Yes, we are a real group of people, as we mention on our website, and now it’s time to hear from some of us and see who we are!

When we created the blog and website after Outlander S1, the purpose was to get more Black people (as well as others) to watch intellectual television shows, such as Outlander – see About for more information. Although we have not collected all of the clan Blacklanderz® we wanted to post what some had to say about the show. We continue to add more when we receive them.

Note: If you’ve recently gotten into Outlander with the Starz version and would like us to add your quote (no book spoilers), please email it to us at blacklanderz@gmail.com with a head shot and we will kindly add it.

I can’t remember a show I enjoyed as much as Outlander!

Outlander is smart storytelling, intellectually written, emotionally immersive, thought provoking, brave, raw and intense. I truly appreciate how Diana Gabaldon made Claire a strong, intelligent, capable and confident female regardless of the era!

The chemistry between Caitriona and Sam is so palpable, you can’t help but root for them and their relationship. Their characters also show us what it really means to love someone – body, mind and soul til death you part – and, at what lengths a person is willing to go to protect the one person or people he/she loves the most.

I absolutely LOVE Jamie . . . natural leader of men – KING OF MEN!, fighter, loyalist, and above all protector. And, the way he says Sassenach (among other things) is so damn sexy!

I read Dragonfly in Amber immediately after S1 because I didn’t want their story to end; then, I read Voyager! I’m giving myself a break before Drums of Autumn.

More importantly than anything else, being a part of this Outlander fandom has allowed us to connect with fans from all across the globe through social media (we thank ye verra much), and I can’t say that any other book or television series has ever done that . . . Sláinte, Diana Gabaldon!

Can’t wait til Season 2!

 ~ Vida (Creator/Admin)– Houston, Texas

I watched Outlander when the house was quiet so that I could enjoy the entire show. It’s the best writing and plot on television. I was often on the edge of my seat, of course with a glass in hand! Claire is a 21st century woman then and now!

~ Jacqueline – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Outlander is a man’s man series (yeah, I still have my man’s card) that portrays how a real man cares and sacrifices for, respects, protects and loves his woman – a partner and soul mate – at no matter the cost.

Spellbinding! Fierce! Riveting!

Looking forward to the next season!

~ Dwight – Plantation, Florida

Outlander is one of the best shows ever written – period! It’s provocative, intelligent and a great love story.

Good idea to watch it with your significant other (as I did with my husband) because it can be quite therapeutic for your relationship. Can’t wait for Season 2!

Sam Heughan . . . Sexy, Sexy, Sexy. Need I say more! I love his innocence!

~ Dianne – Atlanta, Georgia

My wife and I haven’t finished watching the first season yet. So, all I will say for now is . . .

My real last name is Frazier (Je Suis Prest), my wife’s name is Claire and is originally from France, and I’m a Mason!

To be continued . . . .

~ Santel – Houston, Texas

It was such a roller coaster ride of emotions. I loved every minute of it. After watching Outlander with my husband (though it was hard to watch the last episode), I was disgusted, sad and happy. I even had nightmares.

Outlander is truly a masterpiece!

All of the elements used were so tightly interconnected and authentic from the scenery of Scotland and costumes to the language/dialect. We can’t wait until Season 2.

 ~ Kristal – Houston, Texas

What a portrait of specticism!

Outlander is a masterpiece that captured my attention, both visually and emotionally. This production allowed me (and us) to observe an historical journey with characters who brought sheer artistry to resurrecting people and events of by-gone years. The writing of intricate lines showcased dialog as authentic and relatable.

All the actors perfected a necessary understanding of their character and the time-period. Remarkably, each one provided a distinctive command of his/her role, which seamlessly allowed his or her relationship with one another, to bounce off the screen, as a finely painted story.

The cinematography had brushed-strokes that were significant, startling, and strong – which complemented the interaction of the characters, yet was viable and essential, as the actors themselves. This artwork, titled Outlander, touched my senses and certainly left me in awe and desiring more.

Its creator, Diana Gabaldon, had a really raw, poignant vision for her canvass. Its producers, writers and editors shared that vision by cultivating and tweaking the story, which enhanced the painting. Its actors masterfully breathed life and soul, with skill and precision, to this work of art; and yet, the eye for attention and details – locations, scenery, dialects and the wardrobe – all framed this picture, as Outlander.

