Tag Archives: Frank Randall

He’s my Jamie but he thinks he’s my Frank. Oh the drama!

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fjcme

Puzzle me this

Since  day one of Outlander discussions & arguements abound regarding Claire/Frank… Frank/Jamie…Jamie/Claire.  Why?  It is the human condition.  The urge to make others see what we see…wanting them to change their minds so they can see it like us.

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No matter how hard they look, they might never see it (source)

Let’s not expect people to see it HOW we see it. Instead, let’s share how or why we see it that way.  It is what we can do in order to understand others perceptions and beliefs.

We tend to grab peoples shoes and try to make them fit at all costs.  It’s going into ‘Anastasia and Drizella mode’ without even thinking about it.

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Grown-up like (source)

We see characters and situations through our personal filter of experiences and the people in our lives. It’s easy to see why others do the same.  It stood out the most to me when my husband had a difference of opinion on the Jamie/Frank topic.  We generally agree on things, having been together for so long, many of our experiences & people are shared…this time…not so much.

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Not this time…nope!

My husband and I have been married for 25 yrs, together for 31.  For 23 of those 31 years, I have been an Outlander fan.  The stories and the characters have long been with me…him, let’s say- no. He would often tease me about my book boyfriend, Jaaaaaaaamie.

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It might be funny…cuz it’s true (source)

Fast forward to my husband starting to watch the show with me.  He finally “got” why I loved the Jamie character – though, he still teases. He also would mention often how he really felt bad for Frank.  A character, who in the books, personally gave me a case of the “mehs”.  He made a comment during “All Debts Paid” that caught my attention “Frank never had a chance…the husband got the shaft there.” The husband…LIGHTBULB moment.

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Not. A. Chance. (source)

It makes sense, doesn’t it?  My husband – my first husband (depending on how well he plays his cards, the last) feels empathy for another first husband.  He sees himself in this role…not the Jamie role that “I” see him in.  Even though Jamie was the other man … I saw him as the only one.  To me, the Claire/Jamie love was palatable…the love between Frank & Claire, I saw as stiff and awkward.   I don’t fool myself into thinking that isn’t because of my own perception of what professors are like.  We all do it in one way or another.  My husband…relates far more to Frank.  He sees himself as  1) The husband 2) not the super hot Scottish warrior. In my eyes…ok, not Scottish but a hot warrior for sure. *He rolls his eyes at this*

There are so many variables. Pigeon hole-ing ourselves to one view lacks variety.  Being able to see the picture through other filters can be something that will expand our thoughts.  It doesn’t mean we have to agree – understanding another view is equally as valuable. It can cut the legs off of the animosity felt for the other person seen as “not getting it”.

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Oooooooooh! I get it! (source)

Until Next time, Enjoy the #Outlanerd in you & we will to!

Sher AKA Sherry AKA SherryLynn AKA Hey You!

Founder of the @ABOotlandersOutlanerds

The Other Outlander “F” word. FRANK.

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Yup. In the history of Outlander there has always been discussions about Frank. If we think this is a new topic of conversation because of the way the TV show has presented him.  We are wrong. This is just one discussion that is 6 yrs old . It took place on Karen Henry’s blog, Outlandish Observations, which was started in 2008. See…WAY before the show became a “thing”.

I assure you, these discussions/arguments have been happening since the first book came out. My guess, somewhere in the world on June 2, 1991 the first debate about Frank and his place in Claire’s story took place. Why? Because there is a distinct character there, with a distinct personality. The interesting part is which side people fall on.

Frank is the man who was left behind by Claire’s unintended trip into the past. It’s funny, not “haha” funny but “Hmmmmm, how about that?” funny – that if you love him, you defend him like no one’s business – or you despise him and everything he stands for…oh wait…everything we believe he stands for.

Frankly (heehee), he is one of the most complex characters in the Outlander series. Why in the world would I say that? It’s true. That’s why. In 8 books, we keep getting snippits of his story. We THINK we know it all but that’s not true. Diana still has not fully revealed what unquestionably happened in the 20 yrs Claire spent with Frank.  I don’t think that is because she doesn’t care or it’s not important. I believe it is because there is so much to tell, so much that is laying underneath…Frank is simply one of those Tetris pieces that hasn’t fallen completely into place.  We don’t have to like him to know his importance in the story. Perhaps that is where some of us stumble. “WE” don’t like him so he doesn’t belong.  Seems kinda like my high school years allllll over again. OMG…I’m FRANK!

I hope we can see how short sighted that mindset is in the grand scheme of Diana’s tomes. Everyone, whether we like their character or not, has their place in the story she has written. We might think Mr. Willoughby served no purpose but the truth is, he did. In Diana’s story…and lets be frank (snort), it is HER story.  We digest it the way our brain see’s fit, not necessarily as it was written.  Its like broccoli, some people devour it and love everything about it and some get indigestion and end up super gassy.

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The “F” word has been popping up again because of this picture in this article.

Outlander Season 3

Lots of people took it as a personal nose rubbing because Frank isn’t that big of a deal to them, they don’t personally care for him or they believe he needs to hurry up and die already. Lots of people LOVED the photo, saw it showed what life would be like for Claire & Frank in the future, validated their feelings that Frank’s a good guy. An important good guy.

Neither of these view points are wrong.  Why?  Because people are people and they feel how they feel.  The trouble is when we get to the point where we believe only our view has merit.  Only our view is “right” and our need to express it in ways that are pointless to the grand scheme of things.  Examples of pointless expressions might be : anger, telling people how to do their job, spitefulness or passive aggressiveness. One of my favourite sayings is…You can say what you mean – without being mean.  We can also do that without trying to make others adhere to our beliefs.

Outlander (the show) has a story to tell. The writers, producers and directors want to make the best show possible in their eyes. That is where the crux of it all is. Their eyes.  What is the thing about eyes folks?  They are all unique.  They all see things differently.  Those who want to bask in the things they see…will.  Those who want to contradict the same visions, won’t stop because someone says “You are wrong.”  If it were the “fans” that created the show it would say in the credits SHOWRUNNER – Fans, but it doesn’t. It says Ronald D. Moore.   Whether you believe that’s good or bad, it’s his to run the show.

I have no issues at all with those who use critical thinking to express their thoughts.  I have no issues with rose coloured glasses and those who choose to love everything.  My view is simply to be kind to one another while expressing your differences and maybe, just maybe allow each person their view.

Frank isn’t the bad guy. He isn’t the hero. He’s an intricate part of a story about a woman who is torn between times. The story, whether we believe it needs to be told or not, is the story.  Perhaps sitting back and experiencing the ride is the solution.  Like a roller coaster, some are going to love it…some are gonna wanna puke when it’s over. Either way…it is the experience that creates the outcome.

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Hold on everyone, buckle your seat belts. If I know anything about this fandom, and I think I do…it’s gonna be a helluva ride!

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Side note- I don’t think anyone can deny…Tobias Menzies…is super awesome, pretty good looking and well – brought Frank to life. Whether you like that particular life or not – is up to you.

SherryLynn

Founder of the ABOotlanders