, which is nice. Sam is very good at smoldering while saying some truly absurd lines.
Anyway, the second season premieres this weekend, and there was a big premiere event in NYC last night. Some of you have asked for more (or ANY) coverage of Sam Heughan, so here you go. I’m including lots of photos of Sam plus some pics of Caitriona (her name sounds like a cocktail) and “the other dude,” Tobias Menzies. Tobias plays the husband in 1945 and the bad guy/redcoat in the 19th century. Personally, I think Tobias is a stronger actor than Sam, but I’m guessing the ladies aren’t looking for world-class acting when they’re looking at Sam.
So, Sam Heughan: would you hit it? I would hit it… on the show. He really does smolder on the show. In real life? I don’t know. I’m not really feeling it in these photos.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet.
PUT HIM IN THE KILT AND BACK AWAY SLOWLY. HE’S MINE!
Love this!
That hairstyle is doing nothing to hide his five-head.
It’s for the role. He does look better with short tousled hair.
LOL… what’s a five head?
LOL a five-head is a large forehead. Sometimes you can be a six-head, seven-head etc.
I’d take him but I want him in a kilt. It’s actually part two of Season one, this is not Season two yet.
And this is where they lost me. I watched the first half of season one. Its certainly wasn’t perfect but I think they did a very good job with the source material. And then you have to wait 4 months to see the second half of Season one. So after a little while I rewatched the available episodes. And then it all falls apart. For me these split seasons of TV shows are a kick in the teeth for viewers. Just play them all one a week and leave me alone!!!.
He’s hot on the show. But he does nothing for me when I see him in real life.
As for Outlander, it’s terrible.
I don’t find him hot on the show either.
Outlander is one of the worst books I’ve ever read, I hoped the show would be better but it wasn’t.
Outlander is awful. The books and the show. The story makes little sense and the rules of the time traveling are questionable.
The author in looks and in interviews reminded me of el james. Total control over the on screen adaptation and poor writing skills.
All that aside! Kaiser. After you watch the 2nd to last episode of the 1st season “The Wedding” there’s not even a question if anyone would hit it. There’s just be 1 giant Yes!
I love the book and the show!
I wanted NOT to like it as I knew it was neither great lit nor great TV, but I couldn’t help myself – I ended up addicted. I love time travel stories and am particularly fond of the era between WWII and the1970s in Britain. Trying not to hate myself but . . . signed on . . . hook line and sinker
Even though I stated all those issues I’m stuck too. I’m still watching and 5 books deep.
Florc
I agree with you! Kaiser stopped watching before it got good! I was almost about to stop watching myself because i thought it was boring … Then I went online and READ what was coming and I wasn’t disappointed with The Wedding ep.
I think they learned a lesson from season 1A and have made 1B action filled right out of the gate! LOTS of hawt, sexy ,monkey loves scenes in the first two 1B episodes also. 🙂 Watch it!
He is much hotter on the show than he is in real life. I am still undecided on the show, I was not overly impressed with the first half. The real stars of the show is Caitronia Balfe, whose performance holds it together. Tobias Menzies is doing a really good job in a dual role.
I would not hit it but I wouldn’t mind sitting down and having a chat with him. He does seem like a nice guy.
It’s actually part 2 of season 1, but they had such a long hiatus that it may as well be season 2.
And Sam is hot but this hairstyle is a crime against his hotness. Too bad…
I was about to respond that lol…finally it’s here!!!! Can’t wait anymore!
I thought it was odd the way they left the season and plot, but Starz has been running promo like it’s season 2.
Either way the way the books go this cast will age and the time traveling will sketchier. Not to mention all these characters that have been introduced, but aren’t getting their proper storylines which add greatly to understanding the story.
I’ve read all the novels and the plots get more convoluted after book 3. You really do need the accompanying guide “The Outlandish Companion” to keep characters and plots straight.
You are in the minority, as many critics think it is a great show. As a fan of the books for years, I appreciate the writers respect to the source material.
Cait, who plays Claire is incredible! Her acting, embodying the beloved Claire close to perfection. Tobias, Sam, Graham, these are all incredible actors as well. The casting was superb.