This series is priceless and most definitely worth the escape!

~ Fredi P. (& Mani-San) – New York, New York

We have become fans of Outlander because it is such a unique drama!

We have never seen a show that combines a love story, full of suspense and intrigue, which also captures the imagination with time travel.

Outlander is one of a kind!

~ Hugh & Blyss – Houston, Texas

I started watching Outlander on Starz the first episode of the first season after seeing the previews. It was so intriguing that I couldn’t wait for the next episode. I remembered reading a book jacket with the same plot so I searched for it on my Kindle. I found the first book, read it in two weeks; then, I read the remaining books within two months.

I’ve been hooked ever since!

I love Jamie; he is a man’s man. Claire is a bold woman, who’s not afraid to get in the mix of anything. This historical fiction is excellent.

~ Lorinda & Bruce – Houston, Texas

Diana Gabaldon’s series catapulted me into a world filled with history, intrigue, love, loss and triumph. She’s one of the few authors that has the power to make me laugh and cry in one simple paragraph.

Eight books in and I’m still as obsessed and captivated by Jamie and Claire’s adventures. Outlander is one of the few TV shows that is true to the books.

There is so much to love about the show from the cast (LOVE EVERY. Single. One. Of. Them), the costumes (Terry Dresbach), to the music (Bear!!)! I am eagerly awaiting S3 and I know it’s worth the wait. Let’s not forget Book 9: Go Tell the Bees that I am Gone.

~ Tami – London, England

I was honored to add my contributions to the Blacklanderz blog in 2016 as this was my first time contributing to blog. I look forward to experiencing the Outlander 2017 season with the Blacklanderz family.  What I love most about the Blacklanderz family is that it provides a forum for us to express our views on intellectual TV without judgment.

If you are not watching Outlander you are missing out on one of the most well written, acted, costumed and scored dramas on TV today! I’m impatiently awaiting Season 3.

~ Iris – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 It’s always been forever, Sassenach.  ~ Jamie to Claire.

From the books to the screen, Outlander is a unique journey of love, family, sacrifice and a bit of magic. It’s been a joy to have this space to converse about our love of Claire and Jamie.

I am a twenty-something-year-old Outlander fan that likes to wear my fandom on my sleeve. L-i-t-e-r-a-l-l-y!

I have recreated several of Claire’s dresses that are based on Terry Dresbach’s designs.

In the colder seasons in New York City, I can often be spotted wearing Outlander coats and scarves. I love to blog and tweet; my current focus is Outlander and the other major period dramas and cosplay. I am also working on the Poldark Costuming Project using a Tumblr blog where I analyze costumes for historical accuracy and teach people how to make their own Poldark inspired recreations. See you around for Outlander S4.

~ Amanda – Brooklyn, New York

I was experiencing one of the most difficult periods of my life right about when Outlander (the show) first premiered; therefore I did not read/hear about it. During that period, I was encouraged by friends to “get out of my funk”; spend more time with them and also look for some fun things to do. My closest friends also know I love reading just as much as I’m into sports. Growing up in Italy, I played volleyball, basketball and soccer, so I started to see if I could find some audio books that I could incorporate into my activities.

While scrolling through the wonder that is the world wide web, I stumbled on Outlander. Now, I’m an 80’s baby, an adolescent of the 90’s so I thought, this must be a remake of Highlander; If so I’m in!!  Well, that was a shocker!

I was hooked from the first scenes; particularly since I love period drama’s and  Caitriona Balfe’s narration (from what I now know to be the prologue of Outlander; the book) captivated me. The costumes and dialogues are phenomenal. And speaking of costumes, during the Skye Boat Song, the dichotomy of the new world somehow intermingling with old fascinated me! The multi lingual lad in the kilt, which in of itself was enough to give a girl goosebumps for days, was not the only captivating element. The beautiful landscapes and highlands also reminded me of my own country of Ethiopia so I kept on watching.

I also wanted to know more about the characters; so when I found the audio books, I was once again immersed!

What I have learned through this journey is that Diana Gabaldon is a genius; and I don’t say that lightly. There are so many life lessons to gleam through these stories that a simple blog would not do it justice. But if there is one thing I could say to her is thank you. Thank you for helping me to understand people’s limitations as well as mine. Thank you for inspiring me to pick myself up by the bootstraps, dust myself off and turn over a new leaf. These couple of Outlandish years, I have sighed, laughed, cried and everything in between and my friends have seen the difference it has made in my life. Above all, I got out of my funk and back to my old happy, life-loving self.

