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eastthewater

WATCH YOUR EYES!!

-this is NOT photoshopped- Sam has always only had one ear and MW is recovering from dental surgery 🤣

'Credit' to/posted on X by a gaggle of Sam/MW stans thinking this was hard evidence

laflordelacanela

Sam missing left ear and had implant on right ear !!

BAD PHOTOSHOP !!!

bat-cat-reader

caitrionabalfe stories 6/3/26...

lallybroch-pr-watch

Just Starz?

No. I think what makes this entire promo cycle so frustrating is that it isn’t one single mistake. It’s the pileup. Choice after choice, all pointing in the same depressing direction.

First, yes - Starz marketing. This is the final season of a show with a built-in, fiercely loyal audience that has been openly starving for content. This should have been easy. You didn’t need some genius campaign. You just needed basic competence and a sense of occasion. Instead, the rollout feels muted, oddly low-effort, and completely lacking urgency. Fans waited through a long Droughtlander, and it’s hard not to feel like that wait was stretched out for BOMB, while Outlander’s ending got treated like a side project.

And the disrespect piece matters. Waiting until the last minute to announce venues and details is not “mystery,” it’s bad planning. People take time off work, book travel, arrange childcare, spend money. This fandom has done more than show up. They’ve moved mountains to be there. The least you can do is treat them like adults and plan properly.

Which leads to the next point: scheduling. Starz has the responsibility to lock these things in early, coordinate calendars, and protect the finale as an event. A lead actress missing the final panel should not be something that “just happens.” That’s what advance planning is for. If it mattered, it would have been handled.

Then there’s Sony. Because yes, if it truly mattered to them that Caitriona be present for the final panel, she would be there.

And now the on-camera part, which is honestly the hardest to watch. After years of selling this story on the power of Jamie and Claire, we’re getting interviews where Sam and Cait look switched off, low-energy, and almost allergic to each other. The lack of eye contact is loud. The lack of warmth is loud. Like two people trying their best not to accidentally connect on camera.

And the repeated talking points are not subtle either. It’s the same recycled script, but with extra personal emphasis that feels very intentional. Motherhood. Husband. Wedding. Personal life. “Good friends.” “Great journey.” “Amazing fandom.” But “Bad shippers,” because somebody always needs to be painted as the problem. It’s hard not to read that as strategic detachment. Less Claire, more Caitriona. Less Jamie and Claire, more “separate lives.” Less possibility of the audience leaning into the emotional core, more distance and boundaries and safe PR framing for them to easily move on to their next role.

Which would be one thing if the energy was still there. If they were still showing up with passion, warmth, or even basic excitement about the finale. But they aren’t. They look tired. They look checked out. And when your leads are giving “please let this be over” while the network is giving “please buy a hat,” it’s really difficult to feel anything except deflated.

That’s what hurts. This is the ending of a story that mattered so much to people for over a decade. Fans were ready to celebrate it. But the rollout feels like it’s been designed to drain the joy out of it, distance the leads from the love story, and limp to the finish line.

And at a certain point, it becomes hard not to mirror that energy as a fan. Because if nobody involved seems excited about the ending, why should the audience be?

michezsstuff

This is the saddest thing ever. What sad, sad, state of affairs . Truly sad .

😭😭😭😭😭

sgiandubh

Hi Sgian

I was wondering if u have that pic where SC were crying in a trailer with light blue decorations. I cannot find it 🥺🩵

Dear Pic Anon,

You mean, this one?

[Source: S's IG account - posted March 29, 2021; link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNArKDXAFYc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==]

A wee thank you, when you ask for a wee effort, is not mandatory. But it is certainly always appreciated, Anon.

sgiandubh

Hi Sgian

I was wondering if u have that pic where SC were crying in a trailer with light blue decorations. I cannot find it 🥺🩵

Dear Pic Anon,

You mean, this one?

[Source: S's IG account - posted March 29, 2021; link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNArKDXAFYc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==]

A wee thank you, when you ask for a wee effort, is not mandatory. But it is certainly always appreciated, Anon.

mememukisblog

SC 💙💚 and kids 💙💚💙

sgiandubh

Hi Sgian

I was wondering if u have that pic where SC were crying in a trailer with light blue decorations. I cannot find it 🥺🩵

Dear Pic Anon,

You mean, this one?

[Source: S's IG account - posted March 29, 2021; link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNArKDXAFYc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==]

A wee thank you, when you ask for a wee effort, is not mandatory. But it is certainly always appreciated, Anon.

sdreamersc82

Wtf, is this? 😳 whole lot of people tagged in this post- Cait, Taylor Swift...even UK and Scotland's Parliament 🫢

2truthsandalie5

Confused…

Am I to believe both of these women had the exact same idea for a pendant at the exact same time? 🐟🐠🐡 A bit fishy to me🤔

Credit to @sgiandubh for the Rowan post❤️

yano2519

“She shows minimal attention towards her husband“, that‘s what you said in your last post. You couldn’t be more wrong. What Cait and Tony have is real and pure and a normal relationship. Not a non existing fantasy romance with, heart eyes, rainbows and unicorns which only Extreme Shippers like you made up, to give your own desolate (love) life a meaning. You are so pitiful.

Most people know me as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend and colleague. And I consider myself very lucky that those who know and love me, define me by my character, my empathy and my actions and not by any title. Therefore, I couldn't care less if an anonymous troll puts me in a “labeling pigeonhole” and pities me.