And, Sam is a hottie to look at and listen too, he is such a sweet guy.
I have been really happy so far with the show and how close it is sticking to the book. I could see how non-readers might not be fully invested yet, but I think the second half of the season could change that. Sam and Caitrona have great chemistry!
I’ve heard the books are better than the show, but then I remember that the author compared using her characters in fanfiction to “white slavery,” and I don’t feel like she deserves my readership.
Those with white skin were slaves and very mistreated. Salvery was world wide and in all cultures/ethnicities.
FLORC,
You evidently missed my point. She compared fanfic writers USING HER FICTIONAL CHARACTERS IN A STORY to the actual horrors of real life slavery. The fact that she used the term “white slavery” also implies that she was specifically thinking of American black slavery and is ignorant to the widespread use of human trafficking. Does that clarify the issue for you?
Thank you! I love the show and think it is very well done with great actors. Some people can’t get passed the time travel which is a plot device. Like those who could watch ‘house’ because no doctor is like that- it’s a show!
I read the books and the time travel is the last thing that bothers me. The characters are awful, the storytelling is bad – iit’s basically sex spread over 900 pages.
Yup. EL James style writing. It’s lazy and inconsistent, but the chemistry on screen between claire and Jamie. That’s kind of all this show is running on.
He looks like the Viking.
He does. The Scottish people have one of the highest percentages of Viking, Scandinavian blood as they raided North Scotland and stayed.
Interesting! We have a lot of Scots in our family lineage, that explains why we’re all so freaking tall. (I’m nearly 6′, & I’m short in my family)
um….is Catriona pregnant?? Lest we forget, she’s the thinnest thin that ever thinned on the show! And a former VS model!
I doubt it, the angle that she is standing at just makes her seem to have a bump. On other photos she looks flat.
I thought I saw a little shadow of a bump too – normally I wouldn’t think much of it but she’s usually TINY.
It is hilarious how hit and miss this guy is! In the show-so hot. Granted, the kilt doesn’t hurt at all, but they seem to know what to do with his hair. Left to his own devices, he keeps going back to this long straight look that just isn’t working for him. That five head. Oy.
He is a pretty good actor – not just anyone gets nominated for a Laurence Olivier award! But am scottish as well so am biased. And yes I would regardless of whether he was wearing the kilt or not 😉
Haven’t seen the show but have read some of the books and the source material is very cheesey and cliche. The cast clearly do their very best with iffy dialogue.
In fairness, the show picks up significantly after Episode 4. Under no circumstances should one stop before Episode 7.
absolutely, this!!! the show is a complete snoozefest until 7!
It’s 1 giant tease until the wedding. That’s all it is. A big ole tease.
Agree. I’ve re-run some of the earlier episodes to make sure I hadn’t missed anything and the only one I really enjoyed re-watching was the wedding. I liked how they did the ceremony as a flashback rather than an opening scene. Both are good actors and have great chemistry together. But, that damn Frank..he makes me uncomfortable. Tobias is a good actor, too, but I just can’t abide either of his characters. And, yes, Sam has a five head like Tom Mison, but I’d hit ’em both.
YES, definitely hit them both!
Of course, I would!!
All those pix, Kaiser, and none in the kilt?!?! What did WE do?
Not completely OT, since it’s another STARZ show- When is Black Sails ever gonna get some love on this site? They just had an intense finale that makes way for Outlander to return.
And when I say, show some love to Black Sails, I mean the incomparable Toby Stephens and his superb Captain Flint: http://www.canaltnt.es/sites/default/files/capitan-flint6.jpg
Back to Outlander: it’s an awesome show IMHO, and I just wish STARZ wouldn’t take so long between seasons.
Even though Michael Bay is involved with Black Sails, I agree that the second season was great. It improved a lot from the first season, especially with the back story to Toby Stephens’ character.
As for Outlander, I think it helped that I have read some of the books, because the first few episodes were draggy but I pushed through knowing what was coming. Ron Moore knows how to run a show and so I expect it will maintain the quality that it had when it ended for part one of the first season. There is so much that will happen if the second part of the season is going to cover all of the first book.
