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Episode 313 Eye of the Storm
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 313
A recap of episode 313 Eye of the Storm by Susie Brown
“The Power of Love” - a recap of season 3 episode 13 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
“The Power of Love” - a recap of season 3 episode 13 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
There are many parallels to past events and seasons cleverly woven throughout the action of season 3’s final episode. It is not surprising to discover that the hour was co-written by Toni Graphia and Matthew B Roberts, who also did double duty as director. In their hands, the finale is definitely one to remember - a fitting ending to what has been an amazing season.
There are many parallels to past events and seasons cleverly woven throughout the action of season 3’s final episode. It is not surprising to discover that the hour was co-written by Toni Graphia and Matthew B Roberts, who also did double duty as director. In their hands, the finale is definitely one to remember - a fitting ending to what has been an amazing season.
As the episode opens, Faith’s theme music is playing. If that wasn’t omen enough, the melody is accompanied by Claire’s voiceover saying, “I was dead”, together with the shocking image of her seemingly lifeless body sinking to the bottom of the ocean.
No explanation is given as to what has happened, and as the voiceover ends in an image of bright white light, the time jumps. Claire is in a carriage, urging the driver to hurry. The last time we saw Claire alone in a speeding carriage was back in season 2, when she was racing to try and prevent the duel between Jamie and Jack Randall. That particular mission resulted ultimately in Jamie’s arrest and the miscarriage of Faith, so this parallel journey certainly heightens the tension from the outset.
No explanation is given as to what has happened, and as the voiceover ends in an image of bright white light, the time jumps. Claire is in a carriage, urging the driver to hurry. The last time we saw Claire alone in a speeding carriage was back in season 2, when she was racing to try and prevent the duel between Jamie and Jack Randall. That particular mission resulted ultimately in Jamie’s arrest and the miscarriage of Faith, so this parallel journey certainly heightens the tension from the outset.
Suddenly, the carriage stops. Claire calls out asking why, but the reason soon becomes obvious. A group of slaves is marching past them, chanting and carrying lit torches.
They pay no attention to the carriage or its occupants, merely walking around them and continuing on their way. It is an eerie interlude, with Claire, the driver and footman all unnerved by the experience. Once the group has passed by, the carriage continues its journey, finally stopping at the grounds of Rose Hall. Claire asks for directions to the slaves’ quarters. She tells the driver to wait for her at the bottom of the road, adding that if she doesn’t return by daybreak, he is to ask for her at the main house.
They pay no attention to the carriage or its occupants, merely walking around them and continuing on their way. It is an eerie interlude, with Claire, the driver and footman all unnerved by the experience. Once the group has passed by, the carriage continues its journey, finally stopping at the grounds of Rose Hall. Claire asks for directions to the slaves’ quarters. She tells the driver to wait for her at the bottom of the road, adding that if she doesn’t return by daybreak, he is to ask for her at the main house.
Meantime, Fergus and Marsali arrive back at their accommodation at the Black Cat Inn. They see Claire’s fine dress and realise that she has already been there. Fergus comments that he hoped Mr Willoughby would be there, as he fears for the man’s safety. But Marsali reassures Fergus: Willoughby is a clever man and since they don’t know the island, there is nothing they can do for him.
Fergus sees the note that Claire has left behind, letting them know that Jamie has been arrested by Captain Leonard. Marsali suggests heading to the Artemis to get help, but Fergus has another idea. He tells Marsali to wait behind for him, but she refuses. She is his wife, she tells him, and is coming with him. It is a nice little parallel with Jamie and Claire: these two will go through everything together. Fergus takes her hand and they leave.
Fergus sees the note that Claire has left behind, letting them know that Jamie has been arrested by Captain Leonard. Marsali suggests heading to the Artemis to get help, but Fergus has another idea. He tells Marsali to wait behind for him, but she refuses. She is his wife, she tells him, and is coming with him. It is a nice little parallel with Jamie and Claire: these two will go through everything together. Fergus takes her hand and they leave.
Claire is creeping through the servants’ quarters, whispering for Ian, when she comes across a dog that is preoccupied with something hidden under some straw. She shoos the dog away and is horrified to see two dead bodies - the two boys who were with Ian when he first arrived.
As viewers are left to wonder whether this means that the blood bath Geillis was taking had actually been goat’s blood or something more sinister, Claire is captured from behind by Geillis’ slave, who clamps a huge hand over her mouth to silence her protests.
As viewers are left to wonder whether this means that the blood bath Geillis was taking had actually been goat’s blood or something more sinister, Claire is captured from behind by Geillis’ slave, who clamps a huge hand over her mouth to silence her protests.
Geillis is interrogating young Ian, asking him why he had never mentioned his aunt. But the frightened, aroused young boy has gone. This Ian is defiant and angry. As Geillis tries to get him to admit that Claire knew about both the sapphires and the prophecy of the Brahan Seer, Ian tells her that he’s tired of her blethering. He launches himself at her, calling her a bitch and promising to gut her, but is restrained by another slave. Perhaps, as the only survivor of the boys who were captured and despairing as to whether Jamie will arrive in time, Ian figures that he has nothing to lose. He is a Fraser Murray after all, and not one to give up without a fight. But another slave enters, whispering to Geillis. Telling the slave to take Ian away quickly, Geillis barely has time to rise before another door opens and a new prisoner enters: Claire, who is pushed into the room by Hercules.
Immediately Claire begins a story. She was left at the end of the road, she says, and had gotten lost trying to find the house. Geillis walks towards her. She is staring intently as she apologises for her man servant’s roughness and declaring them to be friends. Yet she doesn’t smile when she tells Claire that she is welcome anytime, asking instead why Claire has come. Claire replies that Jamie has been arrested for murder, a crime of which he is entirely innocent, and that she is now in danger as well. Geillis replies that Claire must be exhausted, inviting her to come and sit. Claire is wary: it is the start of an excellent cat and mouse game between the two.
Immediately Claire begins a story. She was left at the end of the road, she says, and had gotten lost trying to find the house. Geillis walks towards her. She is staring intently as she apologises for her man servant’s roughness and declaring them to be friends. Yet she doesn’t smile when she tells Claire that she is welcome anytime, asking instead why Claire has come. Claire replies that Jamie has been arrested for murder, a crime of which he is entirely innocent, and that she is now in danger as well. Geillis replies that Claire must be exhausted, inviting her to come and sit. Claire is wary: it is the start of an excellent cat and mouse game between the two.
A smug Captain Leonard is leading Jamie back towards the Porpoise. Jamie remarks that it is a shame that Leonard hadn’t lost his way and found Havana instead, a comment that results in Leonard remarking that Jamie is quite droll for a man in irons. He admits that they had had difficulties finding their way, short handed as they were. But just as Leonard tells Jamie that he will soon be transported home to face trial, red coats appear. They address Leonard as Lieutenant, rather than Captain and announce that Jamie will be taken into their charge. Leonard is annoyed and asks under whose authority.
The next scene shows exactly whose authority: that of Lord John Grey. This is a magnificent scene, with David Berry the undisputed star.
Lord John wastes no time in reprimanding Leonard, who has neither warrant nor affadavit from a witness to prove his claims of Jamie’s guilt. Given that Leonard’s authority over Jamie had ended once they reached land, Lord John can now overrule him, which he does, repeatedly referring to him as Lieutenant and commenting on the liberal practices of the naval service to confer rank on someone who has not earned it. Until he himself is satisfied as to the validity of the charge, Grey says, then Jamie will retain his liberty. Leonard is beaten, and he knows it. With one final look at Jamie, he stalks out of the room.
Lord John wastes no time in reprimanding Leonard, who has neither warrant nor affadavit from a witness to prove his claims of Jamie’s guilt. Given that Leonard’s authority over Jamie had ended once they reached land, Lord John can now overrule him, which he does, repeatedly referring to him as Lieutenant and commenting on the liberal practices of the naval service to confer rank on someone who has not earned it. Until he himself is satisfied as to the validity of the charge, Grey says, then Jamie will retain his liberty. Leonard is beaten, and he knows it. With one final look at Jamie, he stalks out of the room.
Alone now, John and Jamie look at each other. Jamie comments that he is indebted to John once again, for saving his life. John replies that they have been indebted to each other so many times that he has lost count.
“Until the next time, then,” says Jamie. “Goodbye, John.”
“Until the next time, then,” says Jamie. “Goodbye, John.”
“Goodbye, Jamie,” John replies. “And good luck.”
Jamie leaves, as John stares wistfully after the man he loves.
Back at Rose Hall, Claire is just finishing her story as to how she and Jamie have arrived in Jamaica. Geillis is losing patience, telling Claire that she has omitted one detail. “Why are you here?” she asks.
It is the same question she asked back in season 1 and she still hasn’t received a satisfactory answer. Fate has continued to throw them together for 25 years, she comments. As fellow travellers, they share a unique bond, one that even Jamie and Claire do not.
It is the same question she asked back in season 1 and she still hasn’t received a satisfactory answer. Fate has continued to throw them together for 25 years, she comments. As fellow travellers, they share a unique bond, one that even Jamie and Claire do not.
Geillis says that she had sacrificed everything for Claire, yet Claire has come to her home and lied. It was Claire, Geillis insists, who poisoned Colum’s mind against Dougal and the rising and Claire who is still trying to stop her now from putting a Scottish king on the throne. Claire tells her that she has done no such thing, and that Charles Stuart had his chance. But Geillis is not speaking of the Bonnie Prince. Her focus is now on the new King and the prophecy of the Brahan Seer. As she starts to accuse Claire of stopping her from freeing her people from England’s tyrannical rule and returning her homeland to its former glory, Claire rises, saying that she had better leave. But Geillis won’t let her go, telling Hercules to stop her, which he does. Claire asks Geillis what it is she wants to hear and Geillis answers, “Why have you been after me all these years?”
An exasperated Claire replies that in fact she hasn’t been in the same time period for the past 20 years, a claim which Geillis refuses to believe at first. But Claire continues, telling how she had left right before Culloden and returned to her own time. Geillis comments that there was no way that Claire would have left Jamie, and that not even war would have parted them. So Claire tells Geillis that she was pregnant and that she had left for the safety of the child, so that she could raise her in Boston, in her own time.
Once her daughter was old enough, Claire says, she had returned to find Jamie. Still Geillis is disbelieving - how has Claire travelled three times and survived? Turning away, she tells Hercules that he can have Claire, to do what he wants with her. Desperately, Claire pulls out the photographs. How can she be in the photos, she asks, if she isn’t speaking the truth? Intrigued, Geillis recognises Brianna and Claire confirms that Geillis met Brianna at the university, adding that they were both there the night that Geillis had gone through the stones in 1968.
Once her daughter was old enough, Claire says, she had returned to find Jamie. Still Geillis is disbelieving - how has Claire travelled three times and survived? Turning away, she tells Hercules that he can have Claire, to do what he wants with her. Desperately, Claire pulls out the photographs. How can she be in the photos, she asks, if she isn’t speaking the truth? Intrigued, Geillis recognises Brianna and Claire confirms that Geillis met Brianna at the university, adding that they were both there the night that Geillis had gone through the stones in 1968.
“That was you shouting my name,” Geillis says and Claire comments that she had wanted to warn her about what would happen at the witch trial. They discuss the fact that Claire had seen the burnt body of Greg Edgars, with Geillis saying that a sacrifice had been necessary. Claire disputes this, admitting that she doesn’t know how she travelled without one, other than that it had “something to do with the person on the other side drawing you to them.” Geillis comments that while that may be so, she would rather have blood, as a girl can’t be too careful. She looks down at the photos. “A 200 year old baby,” she says, with a hint of a smile. “Imagine that.” Viewers realise that Geillis has just connected the prophecy to Brianna and that Claire has unknowingly put her daughter in danger. Geillis puts one of the photos inside her gown, before returning the rest of the packet to Claire. Suddenly, she is contrite, apologising and commenting that she now sees that the two women have been drawn together by powerful forces. Embracing Claire before retiring, she says that Claire will be shown to a guest room and given everything she needs.
But later in her quarters, Claire realises that she has been locked in. Through the windows, she sees a bound and gagged young Ian being carried by Hercules. She tries doors and shutters, but it is no use.
Suddenly, the door rattles from the other side: someone is trying to get inside. Grabbing a candlestick, she swings as the man enters. Fortunately, she misses - it is Jamie. He explains that Fergus had gotten word to John Grey and they share a brief, relieved hug. Claire tells him that she is fine, but that Geillis has Ian. They run outside, and Jamie asks Claire which way they need to go. Claire points in the direction of drumming that can be heard in the distance.
Suddenly, the door rattles from the other side: someone is trying to get inside. Grabbing a candlestick, she swings as the man enters. Fortunately, she misses - it is Jamie. He explains that Fergus had gotten word to John Grey and they share a brief, relieved hug. Claire tells him that she is fine, but that Geillis has Ian. They run outside, and Jamie asks Claire which way they need to go. Claire points in the direction of drumming that can be heard in the distance.
Carefully, the two creep through the jungle towards the noise. A tribal ceremony is taking place, with drumming and trance-like dancing around a fire. Jamie and Claire crouch in the reeds, watching. It is reminiscent of the way Frank and Claire watched the original dancers at the stones in the very first episode of season 1 and indeed, as Claire watches, the figures morph with the women she had seen back then.
Her reverie is abruptly interrupted however, as Jamie and Claire are discovered by one of the slaves, and brought into the centre of the ceremony at knife point. But just as they appear to be in grave danger, a man shouts Jamie’s name. It is Willoughby. “They are with me,” Willoughby says to the leader of the slaves. The man nods and the slaves disperse, leaving a shocked Claire and Jamie to ask Willoughby what he is doing there.
Her reverie is abruptly interrupted however, as Jamie and Claire are discovered by one of the slaves, and brought into the centre of the ceremony at knife point. But just as they appear to be in grave danger, a man shouts Jamie’s name. It is Willoughby. “They are with me,” Willoughby says to the leader of the slaves. The man nods and the slaves disperse, leaving a shocked Claire and Jamie to ask Willoughby what he is doing there.
Willoughby explains that he is with Margaret Campbell, indicating that the people had heard of Margaret’s gifts and had asked her to come. He indicates behind him, to where Margaret is standing, talking to one of the slaves. “She is the first woman to truly see me,” Willoughby continues, “the man that I am. And I see her. We wish to be together.”
Willoughby tells them that after tonight, he and Margaret will go to Martinique and make a home there. Placing a hand on Willoughby’s shoulder, Jamie asks if he has seen Young Ian. Willoughby says that he hasn’t, prompting Claire to suggest that perhaps Margaret has, explaining that Ian is with Mrs Abernathy.
Willoughby tells them that after tonight, he and Margaret will go to Martinique and make a home there. Placing a hand on Willoughby’s shoulder, Jamie asks if he has seen Young Ian. Willoughby says that he hasn’t, prompting Claire to suggest that perhaps Margaret has, explaining that Ian is with Mrs Abernathy.
They walk over to Margaret. She is friendly and pleased to see Claire, who remarks that Margaret looks well.
But when Margaret sees Jamie, she changes. Taking his hand, a vision begins. “I see you,” she says, in an altered voice. She describes the battlefield of Culloden as an orchard of blood and mentions the rabbit that Jamie had watched in his delirious state. He wrenches his hand away, with a shocked “Christ”. He has told no one of the rabbit and this unnerves him. Then Margaret turns to Claire and describes the bird on the windowsill. It is the bird that Claire had told Jamie of, the one that she used to imagine was him.
Again, there is no way for Margaret to know this and Claire is similarly unnerved. But then Margaret takes both of their hands and it is the voice of Brianna that she is channelling. She tells Jamie that she knew it was him and that she loves him. He smiles, despite the strangeness: this is what he longs for. Then Margaret kisses Claire on the cheek, saying “You too, Mama” and Claire is similarly moved. But then Margaret looks frightened, talking of the monster and saying “Abandawe”. Claire remembers that this is the cave that Margaret had spoken about before, but before she can get any more information, Margaret says that the monster is coming, as Archibald Campbell strides towards them.
But when Margaret sees Jamie, she changes. Taking his hand, a vision begins. “I see you,” she says, in an altered voice. She describes the battlefield of Culloden as an orchard of blood and mentions the rabbit that Jamie had watched in his delirious state. He wrenches his hand away, with a shocked “Christ”. He has told no one of the rabbit and this unnerves him. Then Margaret turns to Claire and describes the bird on the windowsill. It is the bird that Claire had told Jamie of, the one that she used to imagine was him.
Again, there is no way for Margaret to know this and Claire is similarly unnerved. But then Margaret takes both of their hands and it is the voice of Brianna that she is channelling. She tells Jamie that she knew it was him and that she loves him. He smiles, despite the strangeness: this is what he longs for. Then Margaret kisses Claire on the cheek, saying “You too, Mama” and Claire is similarly moved. But then Margaret looks frightened, talking of the monster and saying “Abandawe”. Claire remembers that this is the cave that Margaret had spoken about before, but before she can get any more information, Margaret says that the monster is coming, as Archibald Campbell strides towards them.
While Willoughby tells Archibald that he is not welcome, Campbell admonishes his sister, asking her if she has forgotten about their wealthy patron, Mrs Abernathy. Jamie asks Archibald what he has to do with the woman who has his nephew. Campbell replies that he knows nothing about young Ian, but is only concerned with the Brahan Seer and the prophecy of the 200 year old baby. At this, Claire looks shocked.
Campbell explains that according to the prophecy, a new king will rise upon the death of a 200 year old baby and Claire realises the danger that Bree is in. She moves a short distance away, to check the photos and calls for Jamie. She asks Jamie if he has the photo of Bree with the dog, but he hasn’t.
Campbell explains that according to the prophecy, a new king will rise upon the death of a 200 year old baby and Claire realises the danger that Bree is in. She moves a short distance away, to check the photos and calls for Jamie. She asks Jamie if he has the photo of Bree with the dog, but he hasn’t.
Against the backdrop of the tribal ceremony which has recommenced, two scenes happen simultaneously. First, Campbell is telling Margaret that they are leaving. But Willoughby defends his true love. When Archibald attempts to grab hold of his sister, Willoughby pushes him away, saying that he knows what Campbell has done to her and that he is not worthy of her.
Next, as the ceremony becomes more frenzied, Claire tells Jamie that Geillis must have taken the photograph. She explains how she had told Geillis of Bree and the fact that Geillis had met her in 1968, leading Geillis to believe that Bree is the 200 year old baby.
Campbell is holding the stick, threatening Margaret. But this Margaret is stronger. She stands up to Archibald, telling him that he had forced her to tell fortunes in riddles, but she won’t do so any longer. Campbell lunges for Margaret, but Willoughby grabs him.
Claire and Jamie realise that Geillis is going to go back to 1968 to kill Bree. Jamie says that they need to find Geillis immediately and Claire tells him of the cave that both Father Fogden and Margaret had mentioned: Abandawe. It is a place like Craigh na Dun, where people disappear, she says.
“Abandawe,” Jamie echoes.
A slave bites off the head of a chicken and drains the blood into a bowl, at the same time that Willoughby snaps Archibald’s neck.
Jamie and Claire reemerge in the clearing to see Willoughby comforting Margaret, the tribal leader drinking the chicken’s blood and a group of slaves converging on Archibald’s body. Death is everywhere. Jamie asks one of the slaves about Abandawe. “A bad place,” the slave replies. Jamie asks the man to take them there, but he refuses. If the boy is there, the slave says, he will die, as will they if they follow. Taking hold of Claire’s hand, an undeterred Jamie takes the torch from the slave and heads in the direction that he had pointed, turning back briefly to see Archibald Campbell’s lifeless body being lifted high by the slaves, as Willoughby and Margaret look on. What happens next can only be imagined, as the attention now is on the fate of young Ian.
Jamie and Claire reemerge in the clearing to see Willoughby comforting Margaret, the tribal leader drinking the chicken’s blood and a group of slaves converging on Archibald’s body. Death is everywhere. Jamie asks one of the slaves about Abandawe. “A bad place,” the slave replies. Jamie asks the man to take them there, but he refuses. If the boy is there, the slave says, he will die, as will they if they follow. Taking hold of Claire’s hand, an undeterred Jamie takes the torch from the slave and heads in the direction that he had pointed, turning back briefly to see Archibald Campbell’s lifeless body being lifted high by the slaves, as Willoughby and Margaret look on. What happens next can only be imagined, as the attention now is on the fate of young Ian.
The stone circle reminiscent of Craigh Na Dun comes into view and Claire knows that they have reached Abandawe. As they enter the cave, Claire can hear humming.
She realises that the portal is nearby. If it takes her, she tells Jamie, she mightn’t be able to come back. Jamie replies that if anything happens to him, she must go through, to save Brianna. They lost Faith, he says, they won’t lose Brianna too. He kisses her and she nods. Determined, they push on, hand in hand, Jamie drawing his dirk in readiness.
She realises that the portal is nearby. If it takes her, she tells Jamie, she mightn’t be able to come back. Jamie replies that if anything happens to him, she must go through, to save Brianna. They lost Faith, he says, they won’t lose Brianna too. He kisses her and she nods. Determined, they push on, hand in hand, Jamie drawing his dirk in readiness.
Geillis is making a circle with salt, gemstones and Bree’s photo. Ian lies behind her, moaning through the gag. Geillis tells him not to worry, as he is being sacrificed for a great cause.
Jamie and Claire appear, Jamie calling out to Ian. But Geillis warns him not to come any closer, and Hercules appears, with a pistol aimed at Jamie’s head. Jamie drops the knife and Geillis turns, dousing Ian in liquid ready to set him alight. Hercules looks away momentarily and Jamie takes his chance, knocking the pistol from the man’s hand. The two begin to fight and Claire heads towards Geillis, who approaches holding the burning torch. “A life for a life, sweet Claire,” she says. “I saved you from the pyre after the witch trial. You owe me a life.”
Jamie and Claire appear, Jamie calling out to Ian. But Geillis warns him not to come any closer, and Hercules appears, with a pistol aimed at Jamie’s head. Jamie drops the knife and Geillis turns, dousing Ian in liquid ready to set him alight. Hercules looks away momentarily and Jamie takes his chance, knocking the pistol from the man’s hand. The two begin to fight and Claire heads towards Geillis, who approaches holding the burning torch. “A life for a life, sweet Claire,” she says. “I saved you from the pyre after the witch trial. You owe me a life.”
As Hercules starts to choke Jamie, a desperate Claire tells Geillis that Ian is just a boy.
But Ian is just fodder for the passage, Geillis replies. It is Brianna’s life that she wants. “I have to, Claire,” she says, “for the greater good.” Claire realises that the pool in front of them is the portal, as Geillis tells her that the two of them have a responsibility to change history. Geillis had given up her child for the cause; now Claire must do the same.
But Ian is just fodder for the passage, Geillis replies. It is Brianna’s life that she wants. “I have to, Claire,” she says, “for the greater good.” Claire realises that the pool in front of them is the portal, as Geillis tells her that the two of them have a responsibility to change history. Geillis had given up her child for the cause; now Claire must do the same.
It is the moment of reckoning. Claire lunges at Geillis, knocking her to the ground and grabbing a knife. Jamie finally overpowers Hercules and does the same. As Geillis looks at the pool, she tells Claire that it is God’s will and lunges towards her. With an almighty swing and a primeval scream, Claire swings the knife, which slices into Geillis’ neck. She falls, lifeless to the ground.
From the opposite side of the pool, Jamie immediately frees Hercules. “Go,” he says. “Go, you’re free.” The man staggers away and Jamie races to young Ian, cutting his bonds and pulling him into an embrace, telling his nephew that there is no reason to be afraid now. Claire is looking down at Geillis’ body, but the hum of the pool starts to overpower her and she begins to walk towards it, as if in a trance. Jamie notices just in time, taking hold of her hand as he says her name and breaks the spell. “Let’s get out of this place,” he says. He picks up Bree’s photo, as young Ian thriftily gathers the gemstones and the three of them leave Geillis’ body behind in Abandawe.
It is daylight as they emerge. Young Ian turns to Jamie, and says tearfully, “I knew you’d come, Uncle Jamie. But you left it a bit late, aye?”
“I did then,” says Jamie, “and I’m sorry.” He pulls an emotional Ian towards him as the young man cries and kisses the top of his nephew’s head. “But we’re all right now.” The tears turn to relieved laughter and Jamie looks back to Claire.
But Claire is shaking with shock. The bloody knife still in her hands, she is remembering Joe Abernathy and the skull of the murdered woman they had examined together in Boston, realising that the woman was Geillis and that she, herself, was the murderer.
But Claire is shaking with shock. The bloody knife still in her hands, she is remembering Joe Abernathy and the skull of the murdered woman they had examined together in Boston, realising that the woman was Geillis and that she, herself, was the murderer.
Gently, Jamie walks over to her. He takes the knife from her hand and tosses it into the leaves, before gathering her into his arms. He tells her that they will go to the ship; that Fergus will have gathered their things and that with Lesley and Hayes, they will sail home.
“But first,” he says, “I must hold you both.” He puts an arm around both young Ian and Claire, looking to the heavens in relief as he comforts them. It is a beautiful moment.
“But first,” he says, “I must hold you both.” He puts an arm around both young Ian and Claire, looking to the heavens in relief as he comforts them. It is a beautiful moment.
A few days have passed. Jamie and Claire are in their quarters on the Artemis and Claire remarks that it was very generous of Lord John to use his influence to withdraw the warrant. They talk of how it will be lovely to be back home. Jamie says that they will take Ian straight to Jenny and Claire comments that he might not want to return after all the adventure. Jamie replies that he doesn’t care if Ian wants to or not: he will deliver his nephew to Lallybroch if he has to stuff him into a hog’s head to do so.
Throughout this conversation, Jamie has been preparing to shave. But at the last minute, Claire stops him: telling him not to shave his beard. She comments on the few white hairs she can see at his temples and he replies that he’s surprised he doesn’t have a full head of white hair after the past few months. Claire runs her hand over the stubble of a four day old growth, saying that she likes it. It feels different on her skin, she says, when he kisses her. Jamie replies that she has very fine skin, like pearls. She has a lot of fine skin, in fact, if that is what she has in mind. It is precisely what she has in mind, she tells him.
So begins a long seduction scene, a favourite amongst book readers, in which Jamie tells Claire how he has given a great deal of thought to what he wants to do to her once they are on dry land.
Here though, viewers have the added advantage of seeing him begin to do just what he had planned! It is perfectly acted by both Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, who show yet again how in sync they are as actors, bringing this scene to life with exactly the right mixture of humour and sensuality. After the drama of the previous scenes, it is a delight to see some joyous sex!
Here though, viewers have the added advantage of seeing him begin to do just what he had planned! It is perfectly acted by both Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, who show yet again how in sync they are as actors, bringing this scene to life with exactly the right mixture of humour and sensuality. After the drama of the previous scenes, it is a delight to see some joyous sex!
But of course, the joy is shortlived. Afterwards, the two are lying in post coital bliss when thunder rumbles in the distance.
