OUTLANDER 5 – Frannie and I are settling in with our wee drams for the season 5 premiere of our favorite show. Beautiful music as always underscoring themes and characters. Happy to see they inserted some necessary major story events that were omitted last season. Case in point – the gathering on the ridge where Roger pledges “the Mackenzies of the Ridge are here.” This piece ended book 4 and needed to be included. This was incorporated into the fiery cross scene, but it accomplished the same goal and worked well, particularly when Roger knew the words of the fealty oath by heart. Many great moments that touch our hearts and make Outlander endearing – Jamie fastening his mother’s pearls around Brianna’s neck, Jamie & Claire remembering their own vows during the wedding, Jamie’s heartbreak at banishing Murtaugh to keep him safe. As for Murtaugh, there’s no chemistry between he and Jocasta. Frannie was also bothered by the big house. She said it’s not realistic of a home being built in the wilderness in the late 1700s. She also disliked the tents on the property. She felt they would be more like lean-tos and instead looked like an army encampment. I agree with that, but the big house worked fine for me. Regardless Outlander continues to be our favorite show. And on the boyfriend meter – always one (not the one you think) and usually several more, like in last night’s episode. So we raise our glasses as always. Cheers…..or as we Scots and Irish say, slainte!!