Actions always speak louder than words - in every way!

imaginaryjane

Wow! What a warm welcome from you all! Thank you so much! Like I said, I’ll just sort hang back for awhile, but you can expect subject matter I post about to be books I’m reading or have read, fashion/textile history, vintage wallpaper, posters, etc., and occasionally a fandom take or two.😬

So a word about that: I’ve been in or around the OL fandom since October 2014. I’ve been here for most of the good and I’ve witnessed a lot of the bad. I know some of you have beliefs that do not match mine in terms of particular data points shall we say. I’m not here to debate any of that. I will not have the ask feature on because unlike the brave souls who do, that is not my jam. I hope we can all be in community and enjoy the good fangirling days—even though they’re less frequent than they used to be.

So thank you again for your kind welcome! Here’s my fave SC photo - I had to scroll waaaaay back in my camera roll for this one.😂 I like it because it came at the end of a bad run of fandom days and to me it represented focusing on what brought us to the fandom, not the stuff that was a distraction. Cheers!

bat-cat-reader

This is going to be pretty long, hopefully you’ll find it interesting ☺️

I’ve asked an AI chat the following question: “How should a 45 year old publicly bachelor actor rebrand from ‘hot romantic lead’ to a credible, respected, serious actor in order to secure more prestige roles?”

This is its answer:

A 45-year-old hunky actor wanting serious roles would evolve into a calm, sophisticated, private man with refined style, emotional gravity, and a relationship narrative rooted in maturity and discretion — signaling substance, not spectacle.

Strategic Project Selection (The Foundation)

This is the most crucial step, as projects speak louder than any interview.

• Take a Risk: Actively pursue and accept roles that are a complete departure from the "hunk" persona.

• Examples: A complex villain, an unglamorous character (physically or morally), a historical figure, a role that requires a significant physical transformation (like Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club or Christian Bale in The Machinist).

• Indie and Prestige: Seek out roles in critically acclaimed independent films, limited series, or high-profile international productions with revered directors/writers. These projects lend immediate credibility.

• Stage Work: Doing a challenging, serious play (especially off-Broadway or in a respected regional theatre) can instantly re-frame an actor as a dedicated "craftsman" rather than just a star.

Look Change: Embracing Maturity and Gravitas

The shift in physical appearance must visually communicate a change from "hunky star" to "serious craftsman."

Hair:

Slightly shorter, more structured haircut, perhaps allowing for a little natural wave or texture, but neatly kept. It should appear less coiffed than a typical celebrity look.

Eliminates the "boyish" quality often associated with perfectly styled hair, suggesting seriousness and maturity.

Beard:

Grow a well-maintained, slightly rugged beard or sophisticated stubble. It should look intentional, perhaps with a touch of gray showing through.

Adds gravitas, age, and world-weariness. This can help hide the sharp jawline associated with "hunk" roles and draws focus to the eyes and expressive features.

The Ideal Fake Partner: The Single Mom

The choice of a single mother as the fake partner is a highly strategic move designed to reposition the actor's character and goals.

1. The Ideal Woman's Profile

The fake partner must project authenticity and respectability to avoid being dismissed as another "showmance."

The Ideal Woman Archetype (for optics)

• Early 30s to mid-40s

• Accomplished in her own field (professional, creative, academic)

• Quiet confidence, elegant, understated

• Mother of one child (optically clean narrative)

• Absolutely not a clout-seeker or influencer

• Warm but private — not camera-hungry

• Stylish in a quiet luxury / cultured / European simplicity sense

• Calm, introspective energy

• Lives a grounded lifestyle (bookstores, museums, farmers market > clubs, premieres)

The vibe:

A woman who would never do a PR stunt — which is why she works as one.

The public views the choice as one of substance over superficiality. He is seen as a sensitive, caring man mature enough to embrace a family structure and its responsibilities.

It provides an authentic anchor to "real life," suggesting the actor is grounded and capable of empathy, which is crucial for selling complex dramatic performances.

😮☝

No sé si pensar o admirar cómo piensas. Viendo como, punto por punto, esto se adapta como un guante a la nueva "normalidad" de Sam, tiendo a pensar que no has sido tú la única en consultar con la IA 🤭

I don't know whether to admire or admire your way of thinking. Seeing how, point by point, this fits like a glove to Sam's new "normal," I'm inclined to think you haven't been the only one to consult with AI 🤭

harriethattie

I have a jaundiced view of AI - asked about Jamie’s encounters with other women I think 1 out of 4 correct answers is not great odds.

bcacstuff

Abuzar Suhaib IGS 29 October 2025

faa208

Can we please stop excusing Sam for the photos at the opening of the distillery. I realize this was a fulfillment of a dream for him. I understand he may have felt it was an appropriate time to introduce his new lover and her child. However he knew full well she was standing in front of him facing the barrage of invited press and cameras.i know it was also the mothers responsibility. At worst it was exploitation at best thoughtless.

Meh. It is what it is. I have my own thoughts and he wasn't introducing her to anything. He simply invited her and she decided to bring her child. Her child, her responsability

kiaora45

We'll see what we see ... eventually

katmate6

He knew exactly what he was doing. That photo of the distillery administrators, etc., and another photo the exact same group PLUS her and her child?! Purpose?! Come on. He had a reason. The reason is what is up for debate by the fandom. Your opinion, your choice.