Jamie remarks that cooler air will be a relief after the heat of the island and opens a window. Then, in one of the biggest understatements uttered thus far, he says, “The skies are turning.”
Jamie remarks that cooler air will be a relief after the heat of the island and opens a window. Then, in one of the biggest understatements uttered thus far, he says, “The skies are turning.”
In the next scene, the ship is caught in the middle of a hurricane. Jamie and the rest of the crew are trying desperately to keep control of the steering as the storm lashes the deck. Down below, Claire is telling Ian, Fergus, Marsali, Lesley and Hayes that they must stay below and let the experienced sailors do their job. Ian does not want to stay put, but Claire tells him he has no choice. She turns to leave and when Ian asks her where she is going, she replies that she is still the ship’s surgeon.
The scene on deck is grim. Jamie screams to Claire that it is too dangerous, but she hears the cry of an injured sailor and goes to help him. With another sailor’s help she manages to get the man below. The mast snaps.
They are losing the battle against the storm and the decision is made to get below. Everyone starts to leave the deck, as Jamie attaches a rope to the steering wheel in the vain hope of trying to keep it secured. He heads towards Claire, reaching her just as a wall of water looms above them. They look at each other as it hits. Jamie is knocked off his feet, but when he sits back up, Claire has gone.
They are losing the battle against the storm and the decision is made to get below. Everyone starts to leave the deck, as Jamie attaches a rope to the steering wheel in the vain hope of trying to keep it secured. He heads towards Claire, reaching her just as a wall of water looms above them. They look at each other as it hits. Jamie is knocked off his feet, but when he sits back up, Claire has gone.
We are back at the opening moments of the episode. Claire’s voiceover tells us once again that she is dead. Yet she feels peaceful and bodiless. She is free of terror and rage, but filled with a quiet happiness. Her body is sinking, as we see Jamie swimming desperately towards her, cutting her free from the ropes that are pulling her below.
Putting his lips on hers, he tries to breathe air back into her lungs as they return to the surface. They break the water and he drags them to a floating bit of wreckage. “Claire!” he calls, his voice breaking. “Damn you Sassenach, if you die here now, I swear I’ll kill you.” But she is still unconscious. He bows his head, shaking and crying as he holds them both above the water. The camera pans upwards and we realise that they are actually in the eye of the hurricane, a moment of stillness amongst the chaos and destruction.
Putting his lips on hers, he tries to breathe air back into her lungs as they return to the surface. They break the water and he drags them to a floating bit of wreckage. “Claire!” he calls, his voice breaking. “Damn you Sassenach, if you die here now, I swear I’ll kill you.” But she is still unconscious. He bows his head, shaking and crying as he holds them both above the water. The camera pans upwards and we realise that they are actually in the eye of the hurricane, a moment of stillness amongst the chaos and destruction.
A young girl is running along a beach. She holds a stick, which she pokes at an object on the ground.
The object grunts and she runs off. It is Jamie. He looks around desperately for Claire and sees her lying a little way away. He crawls to her, but she is not moving. “Sassenach,” he whispers brokenly, stroking her hair. He moves to kiss her and she coughs. “Thank Christ,” he breathes, “I thought you were dead.”
The object grunts and she runs off. It is Jamie. He looks around desperately for Claire and sees her lying a little way away. He crawls to her, but she is not moving. “Sassenach,” he whispers brokenly, stroking her hair. He moves to kiss her and she coughs. “Thank Christ,” he breathes, “I thought you were dead.”
“I said I’d never leave you again,” she whispers, her voice hoarse and he smiles.
Painfully, they pull themselves up.
“Where are we?” Claire says, but Jamie doesn’t know. “The Artemis?” she asks, but Jamie doesn’t know that either. Grief stricken, they embrace. They do not know if anyone else has survived.
A man and woman approach, together with the little girl who had poked Jamie with the stick.
The man asks if they are all right and Jamie replies that they have all their limbs. When the man comments that they must be from the ship that has run aground nearby, Jamie asks if there are any survivors. The man confirms yes, that the survivors are being cared for. Jamie and Claire embrace in relief as the couple introduce themselves as Joseph and Patsy Oliver. “James Fraser,” Jamie responds, “ and my wife, Claire.” He then asks where they are and Patsy replies that they call it Le Perle. Claire asks what island it is and Joseph tells her that they aren’t on an island at all. “You’re on the mainland,” he says, “on the colony of Georgia.”
The man asks if they are all right and Jamie replies that they have all their limbs. When the man comments that they must be from the ship that has run aground nearby, Jamie asks if there are any survivors. The man confirms yes, that the survivors are being cared for. Jamie and Claire embrace in relief as the couple introduce themselves as Joseph and Patsy Oliver. “James Fraser,” Jamie responds, “ and my wife, Claire.” He then asks where they are and Patsy replies that they call it Le Perle. Claire asks what island it is and Joseph tells her that they aren’t on an island at all. “You’re on the mainland,” he says, “on the colony of Georgia.”
“America,” Claire says and he nods. The Olivers walk back down the beach as Jamie and Claire embrace, the tears streaming down their faces in relief. The music soars, the camera pans past both them and the littered wreckage, towards the American landscape and a new future. And just like that, Droughtlander has returned once more!
Expertly tying together elements of the past, present and future, this episode encapsulated what is the essence of Jamie and Claire’s story: theirs is a love that transcends danger, loss and death, a connection that truly endures throughout time.
This recap was written by Susie Brown, a writer and teacher-librarian who lives in Australia. She has learned so much about the process of adaptation throughout this season and is filled with admiration for everyone involved with bringing this wonderful story to life!
Episode 312 The Bakra
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 312
A recap of episode 312, the Bakra by Susie Brown
“Ghosts, Talismans and Prophecies”: A recap of Season 3 episode 12 by your Aussie Blogging Lass.
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
The penultimate episode of season three serves as an example of the fluidity of time. “Ghosts” from the past come back, both to haunt and to help; characters in the present face danger and uncertainty yet again, while a spoken prophecy hints at trouble in the future. There is a lot of ground to cover!
Indeed, the episode begins with a small jump back in time to the moments just after Young Ian has been taken by the Bruja. As Jamie and Claire’s desperate cries are echoing in the distance, he is being forced aboard.
One of the sailors is going through the box, and Young Ian asks another of his captors what they want with him. They do not answer, but ask the captain if the box is what the Bakra seeks. It appears to be, the man tells them and then asks who Ian is. “He was holding the box,” the other man says and they begin debating what to do. One suggestion is to feed Young Ian to the pigs; something that seems to be being seriously considered and Young Ian starts to panic. He begs them to let him go, reminding them that they already have the box. A struggle ensues and Ian bites the hand of one of the men, drawing blood. The captain then tells them to keep Young Ian for someone known only as the Bakra, adding that the Bakra likes boys. Much to his distress and anger Young Ian is led away, calling the sailor a bastard and threatening to gut him. But it does no good, of course and he is forced below.
One of the sailors is going through the box, and Young Ian asks another of his captors what they want with him. They do not answer, but ask the captain if the box is what the Bakra seeks. It appears to be, the man tells them and then asks who Ian is. “He was holding the box,” the other man says and they begin debating what to do. One suggestion is to feed Young Ian to the pigs; something that seems to be being seriously considered and Young Ian starts to panic. He begs them to let him go, reminding them that they already have the box. A struggle ensues and Ian bites the hand of one of the men, drawing blood. The captain then tells them to keep Young Ian for someone known only as the Bakra, adding that the Bakra likes boys. Much to his distress and anger Young Ian is led away, calling the sailor a bastard and threatening to gut him. But it does no good, of course and he is forced below.
Another time jump and the Bruja has reached its destination. Young Ian is pushed into a cell, his captor ordering the slave guarding the door to inform the Bakra that he has arrived. Left alone in the cell, Ian looks around in despair. A voice comes out of the darkness. “What’s your name?” it says.
A boy around Ian’s age emerges from the shadows and introduces himself as Henry. Ian makes his own introductions and asks where they are.Henry says that he thinks they are in Jamaica, due to the information he had from another boy, known as Robbie. Another boy called Abeeku is with Henry. He speaks no English, but flinches when he hears Henry say the Bakra’s name. There used to be six boys in the cell Henry says and asks Young Ian where he was taken. Ian answers: “Scotland.” Suddenly he realises what Henry had said before. “What do you mean there were 6 of you?” he asks. Henry shares the story: there had been people there, he says, but one by one the boys had been taken to see the Bakra and they had never returned. “What’s the Bakra?” asks Young Ian and the scene changes once more.
A boy around Ian’s age emerges from the shadows and introduces himself as Henry. Ian makes his own introductions and asks where they are.Henry says that he thinks they are in Jamaica, due to the information he had from another boy, known as Robbie. Another boy called Abeeku is with Henry. He speaks no English, but flinches when he hears Henry say the Bakra’s name. There used to be six boys in the cell Henry says and asks Young Ian where he was taken. Ian answers: “Scotland.” Suddenly he realises what Henry had said before. “What do you mean there were 6 of you?” he asks. Henry shares the story: there had been people there, he says, but one by one the boys had been taken to see the Bakra and they had never returned. “What’s the Bakra?” asks Young Ian and the scene changes once more.
This time Ian is led to a chaise lounge in an ornate room and is ordered to sit. He does so and as he looks around, a blood soaked foot and leg appear . “I’m told you are Scottish” says a voice. “So am I.” Viewers recognise the voice immediately.
“Are you the Bakra?” Young Ian asks.
“I am,” she replies and emerges, naked from the tub and covered in blood. She looks back at him seductively over her shoulder.
“But you can call me Geillis.” She moves towards him as a confused, yet aroused Ian watches. “Don’t worry,” she says, “it’s only goat’s blood.” The protein and iron in the blood keeps her skin young, she explains, tipping jugs of water over herself to wash it away. Another servant enters with food and drink and Geillis offers Young Ian some plum cake and pudding, adding that he must be starving. She sits down opposite him.
“But you can call me Geillis.” She moves towards him as a confused, yet aroused Ian watches. “Don’t worry,” she says, “it’s only goat’s blood.” The protein and iron in the blood keeps her skin young, she explains, tipping jugs of water over herself to wash it away. Another servant enters with food and drink and Geillis offers Young Ian some plum cake and pudding, adding that he must be starving. She sits down opposite him.
“What do you do with the boys from the pit?” Young Ian asks, but she diverts his questions, telling him to eat first. Young Ian eyes the food warily, but eventually gives in. He is starving. As he eats a piece of the cake, Geillis pours him a cup of tea. He drinks, but it’s bitter. Geillis adds some sugar and begins her interrogation and seduction. Young Ian was holding her treasure box when he was found, she says, a box that contained 3 sapphires.
There are now only two and Geillis wants to know if he has taken the third, as her sailors would never betray her. His mouth full of cake, Young Ian answers that he “didn’t have time to open the box before your ruffians grabbed me.” Geillis just responds by commenting on the dryness of the cake and pours him some more tea, watching him intently as he drinks. “Did you take my jewel, lad?” she asks. Again, Young Ian denies it, but then has a thought. He adds that perhaps Jamie has taken it. Immediately, he claps a hand over his mouth and his eyes go wide. He didn’t mean to say this!
There are now only two and Geillis wants to know if he has taken the third, as her sailors would never betray her. His mouth full of cake, Young Ian answers that he “didn’t have time to open the box before your ruffians grabbed me.” Geillis just responds by commenting on the dryness of the cake and pours him some more tea, watching him intently as he drinks. “Did you take my jewel, lad?” she asks. Again, Young Ian denies it, but then has a thought. He adds that perhaps Jamie has taken it. Immediately, he claps a hand over his mouth and his eyes go wide. He didn’t mean to say this!
The revelation has an immediate effect on Geillis. She stands and moves closer. “Why do you think that?” she asks. Young Ian explains that Jamie is the only one who knew where the treasure was. The expression on his face indicates that he doesn’t know why he is saying this. “It’s the tea you’re drinking,” Geillis says and explains that she has a witch doctor make it for her. It forces anyone to speak the truth no matter what. Next she asks who Young Ian’s uncle is. It is obvious he is fighting the effects of the tea, but he cannot stop himself from saying, “James Fraser of Broch Tuarach.”
Geillis reacts to this news. “Is he really?” she asks nonchalantly, wondering aloud why Jamie would want the jewel. Again, Young Ian answers against his will, explaining that Jamie had needed it to pay a debt.
Geillis switches to more sensual methods of seduction now, telling Young Ian as she stretches her leg into his lap that her sailors had heard someone yelling for him and wonders aloud if this is Jamie.
“Aye,” Young Ian responds, “And he’ll be coming for me.” No doubt he means to sound threatening, but only succeeds in sounding like a young man who is very attracted to his interrogator.
“I’m counting on it, lad,” Geillis replies. “Perhaps he’ll bring my jewel along with him.” She slides her body seductively across his lap.
“What do you do with the boys?” Young Ian asks.
“Oh, I have my way with them,” she replies. “Virgins have such power inside, but after that I have no use for them.” She pulls him down towards her. “Come,” she says. “It’s not such a bad way to go.”
Despite the implied threat, Ian finds himself leaning in. Then he remembers: “I’m not a virgin,” he says. Geillis opens her robe, baring her breast to him. “Good,” she says. “You’ll know what to do.”
Claire and Jamie are arriving in Jamaica. Claire’s voiceover remarks that after months at sea, the bustling port is a welcome sight. Jamie seeks out Fergus, giving orders that once the casks are unloaded, Fergus is to tell Baxley to take the ship out of sight, in case Captain Leonard and the Porpoise are not far away. They can’t risk being in port should Leonard appear. Marsali suggests that maybe Leonard has already been and gone, but Jamie disputes this, saying that there wouldn’t have been time to refit the boat and hire new crew. Claire suggests to Jamie that the two of them split up, to speed up the search. She will take some of the sailors with her, she says. But Jamie refuses to be parted from her, saying that he won’t run the risk of losing her again and that they will search together.
A man approaches and asks if they have recently disembarked from the Artemis. Immediately, they are suspicious and ask who he is. The man apologises and introduces himself as Kenneth MacIver, an employee of Jared’s. Jamie and Claire share a relieved look and introduce themselves fully and honestly. Jamie adds that he has brought French wine and brandy.
MacIver comments that while he hadn’t expected to receive goods until the summer, this is fortuitous as he is meant to bring 4 casks of wine to the new governor’s residence. The governor is holding a ball that evening and MacIver promptly invites them. Claire declines on behalf of them both, saying that they have more pressing concerns, so MacIver offers to help. Jamie asks MacIver to show them to lodging and he will explain the situation as they walk.
MacIver comments that while he hadn’t expected to receive goods until the summer, this is fortuitous as he is meant to bring 4 casks of wine to the new governor’s residence. The governor is holding a ball that evening and MacIver promptly invites them. Claire declines on behalf of them both, saying that they have more pressing concerns, so MacIver offers to help. Jamie asks MacIver to show them to lodging and he will explain the situation as they walk.
While MacIver is sympathetic to young Ian’s plight, he can’t offer much by way of information. He does know that the Bruja has already passed through, but is unsure of the ship’s next destination. He is also unsure about whether any slaves were sold before it left, but suggests that Claire and Jamie check out the slave market to see if they can learn anything there. He leaves them at their accommodation, promising to have their things brought to them.
The subsequent walk through the markets is an uncomfortable and distressing one. Claire walks with Lesley, who has bought her a parasol, in order to help her “look respectable” in front of the slave traders. At that, Claire promptly closes it, commenting that she doesn’t care what these people think of her. Back in the 20th century, she had seen her best friend Joe Abernathy deal with prejudice during their time at university - no doubt this is on her mind as she makes eye contact with the men and boys imprisoned behind bars. Hayes and Jamie are asking questions of the traders, to see if anyone has been sold a fair skinned boy. One of the traders says that he “only deals in savages” and it is a shocking comment to hear. Another tells Jamie that the Bruja only sold negro slaves, who in his opinion, were of an inferior quality to his own. He further comments that the new governor had bought the Bruja’s slaves and as a result, Jamie makes the decision to attend the ball after all, reasoning that some of the new slaves may know what has happened to young Ian. Suddenly he realises that he has been separated from Claire and begins to look around for her.
Claire is further ahead, first watching in horror as a young woman is branded and then coming across an auction that is just about to start. The young man being auctioned is deemed unsuitable for farm work, but is being sold for “breeding stock”. One of the crowd asks for proof of the man’s virility, resulting in the auctioneer grabbing hold of the man’s genitals to prove that they are in working order.
This is too much for Claire. She hurls herself at the auctioneer, telling him to leave the man alone. Jamie strides into the fray to find a struggle ensuing and he has to fight his way to Claire, who tearfully asks him to do something to help the young man. Jamie does the only thing possible in order to calm proceedings. He buys the young man for 20 pounds and Claire finds herself staring at a bill of ownership for the negro slave known as Temeraire. Claire tells Jamie that they have to free the man and Jamie agrees, but adds that they can’t let him go in Kingston as it will only result in recapture. Claire considers tearing up the bill of sale, but again Jamie is the voice of reason, telling her that the young man would then have no proof that he was in Claire’s employ and could therefore be resold or claimed. At least with them, Jamie reasons, Temeraire will be cared for and they will release him when they can do so safely. In addition, he might be able to help with the search for young Ian as the slaves at the governor’s ball would be more like to talk to Temeraire than to Claire and Jamie.
This is too much for Claire. She hurls herself at the auctioneer, telling him to leave the man alone. Jamie strides into the fray to find a struggle ensuing and he has to fight his way to Claire, who tearfully asks him to do something to help the young man. Jamie does the only thing possible in order to calm proceedings. He buys the young man for 20 pounds and Claire finds herself staring at a bill of ownership for the negro slave known as Temeraire. Claire tells Jamie that they have to free the man and Jamie agrees, but adds that they can’t let him go in Kingston as it will only result in recapture. Claire considers tearing up the bill of sale, but again Jamie is the voice of reason, telling her that the young man would then have no proof that he was in Claire’s employ and could therefore be resold or claimed. At least with them, Jamie reasons, Temeraire will be cared for and they will release him when they can do so safely. In addition, he might be able to help with the search for young Ian as the slaves at the governor’s ball would be more like to talk to Temeraire than to Claire and Jamie.
Claire goes to Temeraire and wastes no time in telling him that she wants to set him free. “You buy me to set me free? Then I am free?” Temeraire asks in disbelief. Claire confirms this, saying that they have no wish to own him. Jamie explains that they want to leave the island soon, but that first they must find young Ian. Claire and Jamie ask Temeraire for his help in this regard, which he gives.
The next scene begins with an increasingly frustrated Geillis talking to Archibald and Margaret Campbell. She is particularly annoyed that the 3rd sapphire is missing, as the prophecy states that the seer must hold all three stones in her hand whilst giving the reading, otherwise they will be unable to decipher when the new Scottish king will arise.
Geillis is still ardently fighting for the Scottish cause. She tells the Campbells that the stones had been passed down from father to son until they fell into the hands of Dougal Mackenzie, who had hidden them in a box containing family treasure that was buried on Selkie Island. Geillis calls Dougal a hero and explains to the Campbells that he had died at Culloden. Ever one to sniff out a deal, Archibald asks Geillis to confirm that she has no need for the rest of treasure. But Geillis is not so easily duped. She tells Archibald that he won’t see a penny until Margaret’s gifts are rendered.
Geillis is still ardently fighting for the Scottish cause. She tells the Campbells that the stones had been passed down from father to son until they fell into the hands of Dougal Mackenzie, who had hidden them in a box containing family treasure that was buried on Selkie Island. Geillis calls Dougal a hero and explains to the Campbells that he had died at Culloden. Ever one to sniff out a deal, Archibald asks Geillis to confirm that she has no need for the rest of treasure. But Geillis is not so easily duped. She tells Archibald that he won’t see a penny until Margaret’s gifts are rendered.
A carriage draws up outside the Governor’s residence and Jamie, Claire and Temeraire get out of it. Temeraire is shown to the servant’s quarters to “be of service”. Claire and Jamie are wearing finery from their time in Paris, as are Fergus, Marsali and Mr Willoughby. Jamie, resplendent in powdered wig, reminds Temeraire to come and find them when he has news and Temeraire promises to do so.
Meantime, the others are teasing Jamie about his wig. He asks if he looks like a Scottish provocateur. Marsali suggest that he looks like a dandy, with Fergus contradicting her, saying that he looks like a Frenchman. “Same thing,” interjects Mr Wiloughby, prompting Fergus to comment that no one will be paying any attention to Jamie’s wig once they have laid eyes on Willoughby. Jamie agrees that Willoughby will indeed be a distraction. As they prepare to go inside, Jamie tells Claire that she is a vision and looks just like she did in Versailles. Claire smiles and says that that was a very long time ago. “You look as if ‘twere yesterday,” replies Jamie. The conversation is interrupted as they run into Archibald Campbell, who immediately addresses Claire as “Mistress Malcolm.”
“It was,” Claire corrects, promptly introducing Jamie and enquiring after Margaret’s health. Claire seems genuinely pleased to see Archibald, whilst he looks less enthusiastic. They make small talk for a few moments, marvelling at the coincidence of finding each other on this island of the West Indies.
Inside, Jamie and Claire wait to be introduced to the governor. He can’t stand to wait in line, Jamie comments, but the governor is the person to speak to about young Ian. He notices Claire looking with compassion towards the black slaves in the room and in hushed tones asks Claire when the slave trade ends. “Not for another 70 years in the British empire,” she answers, “and a hundred in America.” Another woman approaches them and asks about Willoughby. “Where did you find him, I must know!” the woman enthuses.
Jamie formally introduces Willoughby as his acquaintance, Mr Yi Tien Cho, late of the Celestial Kingdom of China. The woman simpers, marvelling at the distance Willoughby has travelled and being astonished to discover that he speaks English. Claire shakes her head in disbelief, rolling her eyes at the giggling of the woman and her companions. But Willoughby turns away, hearing Margaret Campbell giving an impromptu reading to a slave, telling him that he will be free of the shackles that bind him.
As Willoughby watches, he sees Archibald approach and rebuke Margaret for telling fortunes without his permission. She looks away from her brother and her eyes meet Willoughby’s. They smile.
Jamie formally introduces Willoughby as his acquaintance, Mr Yi Tien Cho, late of the Celestial Kingdom of China. The woman simpers, marvelling at the distance Willoughby has travelled and being astonished to discover that he speaks English. Claire shakes her head in disbelief, rolling her eyes at the giggling of the woman and her companions. But Willoughby turns away, hearing Margaret Campbell giving an impromptu reading to a slave, telling him that he will be free of the shackles that bind him.
As Willoughby watches, he sees Archibald approach and rebuke Margaret for telling fortunes without his permission. She looks away from her brother and her eyes meet Willoughby’s. They smile.
Marsali and Fergus are giggling and laughing. “Do you remember when we were like that?” Claire asks Jamie, “so obvious in public?” Jamie teases that she couldn’t keep her hands off him, but given that she had been holding onto him while they were sharing a horse, it couldn’t be helped. They laugh a little in memory, but the look that Jamie gives her smoulders with intensity.
She returns it and suddenly they are every bit as obvious in public as Fergus and Marsali. Fan forums have made much of this look and with good reason. It is the perfect representation of what has been said many times - the bond between the two is so unusually, unbelievably strong.
She returns it and suddenly they are every bit as obvious in public as Fergus and Marsali. Fan forums have made much of this look and with good reason. It is the perfect representation of what has been said many times - the bond between the two is so unusually, unbelievably strong.
At last Jamie sees the governor and his breath catches for a moment. “Perhaps it’s because of you coming through the stones,” he says to Claire, “Ghosts that keep coming into our lives, drawn to us the way we are drawn to each other.” He approaches his particular ghost: Lord John Grey and bows low, greeting him as “Your Excellency.” John is overjoyed - and amazed - to see him.
Jamie introduces Claire and we see John’s smile fade a little. “I thought-” John begins and Jamie finishes the sentence. Yes, he had thought Claire had died too, but she has been returned to him. John asks how and Claire remarks that it is a rather long story. Obviously keen to hear it, he suggests that they talk in private. Leaving Fergus and Marsali to fend for themselves, Jamie and Claire follow John through the crowded room. They are noticed by one guest in particular, but they do not see Geillis watching them as they walk past.
Jamie introduces Claire and we see John’s smile fade a little. “I thought-” John begins and Jamie finishes the sentence. Yes, he had thought Claire had died too, but she has been returned to him. John asks how and Claire remarks that it is a rather long story. Obviously keen to hear it, he suggests that they talk in private. Leaving Fergus and Marsali to fend for themselves, Jamie and Claire follow John through the crowded room. They are noticed by one guest in particular, but they do not see Geillis watching them as they walk past.
John would clearly like to embrace Jamie, but restrains himself. Jamie asks if Willie has accompanied John, adding that Claire knows the story when John hesitates.
Quickly, John updates him: no, Willie is not with him. He has only been there a month himself and Willie and Isobel will join him in the summer. Yes, Willie still rides. He is a fine equestrian and has been growing fast. When Jamie says that he misses Willie, John responds with a kind “And he you. He still remembers you”, before tempering this by adding “from time to time.” Jamie says that it does not matter, as long as Willie is happy, but the emotion and longing is there on his face for all to see. It is another example of beautifully nuanced acting from Sam Heughan.
Quickly, John updates him: no, Willie is not with him. He has only been there a month himself and Willie and Isobel will join him in the summer. Yes, Willie still rides. He is a fine equestrian and has been growing fast. When Jamie says that he misses Willie, John responds with a kind “And he you. He still remembers you”, before tempering this by adding “from time to time.” Jamie says that it does not matter, as long as Willie is happy, but the emotion and longing is there on his face for all to see. It is another example of beautifully nuanced acting from Sam Heughan.
The two men continue to look at each other, each lost in their memories. The gaze has gone on a little too long for Claire’s liking and she breaks the mood, asking how John comes to be governor of Jamaica. He is disparaging in his response: the clammy isle is the terminus of a number of so called promotions.
He asks his own question, how have they come to be so far from home? When Jamie tells him that Ian has been kidnapped, John’s response is immediate: what can he do to help? Claire asks if he could introduce them around to the people on the island who keep indentured servants. John agrees, but adds that this will be nearly all of them. Jamie says that his man servant is currently talking to John’s slaves in the hope of gaining some more information. John reiterates that he will do whatever he can to help and Jamie smiles, noticing the decoration that John has pinned to his pocket. It is the sapphire that Jamie had given to him at Ardsmuir. John explains that he wears it to remember their friendship, a reason that Claire does not buy for a moment. Taking his leave of them to return to his guests, John comments again how wonderful it is to see Jamie. Left alone, Claire looks at Jamie, puzzled. There is obviously more to this relationship and she is not sure what to think.
