
The men and Claire prepare to leave and gather more men for the militia, and we feel a small sense of dread. Every gothic story incorporates powerful romance, and this scene marks a stark contrast to the coming poisonous marriage of Aaron and Fanny Beardsley and their isolated cabin of decay and abuse in the woods.Ī somewhat ominous but painted sky looks upon a scene of domestic work around the Ridge as Marsali hacks at a pig. Jamie thanks God in Latin and makes the sign of the cross as he gazes at his wife, and we’re treated to a very beautiful, tender scene between our hero and heroine as they reunite. Our hero appears on the hill astride his white horse, with a darkening sky behind him, gazing upon his beautiful home. A time-lapse of decaying, shriveling, and molding bread leads us into our opening credits (on hindsight, a nice touch of foreshadowing). Before we ever leave Fraser’s Ridge, the episode has a unique vibe. “Free Will” certainly checks all the gothic horror boxes. ill weather or eerie atmospheric conditions.The most effective use of supernatural is understated and highlights the TRUE human horror, the one we can relate to and feel inside of ourselves. While gothic horror usually factors in the supernatural, it’s not usually the overpowering fear. Writer Luke Schelhaas’ patient creeping story pace and Bear McCreary’s haunting score added to the overall tone of this unusual but outstanding episode. The camera work immersed us in many gothic horror images and sweeping yet eerie cinematography.

It reveals Jamie and Claire as individuals, but more importantly, defines them as a team.įrom the opening shot of Claire watering her moldy goody on display to the closing shot of a mass migration of now-extinct passenger pigeons blackening our screen, director Jamie Payne guided us on a heartbreaking and unsettling journey of 18 th century revulsions, abuse, fear, revenge, and mercy. Outlander Episode 503, “Free Will,” causes these emotions for each of our characters, forcing them to make excruciating choices and uncover the core of who they are inside. The best horror resonates, reveals and magnifies our own fears, weaknesses and insecurities.

What happens when Diana Gabaldon’s pioneering passionate couple mixes with a bit of Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe? We get Outlander episode 503, “Free Will,” a creepy gothic horror tale that haunts both us and our characters long after we ride away from the beastly Beardsley cabin. We take a look at this colonial gothic horror story.
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Outlander Episode 503, “Free Will,” was among the creepiest of the Outlander series so far.
