'Outlander' is impacting U.K. politics in unexpected ways
When Starz debuted its hit series "Outlander" in August 2014, there was way more buzz about the sex scenes between lead actors Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan than there was about the book's historical setting. But that had an impact, too.
When Starz debuted its hit series "Outlander" in August 2014, there was way more buzz about the sexy scenes between Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, as gorgeous as they are talented in their roles as Claire and Jamie Fraser, than there was about the book's historical setting.
But some did wonder why the series took so long to debut in the United Kingdom. After all, it's set there. Turned out, the unsuccessful Scottish independence movement influenced the delay. Why remind Scots, just as they were heading to the polls, of the mistreatment they suffered under British rule in the 18th century?
This season, the show moved to France, where Scottish ties to Europe were a key theme - and another uncomfortable coincidence, this time with the Brexit vote.
Slate's thoughtful piece explores these connections:
Having read all 8 of Diana Gabaldon's well-researched "Outlander" books, we'd like to point out (Spoiler Alert) that Another Major Western Power whose populace is expressing its dissatisfaction with the status quo, might squirm a tad as the books' settings shift going forward. Humming a Beatles tune right now.