He asks his own question, how have they come to be so far from home? When Jamie tells him that Ian has been kidnapped, John’s response is immediate: what can he do to help? Claire asks if he could introduce them around to the people on the island who keep indentured servants. John agrees, but adds that this will be nearly all of them. Jamie says that his man servant is currently talking to John’s slaves in the hope of gaining some more information. John reiterates that he will do whatever he can to help and Jamie smiles, noticing the decoration that John has pinned to his pocket. It is the sapphire that Jamie had given to him at Ardsmuir. John explains that he wears it to remember their friendship, a reason that Claire does not buy for a moment. Taking his leave of them to return to his guests, John comments again how wonderful it is to see Jamie. Left alone, Claire looks at Jamie, puzzled. There is obviously more to this relationship and she is not sure what to think.
Back in the main room, Claire and Jamie are helping themselves to champagne, under the watchful gaze of Lord John, when Kenneth MacIver appears again, offering to introduce Jamie to a freemason who may have news of young Ian. Claire tells Jamie to go with MacIver, while she makes some inquiries of her own.
Outside, Margaret Campbell is having a moment alone, when Mr Willoughby comes to join her. Holding out his hand to her, Willoughby says that Archibald is not treating her in the way that she deserves. Margaret looks back at him, calling him a rare soul and he smiles.
“And you are rarer still,” he replies, giving her a name which means “Flower from Heaven.” She smiles sweetly back at him. This is a lovely short scene, different to the book, but one which offers a very satisfying alternative storyline for these two characters. It remains to be seen exactly how it will develop.
“And you are rarer still,” he replies, giving her a name which means “Flower from Heaven.” She smiles sweetly back at him. This is a lovely short scene, different to the book, but one which offers a very satisfying alternative storyline for these two characters. It remains to be seen exactly how it will develop.
While Jamie is talking to the freemason, Lord John approaches Claire. He reminds her of their earlier meeting, back when he was a naive teenager defending her virtue. Each acknowledge the duping of his younger self, as Claire’s virtue had never been in danger. John confirms that Jamie has told her about Willie. “Yes,” Claire says, “and his mother. Your wife’s sister, I believe?” John comments that Jamie has told her a great deal. Claire changes the subject drawing attention to the sapphire. She declares it to be a beautiful stone and asks if Jamie had truly given it to John. John confirms this, but adds that he didn’t so much give it as surrender it upon his recapture. John states that Jamie had been looking for Claire, believing that she may have come back. “And now you have.”
“Yes,” says Claire. “I have.” John replies that it is certainly a pleasure to meet the love that was Jamie’s every heartbeat.
This is a marvellous scene, with David Berry and Caitriona Balfe doing a superb job of conveying the tension, accusations and warnings that all go unspoken. Claire is aware of John’s attraction and is basically telling him in no uncertain terms that she is back and Jamie is hers. John knows this, but at the same time, also senses that Claire is unaware as to the full extent of his friendship with Jamie and is in no hurry to tell her. His retelling of Jamie’s search for Claire is politely accusing - if Claire was Jamie’s every heartbeat, why has she stayed away so long? It is a wary relationship that has begun here, also different from the book, in which Claire had already met Lord John on board the Porpoise. There is jealousy on both sides and it will be fascinating to see future scenes between the two.
Suddenly, Claire’s attention is pulled elsewhere. Geillis Duncan has strode through the room, catching her eye. Abruptly, Claire excuses herself from Lord John’s company, telling him she believes she has just seen a ghost. She heads outside and it is not long before she hears a familiar voice, quoting a 20th century film, saying, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world...” Claire is astounded.
She tells Geillis that she had believed her dead and asks how she had escaped. Geillis tells her the story. She had been with child, so was kept in the thieves’ hole for the remainder of her pregnancy. Once in labour, she had been allowed to give birth to her son back in her own house. She had held her child, before Dougal Mackenzie had come to claim him, fearful lest anyone should discover he was the father. But Dougal had also bribed the locksman, so that the person burned at the stake the next morning was not Geillis, but an old woman who had died three days earlier. Geillis comments on how well the corpse had burned, adding that she wouldn’t have missed the event. How many people get to witness their own funeral, let alone their own execution? Once it was done, Dougal found a home for the baby and organised Geillis’ escape.
She tells Geillis that she had believed her dead and asks how she had escaped. Geillis tells her the story. She had been with child, so was kept in the thieves’ hole for the remainder of her pregnancy. Once in labour, she had been allowed to give birth to her son back in her own house. She had held her child, before Dougal Mackenzie had come to claim him, fearful lest anyone should discover he was the father. But Dougal had also bribed the locksman, so that the person burned at the stake the next morning was not Geillis, but an old woman who had died three days earlier. Geillis comments on how well the corpse had burned, adding that she wouldn’t have missed the event. How many people get to witness their own funeral, let alone their own execution? Once it was done, Dougal found a home for the baby and organised Geillis’ escape.
Claire asks why Geillis has come to Jamaica. She replies that after Culloden once she had learned of Dougal’s death, she had married a rich plantation owner. Of course the man is now dead, and we are left in no doubt as to how he met his end. Geillis tells Claire that she is now Mistress Abernathy of Rose Hall. She says that she had wondered after Crainesmuir if their paths would ever cross again and asks her own question: why is Claire in Jamaica? Claire explains about Young Ian’s kidnapping and Geillis gasps in horror when Claire mentions that he may have been sold into slavery. Viewers know, of course, that it is Geillis who has Young Ian, but she feigns concern, asking how she can help. It is a clever parallel to the previous scene with John - both offer help, and Claire makes similar requests of each. But while John is utterly sincere, Geillis is of course lying. Yet it is Geillis who Claire is trusting. Geillis comments on Claire’s necklace and Claire tells her it is black coral, a gift from Jamie. Immediately, Geillis asks to say hello to Claire’s “fox cub”, saying that perhaps he will have a wee bauble for her as well. This is a veiled reference to the Mackenzie treasure box that she has in her possession, and the comment that Young Ian had made about the possibility of Jamie having the third stone that Geillis clearly wants. Claire of course, knows none of this, so merely smiles, and the two of them head back inside.
John and Jamie are sitting and talking, John obviously enamoured of his companion, when Claire and Geillis approach. Jamie greets Geillis warily and Claire asks her whether she has met the governor.
Geillis begins to make small talk, when she notices the missing sapphire hanging from John’s pocket. Forgetting herself momentarily, she makes a grab for the jewel, asking where he got it. Disentangling the stone from her grasp, John seems amazed that it has been such a conversation piece and says that he should wear it more often. A look passes between Claire, Jamie and John that is noticed by Geillis. John continues, telling Geillis that the sapphire had been found off the coast of Scotland and had been given to him by a friend. Again, he looks at Jamie, who adds “given to you by a prisoner” and John replies that he tends to omit that detail.
Geillis begins to make small talk, when she notices the missing sapphire hanging from John’s pocket. Forgetting herself momentarily, she makes a grab for the jewel, asking where he got it. Disentangling the stone from her grasp, John seems amazed that it has been such a conversation piece and says that he should wear it more often. A look passes between Claire, Jamie and John that is noticed by Geillis. John continues, telling Geillis that the sapphire had been found off the coast of Scotland and had been given to him by a friend. Again, he looks at Jamie, who adds “given to you by a prisoner” and John replies that he tends to omit that detail.
But Geillis isn’t remotely interested in how the stone came to be in John’s possession, only that it is. All pretence of friendliness gone, Geillis stalks off, telling John that they will speak again soon. Once she has gone, John comments that she is a touch strange, to which Claire responds, “You have no idea.”
Geillis strides over to Archibald Campbell, telling him that she needs Margaret to do crowd readings immediately, angering when Archibald seems to hesitate.
He says that he didn’t believe his sister’s talents were required this evening, but recovers quickly enough to ask if he might charge a small fee. Geillis is dismissive, saying he can charge what he likes. She pulls him into the line of sight of John, Jamie and Claire, saying that she is only interested in one reading.
He says that he didn’t believe his sister’s talents were required this evening, but recovers quickly enough to ask if he might charge a small fee. Geillis is dismissive, saying he can charge what he likes. She pulls him into the line of sight of John, Jamie and Claire, saying that she is only interested in one reading.
It doesn’t take long before Margaret has a crowd around her. She is giving the readings and Archibald deciphering them, with Geillis standing behind them, like a spider looking for its prey. Claire and Jamie are watching and Claire puts 2 and 2 together. The Campbells were going to the West Indies to meet a rich patron - it is clear now that that patron is Geillis herself.
Lord John approaches and Geillis asks if he would like his fortune told. He tries to deflect, saying that he is fortunate enough. Geillis replies “Nonsense” and he agrees, “It is! I have guests to whom I must attend.” So Geillis appeals to the crowd, implying that John should oblige them all by agreeing to a reading. There is a smattering of applause and so he agrees, with a resigned, “If I must.” And just like that, Geillis the spider has trapped her fly.
Meanwhile, Margaret is distressed. She doesn’t want to do the reading, she tells Archibald. He admonishes her, saying that if she is prepared to give free readings to the slaves, she should be prepared to do the bidding of their wealthy patron. He gives Margaret her instructions, placing the remaining 2 sapphires into her hand. She is to add the 3rd stone and deliver the prophecy. But Margaret still hesitates. She wants only to help people, she tells her brother and she can sense that this prophecy will bring death. Willoughby has noticed her distress and is watching from a distance. Archibald tells Margaret that she will do the reading anyway, or he will get out the stick, a threat that has the desired effect, just as Geillis appears with Lord John at her side.
In front of the crowd, Geillis tells John that Margaret will need something personal of his to hold and indicates the sapphire. From their vantage point, Jamie gives Claire a “what is she up to?” look.
John is obviously unwilling, but unclips the sapphire and hands it over. He sits down and the reading begins. Margaret gasps, her eyes open wide and fix onto John’s face and her voice is harsh and rasping as she recites: “When twice 1200 moons have coursed, ‘Tween man’s attack and woman’s curse, And when the issue is cut down, Then will a Scotsman wear a crown.”
John is obviously unwilling, but unclips the sapphire and hands it over. He sits down and the reading begins. Margaret gasps, her eyes open wide and fix onto John’s face and her voice is harsh and rasping as she recites: “When twice 1200 moons have coursed, ‘Tween man’s attack and woman’s curse, And when the issue is cut down, Then will a Scotsman wear a crown.”
Confused, John leans forward and takes his sapphire back. Margaret gasps again and becomes herself. John stands and says to the crowd: “Well, what a peculiar past time!” There is general laughter as Geillis drags Archibald away. Outside Geillis asks Archibald what the words mean. Once it has been explained, it translates as 200 years passing between an act of love and the birth of a child. The death of this child will result in a Scottish king. But Geillis is unimpressed. “A 200 year old baby?” she says. “Do you think I’m an idiot?” She has wanted answers as to when the prophecy would occur, and this reading has not provided them. Finally, she sighs. Just because the prophecy is cryptic, she says, doesn’t mean it can’t be solved. Answering Archibald’s comment that it will “take time”, with a curt “Time, I have” she tells him to fetch Margaret as she wishes to leave.
Marsali and Fergus are enjoying a romantic moment under the trees when riders approach.
It is Captain Leonard and the two hurry to warn Jamie and Claire. The group makes a hasty exit just in time. Temeraire appears, so Jamie sends Fergus and Marsali ahead to get the carriages ready, telling the young couple to find Willoughby and meet them at the inn, while they ask Temeraire what he has found out. Temeraire tells them that the escaped slaves from the Bruja had seen Young Ian, but that the boy had stayed on the ship and had been taken to Mistress Abernathy at Rose Hall.
It is Captain Leonard and the two hurry to warn Jamie and Claire. The group makes a hasty exit just in time. Temeraire appears, so Jamie sends Fergus and Marsali ahead to get the carriages ready, telling the young couple to find Willoughby and meet them at the inn, while they ask Temeraire what he has found out. Temeraire tells them that the escaped slaves from the Bruja had seen Young Ian, but that the boy had stayed on the ship and had been taken to Mistress Abernathy at Rose Hall.
“That’s Geillis’ place,” says a dismayed Claire. “She lied to me.”
“I told you she had a wicked soul,” Jamie replies.
Temeraire asks if Jamie and Claire will keep their bargain to free him. He tells them that there are free men in Jamaica and that escaped slaves live in the mountains near Rose Hall. Jamie tells Temeraire to show them the place and that they will take him. But just as they depart, Captain Leonard appears. He looks after the carriage, thoughtfully.
Under cover of darkness, they speed away, until Temeraire calls a halt. He has seen the mark carved into a tree and bids them farewell.
“Be safe,” says Claire.
“God go with you,” Jamie adds.
Alone again, the two make plans. Once they get to Rose Hall, Claire will distract Geillis, while he searches the grounds for Young Ian. But just as they are about to get back into the carriage, riders surround them. It is Captain Leonard. Urgently, Jamie presses a wrapped parcel into Claire’s hand. “The portraits of the children” he tells her, “for safekeeping.”
“Mistress Fraser, I see you found your husband,” Captain Leonard says, before formally charging and arresting Jamie with the murder of John Barton, exciseman. He looks smug, until an outraged Claire turns on him. “After everything I did for you and your men,” she says. “You bloody bastard. I’m the only reason that any of you survived.” Leonard looks shamefaced for a moment, before recovering enough to issue a formal “Madam” in farewell. The soldiers drag Jamie away, as he calls back over his shoulder to Claire. “Go,” he says. “Find Young Ian.” The episodes ends with a close-up of Claire’s distressed face.
The stakes were raised considerably during this hour, with the reappearance of ghosts from the past in the form of Geillis and John, as well as the unseen presence of the children: Willie and Brianna. Malevolence and danger are all around, not just from the prophecy and the latest separation of Jamie from Claire, but also shown in the treatment of Young Ian by Geillis, the slaves by the traders and Margaret Campbell by her brother. At the same time, there are the characters who would do anything to help those they love, in the form of Lord John Grey, Willoughby, Fergus and Marsali. And so the stage is set for a thrilling season finale!
This recap was written by Susie Brown, a writer and teacher-librarian who lives in Australia. She was so happy to see Lord John again and can’t wait for more scenes with David Berry, Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe!
Episode 311 uncharted
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 311
A recap of episode 311, Uncharted by Susie Brown
“Turtle Soup, anyone?” A recap of Season 3 episode 11 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
In possibly the greatest tease to book fans since a sign bearing the name A Malcolm, the episode opens with a turtle swimming peacefully through the water. This swiftly changes to an image of Claire, asleep on her raft in the middle of the ocean, A wave sweeps her under the water and she is shocked awake, swimming desperately towards the shore.
The waves finally dump her onto a beach where her pack of clothes is also miraculously waiting for her. She shakes out her sodden clothes and shoes, and spreads them to dry on the sand, before sitting down to take stock of her situation. Claire’s voiceover announces that while she is relieved to have found land, she has no idea where she is. She has floated too long and far for it to be Grand Turk and she has absolutely no idea how she can find Jamie. But not being one to sit around and wait, she starts to walk.
In possibly the greatest tease to book fans since a sign bearing the name A Malcolm, the episode opens with a turtle swimming peacefully through the water. This swiftly changes to an image of Claire, asleep on her raft in the middle of the ocean, A wave sweeps her under the water and she is shocked awake, swimming desperately towards the shore.
The waves finally dump her onto a beach where her pack of clothes is also miraculously waiting for her. She shakes out her sodden clothes and shoes, and spreads them to dry on the sand, before sitting down to take stock of her situation. Claire’s voiceover announces that while she is relieved to have found land, she has no idea where she is. She has floated too long and far for it to be Grand Turk and she has absolutely no idea how she can find Jamie. But not being one to sit around and wait, she starts to walk.
The sun is unforgiving. As she walks, Claire remembers the rule of threes. She has survived the first rule - humans can only survive 3 minutes without air and she was not under water for that long. The third rule - humans can survive 3 weeks without food is not of immediate concern. But the second rule is what is worrying her - humans can only survive 3 days without water and there is no water to be seen.
She finds some that has collected in a large leaf, but it is barely a mouthful. Trying not to panic, she goes in search of more. As the sun continues to beat down, she uses her now dry skirt as a shelter, draping it over some branches to take refuge from the heat. She removes as many clothes as she can, trying to protect herself from the temperatures.
She finds some that has collected in a large leaf, but it is barely a mouthful. Trying not to panic, she goes in search of more. As the sun continues to beat down, she uses her now dry skirt as a shelter, draping it over some branches to take refuge from the heat. She removes as many clothes as she can, trying to protect herself from the temperatures.
Once again, the voiceover takes up the story. Claire has moved inland looking for a road, as this will bring with it civilisation and some form of town. Perhaps, Claire reasons, there may be a port on the other side of the island, where she could buy passage for Jamaica.
She has also found a rock that will be useful for starting a fire and she collects sticks in her skirt, which she finally manages to set alight at sunset, with the help of the stuffing of her bum roll. Encouraged by this success, she adds more sticks and branches as the flames grow. Exhausted, she sits by the fire and finally goes to sleep.
She has also found a rock that will be useful for starting a fire and she collects sticks in her skirt, which she finally manages to set alight at sunset, with the help of the stuffing of her bum roll. Encouraged by this success, she adds more sticks and branches as the flames grow. Exhausted, she sits by the fire and finally goes to sleep.
But in the morning, she wakes to discover that she is lying on an ant hill. Desperately, she beats the fire ants off her legs, but she is covered in bites. Ripping part of her petticoat into strips, she ties some makeshift bandages and continues walking. But Claire is obviously weakening now.
She is moving more slowly and holding onto the larger plants for support. The sun is continuing to beat down and still there is no water. The camera shifts in and out of focus, indicating her consciousness is also starting to waver. She comes across some coconuts, but cruelly, they are rotten and black, with the only fresh ones way above her head and out of reach.
She is moving more slowly and holding onto the larger plants for support. The sun is continuing to beat down and still there is no water. The camera shifts in and out of focus, indicating her consciousness is also starting to waver. She comes across some coconuts, but cruelly, they are rotten and black, with the only fresh ones way above her head and out of reach.
Another night falls and Claire takes shelter under a tree, but there is no fire this time. No ants either when she awakes, but instead, she finds her body being used as a road by a large snake.
Her eyes wide and not daring to breathe, she remains still until it is has passed over her. The adrenaline spurs her into action once again. Her ant bites are red raw now and she scratches at them painfully. She stumbles past an animal skeleton and we understand that she is at the end of her endurance. This is the 3rd day and by the rule of threes, her life is now in danger. Finally, she stumbles into a clearing and sees a priest, arms outstretched giving a sermon to what appears to be a flock of goats. Not sure if she is actually seeing another human being or hallucinating, Claire cannot go another step and loses consciousness, collapsing onto the ground.
Her eyes wide and not daring to breathe, she remains still until it is has passed over her. The adrenaline spurs her into action once again. Her ant bites are red raw now and she scratches at them painfully. She stumbles past an animal skeleton and we understand that she is at the end of her endurance. This is the 3rd day and by the rule of threes, her life is now in danger. Finally, she stumbles into a clearing and sees a priest, arms outstretched giving a sermon to what appears to be a flock of goats. Not sure if she is actually seeing another human being or hallucinating, Claire cannot go another step and loses consciousness, collapsing onto the ground.
She awakes to find herself lying on a bed. There is a cup of water nearby and she reaches out to take it, only to discover that she has been tied down. Another woman enters the room, telling her that she has been tied to the bed for her own good, as it was the only way to stop Claire from scratching at her legs, which are now covered in a thick paste of some sort. Claire gasps for water.
It is the first word she has actually spoken aloud in the first 16 minutes of the episode, yet viewers have been in no doubt as to the despair she has been feeling. It is a clever parallel to the opening episode of the season, where a delirious Jamie lay on the battlefield. In each case, much was conveyed purely with looks and ragged breathing and this latest display of non-verbal emotion is a testament to Caitriona Balfe’s acting skill.
It is the first word she has actually spoken aloud in the first 16 minutes of the episode, yet viewers have been in no doubt as to the despair she has been feeling. It is a clever parallel to the opening episode of the season, where a delirious Jamie lay on the battlefield. In each case, much was conveyed purely with looks and ragged breathing and this latest display of non-verbal emotion is a testament to Caitriona Balfe’s acting skill.
The woman pours water into Claire’s mouth and she drinks hungrily, choking and gasping, as she asks to be untied. But the woman does not do so, saying that Claire needs to rest. She takes Claire’s clothes away to wash, with a confused glance at the 20th century zipper of Claire’s corset.
Some time later, Claire wakes again, to find an English man sitting by her bedside. He explains that his dog, Ludo, had found her and that Ludo had been most concerned for her wellbeing. Introducing himself as Father Fogden, the man welcomes her to Hacienda de la Fuente and unties her. He helps Claire sit up and gives her more water, encouraging her not to drink too fast. Claire tells him that she knows this, as she is a doctor.
He is confused by the idea of a female doctor, but soon compares her to St Brigid, the healer of the sick. Father Fogden then heralds Claire as some sort of miracle worker, telling her that her arrival coincided with the successful birth of a new baby goat and asking how she came to be there. Claire asks, “Where exactly is here?” and is told that she is on the island of Saint- Domaigne. Claire says that she needs to reach Jamie and Father Fogden begins suggesting possibilities, one of which involves getting to a village a day’s walk away, followed by a boat journey taking another 2 days. Claire thinks this might be just enough time, if she leaves the following morning, but Father Fogden tells her this is not possible. “Coco says it is far too dangerous,” he tells her.
He picks up a coconut from a shelf nearby, informing Claire that Coco has also reminded him of the likelihood of an attack by escaped slaves, known as maroons. Father Fogden asks if she had encountered any maroons or pirates on her way, interrupting Claire’s answer to admonish the coconut for staring. Father Fogden agrees that Claire is indeed a pretty lady, although not as pretty as his Ermenegilda. He calls out for the woman Claire had seen earlier and addresses her as Mamacita. He asks if there are any clothes that Claire could wear, suggesting a dress of Ermenegilda’s. But Mamacita declares the dress “too small for that cow” and tells Fogden to give her one of his old robes instead. Mamacita tells Claire that she stinks and that it is time for her to wash. Claire is led to a wooden tub outside, and despite the strangeness of her surroundings and the troubles she has had to get here, she clearly relishes the chance to have a proper bath. She allows herself a small relieved smile, as she tips a jug of water over her head and sinks down into the water, ignoring the animal skull above her.
He is confused by the idea of a female doctor, but soon compares her to St Brigid, the healer of the sick. Father Fogden then heralds Claire as some sort of miracle worker, telling her that her arrival coincided with the successful birth of a new baby goat and asking how she came to be there. Claire asks, “Where exactly is here?” and is told that she is on the island of Saint- Domaigne. Claire says that she needs to reach Jamie and Father Fogden begins suggesting possibilities, one of which involves getting to a village a day’s walk away, followed by a boat journey taking another 2 days. Claire thinks this might be just enough time, if she leaves the following morning, but Father Fogden tells her this is not possible. “Coco says it is far too dangerous,” he tells her.
He picks up a coconut from a shelf nearby, informing Claire that Coco has also reminded him of the likelihood of an attack by escaped slaves, known as maroons. Father Fogden asks if she had encountered any maroons or pirates on her way, interrupting Claire’s answer to admonish the coconut for staring. Father Fogden agrees that Claire is indeed a pretty lady, although not as pretty as his Ermenegilda. He calls out for the woman Claire had seen earlier and addresses her as Mamacita. He asks if there are any clothes that Claire could wear, suggesting a dress of Ermenegilda’s. But Mamacita declares the dress “too small for that cow” and tells Fogden to give her one of his old robes instead. Mamacita tells Claire that she stinks and that it is time for her to wash. Claire is led to a wooden tub outside, and despite the strangeness of her surroundings and the troubles she has had to get here, she clearly relishes the chance to have a proper bath. She allows herself a small relieved smile, as she tips a jug of water over her head and sinks down into the water, ignoring the animal skull above her.
Later, washed and dressed in one of Fogden’s robes, Claire joins Father Fogden and Mamacita for a meal of plantains, manioc and red beans. It is good and as they eat, Claire asks how Father Fogden has come to the island of Saint-Domingue. He tells her that he had gone to Cuba 15 years ago to do the work of God when he met and fell in love with a woman called Ermenegilda.
Claire comments that it must have been complicated for him, given the fact that he was a priest. Fogden agrees and adds that the couple had run away from Ermenegilda’s husband. As it happened, England had invaded Cuba on the same day, meaning that the couple could not be found amongst the ensuing chaos. They had made their way by ship to the current island, but sadly theirs was not destined to be a happy ending. Ermenegilda had fallen ill and died. Claire expresses her sorrow, which is gratefully accepted by Fogden. He then offers Claire some yupe, adding that it can make one feel quite euphoric. Claire declines, but takes the opportunity, once Fogden has inhaled some of the smoke to ask again about the village he had spoken of earlier. She wants to reach it. But Fogden says that it is far too dangerous for her to travel alone and that he and Coco will accompany her. Claire is touched, but her gratitude soon dissipates when he adds that they can leave next week or perhaps in a fortnight, citing that she is not yet well enough to undertake the journey. Frustrated, Claire utters a “For Christ’s sake”. As a doctor she is more than capable of assessing her health. But her comments have upset the Father, who admonishes her for her language.
Claire comments that it must have been complicated for him, given the fact that he was a priest. Fogden agrees and adds that the couple had run away from Ermenegilda’s husband. As it happened, England had invaded Cuba on the same day, meaning that the couple could not be found amongst the ensuing chaos. They had made their way by ship to the current island, but sadly theirs was not destined to be a happy ending. Ermenegilda had fallen ill and died. Claire expresses her sorrow, which is gratefully accepted by Fogden. He then offers Claire some yupe, adding that it can make one feel quite euphoric. Claire declines, but takes the opportunity, once Fogden has inhaled some of the smoke to ask again about the village he had spoken of earlier. She wants to reach it. But Fogden says that it is far too dangerous for her to travel alone and that he and Coco will accompany her. Claire is touched, but her gratitude soon dissipates when he adds that they can leave next week or perhaps in a fortnight, citing that she is not yet well enough to undertake the journey. Frustrated, Claire utters a “For Christ’s sake”. As a doctor she is more than capable of assessing her health. But her comments have upset the Father, who admonishes her for her language.
Meanwhile Mamacita is growing impatient. She wants Claire out of the house, stating “That whore must go.” As Fogden and Mamacita begin a heated argument in Spanish, during which Mamacita accuses the Father of attempting to replace her daughter Ermenegilda, Claire leaves the room. Her voiceover tells us that she is desperate to reach the village of St Louis de Nord and she begins to make her own plans, beginning by pocketing a small mirror.
Father Fogden finds her, commenting that she must have been drawn to this particular room by the dress which is hanging in prime position.
