Ep 1. Sassenach

As the opening scene of Outlander Season 1, Episode 1 - Sassenach begins, we are transported to 1945 in Inverness, Scotland. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse from World War II, and her husband Frank are hiking near a megalithic standing stone circle called Craigh na Dun. Claire is fascinated by the ancient stones and decides to go back to collect some samples. As she reaches out to touch one of the stones, she is suddenly transported back in time to Scotland in the year 1743.

Confused and bewildered, Claire finds herself in the midst of a Scottish battle in which she is pursued and threatened by a group of kilted Highlanders. She is eventually able to escape and finds refuge in a nearby castle where she meets the people of Castle Leoch, including the Laird, Colum MacKenzie and his brother, Dougal.

Claire discovers that she is an outlander, or Sassenach in Scottish Gaelic, and struggles to find her place in this unfamiliar world. She is forced to navigate the dangers of 18th-century Scotland while grappling with her yearning to return to the present day and the husband she left behind.

As Claire attempts to adjust to her new reality, the people of Castle Leoch begin to wonder about her origins and intentions. They are suspicious of her strange knowledge and skills, and do not believe her story of being from the future. Only Jamie Fraser, a young Scottish warrior who comes to her aid when she is in danger, seems to believe her.

Throughout the episode, we see Claire's struggle to come to terms with her situation and the challenges of adapting to the customs and beliefs of the time she finds herself in. She tries to be diplomatically neutral in the ongoing conflict between the Scottish clans and the British army, but her modern ideas and values are often at odds with the society she is surrounded by.

The scenes are beautifully shot, and the viewer can almost smell the heather and feel the chill of a Scottish morning. The show incorporates elements of Scottish history and tradition, and the mix of fantasy and reality make it a compelling watch. The soundtrack is haunting and emotive, adding to the atmospheric nature of the episode.

Overall, Outlander Season 1, Episode 1 - Sassenach is a captivating and engaging opening to the series. It sets the stage nicely for the rest of the season, introducing the characters and the time period in a way that captivates the viewer. Claire's journey is fascinating to watch, and as she discovers more about her surroundings, we can't help but feel drawn into her story. Fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance will definitely enjoy this show.