I really hope they keep up with the flashbacks for Flint. We could always see his early days of piracy, meeting Gates for the first time, an old memory of Miranda (since what happened to that part of the story) . Anything to focus more on Flint, because the focus shifting more to his character and to Stephens, really gave the show direction year two, IMO.
As for Outlander, I appreciated them taking the time to tell the story and set it up properly, so I was able to stick with it too and ITA that a great deal of excitement is about to come for second half.
Black Sails is losing me. It’s beyond predictable.
Recently i’m not even turning it on to watch on on demand.
Fun fact…Capt Flint is Maggie Smith’s son.
I am loving Black Sails season 2. It is very layered and complex in its relationships and characterizations. I enjoy the intersection of the political, personal and historical as well. Toby Stephens has always been great, but I am LOVING Zach McGowan as Charles Vane — and his body is unbelievable! And Billy Bones has the most amazing ARMS I’ve ever seen!
I don’t think Sam looks his best here but he is one of those men who is unbelievably pretty in an almost feminine way when he is cleaned up with his natural blond hair cut short. They muss him up for this show to make him look rougher for the role the way they do with Emmy Rossum on Shameless. I also think you are substantially underrating him as an actor. He is highly regarded as a stage actor, I’ve seen him (and Tobias) in many other productions and they are both superb. I love his height and body.
I am second to none in my fandom of “good” tv — Breaking Bad, Sopranos, Mad Men, etc. (now loving Better Call Saul) but I am surprised by how hard people are on both Black Sails and Outlander. The sets, costumes, acting are all very high quality, and I think you are underrating the writing quality on BS. Outlander is OTT bodice ripper romantic fiction but it is excellent within its genre. The tv series is far better than the books IMO.
Black Sails is the sh*t! Badazz score (thanks, Bear McCreary, who also did Battles Star Galactica), opening artwork (see the link below–awesome how the artists pulled it all together*) and costumes (Flint shrugging on that Spainard’s jacket was a great little scene), and badazz actors, male and female! Arggghhh!
*I was so taken with the artwork, I had to know more about it. At first I thought it was handcarved; it has an element of the scrimshaw look, but no… http://www.fastcocreate.com/3025252/how-the-main-titles-for-michael-bays-black-sails-became-a-work-of-art
Not with that hair. It only looks good when he’s in full regalia for the role and looks odd juxtaposed with modern wear. When it’s cut and styled short, though? I’d hit it like a freight train.
I am so glad to see Caitriona may have gained a couple of pounds because her thinness was distracting last season. Although I liked her I felt she was too thin to play Claire. I do NOT like the longer hair on Sam.
I think her name is pronounced “Ka-tree-na” so it doesn’t sound so much like a cocktail! I agree- they have great chemistry- the show is a little wonky (then again, so are the books in my humble opinion). I agree with a previous poster- move past Ep. 4 and it does pick up a great deal. I enjoyed the last few episodes of the season. Glad I gave it a shot.
Jamie Fraser does it for me – but I prefer Sam ginger and in a kilt.
Cait IS WAY TOO THIN to be Claire, but I’ve been pleased with her acting.
Tobias Menzies is sex on a stick. Will have a hard time watching his role from here on, but he’ll nail it.
For me Tobias will forever be Marcus Junius Brutus from Rome.
Yes, yes, yes. The pics of him (I think on Lainey) in the dark suit? The hotness! And with short hair? So good. He is just lovely. And age appropriate to list over. Done.
Meh. Sam doesn’t do anything for me. Even in the kilt.
Tobias Menzies and Graham McTavish, on the other hand…
YESS
Menzies does an incredible job in the show!!!!
Agreed, if anyone on the show should be talked up for an Emmy (besides Caitronia), it should be Menzies.
Tobias is a 10/10 definite would bang for me, loved him as Edmure on GoT and he’s often the best part of Outlander for me.
Sam improves greatly with the Jamie styling. Just so damn hot!
He looks like a beefy Macaulay Culkin with a mullet so no I wouldn’t.
OMG, perfect description!!
I was also thinking he kind of has a resemblance to Kelsey Grammar too. Now I cannot un-see that.