It had once belonged to Ermenegilda. He is entranced by it and it is obviously that he is missing his love. Fogden apologises for the argument that Claire witnessed, commenting that Ermenegilda had been Mamacita’s only child and that the pain of losing a daughter never leaves. This is something that Claire can identify with and we see her thinking of both Faith and Brianna, as she tells Fogden that she understands. He continues to defend his mother-in-law, explaining that she fears that he will forget her daughter, which of course, he will never do. He touches the sleeve of the gown, saying that when you love someone as much as he had loved Ermenegilda it never leaves you. Claire understands completely, confirming Fogden’s suspicion that she too has loved someone for whom she would risk everything. Claire tells him that she needs to get to Jamaica and that if she doesn’t she may lose her husband forever. “Then you must be reunited,” Fogden says, taking her hand and we see the relief on Claire’s face. She asks if they could leave for St Louis du Nord the following morning, an idea that Fogden calls a wonderful notion. But just as Claire has begun to think that they are about to search for Jamie, her hopes are dashed again when Fogden adds that he will consult Coco to see if the time is right.
It had once belonged to Ermenegilda. He is entranced by it and it is obviously that he is missing his love. Fogden apologises for the argument that Claire witnessed, commenting that Ermenegilda had been Mamacita’s only child and that the pain of losing a daughter never leaves. This is something that Claire can identify with and we see her thinking of both Faith and Brianna, as she tells Fogden that she understands. He continues to defend his mother-in-law, explaining that she fears that he will forget her daughter, which of course, he will never do. He touches the sleeve of the gown, saying that when you love someone as much as he had loved Ermenegilda it never leaves you. Claire understands completely, confirming Fogden’s suspicion that she too has loved someone for whom she would risk everything. Claire tells him that she needs to get to Jamaica and that if she doesn’t she may lose her husband forever. “Then you must be reunited,” Fogden says, taking her hand and we see the relief on Claire’s face. She asks if they could leave for St Louis du Nord the following morning, an idea that Fogden calls a wonderful notion. But just as Claire has begun to think that they are about to search for Jamie, her hopes are dashed again when Fogden adds that he will consult Coco to see if the time is right.
This scene, as well as establishing an understanding between Father Fogden and Claire, also shows what can happen to someone who has lost the person closest to them forever. Fogden has made a life for himself, but he is not complete. He lives with the memories and mementos of his dead wife, dulling the pain with drugs such as yupe, and talking to a coconut for companionship. We wonder: if Claire does not succeed in finding Jamie, would her despair lead her to a similar fate?
The next morning, when Claire awakes, she notices two things. Firstly, the ant bites on her legs are much better and secondly, Mamacita has brought her clothes back, freshly washed and folded. It is a fairly definite message: Ermenegilda’s mother does not want Claire there any longer. She catches a glimpse of the coconut on a shelf above her and comes up with her own plan.
Soon afterwards, Fogden discovers Claire deep in conversation with Coco. In an acting performance reminiscent of an English pantomime, Claire proclaims loudly that she is feeling much better, that she will be very careful and that Father Fogden will look after her.
When she finally “notices” the Father, she tells him that Coco has told her that it is a good day to travel. But just as it looks like he might be convinced. a cry from Mamacita takes her outside. Mamacita is carrying the bloodied skull of a young goat, Arabella and tells the Father that a Chinese soldier had killed her and roasted her on a spit. Reverently, Fogden puts the skull onto a box, before pouring a handful of beetles over it, so that they can clean off the flesh. He tells Claire that the beetles are voracious creatures from a sacred cave known as Abandawe and Claire is immediately reminded of the warning that Margaret Campbell had given her back in Edinburgh.
Abandawe is a place of great power, Fogden continues, saying that it is hallowed to the natives of Jamaica and that people can disappear there. This is not what Claire wants to hear, but the next comment is: Fogden laments again that his poor Arabella has become nothing more than a feast for a Chinaman. Claire reacts at once: a Chinaman? The coincidence must surely be too great. Mamacita had seen the Chinaman on the beach and Claire asks about the ship the sailor had been on. What else had Mamacita seen? “Many sailors and broken sails on the beach,” she is told. Claire wants to be told how to reach the ship, but Fogden is lost in his grief for the goat. It is Mamacita who tells her the way, pointing and gesturing in her attempt to explain that Claire needs to go to the right, then straight ahead. As the music builds, Claire runs back through the jungle towards the beach.
When she finally “notices” the Father, she tells him that Coco has told her that it is a good day to travel. But just as it looks like he might be convinced. a cry from Mamacita takes her outside. Mamacita is carrying the bloodied skull of a young goat, Arabella and tells the Father that a Chinese soldier had killed her and roasted her on a spit. Reverently, Fogden puts the skull onto a box, before pouring a handful of beetles over it, so that they can clean off the flesh. He tells Claire that the beetles are voracious creatures from a sacred cave known as Abandawe and Claire is immediately reminded of the warning that Margaret Campbell had given her back in Edinburgh.
Abandawe is a place of great power, Fogden continues, saying that it is hallowed to the natives of Jamaica and that people can disappear there. This is not what Claire wants to hear, but the next comment is: Fogden laments again that his poor Arabella has become nothing more than a feast for a Chinaman. Claire reacts at once: a Chinaman? The coincidence must surely be too great. Mamacita had seen the Chinaman on the beach and Claire asks about the ship the sailor had been on. What else had Mamacita seen? “Many sailors and broken sails on the beach,” she is told. Claire wants to be told how to reach the ship, but Fogden is lost in his grief for the goat. It is Mamacita who tells her the way, pointing and gesturing in her attempt to explain that Claire needs to go to the right, then straight ahead. As the music builds, Claire runs back through the jungle towards the beach.
Now it is Jamie’s turn to sit on the sand looking out to sea. The Artemis has been wrecked, and men have been lost, Captain Raines, Master Warren and the cook, Murphy, amongst them. As Jamie and Fergus discuss the dangers of the sea, Fergus comments that even experienced sailors should be wary of uncharted shoals. Jamie adds that the gale hadn’t helped matters and they were lucky that the hull is still in tact, with only the foremast snapped.
Fergus admits that he does not mourn the men, having wished Raines and Warren dead himself at various times throughout the journey. Meanwhile Lesley and Hayes are complaining about the heat. Jamie tells them not to worry: the foremast will soon be fixed and they will be on their way to Jamaica, but comments that if they had worked as hard as they talked they would already have been underway.
Fergus admits that he does not mourn the men, having wished Raines and Warren dead himself at various times throughout the journey. Meanwhile Lesley and Hayes are complaining about the heat. Jamie tells them not to worry: the foremast will soon be fixed and they will be on their way to Jamaica, but comments that if they had worked as hard as they talked they would already have been underway.
Jamie makes a deal with Baxley, the next sailor in charge after Raines. It is interesting that all animosity towards Jamie has now gone and he has once again assumed his natural role as leader. Baxley says that while he will be in charge of the helm, he is leaving the men and the captain’s quarters in Jamie’s hands, both of which he is happy to accept.
The repairs continue and all the while Claire is running as fast as she can towards the beach. She gashes her arm badly, but keeps going. Everyone is now back on board the ship, with the plan to sail in the evening, when it is cooler. Finally, Claire reaches the beach.
She screams out to Jamie, then remembers the mirror she had pocketed earlier. She holds it into the sun - and it works. Jamie looks towards the flickering light and asks Baxley for the spy glass. At last he sees her. The Jamie and Claire theme music soars as Jamie sprints back along the beach and into Claire’s arms. The relief on both of their faces is beautiful, Jamie muttering “Thank Christ” before kissing her passionately. “I feared I had lost you again,” he tells her, before noticing her arm. Kudos once again to Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe here - it’s a special and thoroughly believable scene.
She screams out to Jamie, then remembers the mirror she had pocketed earlier. She holds it into the sun - and it works. Jamie looks towards the flickering light and asks Baxley for the spy glass. At last he sees her. The Jamie and Claire theme music soars as Jamie sprints back along the beach and into Claire’s arms. The relief on both of their faces is beautiful, Jamie muttering “Thank Christ” before kissing her passionately. “I feared I had lost you again,” he tells her, before noticing her arm. Kudos once again to Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe here - it’s a special and thoroughly believable scene.
Hayes and Lesley are commenting on Claire’s ability to just show up in the most unlikely of places, as Willoughby sews up the gash in her arm. Jamie is commenting on the generosity of Father Fogden, but adds that he still can’t believe she jumped from the ship.
Claire replies that she had to tell him about the warrants for his arrest and Jamie rues the fact that the man in the cask of creme-de-menthe had been found. Willoughby adds that they should have cut the body up so there would have been nothing to find. Claire tells Jamie that Captain Leonard is a young and ambitious man who won’t stop looking for him, but Jamie replies that he won’t stop looking for Young Ian. He is not particularly worried; he has been a wanted man for quite some time.
Claire replies that she had to tell him about the warrants for his arrest and Jamie rues the fact that the man in the cask of creme-de-menthe had been found. Willoughby adds that they should have cut the body up so there would have been nothing to find. Claire tells Jamie that Captain Leonard is a young and ambitious man who won’t stop looking for him, but Jamie replies that he won’t stop looking for Young Ian. He is not particularly worried; he has been a wanted man for quite some time.
Willoughby finishes his stitching and Claire compliments him on the job. Jamie tells Claire that he has given his blessing to Fergus and Marsali, telling Claire that Fergus loves Marsali, just as he loves her.
She smiles at him and they finish the bandaging of her arm. They need to wait for the foremast tar to harden, Jamie says, and it would be nice to find a bit of joy after all the death and destruction. He has a wedding in mind, but to do that, they need a priest. As it happens, Claire says, she knows someone who could help with that.
She smiles at him and they finish the bandaging of her arm. They need to wait for the foremast tar to harden, Jamie says, and it would be nice to find a bit of joy after all the death and destruction. He has a wedding in mind, but to do that, they need a priest. As it happens, Claire says, she knows someone who could help with that.
In a brief but assuming scene, Willoughby is apologising to Father Fogden, for the pain and suffering he has caused. He did not know of Arabella’s importance, he says. Where he comes from, goats are not revered as they should be. He asks Fogden to forgive his ignorance and humbly presents a chicken in a wooden cage, his head bowed. Fogden is moved by his speech. “There was a time when I was a stranger in a strange land,” he says, “much like you are now.” He forgives Willoughby and offers him some yupe, which Willoughby accepts.
It is getting dark. Marsali is getting dressed for her wedding, fumbling with her stays. Claire offers to help, asking the younger woman if she is nervous. Marsali denies that she is, but nevertheless allows Claire to help. Claire says that she was nervous on her wedding day, as there was much she didn’t know.
Marsali comments that there is one thing she herself doesn’t know - how to avoid pregnancy. Claire is surprised: most young women want children, she says. Marsali clarifies, saying that she does want them one day, but for now, she just wants to enjoy it. Fergus has told her that he knows what to do and that Marsali will like it fine but she is not sure if that is true. Showing the first vulnerability we have seen so far, she admits to Claire that after Jamie had married her mother, she had watched Laoghaire shrink away from his touch. By contrast, Marsali had noticed Claire and Jamie on the ship and it had looked like they enjoyed being together. “Yes,” says Claire, “we do.”
Marsali comments that there is one thing she herself doesn’t know - how to avoid pregnancy. Claire is surprised: most young women want children, she says. Marsali clarifies, saying that she does want them one day, but for now, she just wants to enjoy it. Fergus has told her that he knows what to do and that Marsali will like it fine but she is not sure if that is true. Showing the first vulnerability we have seen so far, she admits to Claire that after Jamie had married her mother, she had watched Laoghaire shrink away from his touch. By contrast, Marsali had noticed Claire and Jamie on the ship and it had looked like they enjoyed being together. “Yes,” says Claire, “we do.”
“I want to be happy with Fergus,” Marsali says, “like you are with Daddy, without having to worry about a bairn. You being a wise woman, I thought you’d be worth asking.” Claire smiles. She promises that when they get back to the ship, she will explain how it’s done. “So there is a way,” says Marsali and Claire nods. Marsali smiles. “Maybe you’re not the devil after all,” she says. The relationship between the two women has begun and the whole scene was beautifully acted by Caitriona Balfe and Lauren Lyle. In the absence of Brianna, Claire is able to show a bit of maternal affection towards the younger woman and it is heartwarming to see.
The wedding begins, with Father Fogden officiating. The ceremony gets off to a confusing start however, with Fogden assuming that the sailor Manzetti, not Fergus, is the groom. Once corrected, he is surprised. “Him, are you sure? He’s missing a hand! Will the bride mind?” Marsali indignantly replies that she will not and Fogden decides that perhaps it is less of an impediment than if Fergus happened to be missing a far more intimate part of his anatomy - and promptly asks if he is anatomically in tact!
Again, Marsali tells him impatiently that if he’d hurry up, she could find out! Fergus apologises, but adds that the fact that Marsali speaks her mind is one of the things he loves about her. Jamie and Claire look at each other knowingly - it is a similarity they share with the happy couple. Next, Fogden becomes distracted by the beauty of Marsali’s name, to the bride’s ever growing annoyance. But finally, they get down to the formalities. As Fogden struggles momentarily to recite the whole of the ceremony, Marsali cuts him short with a hasty “I will.” Fogden turns to Fergus and asks for his full name, stating that he cannot marry the couple properly without it. This is a problem, as Fergus has never known his surname: he is simply Fergus. But as the couple look at each other, worried, Jamie steps in. “Fraser,” he says. “Fergus Claudel Fraser.”
Book readers knew this moment was coming, but the look of love and respect between the two men is still breathtaking. A ring is hastily presented and Fergus and Marsali are married. Father Fogden makes the sign of the cross above them, saying “May God bless your union”, before walking over to Jamie and Claire and repeating the blessing to them. It is another moment of understanding that is also bittersweet. Father Fogden has lost the love of his life, but rejoices in Claire and Jamie being reunited.
Again, Marsali tells him impatiently that if he’d hurry up, she could find out! Fergus apologises, but adds that the fact that Marsali speaks her mind is one of the things he loves about her. Jamie and Claire look at each other knowingly - it is a similarity they share with the happy couple. Next, Fogden becomes distracted by the beauty of Marsali’s name, to the bride’s ever growing annoyance. But finally, they get down to the formalities. As Fogden struggles momentarily to recite the whole of the ceremony, Marsali cuts him short with a hasty “I will.” Fogden turns to Fergus and asks for his full name, stating that he cannot marry the couple properly without it. This is a problem, as Fergus has never known his surname: he is simply Fergus. But as the couple look at each other, worried, Jamie steps in. “Fraser,” he says. “Fergus Claudel Fraser.”
Book readers knew this moment was coming, but the look of love and respect between the two men is still breathtaking. A ring is hastily presented and Fergus and Marsali are married. Father Fogden makes the sign of the cross above them, saying “May God bless your union”, before walking over to Jamie and Claire and repeating the blessing to them. It is another moment of understanding that is also bittersweet. Father Fogden has lost the love of his life, but rejoices in Claire and Jamie being reunited.
A pause here to acknowledge the wonderful work of Nick Fletcher, in the role of Father Fogden. He depicted the eccentricities of the character perfectly, leaving viewers in no doubt that although he was an eccentric man, Father Fogden was also dealing with his own dueling emotions of loss and loyalty, whilst continuing to practise his profession.
Back on the Artemis, Claire is carefully ladling soup into a bowl - probably to the unheard chorus of “At last!” from all the book readers! Jamie enters the cabin with her case of penicillin, asking why she hadn’t taken it with her on the Porpoise. There wasn’t enough to treat all the men, she explains, and it wouldn’t have been effective in treating typhoid fever anyway. Claire comments on the soup, saying that it is delicious. Jamie says that Willoughby would be pleased, as he had made it for her especially. He kisses her, but is concerned - she is burning up with fever. Claire replies that she knows and it is why she needs the penicillin. She opens the case with her teeth - she is drunk, but doesn’t realise it.
She tries to prepare a dose one handed, as Jamie watches with increasing amusement. Eventually, Claire agrees to his help, giving him detailed instructions. The time has come for Jamie’s revenge, should he wish to take it. Claire pulls up her shift, ready to receive the shot in her behind, just as Jamie had done after being shot at Lallybroch. But Jamie can’t do it and Claire is forced to inject herself, with Jamie pushing the plunger down to administer the dose.
She tries to prepare a dose one handed, as Jamie watches with increasing amusement. Eventually, Claire agrees to his help, giving him detailed instructions. The time has come for Jamie’s revenge, should he wish to take it. Claire pulls up her shift, ready to receive the shot in her behind, just as Jamie had done after being shot at Lallybroch. But Jamie can’t do it and Claire is forced to inject herself, with Jamie pushing the plunger down to administer the dose.
Once done, Claire’s attention is drawn to more erotic matters, but Jamie tells her she should keep her strength up. She returns to the soup, asking what it is. Jamie replies that it is turtle. Manzetti had caught one the previous evening and Willoughby had put it in the pot. Claire remarks that she has not had turtle before, but that it is meant to be an aphrodisiac. She pulls Jamie towards her again. He teases her about her behaviour when she is supposed to be a respectable married woman. Claire begins to crawl across the table towards him telling him to bolt the door. He displays mock indignation at the thought that he would take advantage of a woman who not only wounded and fevered, but drunk. Claire argues that she is not drunk, as it is not possible to get drunk on turtle soup. Jamie replies that it is entirely possibly if Willoughby made it, as it has an entire bottle of sherry in it. Claire tries one last time: Jamie had told her once that you are not drunk if you are standing. She is more swaying than standing, a fact that Jamie points out, but he is more than willing to oblige the amorous feelings of his “burning she devil”. She bolts the door herself and the lovemaking begins in earnest.
But suddenly there is a knock at the door. It is Willoughby, asking if Claire has enjoyed the soup.
He declares it to have been a fine hawksbill turtle and wants to know if Claire would like more, as he has made a fresh pot. Jamie and Claire have not halted proceedings, with Claire biting Jamie’s hand to stop her moans being overheard. Jamie calls out a strangled “Good night, Willoughby” and with a knowing smile, Willoughby moves away from the door.
He declares it to have been a fine hawksbill turtle and wants to know if Claire would like more, as he has made a fresh pot. Jamie and Claire have not halted proceedings, with Claire biting Jamie’s hand to stop her moans being overheard. Jamie calls out a strangled “Good night, Willoughby” and with a knowing smile, Willoughby moves away from the door.
This was a wonderful episode, cleverly incorporating all the essential plot from the book, but occasionally altering the way in which the details appeared. Throughout the hour, viewers watched the characters portray the full gamut of emotions: from despair, grief and frustration to nerves, relief, respect, love and finally, gratification! As the Artemis heads for Jamaica, the setup to the season finale is beginning.
This episode recap was written by Susie Brown, a writer and teacher-librarian who lives in Australia. She loves the fact that she both laughed and cried in this episode and even though she knew what would happen, her heart was pounding at all the appropriate moments!
Episode 310 Heaven and Earth
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 310
A recap of episode 310, Heaven and Earth by Susie Brown
“Moving Heaven and Earth”: A recap of season 3 episode 10 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
There is an anonymous saying which goes, “Convince a man of what he wants, and he'll move heaven and earth to get it.” This quote is particularly apt for episode 10, which is full of characters who are attempting to do just that. From Jamie and Claire, to Fergus and Marsali, to Captain Leonard, Elias and Annekje on board the Porpoise, a depth of feeling runs throughout this episode that leaves no one unaffected - not even the viewers!
As the episode begins, Jamie is sitting on the deck of the Artemis, sharpening a knife. His eye is on the British man-o-war, as he watches and waits for Claire. In contrast to the sickness on board the Porpoise, the mood on the Artemis is more relaxed. Jamie notices Fergus talking with the cook and walking away with a pouch of something. When Jamie questions him, Fergus says that it is a potpourri of sweet herbs - he wants to impress Marsali, but also wants to improve the smell in the cabin, which is starting to smell of bilge.
Jamie comments that he feels it is him whom Fergus is actually trying to impress. The younger man doesn’t answer but points at the other ship, which is now preparing to sail away.
Spurred into action, Jamie takes the eyeglass off one of the crew and looks onto the deck of the Porpoise, where he can see Claire arguing with the captain. “They have my wife,” he calls and immediately starts shouting orders, telling the crew to make sail. They begin to do as he commands, until Captain Raines belays the order. He gives different instructions, ones that will not allow the Artemis to maintain the speed they need to keep pace with the Porpoise.
Raines tells Jamie that it is as fast as they can safely go in the wind and that the other ship has sick and dying men on board. They need a surgeon and so Claire is to remain there for the duration of the voyage. Raines tells Jamie of Captain Leonard’s promise to deliver Claire back to them on arrival in Jamaica. Jamie is furious that this deal has been struck and when Raines says, “I have more than your wife to think about, Mr Fraser”, he loses his temper and grabs hold of the older man. Knives and pistols are drawn: Raines’ crew defending their captain; Jamie’s men defending him. Raines tells Jamie to order his men to scabbard their blades, which he does, but tells the captain somewhat desperately, “Just keep me in sight of her, man.”
But Raines is not to be ordered about. He says that they will sail at their own pace and promptly orders Jamie taken below. The crew obey and a slightly dazed Jamie is led away, his gaze on the ship that is taking Claire away from him. From the opening minutes, we can see the despair of yet another separation.
Alone on the ocean now, the healthy men of the Porpoise are cleaning the decks, while the sick continue to vomit and groan down below. Claire is taking charge, insisting that enough space be created for the men to sleep without touching each other.
The healthy men must sleep wherever there is room. She tells them that typhoid fever is spread by hands or contaminated food, so every surface must be clean. When one of the men complains about being given orders by a lady doctor, he is swiftly put in his place by young Mr Pound, who reminds him that the Captain has ordered that they do as Claire says and pay her every respect.
Claire continues her orders. A bucket of grog is being held by another crewman. She dips her hands in it and instructs Pound to do the same. When he asks why, she answers that it is because they don’t have any pure alcohol. Everyone must dip their hands when entering or leaving the area where the sick men are.
Pound dutifully does so, but when Claire turns around she catches him licking his fingers, in order to have a “taste of grog”. As patiently as possible, she tries to explain the purpose for the dipping. While it is obvious that Pound doesn’t truly understand the importance, he nevertheless follows her instructions. This sets the scene for the relationship that is to develop between the two: Pound already trusts Claire and will do whatever she says without question.
On deck, Claire looks out to sea, shielding her face from the glare of the sun and allowing herself a brief moment of despair. She has been on the Porpoise for less than a day, her voiceover says, and although there can only be about 50 miles between herself and Jamie, it feels almost as far as 200 years. At the same time, she is relieved, as Jamie would not have been immune to the typhoid fever on board. Pound appears with a hat for Claire, to protect her from the unforgiving sun.
It is a thoughtful gesture and Pound soon shows that he has been thinking about other things as well: two of the men on board know how to distil pure alcohol from rum, he says and asks if he should set them to work in building a still. Claire agrees, adding that it will not be a popular decision, particularly as it will involve men being put onto half rations of grog.
The still is swiftly set up, but one of the officers, Mr Overholt is complaining to Claire as the next scene begins. The men will not like it, he says. But Claire is blunt: would the men prefer to die instead? The alcohol might help stave off the fever, she explains and suggests that perhaps a guard can be placed on the two still makers, to ensure that they don’t drink the proceeds. Grudgingly, Overholt comments that it might be managed and asks Claire how many casks she needs. Again, she is blunt: how many men would he like her to save?
Claire and Pound walk amongst the sick, administering simple food and water. Claire explains to Pound that while he may touch the ill men, he must not touch his own clothes, hair or face until he has dipped his hands again. She asks how old he is and is stunned to find out that he is only 14. Perhaps it is his youth that immediately prompts her to ask his first name - Elias - and whether she may call him that. When he hesitates that it is “not very navy” and the Captain mightn’t approve, she replies that if they are to work together it would be easier to call him by name. Elias then shares a bit of his history - he has been at sea since he was 7 years old, as his uncle had been a commander on the Triton, which allowed him a berth on board. He has only joined the Porpoise for this voyage, he tells her. Perhaps Claire is reminded of her own childhood travelling to exotic places with her uncle, or perhaps it is his extreme youth, but she smiles at Elias and calls him a very impressive young man. He blushes and smiles sweetly back. But as they continue their walk checking the sick, Elias’ face changes. One of the men is dead and it is a friend of his, Jim Quigley, from his home town. Claire is called away to deal with 3 new patients, but Elias leans closer to Jim, closing his friend’s eyes.
In the captain’s quarters, Claire asks Leonard for the surgeon’s journal, as she needs to know the first reported case of the disease. Leonard tells her it was 4 weeks ago and shows her the record. Claire notes the similarities of symptoms of a number of the men, as well as the similar notation of “carpenter’s crew”. Realising that all the infected men came from one part of the ship, Claire asks to speak to the surviving crew from that area. They check the records. Claire queries the notation “D.D”, as it appears on all records save one. When told it stands for “Discharged, Dead”, she realises that the one exception is the only living man. He has since been reassigned to the galley and is now working with the cook.
In the next scene, Claire is remonstrating with two men: Cosworth, the obviously annoyed cook and the disease source, Joe Howard. Claire explains that although still healthy himself, Howard can still spread the disease to other men, particularly if he is involved in serving their food. Cosworth tells Captain Leonard that he will not give up his one remaining galley hand on account of a “cursed woman’s foolish notion”.
But Leonard responds that even though it is beyond their own comprehension, they must believe Claire. Howard is promptly put into isolation, but as he leaves, Leonard comments to Claire that she had better be right with her claims.
Back on the Artemis, Fergus is collecting food for the still imprisoned Jamie, putting his pickpocketing skills to good use by getting some extra bread while no one is looking. Without access to Willoughby’s acupuncture needles, Jamie’s seasickness has returned and he sits miserably next to a bucket as Fergus passes the food under the bars and comments on the closeness of the air. The younger man tries to reassure Jamie: Claire will be fine, he says, as she is unable to catch the disease. But Jamie is not so much concerned with the disease as he is with the 300 men on board. The despair is written on his face as he tells Fergus,
“I lost her once. I can’t lose her again.” He tells Fergus to steal the keys from Captain Raines and set him free, so that he can take the ship and make sail to find Claire. But Fergus reminds Jamie that mutiny will not work. The crew is not Jamie’s and will not follow him. Jamie argues, listing the men who will, but it is still 7 against 20 and Fergus tells Jamie he will lose. Even if Fergus were to convince more men, he says, the Porpoise is now a day of them and cannot be caught. Jamie’s desperation is increasing. They will abandon the wine, he suggests, as an empty ship will run faster. “And then what?” asks Fergus. Jamie is angry now. He doesn’t know yet, he replies, but will work it out when they catch the Porpoise.
But Fergus is no longer a child and will not automatically do Jamie’s bidding. He loves Claire too, he says, but refuses to do as Jamie asks. Launching himself at the bars, Jamie calls Fergus a damned fool, asking what good he is. He adds that he was right to refuse to give his blessing to Fergus and Marsali, as Fergus obviously doesn’t know what love is. Fergus is hurt. He asks Jamie how he can possibly say that to him.