To quote a passage from The Fiery Cross “You invent yourself…You look at other women-or men; you try on their lives for size. You take what you can use, and you look inside yourself for what you can’t find elsewhere. And always…always…you wonder if you’re doing it right.”

Since May of this year, my friend (Helina) has been talking about this book and show called Outlander. I ignored her for a very long time until she finally made me promise to give it a try. So, I did. When I got into the first episode, I was really blown away by the love that Frank and Claire had for each other. But then, I became intrigued later on as she went through the stones and encountered Black Jack Randall, who tried to rape her and she was rescued. As a rape survivor, I like to see people get rescued from such a heinous act. I watched with anticipation and out of curiosity to see how the entire story was going to turn out. I enjoy watching the time period by which it exists and that of the entire Scottish nation.

Later, I was captured by Claire and Jamie, as they fell in love. In October, I accompanied Helina to New York City to see if we could run into Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan outside the restaurant where they were having a charity event. For the show to be such a huge success, the atmosphere that night was very intimate. Only a few people showed up at the restaurant in hopes of grabbing a photo with them and I began to love the show even more. I have never been a fan of anyone in such a way to travel so many miles with the hopes of seeing them and to have such an experience was awesome. I binged all of the episodes in the past three weeks and am caught up with the current season.

~ Aileen –  Waldorf, Maryland

 

The show came into my life at a time where I was in need of an escape. Every Saturday, I was transported to a time and place that completely enchanted me. I fell madly and deeply in love with Sam Heughan as James Fraser.

Even though it’s historical fiction, I love Outlander because the relationships and character development are so relatable and realistic.

And, although the period in which the story takes place was a time when people weren’t as forward thinking as they are today, I also love how they still manage to have characters that display emotional intelligence and have the capacity to think progressively.

Of course, the love story between Jamie and Claire is so powerful. I have never seen another fictional couple like theirs. Outlander has been a great way to bond with my friends and family, and it’s even helped me make more friends since I started watching it. See pictures from my recent Outlander Tour.

~ Margot – Boston, Massachusetts

The first ads of Outlander got my attention in 2014. I like history and period movies and television shows, as well as science fiction and action.

It seemed that a historical fiction, mixed with fantasy and Highland Warriors would be perfect for me. I was impressed with the looks of the show and knew I liked it midway the first episode.

Thus began my obsession with the show, the books, Scotland, the cast, the crew and all the new friends I’ve met along this journey.

Outlander is everything and more! It is honestly in a league of its own and has everything: the chemistry between the leads, the cinematography, the sets, costumes, the music, the source material, the filming locations, etc.

Then, there is this amazing love story at the center of it all. This element of the show makes it even more incredible because of the way in which this love story is woven into the story. It is done so effortlessly.

Outlander is the best show on TV.  I could go on and on about this incredible show because it really is that good.

~ Jessica – Chicago, Illinois / Cincinnati, Ohio

Outlander takes me away from the stress of the world.

I love the characters, the story arc, and well Sam Heughan! It reminds me of all the romance novels I read in high school; so, it’s my guilty pleasure/obsession.

~ Andrea – Washington, District of Columbia (DMV)

Outlander is one of the most epic love stories I have ever read! The story of Claire and Jamie is one of passionate love, friendship and respect for one another and it is just incredible to watch. They are both strong-willed characters who take us through the most emotional journey; you can’t help but be deeply drawn in.

At a time when I needed an escape, I discovered the TV show one Thanksgiving break. I binged all the episodes, and it suffice to say, I haven’t been the same since! I immediately began reading the books for more any little chance I had.

I love everything about Outlander – the lead actors have an electrifying on-screen chemistry. With the books/series being historical fiction, I also learned more about Scottish culture and the Jacobite rising.

I have re-watched the show more times than I can count. The Dragonfly in Amber episode is one of my favorites, and I never get tired of watching it again and again!

Outlander is the first fandom I have been moved to follow and participate in on social media.

YES, it’s that serious!

I commend the hard work and dedication from the cast and crew to bring the book series to life and I’m excited to see where S6 takes us next year.

~ Catherine (Caty) – Nashville, Tennessee

After every episode, we have a Blacklanderz®Convos!