It is safe to say this episode will likely be the one more than any other that causes new fans to quit. Rape is one of these issues in which separating your real life from entertainment is quite difficult, as so many people are directly and indirectly impacted by rape and sexual assault. The mixed messaging the show is sending is especially baffling as one of Starz’ aims is to target women interested in premium drama. Outlander used to be at the forefront of women-focused sexuality on TV and this episode has cemented a reputation for regressiveness. “But it was in the books” or “stop reading/watching if you don’t like it” is a weak excuse and a diversion tactic for those fans who are not interested in critically engaging with the scripts and text. This trope also actively undermines the plots that attempt to extend the characterization of all of the women beyond wives and mothers in ways that aren’t even in line with the actual history of the era. It is also clear that the show’s writers’ room is willing to change so much about the book timeline but it refuses to change the over-reliance on rape trauma to move plotlines ahead. The decision to skip a week between Episodes 7 and 8 clearly caused this easily-avoidable extreme juxtaposition. While the very end of the episode gives the viewer hope that things for their favorite characters are on the way up, the journey there is filled with triggers and turmoil.įans who have not read the books have every right to question why the show would choose to air an episode where Claire, the matriarch of the story, is gang-raped on Mother’s Day. Outlander brings Season 5 to a close with Claire’s abduction and the Mackenzies’ discovery of the finer points of time travel. Warning: This article contains MAJOR spoilers for the OUTLANDER Season 5 finale but does not contain any book spoilers beyond Season 5.
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