Jamie replies that if Fergus did, he would move heaven and earth, risk arrest, death, even hell itself and would do it as easily as a prick of a pin. He would set Jamie free from his cell so that Jamie could rescue Claire. “Until you risk all,” Jamie says bitterly, “you can’t speak of love.” But then he has one final idea: if Fergus will get the keys, he will give his blessing for Fergus’ marriage to Marsali.
The imagery in this scene is clever: Jamie, his hair hanging mane-like around his face, is prowling around his cell like a caged lion, growling and spitting in anger and lunging at through the bars. He is a desperate man and in this desperation, he is hurting another of the people he loves. It is all the more ironic that he accuses Fergus of not understanding the emotion. Of course, this whole scene is a written-for-tv one, as in the book Jamie is not imprisoned in the brig. Some fans have argued that, like the lie told to Ian in episode 7, this treatment of Fergus is out of character for Jamie. Fergus is like a son to him, but he is using emotional blackmail to try and get what he wants, without any regard for Fergus’ feelings. However, it can also be argued that the scene serves to show just how much desperation is affecting Jamie, to the point where he is no longer the honourable “King of Men”, but the enraged “King of Beasts.”
Back on the Porpoise, viewers are greeted with the sobering sight of multiple bodies being stitched into shrouds. One of these bodies is Elias’ friend. As Claire watches, Elias explains that the last stitch must go through the man’s nose, to ensure that he is truly dead. Taking the needle from the other sailor, Elias finishes the job, saying that it is always done by a friend. Shortly afterwards, a mass funeral is held on deck. As everyone on board removes their hats, Captain Leonard recites a prayer. The bodies are released from underneath Union Jack flags into the ocean below, marked by a drum roll and the firing of rifles. The Lord’s Prayer is recited and Claire joins in, looking over at Elias, as tears roll down his cheeks.
It is night and Claire is looking out to sea. But in an uncomfortable parallel to the previous episode, where Jamie and Claire shared a quiet conversation about Brianna, this time Claire is joined on deck by Cosworth. He quotes the ship’s death statistics to her, saying that they are growing all the time. He implies that Claire is doing nothing except boiling water and washing hands and states that there had better be fewer deaths in the days to come. This is a fairly menacing threat, but Elias appears on deck at this point and dismisses the man with a curt, “As you were, Mr Cosworth.” Left alone, Elias asks Claire if there is a secret to remaining calm in the face of so much death. Claire admits that there is: compartmentalising. She must separate areas of her life, she says, so that she can do her work. If she allowed herself to be affected by every death, she would never save a life. But, she acknowledges, Jim Quigley was not her friend. She tells Elias that there will be more burials at sea for the Porpoise, but with any luck they will get through it. Elias is immediately complimentary. He has watched her for three days, he tells her, and he doesn’t think it will come down to luck. But then he pulls out a rabbit’s foot from inside his coat. His mother had given it to him when he had joined the Triton, for luck and health.
He hands it to Claire, just in case luck should be needed, and overcome with emotion, she accepts it. She asks Elias when he last saw his mother, and he replies that she is dead. Their conversation is interrupted by the announcement that another man has been taken ill, the husband of the woman who tends the goats that provide milk to the men.
This scene serves to highlight why Claire is faring better than Jamie in this enforced separation. She has, by her own definition, compartmentalised her life: putting her worry and thoughts of Jamie on hold while she tends to the business of saving the men’s lives on board the Porpoise. However, she is still able to recognise and appreciate the strength of feeling in others, showing understanding towards Elias and his grief over Jim Quigley. By contrast, Jamie is consumed only with the loss of Claire and cannot show understanding for Fergus’ concern for Marsali.
On examining Mr Johansen, Claire discovers that he is not ill with typhoid fever like the others. Rather, he has poisoned himself, by drinking the distilled alcohol. This is too much for Claire at this point and she lets loose a torrent of exasperated curse words. Elias and the other sailor, Jones, are shocked, and Claire apologises, but the men are shocked not at the language, but at the fact that it comes from a woman! Claire reassures Johansen’s wife, Annekje, that her husband will be fine and thanks her for the goat’s milk, which is keeping the men alive. Annekje is relieved.
“I keep do?” she asks and Claire replies, “Yes. Keep do.” On her way back upstairs, she notices a flag and is reminded of Jared’s comment before they set sail, that only one ship was on record as travelling under a Portuguese flag. Claire asks where the flag has come from and is told that they had boarded a Portuguese ship two weeks earlier, to press men into service. Immediately thinking of young Ian, Claire asks if the ship was the Bruja. Jones doesn’t know, but says that the Captain would remember.
Claire heads to the Captain’s quarters. She finds it empty, so begins her search. She reads the name of the Portuguese ship - unfortunately not the Bruja - in the Captain’s journal, but then finds other evidence as well, in the form of a record of a report that Jamie Fraser and Alexander Malcolm are one and the same man. Suddenly the door opens and Claire is discovered by Cosworth, who accuses her of trespassing.
He has come, he says, to fetch the Captain’s pipe and refuses to let Claire pass as she tries to leave. Cosworth tells her that he neither likes nor trusts her. Claire responds that the Captain does trust her and asks Cosworth what Leonard would think were she to tell him that Cosworth had attempted to violate her on his dining table. She orders him to get out of her way, or she will scream and after a long moment, he does. Claire now has a new motivation: she must find Harry Tompkins, the man who has made the report.
Back on the Artemis, Fergus and Marsali are discussing Fergus’ conversation with Jamie. Confirming that Jamie will give them his blessing if Fergus helps him take the ship, he says that is a risk he is willing to take to be with her. Marsali comments that should he fail, she will be left alone on board, with no one to protect her. They kiss and emotions escalate.
Marsali tries to convince Fergus to make love to her, but he refuses. He has given his word to Jamie, so they must wait until they are married. Marsali comments that Fergus is just like Jamie : he is stubborn and once he has given his word, he will never break it.
Claire is cleaning her instruments when Elias comes to join her, to tell her that Johansen is improving. She asks if he knows Harry Tompkins. He doesn’t, but says that is hardly surprising, as they had been 400 men strong when they began the voyage and he wouldn’t know every name. Elias comments that there have been four new cases of typhoid fever and he thought that finding the carrier would have stopped them. Claire reminds him of the incubation period and this gives her an idea. She lies, telling Elias that Harry Tompkins might be a second carrier and this spurs the young man into action, promising to tell the crew that Claire needs to see Tompkins as soon as possible. Elias looks exhausted and she instructs him to get some sleep.
Fergus is creeping down the corridor leading to the Captain’s quarters and overhears Raines with some of the men. They are talking about how they don’t trust Jamie, even though he is locked up. One jokes that the supercargo is now cargo himself and that Jamie is lucky he wasn’t thrown overboard. Fergus can see the keys that Jamie wants, as Raines confirms that he won’t release Jamie. The talk shifts to Fergus himself and how, as a cripple, he is viewed as no threat. But then one of the sailors mentions wanting a taste of Fergus’ “wee lassie” and how if she hasn’t lost her virginity already, she certainly will have by the time he has done with her. Raines cuts the conversation short, but it has been enough for Fergus. He strides back down the corridor, his mind made up.
Claire is pouring distilled alcohol when a commotion outside soon heralds the arrival of Mr Tompkins. Elias says that he had ordered the man not be beaten, but Tompkins is sporting a bloodied lip, courtesy of his trying to hide. Tompkins says that he has nothing to do with the fever, his face lighting with recognition as he sees Claire.
Viewers recognise him too, as the man Young Ian disturbed in the print shop just before the fire began. Once the other men have been dismissed, Tompkins wastes no time in telling her that he knows who she is. He was the one who rowed Captain Leonard over to the Artemis and recognised Jamie on deck. He knows that Claire is his wife. While he speaks, Claire is running her hands over several knives, as if about to choose a weapon for a duel. She finally turns towards him with a cleaver, but he is not frightened. In fact, he dares her to kill him. He would welcome it, he says. Thanks to his job working as an exciseman for Sir Percival, he had had hot lead thrown in his face at the print shop and although he escaped he was scarred for life. On reporting treason to Sir Percival, instead of being promoted, he was pressed into service on the Porpoise, which was full of disease. He bares his neck, telling Claire to put him out of his misery. Claire tells him that perhaps she will: Jamie can’t be arrested on words alone. But Tompkins has more news for her. There are warrants for murder out for Jamie, as the body of the brothel intruder has been found in a cask of creme de menthe.
Claire says that Jamie did not murder the man, but Tompkins tells her that the warrant says otherwise. Captain Leonard is going to write a report on arrival in Jamaica and Tompkins doubts that Claire will succeed in talking him out of it, given the Captain’s ambition and his wish to be given command of his own vessel. Delivering Jamie as a prisoner would certainly further his cause. As soon as Jamie arrives to collect Claire in Kingston, Tompkins says, he will be arrested by the authorities and likely hanged. Claire’s eyes are bright with angry tears as she takes the only revenge she can. Declaring him the second carrier of the typhoid fever, Claire orders Tompkins locked away with Howard. Her final words to him are triumphant, warning Tompkins not to get too close to Howard, as he actually is the source of the disease. A horrified Tompkins backs away into the shadows as the scene ends.
Claire meets Annekje Johansen, who is feeding the goats. Making small talk, Claire says that she has heard Annekje’s husband is doing better.
Annekje agrees, thanking Claire and presenting her with a pat of goat’s cheese. She notices Claire’s distress and Claire explains her fear: Jamie is going to be in trouble and she is to be used as bait. Immediately, Annekje promises to help, saying that her goats need grass. Claire is confused, but thanks the other woman for her kindness.
Jamie is looking up at the full moon when Fergus comes to his cell. Taking the cup that Fergus hands him, Jamie asks if he has brought the keys. But Fergus admits that he does not, adding that he didn’t try to take them in the first place. As Jamie’s anger grows, Fergus tries to explain: Jamie hasn’t heard the talk of the men on deck. If he frees Jamie and they fail, which they would be sure to do, then they would be killed. He will not leave Marsali alone, he says, nor will he send Jamie to his death. He realises that he will not get Jamie’s blessing now, but he will move heaven and earth for the woman he loves, even if it means he cannot marry her. “I do this for you as well, Milord,” he says and makes to leave. Jamie calls his name and he turns back, commenting that perhaps he loves too much. He does go this time, leaving an enraged Jamie calling after him.
Claire and Jones are downstairs with the sick men. For the first time in days, there has been no groaning or vomiting, only sleeping men. They are over the worst and the two share a brief smile. Claire takes out the rabbit’s foot and sighs in relief. She goes up on deck where the healthier men are recovering alongside the rest of the crew. The mood is much lighter. A fiddle is being played and another man is smoking a pipe as Claire moves amongst them, smiling. She spies Elias sleeping in a hammock and goes over to him, but finds him covered in the red rash of the typhoid fever. He is close to death and delirious, asking Claire if she is his mother. “Yes, Elias,” she replies, “it’s time for you to come home now.”
The death of Elias is one that Claire can’t easily compartmentalise. As he is being sewn into his shroud, she places the rabbit’s foot into his hand. “Your mother would be so proud,” she says, her voice breaking. When it is time for the final stitch, the sailmaker hands the needle to Claire, reminding her that it should be done by a friend. The tears flow freely as she performs this final task. Elias has been more than a friend: he has been like a son. The relationship throughout the episode has been portrayed beautifully by Caitriona Balfe and Albie Marber and it is a shame that it has come to such a tragic end so soon.
That night, Leonard interrupts Claire’s grieving on deck. She is blaming herself, telling the captain that she had missed the signs of the illness, believing Elias to merely be tired. But Leonard tells her that her efforts have been heroic. As sad as Elias’ death has been, it is also the only death of the day and no new cases have been reported. But Claire is defeated: it doesn’t matter, she tells him. They are nearly out of drinking water and the sick will not survive without constant liquid. Leonard though, is more positive. They will both do their best, he says, and will reach Jamaica safely. After expressing both his sorrow for her loss and his gratitude for her help, he leaves her to her thoughts. But she is not alone for long before Jones and Annekje find her. There has been a whiff of land, Jones says and they will reach the Grand Turk before noon the next day. There will be water for the men and grass for Annekje’s goats.
At last, Claire understands what Annekje had meant. While helping Annekje tend to the goats, she will be able to escape on the underpopulated side of Grand Turk Island. Annekje promises to take care of the men and tells Claire to go and warn Jamie. Thanking her friend, Claire hurries away. But, reminiscent of a scene from season 1 as she headed back to the stones, she is stopped by redcoats and Captain Leonard. The captain has been making rounds to check that none of the men have visited a nearby brothel. He comments that he didn’t expect her, as the ship’s doctor, to disobey the orders not to wander.
Claire playacts confusion, saying that she was only gathering herbs, but Leonard is not buying her story. He tells her that he is sincere in his gratitude for her help, but that he cannot allow her to warn her husband. He knows that Claire has seen the log book and he does not relish the task, but says that he is duty bound to report Jamie’s crimes to the Jamaican authorities. Claire begs him to look the other way, but he refuses, saying that he would be breaking an oath if he did so. He looks truly regretful, but orders the marines to escort Claire back to the ship.
Jamie is looking at the photos of Claire and Brianna when Raines comes to the cell. He expects them to be in sight of land by dawn and the passage between the islands is hazardous. He needs all able bodied men if he is to navigate the shoals.
“So I’m good and able now, am I?” asks Jamie. He turns when Raines doesn’t answer, to see Marsali standing there. Jamie asks what she is doing there and Raines says that Marsali has persuaded him that Jamie will not rebel. Marsali tells Raines to ask Jamie for his word, adding that once he has given that, he will never break it. Jamie asks again what she is doing and she goes over to the bars. “Give him your word,” she says, “and he’ll set you free.” When he shakes his head, she continues, “You can’t see what he’s done for you, can you?” Jamie thinks she means Raines, but it is Fergus that she is talking about. Jamie tells her that what Fergus did was done for her. “If you believe that,” Marsali replies, “you don’t deserve to be let out of here.” Jamie looks after her, deep in thought.
Moments later, Raines allows the now freed Jamie a few minutes alone with Fergus and Marsali before being put to work. Jamie promptly gives his blessing to the couple, telling them that they can be married in Jamaica, by a priest. He tells Fergus that the young man needs to prove himself to Marsali as much as Jamie. Raines calls for him and Jamie leaves the young couple to embrace.
Meanwhile Annekje is motioning Claire to the edge of the ship. She points out the approaching land and tells Claire she should jump. Claire is stunned.
She can’t jump into the ocean in the middle of the night, she tells her friend: she will drown. But Annekje explains that Claire won’t drown, uncovering a raft and telling her that the water will move her to the land. Annekje is insistent: Jamie will hang, she says. This is Claire’s only chance. She hands Claire a purse full of money and helps her to remove her shoes and skirt. They tie the bundle together and put it on top of the makeshift raft. Uttering a terrified “Jesus H Roosevelt Christ”, Claire jumps into the water below, making the ultimate leap of faith as the episode ends.
If episode 9 was about trust, episode 10 is about love and what people are prepared to do for the people closest to them. Many of the characters do indeed attempt to move heaven and earth in this hour. Chiefly, the honour belongs to Fergus, who risks the permanent disapproval of the man he loves like a father in order to keep both Jamie and Marsali safe. But Elias also gives his all (and ultimately, his life) to help Claire, as does Annekje Johansen, who comes up with not just one, but two escape plans, so that Claire can try and warn Jamie. Both Jamie and Claire are reminded of the force of the love between a parent and a child, even though the “children” in each case are not their biological offspring. Elias spends his last moments calling Claire “Mother” and Jamie refers to Fergus as Mon Fils - “my son.” Brianna is still ever present in their thoughts though, represented by Jamie’s photos and Elias’ rabbit’s foot. Finally, the episode shows the raw love that is borne out of desperation, as both Claire and Jamie try to reach each other. It will certainly take more monumental effort on their part to do so.
This recap was written by Susie Brown, a teacher-librarian and writer who lives in Australia. She enjoyed the episode - even the added bits - but did wonder why Jamie didn’t hurry to hide the photographs when Raines entered? If Raines was suspicious of Jamie before, what would he have thought of the photos?!
Episode 309 Doldrums
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 309
A recap of episode 309, Doldrums by Susie Brown
"Superstitions, Jonah's and a life story told" a recap of season 3 episode 9, by your Aussie Blogging lass..
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
From the moment the opening music begins, we know that the story is moving forward. Bear McCreary has added new Caribbean rhythms to the melody and there are new images in the credits. In the same way that France was left behind for Scotland mid season 2, so too Scotland is being left behind at this point in season 3. The new destination is the West Indies, where the rest of the drama will play out. Changes are ahead!
Claire is watching the preparations of a ship about to sail, as Jamie and Jared approach. Jamie is to act as supercargo on board the Artemis, but Jared notes the changing weather and comments that Jamie is lucky to have a physician at hand for when his seasickness takes hold. Jamie says that he will manage, as the main concern is for Young Ian. Jared says that the records show there is only one ship sailing under a Portuguese flag, the Bruja.
With a home port of Jamaica and the fact that it was sailing low in the water, the men surmise that the ship is on its way home. Jared tries to reassure them, commenting that a healthy male will sell for 30 pounds in Jamaica, so as long as Young Ian hasn’t been making trouble, he will be unharmed. Thanking Jared for his help, Jamie and Claire bid him farewell.
Jamie comments that it was ill luck having to pay Laoghaire and that perhaps he is being punished for wanting to be with Claire.
Claire replies that she can’t believe any God would take away a man’s nephew simply because he wanted to be happy. Again, Jamie asks for reassurance: will they actually be happy? While he believes they are mated for life, he offers to return her to the stones if she truly wants to leave. But Claire deflects the question, saying that the most important thing right now is that they find Young Ian.
Lesley and Hayes (aka the new Rupert and Angus) appear, arguing with each other about tides. It is clear that no one is really looking forward to the journey ahead, but the men are always willing to help Jamie, so are coming along. They tell Jamie that Willoughby and Fergus are already on board, together with some “baggage from Lallybroch”. (This is a set-up joke for a revelation that is to come in the next scene.) As they walk towards the ship, Claire and Jamie briefly discuss Jenny and Ian. Not enough time has passed for them to be worried yet, so Jamie has sent them a letter explaining everything.
The voyage begins and the seas already look choppy, but Jamie hasn’t noticed his stomach yet, he tells Claire. He is sadly watching the Scottish landscape disappear, vowing that he won’t set foot on Scotland’s land again without Young Ian. The sailors begin their superstitious routine, touching a horseshoe and politely addressing Jamie. Yet no-one speaks to Claire and she begins to wonder if she is invisible. Jamie explains the superstition - both women and redheaded men are considered bad luck on a ship. To ward off misfortune, the sailors always speak to Jamie before he speaks to them; do not address Claire at all and everyone -Claire included- must touch the horseshoe.
Fergus appears on deck, and is greeted warmly by Jamie, until it is revealed that Marsali is with him. They are married, the couple say, handfast that very morning, after a courtship that had begun the previous August. Since the two young lovers have not yet consummated the marriage, Jamie says that the handfasting is not binding and demands that Marsali return home, as the voyage is too dangerous.
But Marsali is every bit Laoghaire’s daughter. After calling Claire an English whore and rolling her eyes at Fergus’ admonishment that she must not address Milady in such a fashion, Marsali says that she has sent her mother a letter informing her of the handfasting and if Jamie forces her to return home, she will lie and say that Fergus has bedded her. She will, she adds, either been married or ruined. Painted into a corner, Jamie has no option but to agree, but demands that the two are not to share a cabin. He will share with Fergus and Marsali with Claire - a decision that results in unison cries of “What?!” from both women. Claire tries to change his mind, but it is no use. He must protect Marsali’s virtue, he tells a frustrated Claire. When she stalks inside, saying “Mine too, it would seem”, Jamie mutters under his breath that now he is going to be sick!
This certainly seems to be the case as the next scene begins. An obviously nauseous Jamie is being fed ginger tea by Claire. Trying to distract himself, he talks of Fergus and Marsali’s deception. Claire comments that she doesn’t think the two have thought through what a lifetime of commitment will mean, but neither had they when first married. She notices a chest in the corner and Jamie tells her it is some of their things from Lallybroch.
Confused, Claire opens the chest, to find her gowns from Paris inside. Jamie had kept them, he says, as memories of her, but had also allowed Marsali to make use of them. He is becoming more seasick by the minute, prompting Claire to make him drink more tea. She muses that the sea may be calmer the next day, but Jamie says he will be dead by then and asks her to ensure that he is buried at Lallybroch. There is a knock on the door and Claire is called away, Lesley telling her that she is needed.
Claire tends to a sailor who has been injured on deck. It is an unexpected injury and the captain has come below to see what has happened. The sailor, named Manzetti, is asked if he touched the horseshoe. He assures everyone that he has, but it is being taken as an ill omen nonetheless. Someone has not touched the horseshoe, it is mused, something which is extremely bad luck. Claire comments that accidents happen, but this logic is not well received. The Captain quotes Shakespeare in his explanation to her and invites Claire and Jamie to dine with him that evening. Claire accepts, but says that Jamie will probably not feel like food, a comment that brings a brief chuckle from the captain.
Meanwhile, Jamie is trying to talk sense to Fergus, telling the young man that he hardly knows his bride. Fergus counters that Claire and Jamie hadn’t known each other well when they married either. Jamie tries to say that he and Claire had been forced to marry, but Fergus isn’t buying this argument for a minute.
If Jamie and Claire had been forced to marry, he says, then his own heart is forced to beat; he is forced to breathe. He knows the story and also knows that Jamie had wanted Claire from the moment he saw her. Jamie didn’t need time and neither does he. Fergus expresses disappointment that Jamie isn’t happy for him. Jamie asks why Fergus hadn’t told him beforehand. Fergus answers that it is for the same reason that Jamie had kept Laoghaire a secret from Claire: he was a coward. Jamie asks if Fergus has lied to Marsali too. No, Fergus says, he and Marsali have no secrets. She is aware of his birth in a brothel and his life as a pickpocket. He is forced however, to admit that he hasn’t told Marsali about his previous liaisons with women, but stresses that he has not yet bedded Marsali, nor any other woman since their courtship began. He has waited: a fact which must mean something. But Jamie says that it doesn’t mean anything if Fergus cannot be honest with his bride.
Captain Raines and Claire are dining in the captain’s quarters. Raine expresses his regret that Jamie’s seasickness has prevented him from joining them, but Claire comments that she believes that she is the one he had wanted to dine with anyway, as she had questioned his authority in front of the men in regards to the horseshoe.
Raines replies that he merely wants to help: to gain the respect of the men she must put herself in their shoes. He reminds her that her mere presence on the ship is ill luck and that by rights, she and Marsali should be bare breasted, as it is believed that a woman’s bare breasts calm an angry sea. It is the reason why the ship’s figurehead is a bare breasted woman: to keep the ship safe from curses. The captain adds that a horseshoe is more difficult, as there is no substitute. Claire expresses disbelief that touching a piece of iron will bring better luck, but Raines tells her that every ship has its own superstitions. Anything that provides the crew with assurance is to be encouraged. Claire counters that the men can also lose faith just as easily, if the portends indicate disaster, but Raines says he would rather have them make their own luck than give up hope. His own beliefs about touching a piece of iron are immaterial: the men believe in it. Believing something doesn’t make it real, Claire tells him, but the captain disagrees. “On this ship, it does,” he replies, before quoting Shakespeare once again. “There is nothing good nor bad, but thinking makes it so.”
The next scene begins with the extremely unpleasant sights and sounds of Jamie vomiting into a bucket. Interviews about this scene revealed that Sam Heughan actually had to “vomit” up a mixture of egg whites on cue - and it is a mystery how he wasn’t actually sick in the process!
This is a very realistic - even nauseating - sight! Mr Willoughby enters, asking how long Jamie plans on continuing this farce, but Jamie says he must allow time for Claire’s ginger tea to work. Willoughby argues against waiting, telling Jamie that the retching he is experiencing can cause more damage, by tearing muscles and even twisting his testicles to the point of requiring removal. He tells Jamie that if Jamie truly wants to wait it is his choice - but it is obvious that he has another plan in mind.
Meanwhile, Marsali and Claire are choosing beds. Marsali comments that Claire should take the bigger one, so that she won’t bump her head when she gets up. Claire misinterprets this as an attempt by Marsali to get into her good graces so that Claire will put in a good word with Jamie, and tells the younger woman that she doesn’t need to do this, as the situation with Marsali and Fergus is none of her business.
In a retort worthy of both her mother and Jenny, Marsali responds with dripping sarcasm. Claire has dropped out of the clear blue sky, she says, sticking her nose in and ruining her family, but now she has suddenly decided to mind her own business. Jamie may think Claire a wise woman, but Marsali still thinks she’s a whore. Abruptly, Claire abandons any pretence at friendship and takes the bigger bed! This scene is fabulous comic relief by Caitriona Balfe and Lauren Lyle and it is hoped the two will share many more scenes in the future!
The next morning, Claire comes across a much improved Jamie having breakfast and she is pleased to see him looking so much better. Marsali and Fergus appear and Marsali tells Jamie that Fergus has told her everything.
She’s not naive, she says, she knows Fergus has been with lasses, but now they only want to be with each other. Fergus asks for Jamie to bless their union. Claire speaks up in support, which causes a brief look of disbelief to cross Marsali’s face. Claire takes Jamie aside, telling him that if he allows the infatuation to continue, it may well fizzle out. Jamie’s response to her is amusing, if for no other reason than it turns the word fizzle into a double entendre, but he will not change his mind, telling the young couple that he simply cannot allow it.
Up on deck, Mr Willoughby is painting characters onto the boards with a brush and water. Claire, who has finally ditched her coat and has repurposed her outfit into a more casual “African Queenesque” ensemble complete with loosely tied ponytail, sees him and asks what the characters are.
Willoughby replies that it is a poem and takes papers from his pocket. Claire assumes this to be more poetry, but Willoughby tells her that he has been scribing his life in China so that it will not be forgotten. The water characters start to fade as Willoughby says that a story told is a life lived. Claire asks if he will tell the story to her. But Willoughby refuses, saying “Not yet”. If he tells the story, he will have to let it go. He leaves her on deck and she watches the last of the characters disappear as she looks out to sea.
Time passes. Claire immerses herself in her job as ship doctor, treating injuries and making medicines. She likes the life at sea, as it reminds her of a simpler time.
A bawdy sea shanty is in full swing as she walks back to the cabin, where she discovers Mr Willoughby treating Jamie with acupuncture needles. It is his treatment, not her tea, that has cured his seasickness. Willoughby apologises, saying that Jamie hadn’t wanted the treatment but he himself had insisted. Jamie tells him it is all right and Willoughby leaves the cabin. Claire asks why Jamie hadn’t told her about the acupuncture and Jamie replies that he didn’t want to hurt her feelings, given that they haven’t been on the most stable ground recently. He didn’t want Claire to see the failed tea as more proof that she didn’t belong. And at last, there comes some affection and reconciliation between the two.