I read the first book, and tried to wade through second, and was done. I watched all of whatever last year’s was- season 1-part 1?- and liked it overall. These pics here of Sam are awful- what kind of role is he doing that the producers think this works on him?? I’m not enough in love with the show to sign for Starz, so recaps will have to do for now?
And speaking of getting some love- why is Three Musketeeers on BBC (and now BBCA) not getting any here? Also, can’t wait for Aiden Turner in Poldark!
@Tig
I am glad to know that I am not alone in my love of The Musketeers. I miss Peter Capaldi, though, Sure, I get to see him on Doctor Who, but why can’t he do both?
My daily dose of gossip, snark and fun are Celebitchy in the AM, Buzzfeed in the PM. This guys take on Outlander are hysterical. I hope he does this again for the next 8 episodes.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/172-thoughts-i-had-watching-outlander-season-1-part-1?utm_term=.hl9B2ynWB#.emBJjYEQd
LOL, those recaps pretty much say it all!
Thank you for this! I was holding my sides with tears running down my cheeks I was laughing so hard. Even more hilarious than Lily Sparks reviews of Once Upon a Time on tv.com and that’s saying something,
I love his (and the show’s) obsession with Jamie taking his shirt off at every opportunity,
Sam’s mullet in this pic is not his best look but his pecs are awesome.
His mullet though..
Are watching the same show?
I think it’s spectacularly made and has a fantastic supporting cast in addition to the great work done by Sam, Cait, and Tobias. It’s very much a British show, which means the acting is understated and nuanced – you’ve got to pay attention. And the production values are incredible.
Yes, I’m a fan of the books but only recently. I started reading after watching the first 8 episodes.
Sam and Caitriona have chemistry, but they ain’t no Mulder and Scully. Plus she’s just a bland boring actress, it feels like he’s doing all the work by himself.
I agree, shes absolutely terrible. WhAt on earth are ppl talking about with great acting? Its mostly pouting, chin thrusting and duckfaces.
The show is no good either. I loved the first four books but the insane cheesiness of the show killed it for me.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the books, but I have been watching the series.
I wouldn’t even look twice at him in the pictures above from the premiere, however, put him in his costume from the show, and the settings of the show? I’d beat Claire over the head and Jamie would never be heard from again, unless I am feeling generous.
NO. thank you. NEXT
I will probably continue watching the show but I am extremely disappointed with the casting of Claire and Jaime. Could we just please agree that the most imposing and stand out feature for Jaime was his towering height??!!! It was the reason for his ability to lead at an early age, why men either wanted him with them or why men wanted nothing to do with him. It is also what Claire found so intriguing early on. Here is this brute of a man who is conversely a warrior and a gentle soul that needed her help to keep him whole and alive time and time again, and vice versa. Although she is less kind hearted in my opinion. So to have an actor that does not really bring the real disparity in height between himself and the other male cast members, and himself and Claire is really, really off putting to me. And Claire just doesn’t bring the “meat” in this casting either. For one, the actress is clearly too old for the early books, too old looking for Jaime lad, and as a pairing they don’t really do it for me. Also, Claire is supposed be sophtic and solid like an inviting safe harbor for Jaime since he lost his mother earl on and not a bony, angular, much older lady. Again, I don’t see it and I find it very off putting. Ultimately the casting is a fail for me. But the production value is good and the Scottish landscape is a star all by it’s lonesome.
Can I add my Amen to the wedding scene? Without that one scene I would have stopped watching for sure. It was the only time I felt a real connection between the two actors, otherwise it is meh.
Sam IS 6’4″ so I don’t know what your problem is. Graham is 6’1″ and so is Duncan Lacroix add to that Cait is 5’10” so no he does not stand out but he is a big guy. I think the casting of older people is so that they do not have to re-cast for the second season *spoilers* takes place 20 years later. There is always going to be disconnect when casting form a beloved book but you can love them each separately, TV claire doesn’t have to be book claire.
