Diana Gabaldon, the author of the multi-genre "Outlander" book series, has revealed why she agreed to have her work brought to the small screen.
In a recent interview with RadioTimes, the author admitted that for 20 years, she turned down offers from various entertainment networks to bring "Outlander" to TV since none of the scripts presented appealed to her. But she said that it was not the fault of the writers, since her book series has a very complicated plot that required thorough understanding.
"It's a very honest one and frankly, 20 years ago nobody could have done something like that on the screen so in a way it's the result of television having matured to the point where it can take on these very emotionally complex and very emotionally honest kinds of material," Gabaldon claimed.
The author also stated that the audience's understanding two decades ago might not grasp the context of the story, particularly the extremely disturbing rape that Jamie Frazer (Sam Heughan) had to endure in the hands of Black Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies) in season 1. But since the TV viewers are now more mature, the highly controversial scene earned rave reviews from critics and the public alike.
"They filmed those scenes pretty much straight out of the book – the scenes in the prison and so forth – and in the book it builds, this conflict which is actually a triangle you might say amongst Claire, Jamie and Black Jack Randlall and you see it developing, the dimensions and aspects, through the entire story," the author explained.
She also revealed to Scotland Now that the producers of the show constantly ask her advice regarding several aspects of the show, including its casting process.
Gabaldon also revealed that she is very pleased with the actor who portrays the role of Jamie, since Heughan constantly reaches out to her to know her opinion about how he will tackle the role. "We have very long, complex conversations on occasion - other times, just a few words," Gabaldon revealed.
The TV adaptation of "Outlander" is being broadcasted by Starz, and its second season is slated to air in 2016.