Claire tells him that while her return has been confusing and frustrating, there has never been any question that she loves him. Their arms go around each other and she teases him, saying that he looks like a pin cushion. He feels like one too, he tells her, but he hasn’t vomited in weeks. They kiss briefly, before Jamie looks quizzically above, commenting that they are not moving.
It is true. The ship has stopped. The sailors are checking the instruments, but even though they are on course, they have lost the wind. Jamie comes up on desk and asks what is going on.
The acupuncture needles are still in his face and Raines asks about them. Willoughby explains, saying that it is a Chinese treatment for sea sickness. Jamie asks if it is usual to lose the wind in these latitudes and the rumblings about ill luck begin again, as well as some comments about who might be responsible. Claire tries to stop this, by suggesting that everyone line up and touch the horseshoe then and there, so that the ship’s rules are complied with. Hayes agrees that this is a good idea but the sailors dismiss it: it is too late to touch the horseshoe now - it must be done at the start of a voyage. Raines tells everyone not to worry: the wind will return and they must be ready when it does.
It is night and Claire and Jamie share a moment alone on deck, marvelling at the fact it is just them at last. “And the man in the moon,” adds Jamie, kissing her. Wrapping herself in his arms, Claire tells Jamie that before she left Boston, men had just flown to the moon. Jamie wonders what it looks like and she tells him of the photographs she has seen. It is rocky and barren and lifeless, but beautiful. She tells him that the craters can be seen, pointing out the dark spots.
Jamie refers to them as the Man in the Moon’s face and says that the moon looks close enough to speak to. Claire begins to quote from “Goodnight, Moon”, explaining emotionally to Jamie that she used to read the book to Brianna and that Brianna could recite it to her toy bunny before she could even read. ”You miss her,” says Jamie. “Terribly,” she whispers in response and he pulls her closer to him. This is a beautifully tender scene, acted spectacularly as always by Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe.
Another day dawns and still the ship is not moving. A clock is heard ticking in the background, as Claire’s voiceover announces that the days have turned into weeks. Sailors are trying to keep busy with various tasks, but the tension is building. The ship is becalmed in the middle of a vast ocean and even the most experienced sailors are starting to fear the worst. And indeed, it appears as if the worst has happened: the drinking water on board has started to go bad, spoiled by the bilge water. Raines instructs the men to save what they can, and to boil the rest. On top of that, they must go to half rations. He tells them all to pray for rain and leaves.
But the sailors have another suggestion: to find the Jonah who has brought them ill luck and throw the man overboard. A close up on Hayes’ worried face indicates the possible identity of the “Jonah” as the scene ends.
Raines, Claire and Jamie discuss the situation. There are only five unspoiled barrels left, which will not be enough. They could normally wait for the wind to return, but not without water or ale. Raines asks who they should blame. Claire says that the bilge water spoiled the barrels, but Raines says that is not what he asked. A scapegoat is needed and Raines is going to allow one to be chosen. Indeed, Raines says he may not be able to stop the sailors. They must believe that he is doing everything he can on their behalf or there will be a mutiny. Jamies states that none of his men will be thrown overboard.
Meanwhile the sailors are going through a list of people they have seen touch the horseshoe. All of Jamie’s party have done so, except for one: Hayes. They start to openly call him Jonah and Lesley leaps to his friend’s defence, but when the two are left alone in the cabin, Hayes admits that he doesn’t think he touched it.
The threats and uncertainty have gotten to Hayes: drunk now, he has climbed to the top of the mast and the others are encouraging him to jump. Lesley explains to Jamie what has happened: the sailors have accused Hayes of not touching the horseshoe and he can’t remember if he did so or not. The men had planned to throw him overboard, so he had climbed up high to escape them, but is now thinking they might be right. And so Jamie, ever MacDubh to his men, promptly climbs the rigging to reach Hayes and talk him down.
Jamie reminds him of Ardsmuir, encouraging Hayes to listen to him and not the others. “It was us versus them and it’s the same now.” If the men are going to throw Hayes overboard, Jamie says, they will have to throw him, Lesley, Fergus and Willoughby (who has just noticed a sea bird flying low over the water) overboard first. Jamie tries another approach: if Hayes jumps, he will be forced to go in after him and Claire will kill them both! He promises Hayes that he won’t let any harm come to him and holds out his hand. Hayes takes it finally, but loses his balance and a few anxious moments pass until he manages to catch hold of the rigging. The two men climb down and face an angry mob below who chant “Jonah”, as knives are drawn and threats are made.
But it is Willoughby who saves the day. Ringing the bell for silence, he begins to tell his own life story. Willoughby tells them how, in his own country, he was a poet. His poetry came to the attention of the Emperor’s second wife, and she asked him to join her household. This was a great honour, but with the condition that as a member of the household of the Emperor’s wife, he must be a eunuch. It was dishonourable to refuse; a death sentence, in fact. But, an emotional Willoughby explains, he had fallen in love with women; the taste of their breasts, the scent of their navels, the feeling of their warm mounds like peaches. He is winning over the crowd with his erotic descriptions, and Claire and Jamie share an amused smile! Willoughby fled on the Night of the Lanterns, he says. He left his house and came to a place where the golden words of his poems are taken for the clucking of hens and his calligraphy for bird scratchings. The women now call him Yellow Worm and even the lowest of whores will not lie with him. By not surrendering his manhood, he has lost everything else: honour, livelihood and country.
Sometimes, he says, he thinks it is not worth it. Dramatically he stands on the edge of the ship and throws the papers of his life story overboard. But instead of sinking, they float into the air: the wind has returned! The sailors spring into action, preparing the boat to set sail once again. Hayes approaches Willoughby and makes a guarded apology, by way of saying that he has heard worse stories. Claire asks Willoughby how he knew the wind was about to return and he draws her attention to the low flying bird. When birds fly high, he says, the air is dry, but when they fly low, the air is heavy and rain is coming. Calling Willoughby by his true name, Claire makes a heartfelt thank you. Overcome, the man turns away. Rain patters onto the deck, erasing the last of Willoughby’s letters.
The mood is jubilant as the rain falls. Barrels are filled, men stand with their mouths open, drinking in the rainwater. Below deck, Jamie and Claire giggle as the rolling of the ship knocks them into each other. Aroused, they rush into a storeroom and make love as quickly and as quietly as they can. Claire tells Jamie that others will hear them, to which Jamie responds “Let them!” Afterwards, Claire lies with her head on Jamie’s chest, as he strokes her hair, telling her that he likes the grey that is returning. The way the light hits it, it is like a piece of silver moonlight. Claire comments that it is impossible not to love a man who says such things.
With a clever nod to the fandom’s name for Jamie, she tells him that were he to say that in the 20th century, he would be the King of All Men. Seriously now, she tells him that she had always known, when she decided to return, that they would have to get used to each other again. “No matter what troubles happen around us, Sassenach,” Jamie says, “This, what it is between us, never changes.” They kiss tenderly - and the fans rejoice to see them happy again.
And so, of course, this must mean that the happiness is destined not to last. The ship is being pursued by a British Man o War, which is signalling that they want the Artemis to heave to. Raines says that the pursuing ship may be short handed and will need men. There is no choice but to heave to. Hastily Claire and Jamie discuss what may happen. Jamie tells Claire that by law, they can press any British subject into service, which amounts to over half the crew, Jamie included.
Jamie tells Claire that if he is taken, she must continue on to Jamaica to find Young Ian. She agrees. But when the very young acting captain of the Porpoise comes aboard, it is not men that he wants, but a surgeon. The ship has suffered an outbreak of infectious plague, Captain Leonard explains. Claire tells him that she is the surgeon, but that he shouldn’t have come on board, nor should he touch anyone while there. Leonard says that he had no choice: the captain and 2 lieutenants are dead, as well as the surgeon and the surgeon’s mate. He himself is not experiencing symptoms, but hundreds of others are. He is not there to press men, as he doesn’t want more mouths to feed. What he does want is medical assistance. Claire asks what symptoms the men are experiencing and is told griping pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and a rash on their stomachs. Claire says she knows what it might be, but she will need to examine the men first. Leonard asks if she will come aboard, and Claire agrees at precisely the same time as Jamie refuses. The two retire to discuss the situation. Jamie tells Claire she can’t set foot on a plague ship, but Claire says that she cannot catch what is on board. It is not plague but typhoid fever, which she has been inoculated against.
She can show the men what to do, she says and she has an obligation to help, due to the oath she swore to become a doctor. Jamie understands oaths. He rubs his finger over her wedding band, remarking that he has taken an oath or two himself and none of them lightly. Jamie remarks that he knows there is no talking her out of it, to which Claire replies that they must both be older and wiser. Jamie says he will not take his eyes off the ship until she returns and they kiss.
Jamie watches as Claire is rowed over to the Porpoise. She is greeted formally on her arrival by the healthy men who remain. She is taken below to where the sick men are and the sights and sounds are horrific (to the viewer as well!) Covering her mouth and nose, Claire takes stock. The conditions are deplorable. Examining the stomach of one man, she sees the tell tale red rash.
In the captain’s quarters, Claire tells Leonard that the disease is called typhoid. The methods of containing it are different to other diseases and she knows how to do this. She relays the instructions, but warns Leonard that most of the sick men will still die. What is important is containing the spread, but it will get a lot worse before it gets better. Claire offers to stay for a while to help them organise themselves and Leonard responds that he will be grateful for any assistance. Claire says she will need a dozen healthy crewmen and is promptly introduced to the first of them: a very young man, known as Mr Pound. Claire says that she will work fast, as Jamie and Captain Raines will be anxious to get underway. Leonard tells her that she will inform the ship that she will be a little while longer.
But while Claire is below in the galley fighting with the cook for boiled water, a sudden surge indicates that they are underway.
Claire goes to confront Captain Leonard. He has no choice, he says, as they are desperate. Since both ships are travelling to Jamaica, he has sent word that accommodation will be provided until Claire is able to rejoin the Artemis. Mr Pound reappears to tell Claire that they are ready to move the men. With one last despairing look at the Artemis, she turns to begin her work. There is nothing else she can do.
This episode focuses a lot on the concept of respect. First and foremost, superstitions on ships must be respected and are ignored at peril. Character wise, Willoughby earns the respect not only of Jamie and Claire for his skill with acupuncture, poetry and calligraphy, but also from the men at large for seemingly returning the wind and breaking the curse. Claire and Marsali are yet to earn each other’s respect and in turn, Marsali and Fergus are waiting for Jamie to respect and approve their wish to be married. The captains of both ships respect Claire’s skill, but this is not enough to prevent yet another separation for Jamie and Claire. Now viewers and readers are left to respect the storytelling of the episodes to come - and trust that the Frasers will soon be reunited!
This recap was written by Susie Brown, a teacher-librarian and writer who lives in Australia. She hated the realism of the vomiting scenes, and although she doesn’t suffer from seasickness, started to turn green along with Jamie!
Episode 308 First Wife
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 308
A recap of episode 308, First wife by Susie Brown
“Hell Hath No Fury” - A recap of season 3 episode 308 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
Ever since Claire’s reappearance in the 18th century, hints have been dropped about the secret that Jamie is keeping from her. In the previous episode, viewers finally learned what it is: Jamie has another wife, a situation that he is desperate to resolve with help and advice from Ned Gowan. But while waiting for this advice to arrive, his life is thrown into upheaval once again with the destruction of the print shop. Jamie finds himself needing to return to Lallybroch, in order to take Young Ian to safety and reunite him with his parents. It is strange to see Jamie’s reluctance to go home, when in the past he has always been reluctant to leave. Nevertheless, Jamie does what he knows to be the right thing, which leads inevitably to a show down involving three formidable women: his first and second wives, and his sister, Jenny Fraser Murray. Such a combination could never be anything but volatile and it is certainly a dramatic hour!
As the episode begins, Jamie, Claire and Young Ian are riding towards Lallybroch. Each face indicates their feelings: Claire is nervous; Young Ian resentful; Jamie resigned. This is a big moment: as Claire’s voiceover says - everything looks the same, but it doesn’t feel the same. And indeed it isn’t. Jamie watches as Claire and Jenny greet each other.
It is an awkward meeting, with Claire resorting to telling Jenny she looks well and enquiring after the children, while Jenny comments that she never thought that Claire would grace her front doorstep again and that when Ian told her Claire was still alive, she could have been knocked down with a feather. It is polite enough conversation, but what is unsaid is equally clear - why has Claire been away so long and why didn’t she contact any of her family? There is no hug, no smile, only tension. The hug Jenny has reserved for young Ian, although it is accompanied by a clip around the ear as well. The elder Ian is stern and there is no hint of the affection he showed towards Claire in Edinburgh. Perhaps this is because he feels that Claire also deceived him when Jamie lied as to Young Ian’s whereabouts; or perhaps it is because he picks up on the overall tension. Neither Jenny nor Ian speak directly to Jamie at all. There is no hint of the prodigal son about this reunion - it is tension all the way, further enhanced by Jamie’s nervously tapping finger as he follows the others indoors!
The gloves are off once the group are inside around the fire. Ian expresses his anger at Jamie: why hadn’t he told him that Young Ian was in Edinburgh? It is Young Ian who answers: he didn’t want to be brought home to feed chickens when he could be in Edinburgh earning a wage and he boasts to his parents at his skill in selling casks of brandy until being forced to flee after the fire. But this only makes the situation worse.
It is not a pretty picture that Jenny and Ian are painting of Jamie: he has had their son selling illegal liquor and consorting with criminals, before putting him in danger in the fire; only returning to them because there is nothing left, and bringing his “stray” with him, who has dropped back in their lives after 20 years, trying to act as if nothing has happened.
At this, Jamie tries to defend himself. He says that he had looked out for Ian and that everything had been fine until Sir Percival had tried to extort money from him and sent his ruffian after Claire. Young Ian joins in to sing Claire’s praises, saying that Claire had killed the man. But this doesn’t have the effect he intends and results in his being sent from the room. Jenny is quietly furious, asking Claire to confirm whether she had killed the man in front of Ian. Claire tells her that Young Ian wasn’t there and that she had had no choice, as she had to defend herself. Sarcastically, Jenny suggests that perhaps everyone should gather around the fire, to listen to some tall tales.
Jamie is angry now: Jenny hasn’t complained when he has sent home money, even though she knew it was not from printing psalms. Jenny responds that yes, she knew how Jamie made his money, but why couldn’t he have taught Young Ian the printing trade instead? Jamie tries once again, insisting that he treated Young Ian as if he were his own son. This prompts Ian to take off his belt and hand it to Jamie, remarking that if that is so, he will need to punish him as his own. But Jamie is reluctant to dole out physical punishment, suggesting an alternative.
The next scene shows the beginnings of a return to a “family” atmosphere, amongst the younger Murrays at least. Young Ian and his sister Janet are squabbling as they do their chores. Young Ian is particularly incensed because his punishment of making dung cakes is a boy’s job and his considers himself a man: as proven by the whiskers he now sports.
But Janet calls them “muck” around his mouth. Ian and Jamie are watching this exchange and begin to make their peace with each other: Ian admitting that perhaps Jamie’s suggestion of punishment was the right one and Jamie admitting that he should have sent word that Young Ian was with him in Edinburgh and apologising for not doing so. At this, Ian admits the real reason for his anger: Young Ian worships Jamie, following him around like a pup and we see the sadness and hint of jealousy fleetingly on Ian’s face.
More children are running around inside and Claire is introduced to young Angus and Anthony. They are Maggie’s children: the same Maggie that Claire had helped to deliver. Claire remarks that it is strange to think of Maggie being old enough to be a mother and Jenny responds that that’s what happens when twenty years go by. Another strange face appears, in the form of a now grown Wee Jamie, holding a baby of his own. Again, Claire tries to reminisce, telling James that she remembers him as a boy barely tall enough to see over a washtub.
But he shows no sign of remembering her and rather than introducing Claire as his aunt, Jenny tells her son that Claire used to live at Lallybroch. James nods politely to Claire and remarks that he is going to see his uncle. He leaves the baby with Jenny and Claire offers to help her, but Jenny replies that she doesn’t want to bewilder the child with a strange face. Throughout the exchange she has been icily polite, but refuses to look at Claire for any length of time. It is obvious that the sisterly bond the two women once shared has been shattered.
Jamie and Jenny have their own icy conversation out in the yard. When Jamie comments that there are other methods of learning a lesson than thrashing, Jenny asks him if he is now an authority on parenting. Jamie replies that he does know something about being a 16 year old living on a farm and that Jenny needs to stop treating Young Ian as a boy, but as a man.
She needs to give him a taste of freedom, he tells her, while Young Ian still thinks that it’s hers to give. But Jenny changes the subject: doesn’t Jamie know that it is a mortal sin to take another wife while the first one is still walking the earth? Jamie replies that he would never have done so if he had known Claire to be alive. Jenny is still trying to understand: if Jamie had believed Claire to be dead, why hadn’t he shared his grief? Jamie answered that he had barely wanted to breathe, let alone speak of it. Jenny accepts this, but demands that Jamie speak of it now, as she needs to know what had happened. Jamie tells his own explanation story: saying that he had planned to die and had arranged for Claire to hide in an inn, giving her enough money to go to the colonies when everything died down. But when he survived, he learned that the English had gone through the area, killing man, woman and child. Each had believed the other to be dead, he says, so Claire had sailed for the colonies. But Jenny is not buying the story: she had sat on the steps with Claire when Jamie had been taken by the redcoats, she tells him, and had ridden with Claire to find Jamie when he didn’t come home. The Claire Jenny knew, she says, would never have stopped looking. A brief look at Jamie’s face tells us that he knows his attempt at an explanation has failed.
Later, Jamie and Claire discuss what they should do. Jamie says that they can build a cottage on the edge of the land and make Lallybroch their home again, but Claire remarks that Jenny can’t stand the sight of her.
She asks Jamie if they should tell Jenny the truth, saying that Murtagh had believed them, so why wouldn’t Jenny? Jamie says that while Murtagh had been out in the world. Jenny has never left the farm. She wouldn’t understand or believe the truth. But, Claire counters, the longer she avoids the truth, the bigger the wall between them. It is a very telling statement and we see Jamie squirm uncomfortably. We know, though Claire does not, that he is rapidly building his own wall. Claire adds that Jenny shines a warm light on those she loves and turns a cold shadow onto those that she doesn’t.
Jamie, disquieted, tells Claire that he still has trouble believing that she has really returned. He tells a story - that we see in flashback- of the day when, after hearing Duncan Kerr’s story of the white witch, he had escaped from Ardsmuir and swum to Silkie Island, to see if she was the white witch of Kerr’s tale. Of course, he had found no Claire, but he did find the treasure, hidden beneath a stone bearing the Mackenzie crest. The box was full of ancient coins and gems, but he had taken just one: the sapphire that he had given to Ardsmuir’s governor John Grey.
Claire asks why he had gone back: he was free and had the treasure. But Jamie said he couldn’t have taken the treasure with him and that the prisoners needed him, he was their leader. Claire shares her own story of longing. She wasn’t on an island, she tells him, but she was out there, wishing that he would come and find her. Whenever she heard birds singing, she would pretend that it was him, talking to her. Jamie tells her of the greylag geese who mate for life, and how if you ever kill one bird, you must kill the other, for it will grieve itself to death,calling through the skies for the lost one. The metaphor is obvious and Claire strokes the side of his face tenderly before kissing him. But something is up and Claire asks what is wrong. Jamie replies that there is something he must say and that it hasn’t been easy keeping it from her.
He adds that he had been hoping to speak to Ned Gowan first to see if the law was in their favour. He tells her that she must listen with all her heart, but before he can begin, the door opens. A young girl and a teenage girl are standing there, both referring to Jamie as “Daddy” and asking who Claire is.
But the shock of hearing Jamie being called Daddy is nothing compared to the one coming: the former Laoghaire Mackenzie strides into the room, calling Claire an English witch and telling her she is supposed to be dead. Laoghaire and Jamie begin to argue, causing the youngest girl to cry in distress “Daddy” and “Ma”. A shocked Claire repeats, “Daddy?” and Laoghaire realises that she hadn’t known. With language worthy of a sailor she begins to insult Claire. Jamie forces her from the room, but the damage has been done.
Downstairs by the fire, Jamie tries to explain the situation to Laoghaire’s youngest daughter, Joanie. Jamie explains who Claire is, telling Joan that by the grace of God, Claire has been returned to him. He had wanted to talk to the girls and explain, he says, but he didn’t get a chance.
When Joan asks about her own mother, Jamie explains that while he had tried to be a good husband, Laoghaire and he did not have a bond that keeps people together forever. “And you have that bond with that other woman?” Joan asks. “Aye,” is Jamie’s reply, taking pains to reassure her that he loves both her and her sister and that he will always look after her. He sends Joan in search of her older sister, who will take her home to her mother, who needs her. The little girl stands, but turns and runs into Jamie’s arms (finally solving the mystery from the season trailer as to who the small child hugging Jamie was!) This scene gives us a beautiful glimpse of a parental Jamie, gentle and loving. It is easy to see why Joanie would be so upset at the thought of him going away forever, as well as giving us some idea of how things would have been if Jamie had been able to be father to a young Brianna.
But if Joan has understood and forgiven Jamie, the same cannot be said of his first wife. On returning to the bedroom, Jamie finds Claire grabbing her clothes and dressing as quickly as possible. Jamie tries to explain, saying that he doesn’t live with Laoghaire and the girls and that the marriage had been a huge mistake.
Claire says that with two children it had taken him a long while to figure that out. Jamie tells her that he isn’t father to the girls, despite Joanie’s red hair - commenting that there are other red headed men in Scotland. The marriage is less than 2 years old and they have lived apart for most of the time, but this doesn’t matter to Claire. It is the thought that Jamie has wed Laoghaire, the woman who tried to have her killed. In frustration, Jamie reminds Claire that she had told him to be kind to Laoghaire, the last time that they had seen each other at the Old Fox’s estate. (This was the episode that book fans had strongly criticised at the time for precisely this reason. How could Jamie ever wed Laoghaire, knowing what she did to Claire? It is interesting that this is dealt with briefly here in Claire’s throw away line, “I told you to thank her, not marry her.” It is perhaps not completely convincing, but an attempt at any rate, to begin to tie the two parts of the Laoghaire storyline together.)
Claire is determined to leave, demanding to know why he hadn’t told her about this marriage on her return. Jamie replies that it is because he is a coward - he didn’t want to tell her for fear of losing her again. He says that he would give up anything to be with her again, family, love, life itself, even if she had left him 20 years before.
The heartbreak on Claire’s face in hearing this is breathtaking. “Left you?” she sobs. “You forced me to go back. I would have gladly died at Culloden with you. And now you want to blame me for that?”
Jamie says that he doesn’t blame her for going, as it was for Brianna’s sake, but is less convincing when asked if he blames her for coming back, finally asking her if she knows what it is to live 20 years without a heart, to live half a man and to become accustomed to existing in the bit that is left.
Claire is incredulous. Yes, she tells him. She knows exactly what it’s like. She asks if Jamie thinks that she went home to Frank and lived happily ever after. Jamie’s jealousy comes out at this point, telling her how sometimes he had imagined that she had done just that. When Claire responds that she doesn’t need to imagine him with Laoghaire now, his anger explodes. Knocking over furniture in the room, he hisses that he doesn’t care for Laoghaire and never did. She is furious too, accusing him of discarding a woman that he didn’t even want. Jamie despairs that he can’t win: he is either a faithless lecher or a heartless beast.
Angry words soon give way to angry sex, which is halted abruptly by Jenny, who throws a bucket of water over them. She is furious too, that they have been fighting and rutting without caring if the whole house hears them. Claire leaves the room and after a long look at her brother, so does Jenny.
By the same fire where Jamie had comforted Joanie, another child comforts Claire. This time is is Jenny’s daughter, Janet, who offers Claire a whisky, which she accepts. Claire apologises for disturbing the household, but Janet says it is she who should be apologising, admitting that she had told Laoghaire of Claire’s presence. She hadn’t meant to cause such drama, she tells Claire, but had gone to tell Laoghaire at the instruction of her mother. Jenny appears at this point and Janet beats a hasty retreat.
Claire asks Jenny why she had summoned Laoghaire. “She’s his wife,” Jenny responds and Claire corrects her, saying that no, she is Jamie’s wife. Jenny wants to know why Claire hadn’t tried to find Jamie after the war and why her return has taken 20 years. Claire repeats that she thought that Jamie was dead and Jenny agrees that in a way he was, as it had taken him years to start living again.
But within a week of Claire’s arrival, a man has been killed, the print shop has burned and Jamie is once again on the run from the law. Claire tells her sister-in-law that she had wanted to come back to be part of the family, but Jenny replies that family writes letters, letting each other know that they are alive. Did Claire think that they had all been frozen in time, waiting for her to return? (This is such a clever line, as in a way, that’s what it has been like for Claire, with her 18th century life frozen in time until she could return to it - but of course, Jenny is not to know this.) So Claire tells the bit of the story that is the truth: she had another husband in America and that it had been a matter of survival. Her life hadn’t been easy and she had had to put the past behind her to make that marriage work. Jenny asks if Jamie knows and if Claire had had any children. Again, Claire tells the truth up to a point - yes, Jamie knows; no, she had not had children with her husband in America. When that husband died, she had decided to return to Jamie’s grave to tell him he had never been forgotten and instead, had found him to be alive. This explanation of her absence is one that Jenny sees truth in, although she comments that she can see in Claire’s eyes that she is still keeping something back and she isn’t sure if she can or even wants to trust Claire again. A horse with a broken leg is put out of its misery, she says, because it will never heal right - and neither will they.
Jenny is cleaning up the broken crockery in the bedroom when Ian comes in. Jamie is in the stables, he tells her and Claire in the guest quarters. Gently, he admonishes his wife: he has heard her prayers for Jamie’s happiness despite the sorrows he has seen, yet she won’t allow him to have his happiness now. Jenny thinks about this for a moment before asking, “Does this look like happiness to you?” and Ian has no answer for her.
The next morning, Claire and Jamie meet in the courtyard. She has a bag with her - evidently she is planning to leave. She ignores Jamie calling her name at first, finally telling him that she should not have come back. He comes towards her, saying that he can’t take back the 20 years, or the life he has lived, but he means to make things right. Claire reminds him of the pact they had made years ago, that when they told each other something it needed to be the truth. There was room for secrets, but not lies. He apologies, saying that he has only known one love in his life and it has been with her. But just as Claire appears to be reconsidering, Laoghaire arrives in the courtyard, brandishing a pistol. She has overheard Jamie’s protestations of love for Claire and aims the gun at her rival.
She will not sit at home, she tells him, while Claire walks away with him. She has come to protect what is hers. It is time for Claire to leave them be and to stay out of their lives. Maybe it wasn’t perfect, she says, but even if he wasn’t under her roof, he provided for her. But suddenly the gun goes off, hitting Jamie in the arm. Laoghaire moves towards him, but Claire pushes her away and distraught, Laoghaire runs off.