As stated, the height discrepancy does not work for me. If he is 6’4″ why does it appear in scenes as if he is MAYBE 2-3 inches taller than she is? Perhaps Claire should be less tall as an actor to highlight his physical presence, I don’t know, it is just a miss for me. Also, I know quite well that characters will not be spot on, nor should they always be so, BUT it is quite clear in the book that Jaime is a stand out above stand outs psychically and for that reason, and many others (I don’t see their chemistry) I can’t endorse the series as something I would watch again, or maybe consider not watching the new episodes going forward as I am still on the fence. My adult daughter jumped off early on for the same reasons I stated above but I wanted to give it more time.
It was a miss for me too, except I LOVE Sam. Diana mentioned at Paleyfest that it took 10 seconds for her to know that Sam was Jaime. However, she did make a remark about Balfe being ‘almost as tall as he is’. That bothered me too for some reason. I just did not think her physique was right for the part and my mom asked if Sam was short in real life. I told her that Balfe was a model and that was enough explanation for her. However, I think they have ahhh-mazing chemistry. I love how he cuddles her in interviews. I’m about two seconds away from making my husband call me Sassenach. Dude, I’m 5’6”–that’s tall–put me in there with Sam and let the good times roll. 😉
Meh. I prefer Graham McTavish as Dougal.
YES!! So sexy
I’m stuck on Murtagh, can’t even look at anyone else, just want more Murtagh.
SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK
I just finished the book a month ago, and am completely baffled why anyone would swoon over Jamie. What with him whipping her and her forgiving him the next day and appreciating him teaching her that “lesson”? WTF?? And him raping her – yes he did, even though she eventually started to enjoy it, it started as rape. And all the other times she’s almost raped and it doesn’t really seem to faze her. And all the times Jamie must have her even if she might not want it because Jamie doesn’t seem to understand the word “no”. And Jamie making some comment about him having to whip their children someday like his father did to him and Claire doesn’t say a damn thing? Does that happen in the later books? They have kids and she lets him do that? As much as I hated Jamie, Claire wasn’t any better. I don’t care that life was different in the 1700’s, Claire was from 1945, and the $#!t she put up with and forgave him for just completely pissed me off.
I can’t listen to popular opinion anymore when it comes to books. I hated this, I hated Gone Girl, I don’t need to read 50 Shades to know I’ll hate that. I don’t know which newer books to try.
I see Kelsey Grammar is getting plenty of work post-frasier.
I tried reading the books. Couldn’t even get through the first one. Absolutely terrible. I enjoy the scenery on the show and the costumes, but turn down the sound. The show is as bad as the books. And to think the author had the audacity to fight for the books to be classified as historical fiction. No way…cheesy romance novels set in history..that’s it.
if there is one man to end my year of celibacy, jamie on outlander would be it. Id let him **** me anyway, direction, location, position, pool, glade, forest, horseback or language he wants. LoL
You are hilarious!
“Let’s not kid ourselves: this is not a great show”
lmao love urself
I wasn’t swept away by the Outlander books when they were first published, but since I quickly fell in love with Outlander TV series, I started rereading them. I am a writer myself, so I have a tendency to be overly critical, but she does spin a great yarn. My opinion? The Starz production outshines the books, but they do have to follow the books somewhat. I am in love with Jamie as portrayed by Sam Heughan, no one else could have done better, not even Chris Hemsworth!! ANd I do think he is a strong actor, getting better all the time. Episode 9 is actually one of the best (and I have seen all of them so far a zillion times!) Sam stretches his acting chops more, and I adore his voice overs. He has a beautiful speaking voice anyway.
So both Cait and Sam, and Tobias and Graham, are excellent. the show needs all four of them to carry it, and they are all equally important. All in all, I love the show, it is what it is, more than a bodice ripper, less than great literature. all naysayers do not understand Scotland’s troubled history. I have traveld there many times and it is my fav country in the world. By the way, Claire and Jamie will have to carry the 2nd season, as Dougal and Frank/Jack are not a strong part of the story. Most of Season 2 will take place in France. I am rooting for the fan base to be strong enough for Ron to be able to film all 8 books. Jamie just keeps being Claire’s “safe haven” and a take charge character, no matter what is going on. Enough said, I hope.