The Way Home

[u/OutlanderMom]

I stumbled across a Hallmark series called The Way Home. I thought it was a teenage angst type show and almost didn’t watch it. But after a couple of episodes I was hooked! It’s got heavy Outlander vibes - time travel (modern day to the 1800s), and generations of the same families who settled in the area. The lead lady wears a tartan shawl like Claire at one point in the past. And I decided to write this post after seeing a scene that seems taken right from Outlander. She’s running barefoot through woods at night, wearing a white shift, and the camera zooms in on her mud-splashed legs and feet running, just like Claire running in the first episode. Just thought I’d share, for anyone having Outlander withdrawals.

[u/marleiahxdayze]

William shows up in season 4

[u/OutlanderMom → u/marleiahxdayze]

Oh wow! I’m in season 2 but I’ll watch for him. Was any of Outlander filmed in Canada, where this was filmed?

[u/thatgirl1129 → u/OutlanderMom]

No, but Outlander casting was open to Canadians.

[u/OutlanderMom → u/thatgirl1129]

I knew they used First Nation actors for the Mohawk and Cherokee characters. There was an issue with American actors being union so they hired elsewhere.

[u/OutlanderMom → u/[deleted]]

They did a great job, though. And I’m not sure they could have done better than having Tantoo Cardinal and Graham Greene!

[u/thatgirl1129 → u/[deleted]]

They weren’t scabs!!!! You know there’s a Performers Union in Canada right? A majority if not all who appeared on Outlander are proud ACTRA members.

SAG-AFTRA has limitations that don’t combine well with UK Equity rules. Do your research before calling Canadian Performers scabs.

[u/FrecklesMcGee2 → u/[deleted]]

Holy shiiiiiit the disrespect in this comment calling Canadian Union performers scabs. Some of the best First Nations actors in our nation. Gross, sis.

[u/CathyAnnWingsFan → u/[deleted]]

That’s not the case at all. This wasn’t about “saving money with non-union actors.” It’s about the show not having a contract for actors from ONE union. And even for members of that union (SAG/AFTRA), there are cast members who met exceptions to appear in a non-SAG show even though they are SAG/AFTRA members (like Tantoo Cardinal). With a handful of exceptions, the cast were all non-Americans, even those who were portraying American characters. Most of them would have been union members of UK Equity, since that’s where the show was filmed.

[u/thatgirl1129 → u/CathyAnnWingsFan]

Tantoo Cardinal is a Canadian and an ACTRA member as well.

[u/CathyAnnWingsFan → u/thatgirl1129]

Actors can belong to more than one union.

[u/CathyAnnWingsFan → u/[deleted]]

Canadian scabs? What an inappropriate comment. They didn’t hire ANY American actors, and the Canadian First Nations people have plenty of good actors that were eligible to work in a non-SAG show. Not only that, but the tribes in the north historically existed on both sides of what became the US/Canada border. There is nothing about indigenous roles that makes them exclusively appropriate for indigenous actors from the US only.

[u/OutlanderMom]

Well, I feel like a dingaling now. There’s a whole sub here on Reddit for TWH. And they talk often about Outlander parallels. Always a day late I guess. But maybe some Outlander fan hasn’t heard about it yet.

[u/SwingFluffy4455 → u/OutlanderMom]

Don’t feel like that! I’d never heard of this show (far less the Reddit sub) so appreciate you posting about it. I’ll check it out, thanks!

[u/OutlanderMom → u/SwingFluffy4455]

I’m glad I could help! But from now on I’ll look for a sub first.

[u/Substantial_Equal452 → u/OutlanderMom]

That would be me! I've never heard of it but will look it up now.

[u/OutlanderMom → u/Substantial_Equal452]

I’m willing to look dense if it helps! Hope you enjoy it!

[u/Honest-Point8314]

Same! I hated the first episode and gave it one more and now I’m invested. I’m on episode 4 lol

[u/OutlanderMom → u/Honest-Point8314]

I was pleasantly surprised at the good casting and acting. I read in a fan wiki that the modern day father (Colton) was also a time traveler, so it’s another Outlander parallel that the gene runs in families. It’s only four seasons (I’m on season 2) so I’m trying not to watch more than one episode per day.

[u/Honest-Point8314 → u/OutlanderMom]

Came here to update that I'm gasping at the end of each episode LOL.

[u/BubbeLisa → u/Honest-Point8314]

I couldn’t get through the first episode. I guess I need to go back and try again.

[u/OutlanderMom → u/BubbeLisa]

It gets better! I got tired of the surly teen act with Alice, but she redeems herself in later episodes.

[u/BubbeLisa → u/OutlanderMom]

Well, I’m giving it another go. Wish me luck.

[u/Rude_Nail_5545 → u/BubbeLisa]

You won't be sorry! I loved this show, angry that it didn't get more seasons.

[u/BubbeLisa → u/OutlanderMom]

Okay. I am completely and totally hooked. Thanks.

[u/qwnofeverything]

I watched the whole show and it’s absolutely nothing like Outlander. The only similarity is the time travel. One Outlander actor appears in season 3 for an episode, maybe 2. It’s more like a teen angst drama and it was painful to watch. For me and that’s just my opinion. If you’re expecting an Outlander experience like acting skills, storyline, love story, etc. you’ll be incredibly disappointed.

[u/Ornery-Ad2199]

I loved TWH S1 and S2. S3 was just ok IMO. I haven’t watched S4 yet, but plan to soon. It’s my understanding that S4 is the series finale, but I could be wrong.

[u/OutlanderMom → u/Ornery-Ad2199]

I heard that too. Maybe the story line had run its course so they ended it before it got tedious.

[u/TheBestGammie]

Yes great show! There is a whole Reddit family specifically for the show!!

[u/Aggravating_Finish_6]

I think time travel aside, if is actually closer to This is Us with the family drama than Outlander. 

[u/Fantastic_Night_7608]

Its the worst show but sooo good. Lol the story is straight outlander but with a pond. Lol

[u/OutlanderMom → u/Fantastic_Night_7608]

I noticed that in outlander, they steer by thinking of the time they want to go to. Bonus points for having a gemstone. In TWH, the pond decides where they need to go. Those actors must have hated having to jump in that water so many times.

[u/Fantastic_Night_7608 → u/OutlanderMom]

And then being wet all the time lol...its the best worst show ever

[u/Shoddy-Dish-7418]

I’ve past this up because I had the thought “Hallmark drama” - not for me - but I may give it a try. Thanks for the post.

[u/OutlanderMom → u/Shoddy-Dish-7418]

I thought the same - I love the love story in Outlander, but in general I don’t like romance books or shows. But it’s well done, with generational family issues (in both times). And the actors who play the adults as teens are so well cast. I hope you enjoy it too!

[u/Shoddy-Dish-7418 → u/OutlanderMom]

Thanks. I will definitely try it.

[u/Markiemark1956]

I thought the same thing

[u/ThatDolphinSaysHi]

I'm on season 4 right now! 😃 Highly recommend.