Inside, Claire goes into doctor mode. Sending James for alcohol, she instructs Jamie to remove his shirt. Jenny and Ian come running, Jenny crossing herself at the sight of the blood and looking horrified when she discovers that Laoghaire is responsible for Jamie’s injury. She rushes to get clean towels and bandages, while Young Ian is sent for Claire’s medical kit. His father goes in search of hot water and an apron. Jamie comments that it is only bird shot and not serious, but Claire reminds him about germs, telling him that she will have to dig the pellets out. In response, Jamie begins to drink the bottle of whisky that James has returned with and lies down on the table.
Young Ian is watching the operation and comments that Claire has very fine knives to work with. Claire remarks that she knew a very fine cutler in the colonies. The final pellet is the most problematic, Claire telling Young Ian with a surgeon’s detachment that if it has penetrated the artery, Jamie will bleed to death and there will be nothing she can do.
She cuts into Jamie’s arm, deep enough to rouse him briefly from his alcoholic anaesthetic. But Claire is a talented surgeon and removes the pellet, without the artery being penetrated. Young Ian is suitably impressed, offering her a drink as she stitches up the wounds. Throughout he has addressed her as “Auntie” and Claire comments that he is the only one who calls her that. They smile at each other: with this relative at least, she has made a special bond. Ian hands her the glass of whisky, saying that his uncle is lucky that she is there.
Later, Claire checks Jamie’s bandages. She tells him that the pellets are out, but her coolness towards him has returned. Jamie asks for a whisky, which is denied.
He is allowed liquids, but that is all. He tries gentle teasing, stating that whisky is a liquid, but Claire will not smile: he can have water or broth. Again, the talk turns to Laoghaire. Jamie asks Claire if she really wants to hear, entreating her not to be angry. She replies that she hasn’t stopped being angry, so he may as well explain himself.
So Jamie tells her of the time after his return from Helwater. He was like a ghost, he says. Jenny’s children didn’t recognise him and he was lonely. On the first Hogmanay celebration at Lallybroch since he was a lad, everything was shining. Everyone was laughing and dancing and Jamie was watching, feeling both joy and loneliness at the same time.
Two girls had come over to him, offering him a fig and then asking him to dance. He had been won over by their enthusiasm and allowed himself to be led onto the dance floor. Within a few moments, he tells Claire, his heart felt lighter. The music had wrapped around him and he was laughing for the first time in years. Afterwards, the girls complimented him on his dancing and he asked them if they were his cousin’s daughters. “No,” the eldest had said, “Our mother is Mistress McKimmie.” Looking over to where she pointed, Jamie saw Laoghaire. He realised that she was twice widowed with two daughters aching for a father. He had wanted to be a father and husband himself. Without Claire, or the opportunity to father either Willie or Brianna, perhaps the match could be made that would give him at least some semblance of family. When Claire asks if that was what had happened, he told her that his bond with the two girls had grown, but that he and Laoghaire had never connected with each other.
Laoghaire had been hurt, perhaps by her previous husbands, but she had seemed afraid of Jamie’s touch and would not speak to him for weeks on end. So he had left for Edinburgh.
Moved by the story, Claire puts her hand on his at last, and realises that Jamie is burning with fever. He tells her that if she isn’t going to stay, he would rather die and be done with it. But Claire switches back into doctor mode. She tells him that tempted as she might be, she is not going to let him die and brings out the first of the 20th century penicillin, which she jabs into the behind of a distinctly wary Jamie.
Jenny is sitting on the steps outside and Claire joins her. Jenny tells her that she had a vision of Claire on the day that Laoghaire and Jamie had married, seeing Claire standing between the two of them at the altar. Jenny said that she had never known who or what Claire had been, never knowing her people or her place. But she had also never questioned anything, even when Jamie had told her that Claire may tell her things that made no sense. Jenny comments that Claire’s instruction to plant potatoes had saved them in the winters after Culloden. “Jamie chose you,” Jenny said. “That was enough.” Claire remarks that it’s not enough now and Jenny says only that she supposes that Claire will never tell her the full story.
Claire tells Jenny that what she can say is that she never stopped loving Jamie, had never stopped wearing Jamie’s wedding ring and had never forgotten any of them. “You were a sister to me,” says Jenny. She is thawing a little and Claire senses it. “I loved you too, Jenny,” she replies. “I still do. I’m only asking for a second chance.” For the first time, Jenny looks into Claire’s eyes. It is a beginning.
The scenes between Caitriona Balfe and Laura Donnelly in this episode are tour-de-force ones. The women explore the gamut of emotions from shock, wariness, anger, hurt, guilt, sorrow and finally, the beginnings of a reestablished trust. Jenny can see that despite her long absence, Claire still loves Jamie and he her. She knows that there is more to the story (Indeed, the writers debated another significant chance with Jenny being let into the secret of Claire’s 20th century life, but decided against it.) but starts to make her peace with this lack of knowledge. It is no accident that this shift occurs on the same steps where Jenny and Claire had sat as sisters, waiting for Jamie and Ian’s return after being captured by the redcoats in season 1. Much has happened in the years since, but the bond between the two women still exists and we are left with the feeling that it will ultimately win out.
A man is walking down the corridors - it is Ned Gowan! He and Claire embrace, each overcome at seeing the other. Ned has come to see Jamie, he says. When Claire tells him that he hasn’t changed and asks his secret, he responds wryly with, “I never married!”
Ned tells Jamie and Claire that legally, with Claire’s return, the marriage to Laoghaire is invalid, although Jamie must still make reconciliations with the church. Ned informs them that Laoghaire has also made a complaint to the Justice of the Peace for distress and loss of support. Jamie asks how Laoghaire can do this and Ned quotes in response: “No hell hath fury like a woman scorned.” Claire points out that it is Laoghaire who shot Jamie and Ned agrees: in the Highlands, possession of a firearm is a criminal offence. But when asked if there is any way of proving that the gun belongs to Laoghaire, Jamie is forced to admit that there is none.
Ned says that if it were to go to court, Laoghaire could be indicted and that it might be possible to arrange to have the rifle, which has been hidden in the stables, turned over to the British. Jamie asks what would happen and Ned replies that if found guilty, Laoghaire would be transported to the colonies. Jamie refuses: although he agrees that Laoghaire should be punished, he won’t do it to the girls. They are already losing him as a father figure and won’t have them lose their mother as well. He asks Ned what Laoghaire wants and the older man replies with his usual humour. Laoghaire’s chief desire, he says, is to see Jamie castrated with his bollocks hanging on her wall, but he suspects that she will be amenable to alimony instead, and proceeds to write a figure onto the paper in front of him.
Both Jenny and Ian are outraged by Laoghaire’s financial demands: £20 and £10 per year to support her girls until they marry. Jamie agrees that it is a high price to pay, and one that he won’t burden them with. When Jenny asks how he plans on finding money that is the equivalent of 2 years’ wages, Jamie talks of the box that he had found on Selkie Island, musing that perhaps he could go back and get it. Claire tells him that he can’t swim anywhere until his arm has healed, but Young Ian has overheard. He appears in the doorway, wearing a coat that looks remarkably like the Laird’s coat that Jamie had worn, as well as a shirt tied at the neck like his uncle’s. It is obvious that the hero worship is continuing.
Ian asks how far it is and when Jamie says that it about a quarter mile states that he can swim that distance, but Jenny sends him away. She asks Jamie what good the ancient coins are and Jamie replies that he will take them to Jared in France, who will be able to trade them for sterling. Jamie then asks permission to take Young Ian with him, thinking him old enough to see a little of the world outside of Scotland. Showing that she did actually listen during her earlier argument with Jamie, Jenny replies that perhaps it would be better for them to give Young Ian his freedom now, while he still thinks its theirs to give. Jamie recognises his own words quoted back and smiles. Ian adds, “You’ll take better care of him this time, Aye?” and Jamie responds with “We will. You can trust us.” And of course, with promises like that, viewers can’t help but feel nervous immediately...
The next scene shows Young Ian swimming towards the island, while Jamie and Claire watch from the cliffs above.
They discuss the coldness of the water, but Jamie tells her not to worry, as Ian is a braw swimmer. Sure enough, we see him reach the shore and head in search of the box. But the tension on the cliff is palpable. Jamie comments that they have barely been alone since leaving Edinburgh, but now that they are the only two people on the cliff, Claire won’t meet his eye. Claire hesitates, still unable to look at him. Finally she says that she’s afraid it is all a mistake, not sure if they belong together anymore. When Jamie asks how she can say that, Claire speaks honestly.
She had a life, she tells him, they both had. She hadn’t hated Boston, she had a career, a home and friends, while Jamie had had the print shop. Maybe it hadn’t been the plan, she says, but it hadn’t been so bad.
But Jamie is unconvinced. Being a printer didn’t compare with being her husband, he says. Claire continues, telling Jamie that she had been haunted by the memory of him for 20 years, but returning had been harder than she could have imagined. Jamie asks her when it has ever been easy. He has apologised and done everything he can to make it right. He strokes the side of her face, telling her that she belongs with him and that, like the geese he had told her about earlier, they are mated for life. Then, he utters the line that fans have been waiting for since its non-appearance in episode 6: “Will you risk the man I am for the sake of the one you once knew?”
But before she can answer, Claire notices something out towards the island. A large ship is approaching and a small row boat is heading towards the shore. Through the spyglass, Jamie sees Young Ian, triumphantly carrying the box, heading back down the hill.
Futilely, they try to call a warning, but it is to no avail. The sailors have reached the island and confront Young Ian. Jamie and Claire race down the cliff, but even before the slow motion effect that always heralds disaster begins, we know that their desperate action will be of no use. Young Ian has been forced into the row boat and it is heading back to the big ship. Jamie tears the sling from his arm as he reaches the shore, but Claire stops him: he is injured and cannot go after his nephew. Instead, the two are left watching helplessly as the ship unfurls its sails and sails away from them.
The focus of this episode was well and truly on relationships. How much heartache becomes too much to bear? Can relationships survive distance, secrets and time apart without explanation, or will they crumble? The scenes are beautifully acted, from the sadness of Joan McKimmie, to the icy courtesy of Jenny, the frustration of Young Ian, the vicious jealousy of Laoghaire, and the heartbreak of Jamie and Claire. Every scene tugs at the heartstrings and it is a true ensemble performance, with everyone giving their absolute all. While some relationships do indeed break, others seem to be reaching a tenuous rebirth, until the ending of the episode throws everything into chaos once again. With only 5 episodes left in the season, it’s going to be a wild ride from now on!
This episode recap was written by Susie Brown, a teacher-librarian and writer who lives in Australia. She loved the return of Ned Gowan and wished there could be more scenes with him - the comic relief of his witty conversation was much needed in an otherwise emotionally draining episode!
Ever since Claire’s reappearance in the 18th century, hints have been dropped about the secret that Jamie is keeping from her. In the previous episode, viewers finally learned what it is: Jamie has another wife, a situation that he is desperate to resolve with help and advice from Ned Gowan. But while waiting for this advice to arrive, his life is thrown into upheaval once again with the destruction of the print shop. Jamie finds himself needing to return to Lallybroch, in order to take Young Ian to safety and reunite him with his parents. It is strange to see Jamie’s reluctance to go home, when in the past he has always been reluctant to leave. Nevertheless, Jamie does what he knows to be the right thing, which leads inevitably to a show down involving three formidable women: his first and second wives, and his sister, Jenny Fraser Murray. Such a combination could never be anything but volatile and it is certainly a dramatic hour!
As the episode begins, Jamie, Claire and Young Ian are riding towards Lallybroch. Each face indicates their feelings: Claire is nervous; Young Ian resentful; Jamie resigned. This is a big moment: as Claire’s voiceover says - everything looks the same, but it doesn’t feel the same. And indeed it isn’t. Jamie watches as Claire and Jenny greet each other.
It is an awkward meeting, with Claire resorting to telling Jenny she looks well and enquiring after the children, while Jenny comments that she never thought that Claire would grace her front doorstep again and that when Ian told her Claire was still alive, she could have been knocked down with a feather. It is polite enough conversation, but what is unsaid is equally clear - why has Claire been away so long and why didn’t she contact any of her family? There is no hug, no smile, only tension. The hug Jenny has reserved for young Ian, although it is accompanied by a clip around the ear as well. The elder Ian is stern and there is no hint of the affection he showed towards Claire in Edinburgh. Perhaps this is because he feels that Claire also deceived him when Jamie lied as to Young Ian’s whereabouts; or perhaps it is because he picks up on the overall tension. Neither Jenny nor Ian speak directly to Jamie at all. There is no hint of the prodigal son about this reunion - it is tension all the way, further enhanced by Jamie’s nervously tapping finger as he follows the others indoors!
It is an awkward meeting, with Claire resorting to telling Jenny she looks well and enquiring after the children, while Jenny comments that she never thought that Claire would grace her front doorstep again and that when Ian told her Claire was still alive, she could have been knocked down with a feather. It is polite enough conversation, but what is unsaid is equally clear - why has Claire been away so long and why didn’t she contact any of her family? There is no hug, no smile, only tension. The hug Jenny has reserved for young Ian, although it is accompanied by a clip around the ear as well. The elder Ian is stern and there is no hint of the affection he showed towards Claire in Edinburgh. Perhaps this is because he feels that Claire also deceived him when Jamie lied as to Young Ian’s whereabouts; or perhaps it is because he picks up on the overall tension. Neither Jenny nor Ian speak directly to Jamie at all. There is no hint of the prodigal son about this reunion - it is tension all the way, further enhanced by Jamie’s nervously tapping finger as he follows the others indoors!
The gloves are off once the group are inside around the fire. Ian expresses his anger at Jamie: why hadn’t he told him that Young Ian was in Edinburgh? It is Young Ian who answers: he didn’t want to be brought home to feed chickens when he could be in Edinburgh earning a wage and he boasts to his parents at his skill in selling casks of brandy until being forced to flee after the fire. But this only makes the situation worse.
It is not a pretty picture that Jenny and Ian are painting of Jamie: he has had their son selling illegal liquor and consorting with criminals, before putting him in danger in the fire; only returning to them because there is nothing left, and bringing his “stray” with him, who has dropped back in their lives after 20 years, trying to act as if nothing has happened.
It is not a pretty picture that Jenny and Ian are painting of Jamie: he has had their son selling illegal liquor and consorting with criminals, before putting him in danger in the fire; only returning to them because there is nothing left, and bringing his “stray” with him, who has dropped back in their lives after 20 years, trying to act as if nothing has happened.
At this, Jamie tries to defend himself. He says that he had looked out for Ian and that everything had been fine until Sir Percival had tried to extort money from him and sent his ruffian after Claire. Young Ian joins in to sing Claire’s praises, saying that Claire had killed the man. But this doesn’t have the effect he intends and results in his being sent from the room. Jenny is quietly furious, asking Claire to confirm whether she had killed the man in front of Ian. Claire tells her that Young Ian wasn’t there and that she had had no choice, as she had to defend herself. Sarcastically, Jenny suggests that perhaps everyone should gather around the fire, to listen to some tall tales.
Jamie is angry now: Jenny hasn’t complained when he has sent home money, even though she knew it was not from printing psalms. Jenny responds that yes, she knew how Jamie made his money, but why couldn’t he have taught Young Ian the printing trade instead? Jamie tries once again, insisting that he treated Young Ian as if he were his own son. This prompts Ian to take off his belt and hand it to Jamie, remarking that if that is so, he will need to punish him as his own. But Jamie is reluctant to dole out physical punishment, suggesting an alternative.
Jamie is angry now: Jenny hasn’t complained when he has sent home money, even though she knew it was not from printing psalms. Jenny responds that yes, she knew how Jamie made his money, but why couldn’t he have taught Young Ian the printing trade instead? Jamie tries once again, insisting that he treated Young Ian as if he were his own son. This prompts Ian to take off his belt and hand it to Jamie, remarking that if that is so, he will need to punish him as his own. But Jamie is reluctant to dole out physical punishment, suggesting an alternative.
The next scene shows the beginnings of a return to a “family” atmosphere, amongst the younger Murrays at least. Young Ian and his sister Janet are squabbling as they do their chores. Young Ian is particularly incensed because his punishment of making dung cakes is a boy’s job and his considers himself a man: as proven by the whiskers he now sports.
But Janet calls them “muck” around his mouth. Ian and Jamie are watching this exchange and begin to make their peace with each other: Ian admitting that perhaps Jamie’s suggestion of punishment was the right one and Jamie admitting that he should have sent word that Young Ian was with him in Edinburgh and apologising for not doing so. At this, Ian admits the real reason for his anger: Young Ian worships Jamie, following him around like a pup and we see the sadness and hint of jealousy fleetingly on Ian’s face.
But Janet calls them “muck” around his mouth. Ian and Jamie are watching this exchange and begin to make their peace with each other: Ian admitting that perhaps Jamie’s suggestion of punishment was the right one and Jamie admitting that he should have sent word that Young Ian was with him in Edinburgh and apologising for not doing so. At this, Ian admits the real reason for his anger: Young Ian worships Jamie, following him around like a pup and we see the sadness and hint of jealousy fleetingly on Ian’s face.
More children are running around inside and Claire is introduced to young Angus and Anthony. They are Maggie’s children: the same Maggie that Claire had helped to deliver. Claire remarks that it is strange to think of Maggie being old enough to be a mother and Jenny responds that that’s what happens when twenty years go by. Another strange face appears, in the form of a now grown Wee Jamie, holding a baby of his own. Again, Claire tries to reminisce, telling James that she remembers him as a boy barely tall enough to see over a washtub.
But he shows no sign of remembering her and rather than introducing Claire as his aunt, Jenny tells her son that Claire used to live at Lallybroch. James nods politely to Claire and remarks that he is going to see his uncle. He leaves the baby with Jenny and Claire offers to help her, but Jenny replies that she doesn’t want to bewilder the child with a strange face. Throughout the exchange she has been icily polite, but refuses to look at Claire for any length of time. It is obvious that the sisterly bond the two women once shared has been shattered.
But he shows no sign of remembering her and rather than introducing Claire as his aunt, Jenny tells her son that Claire used to live at Lallybroch. James nods politely to Claire and remarks that he is going to see his uncle. He leaves the baby with Jenny and Claire offers to help her, but Jenny replies that she doesn’t want to bewilder the child with a strange face. Throughout the exchange she has been icily polite, but refuses to look at Claire for any length of time. It is obvious that the sisterly bond the two women once shared has been shattered.
Jamie and Jenny have their own icy conversation out in the yard. When Jamie comments that there are other methods of learning a lesson than thrashing, Jenny asks him if he is now an authority on parenting. Jamie replies that he does know something about being a 16 year old living on a farm and that Jenny needs to stop treating Young Ian as a boy, but as a man.
She needs to give him a taste of freedom, he tells her, while Young Ian still thinks that it’s hers to give. But Jenny changes the subject: doesn’t Jamie know that it is a mortal sin to take another wife while the first one is still walking the earth? Jamie replies that he would never have done so if he had known Claire to be alive. Jenny is still trying to understand: if Jamie had believed Claire to be dead, why hadn’t he shared his grief? Jamie answered that he had barely wanted to breathe, let alone speak of it. Jenny accepts this, but demands that Jamie speak of it now, as she needs to know what had happened. Jamie tells his own explanation story: saying that he had planned to die and had arranged for Claire to hide in an inn, giving her enough money to go to the colonies when everything died down. But when he survived, he learned that the English had gone through the area, killing man, woman and child. Each had believed the other to be dead, he says, so Claire had sailed for the colonies. But Jenny is not buying the story: she had sat on the steps with Claire when Jamie had been taken by the redcoats, she tells him, and had ridden with Claire to find Jamie when he didn’t come home. The Claire Jenny knew, she says, would never have stopped looking. A brief look at Jamie’s face tells us that he knows his attempt at an explanation has failed.
She needs to give him a taste of freedom, he tells her, while Young Ian still thinks that it’s hers to give. But Jenny changes the subject: doesn’t Jamie know that it is a mortal sin to take another wife while the first one is still walking the earth? Jamie replies that he would never have done so if he had known Claire to be alive. Jenny is still trying to understand: if Jamie had believed Claire to be dead, why hadn’t he shared his grief? Jamie answered that he had barely wanted to breathe, let alone speak of it. Jenny accepts this, but demands that Jamie speak of it now, as she needs to know what had happened. Jamie tells his own explanation story: saying that he had planned to die and had arranged for Claire to hide in an inn, giving her enough money to go to the colonies when everything died down. But when he survived, he learned that the English had gone through the area, killing man, woman and child. Each had believed the other to be dead, he says, so Claire had sailed for the colonies. But Jenny is not buying the story: she had sat on the steps with Claire when Jamie had been taken by the redcoats, she tells him, and had ridden with Claire to find Jamie when he didn’t come home. The Claire Jenny knew, she says, would never have stopped looking. A brief look at Jamie’s face tells us that he knows his attempt at an explanation has failed.
Later, Jamie and Claire discuss what they should do. Jamie says that they can build a cottage on the edge of the land and make Lallybroch their home again, but Claire remarks that Jenny can’t stand the sight of her.
She asks Jamie if they should tell Jenny the truth, saying that Murtagh had believed them, so why wouldn’t Jenny? Jamie says that while Murtagh had been out in the world. Jenny has never left the farm. She wouldn’t understand or believe the truth. But, Claire counters, the longer she avoids the truth, the bigger the wall between them. It is a very telling statement and we see Jamie squirm uncomfortably. We know, though Claire does not, that he is rapidly building his own wall. Claire adds that Jenny shines a warm light on those she loves and turns a cold shadow onto those that she doesn’t.
She asks Jamie if they should tell Jenny the truth, saying that Murtagh had believed them, so why wouldn’t Jenny? Jamie says that while Murtagh had been out in the world. Jenny has never left the farm. She wouldn’t understand or believe the truth. But, Claire counters, the longer she avoids the truth, the bigger the wall between them. It is a very telling statement and we see Jamie squirm uncomfortably. We know, though Claire does not, that he is rapidly building his own wall. Claire adds that Jenny shines a warm light on those she loves and turns a cold shadow onto those that she doesn’t.
Jamie, disquieted, tells Claire that he still has trouble believing that she has really returned. He tells a story - that we see in flashback- of the day when, after hearing Duncan Kerr’s story of the white witch, he had escaped from Ardsmuir and swum to Silkie Island, to see if she was the white witch of Kerr’s tale. Of course, he had found no Claire, but he did find the treasure, hidden beneath a stone bearing the Mackenzie crest. The box was full of ancient coins and gems, but he had taken just one: the sapphire that he had given to Ardsmuir’s governor John Grey.
Claire asks why he had gone back: he was free and had the treasure. But Jamie said he couldn’t have taken the treasure with him and that the prisoners needed him, he was their leader. Claire shares her own story of longing. She wasn’t on an island, she tells him, but she was out there, wishing that he would come and find her. Whenever she heard birds singing, she would pretend that it was him, talking to her. Jamie tells her of the greylag geese who mate for life, and how if you ever kill one bird, you must kill the other, for it will grieve itself to death,calling through the skies for the lost one. The metaphor is obvious and Claire strokes the side of his face tenderly before kissing him. But something is up and Claire asks what is wrong. Jamie replies that there is something he must say and that it hasn’t been easy keeping it from her.
He adds that he had been hoping to speak to Ned Gowan first to see if the law was in their favour. He tells her that she must listen with all her heart, but before he can begin, the door opens. A young girl and a teenage girl are standing there, both referring to Jamie as “Daddy” and asking who Claire is.
But the shock of hearing Jamie being called Daddy is nothing compared to the one coming: the former Laoghaire Mackenzie strides into the room, calling Claire an English witch and telling her she is supposed to be dead. Laoghaire and Jamie begin to argue, causing the youngest girl to cry in distress “Daddy” and “Ma”. A shocked Claire repeats, “Daddy?” and Laoghaire realises that she hadn’t known. With language worthy of a sailor she begins to insult Claire. Jamie forces her from the room, but the damage has been done.
Claire asks why he had gone back: he was free and had the treasure. But Jamie said he couldn’t have taken the treasure with him and that the prisoners needed him, he was their leader. Claire shares her own story of longing. She wasn’t on an island, she tells him, but she was out there, wishing that he would come and find her. Whenever she heard birds singing, she would pretend that it was him, talking to her. Jamie tells her of the greylag geese who mate for life, and how if you ever kill one bird, you must kill the other, for it will grieve itself to death,calling through the skies for the lost one. The metaphor is obvious and Claire strokes the side of his face tenderly before kissing him. But something is up and Claire asks what is wrong. Jamie replies that there is something he must say and that it hasn’t been easy keeping it from her.
He adds that he had been hoping to speak to Ned Gowan first to see if the law was in their favour. He tells her that she must listen with all her heart, but before he can begin, the door opens. A young girl and a teenage girl are standing there, both referring to Jamie as “Daddy” and asking who Claire is.
But the shock of hearing Jamie being called Daddy is nothing compared to the one coming: the former Laoghaire Mackenzie strides into the room, calling Claire an English witch and telling her she is supposed to be dead. Laoghaire and Jamie begin to argue, causing the youngest girl to cry in distress “Daddy” and “Ma”. A shocked Claire repeats, “Daddy?” and Laoghaire realises that she hadn’t known. With language worthy of a sailor she begins to insult Claire. Jamie forces her from the room, but the damage has been done.
Downstairs by the fire, Jamie tries to explain the situation to Laoghaire’s youngest daughter, Joanie. Jamie explains who Claire is, telling Joan that by the grace of God, Claire has been returned to him. He had wanted to talk to the girls and explain, he says, but he didn’t get a chance.
When Joan asks about her own mother, Jamie explains that while he had tried to be a good husband, Laoghaire and he did not have a bond that keeps people together forever. “And you have that bond with that other woman?” Joan asks. “Aye,” is Jamie’s reply, taking pains to reassure her that he loves both her and her sister and that he will always look after her. He sends Joan in search of her older sister, who will take her home to her mother, who needs her. The little girl stands, but turns and runs into Jamie’s arms (finally solving the mystery from the season trailer as to who the small child hugging Jamie was!) This scene gives us a beautiful glimpse of a parental Jamie, gentle and loving. It is easy to see why Joanie would be so upset at the thought of him going away forever, as well as giving us some idea of how things would have been if Jamie had been able to be father to a young Brianna.
When Joan asks about her own mother, Jamie explains that while he had tried to be a good husband, Laoghaire and he did not have a bond that keeps people together forever. “And you have that bond with that other woman?” Joan asks. “Aye,” is Jamie’s reply, taking pains to reassure her that he loves both her and her sister and that he will always look after her. He sends Joan in search of her older sister, who will take her home to her mother, who needs her. The little girl stands, but turns and runs into Jamie’s arms (finally solving the mystery from the season trailer as to who the small child hugging Jamie was!) This scene gives us a beautiful glimpse of a parental Jamie, gentle and loving. It is easy to see why Joanie would be so upset at the thought of him going away forever, as well as giving us some idea of how things would have been if Jamie had been able to be father to a young Brianna.
But if Joan has understood and forgiven Jamie, the same cannot be said of his first wife. On returning to the bedroom, Jamie finds Claire grabbing her clothes and dressing as quickly as possible. Jamie tries to explain, saying that he doesn’t live with Laoghaire and the girls and that the marriage had been a huge mistake.
Claire says that with two children it had taken him a long while to figure that out. Jamie tells her that he isn’t father to the girls, despite Joanie’s red hair - commenting that there are other red headed men in Scotland. The marriage is less than 2 years old and they have lived apart for most of the time, but this doesn’t matter to Claire. It is the thought that Jamie has wed Laoghaire, the woman who tried to have her killed. In frustration, Jamie reminds Claire that she had told him to be kind to Laoghaire, the last time that they had seen each other at the Old Fox’s estate. (This was the episode that book fans had strongly criticised at the time for precisely this reason. How could Jamie ever wed Laoghaire, knowing what she did to Claire? It is interesting that this is dealt with briefly here in Claire’s throw away line, “I told you to thank her, not marry her.” It is perhaps not completely convincing, but an attempt at any rate, to begin to tie the two parts of the Laoghaire storyline together.)
Claire says that with two children it had taken him a long while to figure that out. Jamie tells her that he isn’t father to the girls, despite Joanie’s red hair - commenting that there are other red headed men in Scotland. The marriage is less than 2 years old and they have lived apart for most of the time, but this doesn’t matter to Claire. It is the thought that Jamie has wed Laoghaire, the woman who tried to have her killed. In frustration, Jamie reminds Claire that she had told him to be kind to Laoghaire, the last time that they had seen each other at the Old Fox’s estate. (This was the episode that book fans had strongly criticised at the time for precisely this reason. How could Jamie ever wed Laoghaire, knowing what she did to Claire? It is interesting that this is dealt with briefly here in Claire’s throw away line, “I told you to thank her, not marry her.” It is perhaps not completely convincing, but an attempt at any rate, to begin to tie the two parts of the Laoghaire storyline together.)
Claire is determined to leave, demanding to know why he hadn’t told her about this marriage on her return. Jamie replies that it is because he is a coward - he didn’t want to tell her for fear of losing her again. He says that he would give up anything to be with her again, family, love, life itself, even if she had left him 20 years before.
The heartbreak on Claire’s face in hearing this is breathtaking. “Left you?” she sobs. “You forced me to go back. I would have gladly died at Culloden with you. And now you want to blame me for that?”
The heartbreak on Claire’s face in hearing this is breathtaking. “Left you?” she sobs. “You forced me to go back. I would have gladly died at Culloden with you. And now you want to blame me for that?”
Jamie says that he doesn’t blame her for going, as it was for Brianna’s sake, but is less convincing when asked if he blames her for coming back, finally asking her if she knows what it is to live 20 years without a heart, to live half a man and to become accustomed to existing in the bit that is left.
Claire is incredulous. Yes, she tells him. She knows exactly what it’s like. She asks if Jamie thinks that she went home to Frank and lived happily ever after. Jamie’s jealousy comes out at this point, telling her how sometimes he had imagined that she had done just that. When Claire responds that she doesn’t need to imagine him with Laoghaire now, his anger explodes. Knocking over furniture in the room, he hisses that he doesn’t care for Laoghaire and never did. She is furious too, accusing him of discarding a woman that he didn’t even want. Jamie despairs that he can’t win: he is either a faithless lecher or a heartless beast.
Angry words soon give way to angry sex, which is halted abruptly by Jenny, who throws a bucket of water over them. She is furious too, that they have been fighting and rutting without caring if the whole house hears them. Claire leaves the room and after a long look at her brother, so does Jenny.
Claire is incredulous. Yes, she tells him. She knows exactly what it’s like. She asks if Jamie thinks that she went home to Frank and lived happily ever after. Jamie’s jealousy comes out at this point, telling her how sometimes he had imagined that she had done just that. When Claire responds that she doesn’t need to imagine him with Laoghaire now, his anger explodes. Knocking over furniture in the room, he hisses that he doesn’t care for Laoghaire and never did. She is furious too, accusing him of discarding a woman that he didn’t even want. Jamie despairs that he can’t win: he is either a faithless lecher or a heartless beast.
Angry words soon give way to angry sex, which is halted abruptly by Jenny, who throws a bucket of water over them. She is furious too, that they have been fighting and rutting without caring if the whole house hears them. Claire leaves the room and after a long look at her brother, so does Jenny.
By the same fire where Jamie had comforted Joanie, another child comforts Claire. This time is is Jenny’s daughter, Janet, who offers Claire a whisky, which she accepts. Claire apologises for disturbing the household, but Janet says it is she who should be apologising, admitting that she had told Laoghaire of Claire’s presence. She hadn’t meant to cause such drama, she tells Claire, but had gone to tell Laoghaire at the instruction of her mother. Jenny appears at this point and Janet beats a hasty retreat.
Claire asks Jenny why she had summoned Laoghaire. “She’s his wife,” Jenny responds and Claire corrects her, saying that no, she is Jamie’s wife. Jenny wants to know why Claire hadn’t tried to find Jamie after the war and why her return has taken 20 years. Claire repeats that she thought that Jamie was dead and Jenny agrees that in a way he was, as it had taken him years to start living again.
But within a week of Claire’s arrival, a man has been killed, the print shop has burned and Jamie is once again on the run from the law. Claire tells her sister-in-law that she had wanted to come back to be part of the family, but Jenny replies that family writes letters, letting each other know that they are alive. Did Claire think that they had all been frozen in time, waiting for her to return? (This is such a clever line, as in a way, that’s what it has been like for Claire, with her 18th century life frozen in time until she could return to it - but of course, Jenny is not to know this.) So Claire tells the bit of the story that is the truth: she had another husband in America and that it had been a matter of survival. Her life hadn’t been easy and she had had to put the past behind her to make that marriage work. Jenny asks if Jamie knows and if Claire had had any children. Again, Claire tells the truth up to a point - yes, Jamie knows; no, she had not had children with her husband in America. When that husband died, she had decided to return to Jamie’s grave to tell him he had never been forgotten and instead, had found him to be alive. This explanation of her absence is one that Jenny sees truth in, although she comments that she can see in Claire’s eyes that she is still keeping something back and she isn’t sure if she can or even wants to trust Claire again. A horse with a broken leg is put out of its misery, she says, because it will never heal right - and neither will they.
But within a week of Claire’s arrival, a man has been killed, the print shop has burned and Jamie is once again on the run from the law. Claire tells her sister-in-law that she had wanted to come back to be part of the family, but Jenny replies that family writes letters, letting each other know that they are alive. Did Claire think that they had all been frozen in time, waiting for her to return? (This is such a clever line, as in a way, that’s what it has been like for Claire, with her 18th century life frozen in time until she could return to it - but of course, Jenny is not to know this.) So Claire tells the bit of the story that is the truth: she had another husband in America and that it had been a matter of survival. Her life hadn’t been easy and she had had to put the past behind her to make that marriage work. Jenny asks if Jamie knows and if Claire had had any children. Again, Claire tells the truth up to a point - yes, Jamie knows; no, she had not had children with her husband in America. When that husband died, she had decided to return to Jamie’s grave to tell him he had never been forgotten and instead, had found him to be alive. This explanation of her absence is one that Jenny sees truth in, although she comments that she can see in Claire’s eyes that she is still keeping something back and she isn’t sure if she can or even wants to trust Claire again. A horse with a broken leg is put out of its misery, she says, because it will never heal right - and neither will they.
Jenny is cleaning up the broken crockery in the bedroom when Ian comes in. Jamie is in the stables, he tells her and Claire in the guest quarters. Gently, he admonishes his wife: he has heard her prayers for Jamie’s happiness despite the sorrows he has seen, yet she won’t allow him to have his happiness now. Jenny thinks about this for a moment before asking, “Does this look like happiness to you?” and Ian has no answer for her.
The next morning, Claire and Jamie meet in the courtyard. She has a bag with her - evidently she is planning to leave. She ignores Jamie calling her name at first, finally telling him that she should not have come back. He comes towards her, saying that he can’t take back the 20 years, or the life he has lived, but he means to make things right. Claire reminds him of the pact they had made years ago, that when they told each other something it needed to be the truth. There was room for secrets, but not lies. He apologies, saying that he has only known one love in his life and it has been with her. But just as Claire appears to be reconsidering, Laoghaire arrives in the courtyard, brandishing a pistol. She has overheard Jamie’s protestations of love for Claire and aims the gun at her rival.
She will not sit at home, she tells him, while Claire walks away with him. She has come to protect what is hers. It is time for Claire to leave them be and to stay out of their lives. Maybe it wasn’t perfect, she says, but even if he wasn’t under her roof, he provided for her. But suddenly the gun goes off, hitting Jamie in the arm. Laoghaire moves towards him, but Claire pushes her away and distraught, Laoghaire runs off.
She will not sit at home, she tells him, while Claire walks away with him. She has come to protect what is hers. It is time for Claire to leave them be and to stay out of their lives. Maybe it wasn’t perfect, she says, but even if he wasn’t under her roof, he provided for her. But suddenly the gun goes off, hitting Jamie in the arm. Laoghaire moves towards him, but Claire pushes her away and distraught, Laoghaire runs off.
Inside, Claire goes into doctor mode. Sending James for alcohol, she instructs Jamie to remove his shirt. Jenny and Ian come running, Jenny crossing herself at the sight of the blood and looking horrified when she discovers that Laoghaire is responsible for Jamie’s injury. She rushes to get clean towels and bandages, while Young Ian is sent for Claire’s medical kit. His father goes in search of hot water and an apron. Jamie comments that it is only bird shot and not serious, but Claire reminds him about germs, telling him that she will have to dig the pellets out. In response, Jamie begins to drink the bottle of whisky that James has returned with and lies down on the table.
Young Ian is watching the operation and comments that Claire has very fine knives to work with. Claire remarks that she knew a very fine cutler in the colonies. The final pellet is the most problematic, Claire telling Young Ian with a surgeon’s detachment that if it has penetrated the artery, Jamie will bleed to death and there will be nothing she can do.
She cuts into Jamie’s arm, deep enough to rouse him briefly from his alcoholic anaesthetic. But Claire is a talented surgeon and removes the pellet, without the artery being penetrated. Young Ian is suitably impressed, offering her a drink as she stitches up the wounds. Throughout he has addressed her as “Auntie” and Claire comments that he is the only one who calls her that. They smile at each other: with this relative at least, she has made a special bond. Ian hands her the glass of whisky, saying that his uncle is lucky that she is there.
She cuts into Jamie’s arm, deep enough to rouse him briefly from his alcoholic anaesthetic. But Claire is a talented surgeon and removes the pellet, without the artery being penetrated. Young Ian is suitably impressed, offering her a drink as she stitches up the wounds. Throughout he has addressed her as “Auntie” and Claire comments that he is the only one who calls her that. They smile at each other: with this relative at least, she has made a special bond. Ian hands her the glass of whisky, saying that his uncle is lucky that she is there.
Later, Claire checks Jamie’s bandages. She tells him that the pellets are out, but her coolness towards him has returned. Jamie asks for a whisky, which is denied.
He is allowed liquids, but that is all. He tries gentle teasing, stating that whisky is a liquid, but Claire will not smile: he can have water or broth. Again, the talk turns to Laoghaire. Jamie asks Claire if she really wants to hear, entreating her not to be angry. She replies that she hasn’t stopped being angry, so he may as well explain himself.
He is allowed liquids, but that is all. He tries gentle teasing, stating that whisky is a liquid, but Claire will not smile: he can have water or broth. Again, the talk turns to Laoghaire. Jamie asks Claire if she really wants to hear, entreating her not to be angry. She replies that she hasn’t stopped being angry, so he may as well explain himself.
So Jamie tells her of the time after his return from Helwater. He was like a ghost, he says. Jenny’s children didn’t recognise him and he was lonely. On the first Hogmanay celebration at Lallybroch since he was a lad, everything was shining. Everyone was laughing and dancing and Jamie was watching, feeling both joy and loneliness at the same time.
Two girls had come over to him, offering him a fig and then asking him to dance. He had been won over by their enthusiasm and allowed himself to be led onto the dance floor. Within a few moments, he tells Claire, his heart felt lighter. The music had wrapped around him and he was laughing for the first time in years. Afterwards, the girls complimented him on his dancing and he asked them if they were his cousin’s daughters. “No,” the eldest had said, “Our mother is Mistress McKimmie.” Looking over to where she pointed, Jamie saw Laoghaire. He realised that she was twice widowed with two daughters aching for a father. He had wanted to be a father and husband himself. Without Claire, or the opportunity to father either Willie or Brianna, perhaps the match could be made that would give him at least some semblance of family. When Claire asks if that was what had happened, he told her that his bond with the two girls had grown, but that he and Laoghaire had never connected with each other.
Laoghaire had been hurt, perhaps by her previous husbands, but she had seemed afraid of Jamie’s touch and would not speak to him for weeks on end. So he had left for Edinburgh.
Two girls had come over to him, offering him a fig and then asking him to dance. He had been won over by their enthusiasm and allowed himself to be led onto the dance floor. Within a few moments, he tells Claire, his heart felt lighter. The music had wrapped around him and he was laughing for the first time in years. Afterwards, the girls complimented him on his dancing and he asked them if they were his cousin’s daughters. “No,” the eldest had said, “Our mother is Mistress McKimmie.” Looking over to where she pointed, Jamie saw Laoghaire. He realised that she was twice widowed with two daughters aching for a father. He had wanted to be a father and husband himself. Without Claire, or the opportunity to father either Willie or Brianna, perhaps the match could be made that would give him at least some semblance of family. When Claire asks if that was what had happened, he told her that his bond with the two girls had grown, but that he and Laoghaire had never connected with each other.
Laoghaire had been hurt, perhaps by her previous husbands, but she had seemed afraid of Jamie’s touch and would not speak to him for weeks on end. So he had left for Edinburgh.
Moved by the story, Claire puts her hand on his at last, and realises that Jamie is burning with fever. He tells her that if she isn’t going to stay, he would rather die and be done with it. But Claire switches back into doctor mode. She tells him that tempted as she might be, she is not going to let him die and brings out the first of the 20th century penicillin, which she jabs into the behind of a distinctly wary Jamie.
Jenny is sitting on the steps outside and Claire joins her. Jenny tells her that she had a vision of Claire on the day that Laoghaire and Jamie had married, seeing Claire standing between the two of them at the altar. Jenny said that she had never known who or what Claire had been, never knowing her people or her place. But she had also never questioned anything, even when Jamie had told her that Claire may tell her things that made no sense. Jenny comments that Claire’s instruction to plant potatoes had saved them in the winters after Culloden. “Jamie chose you,” Jenny said. “That was enough.” Claire remarks that it’s not enough now and Jenny says only that she supposes that Claire will never tell her the full story.
Claire tells Jenny that what she can say is that she never stopped loving Jamie, had never stopped wearing Jamie’s wedding ring and had never forgotten any of them. “You were a sister to me,” says Jenny. She is thawing a little and Claire senses it. “I loved you too, Jenny,” she replies. “I still do. I’m only asking for a second chance.” For the first time, Jenny looks into Claire’s eyes. It is a beginning.
Claire tells Jenny that what she can say is that she never stopped loving Jamie, had never stopped wearing Jamie’s wedding ring and had never forgotten any of them. “You were a sister to me,” says Jenny. She is thawing a little and Claire senses it. “I loved you too, Jenny,” she replies. “I still do. I’m only asking for a second chance.” For the first time, Jenny looks into Claire’s eyes. It is a beginning.
The scenes between Caitriona Balfe and Laura Donnelly in this episode are tour-de-force ones. The women explore the gamut of emotions from shock, wariness, anger, hurt, guilt, sorrow and finally, the beginnings of a reestablished trust. Jenny can see that despite her long absence, Claire still loves Jamie and he her. She knows that there is more to the story (Indeed, the writers debated another significant chance with Jenny being let into the secret of Claire’s 20th century life, but decided against it.) but starts to make her peace with this lack of knowledge. It is no accident that this shift occurs on the same steps where Jenny and Claire had sat as sisters, waiting for Jamie and Ian’s return after being captured by the redcoats in season 1. Much has happened in the years since, but the bond between the two women still exists and we are left with the feeling that it will ultimately win out.
A man is walking down the corridors - it is Ned Gowan! He and Claire embrace, each overcome at seeing the other. Ned has come to see Jamie, he says. When Claire tells him that he hasn’t changed and asks his secret, he responds wryly with, “I never married!”
Ned tells Jamie and Claire that legally, with Claire’s return, the marriage to Laoghaire is invalid, although Jamie must still make reconciliations with the church. Ned informs them that Laoghaire has also made a complaint to the Justice of the Peace for distress and loss of support. Jamie asks how Laoghaire can do this and Ned quotes in response: “No hell hath fury like a woman scorned.” Claire points out that it is Laoghaire who shot Jamie and Ned agrees: in the Highlands, possession of a firearm is a criminal offence. But when asked if there is any way of proving that the gun belongs to Laoghaire, Jamie is forced to admit that there is none.
Ned says that if it were to go to court, Laoghaire could be indicted and that it might be possible to arrange to have the rifle, which has been hidden in the stables, turned over to the British. Jamie asks what would happen and Ned replies that if found guilty, Laoghaire would be transported to the colonies. Jamie refuses: although he agrees that Laoghaire should be punished, he won’t do it to the girls. They are already losing him as a father figure and won’t have them lose their mother as well. He asks Ned what Laoghaire wants and the older man replies with his usual humour. Laoghaire’s chief desire, he says, is to see Jamie castrated with his bollocks hanging on her wall, but he suspects that she will be amenable to alimony instead, and proceeds to write a figure onto the paper in front of him.
Ned says that if it were to go to court, Laoghaire could be indicted and that it might be possible to arrange to have the rifle, which has been hidden in the stables, turned over to the British. Jamie asks what would happen and Ned replies that if found guilty, Laoghaire would be transported to the colonies. Jamie refuses: although he agrees that Laoghaire should be punished, he won’t do it to the girls. They are already losing him as a father figure and won’t have them lose their mother as well. He asks Ned what Laoghaire wants and the older man replies with his usual humour. Laoghaire’s chief desire, he says, is to see Jamie castrated with his bollocks hanging on her wall, but he suspects that she will be amenable to alimony instead, and proceeds to write a figure onto the paper in front of him.
Both Jenny and Ian are outraged by Laoghaire’s financial demands: £20 and £10 per year to support her girls until they marry. Jamie agrees that it is a high price to pay, and one that he won’t burden them with. When Jenny asks how he plans on finding money that is the equivalent of 2 years’ wages, Jamie talks of the box that he had found on Selkie Island, musing that perhaps he could go back and get it. Claire tells him that he can’t swim anywhere until his arm has healed, but Young Ian has overheard. He appears in the doorway, wearing a coat that looks remarkably like the Laird’s coat that Jamie had worn, as well as a shirt tied at the neck like his uncle’s. It is obvious that the hero worship is continuing.
Ian asks how far it is and when Jamie says that it about a quarter mile states that he can swim that distance, but Jenny sends him away. She asks Jamie what good the ancient coins are and Jamie replies that he will take them to Jared in France, who will be able to trade them for sterling. Jamie then asks permission to take Young Ian with him, thinking him old enough to see a little of the world outside of Scotland. Showing that she did actually listen during her earlier argument with Jamie, Jenny replies that perhaps it would be better for them to give Young Ian his freedom now, while he still thinks its theirs to give. Jamie recognises his own words quoted back and smiles. Ian adds, “You’ll take better care of him this time, Aye?” and Jamie responds with “We will. You can trust us.” And of course, with promises like that, viewers can’t help but feel nervous immediately...
Ian asks how far it is and when Jamie says that it about a quarter mile states that he can swim that distance, but Jenny sends him away. She asks Jamie what good the ancient coins are and Jamie replies that he will take them to Jared in France, who will be able to trade them for sterling. Jamie then asks permission to take Young Ian with him, thinking him old enough to see a little of the world outside of Scotland. Showing that she did actually listen during her earlier argument with Jamie, Jenny replies that perhaps it would be better for them to give Young Ian his freedom now, while he still thinks its theirs to give. Jamie recognises his own words quoted back and smiles. Ian adds, “You’ll take better care of him this time, Aye?” and Jamie responds with “We will. You can trust us.” And of course, with promises like that, viewers can’t help but feel nervous immediately...
The next scene shows Young Ian swimming towards the island, while Jamie and Claire watch from the cliffs above.
They discuss the coldness of the water, but Jamie tells her not to worry, as Ian is a braw swimmer. Sure enough, we see him reach the shore and head in search of the box. But the tension on the cliff is palpable. Jamie comments that they have barely been alone since leaving Edinburgh, but now that they are the only two people on the cliff, Claire won’t meet his eye. Claire hesitates, still unable to look at him. Finally she says that she’s afraid it is all a mistake, not sure if they belong together anymore. When Jamie asks how she can say that, Claire speaks honestly.
She had a life, she tells him, they both had. She hadn’t hated Boston, she had a career, a home and friends, while Jamie had had the print shop. Maybe it hadn’t been the plan, she says, but it hadn’t been so bad.
They discuss the coldness of the water, but Jamie tells her not to worry, as Ian is a braw swimmer. Sure enough, we see him reach the shore and head in search of the box. But the tension on the cliff is palpable. Jamie comments that they have barely been alone since leaving Edinburgh, but now that they are the only two people on the cliff, Claire won’t meet his eye. Claire hesitates, still unable to look at him. Finally she says that she’s afraid it is all a mistake, not sure if they belong together anymore. When Jamie asks how she can say that, Claire speaks honestly.
She had a life, she tells him, they both had. She hadn’t hated Boston, she had a career, a home and friends, while Jamie had had the print shop. Maybe it hadn’t been the plan, she says, but it hadn’t been so bad.
But Jamie is unconvinced. Being a printer didn’t compare with being her husband, he says. Claire continues, telling Jamie that she had been haunted by the memory of him for 20 years, but returning had been harder than she could have imagined. Jamie asks her when it has ever been easy. He has apologised and done everything he can to make it right. He strokes the side of her face, telling her that she belongs with him and that, like the geese he had told her about earlier, they are mated for life. Then, he utters the line that fans have been waiting for since its non-appearance in episode 6: “Will you risk the man I am for the sake of the one you once knew?”
But before she can answer, Claire notices something out towards the island. A large ship is approaching and a small row boat is heading towards the shore. Through the spyglass, Jamie sees Young Ian, triumphantly carrying the box, heading back down the hill.
Futilely, they try to call a warning, but it is to no avail. The sailors have reached the island and confront Young Ian. Jamie and Claire race down the cliff, but even before the slow motion effect that always heralds disaster begins, we know that their desperate action will be of no use. Young Ian has been forced into the row boat and it is heading back to the big ship. Jamie tears the sling from his arm as he reaches the shore, but Claire stops him: he is injured and cannot go after his nephew. Instead, the two are left watching helplessly as the ship unfurls its sails and sails away from them.
Futilely, they try to call a warning, but it is to no avail. The sailors have reached the island and confront Young Ian. Jamie and Claire race down the cliff, but even before the slow motion effect that always heralds disaster begins, we know that their desperate action will be of no use. Young Ian has been forced into the row boat and it is heading back to the big ship. Jamie tears the sling from his arm as he reaches the shore, but Claire stops him: he is injured and cannot go after his nephew. Instead, the two are left watching helplessly as the ship unfurls its sails and sails away from them.
The focus of this episode was well and truly on relationships. How much heartache becomes too much to bear? Can relationships survive distance, secrets and time apart without explanation, or will they crumble? The scenes are beautifully acted, from the sadness of Joan McKimmie, to the icy courtesy of Jenny, the frustration of Young Ian, the vicious jealousy of Laoghaire, and the heartbreak of Jamie and Claire. Every scene tugs at the heartstrings and it is a true ensemble performance, with everyone giving their absolute all. While some relationships do indeed break, others seem to be reaching a tenuous rebirth, until the ending of the episode throws everything into chaos once again. With only 5 episodes left in the season, it’s going to be a wild ride from now on!
This episode recap was written by Susie Brown, a teacher-librarian and writer who lives in Australia. She loved the return of Ned Gowan and wished there could be more scenes with him - the comic relief of his witty conversation was much needed in an otherwise emotionally draining episode!
Episode 307 creme de Menthe
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 307
and Matt Roberts
Episode 307
A recap of episode 307 by Susie Brown
“In the Shadows” - a recap of Season 3 episode 307 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
Hot on the heals of the reunion episode, which caused much spirited debate about details that were changed or omitted from the book, came episode 7, “Creme de Menthe.”
If episode 6 took a couple of detours from Diana Gabaldon’s words, episode 7 forged a whole new highway. The majority of the episode consisted of ‘written for TV’ scenes, while many of the moments that were taken from the book were significantly altered. The acting was stellar as usual, so for TV only viewers, the result was an action packed ride. For some book fans however, it was a challenging 50 minutes, while others were more successful in putting the book down and enjoying the differences for what they were. It is interesting to note though, that Diana Gabaldon weighed in on the Compuserve forum to express her displeasure at a couple of decisions - usually a good indication that something major had been done to the original source.
After a title card which hints at some fiery drama to come, the episode begins exactly where episode 6 left off, with Claire defending herself against the intruder who has entered their room in the brothel. After being thrown onto the bed, Claire grabs a knife from the bedside table and lunges at the man, succeeding in cutting him. Angered by this, he tells Claire he isn’t going to bed her, but kill her instead, laughing at her wild slashes to keep him at bay.
He ducks out of the way of her final lunge and loses his footing, causing him to stumble backwards. He falls, smashing his head on the hearth as he does so and lies still, just as Jamie enters the room. Taking the knife from her trembling hand, Jamie asks what happened. Claire explained that when she returned to the room from her chat with the ladies downstairs, she had found the man rummaging through Jamie’s things, looking for his ledgers. But before Jamie has time to process this news, the man takes a ragged breath and Claire realises that he is not, in fact, dead. Her doctor gene kicks in at this point and she flips from trying to kill her assailant to insisting that she try and save his life. A knock on the door turns out to be Fergus and Madame Jeanne, who have rushed upstairs at reports of a struggle and Jamie lets them into the room.
An examination of the man’s pockets reveals his identity to be John Barton, an exciseman working for Sir Percival. This is bad news, as it means that Sir Percival has indeed suspected that the whisky smuggling has gone beyond the local area and has employed Barton to discover the whereabouts of the extra casks, which currently reside in Madame Jeanne’s basement. Jamie muses that when Barton doesn’t return, Percival is likely to come looking for him and they will all be in danger.
Jamie promises Madame Jeanne that no harm will come to her and that he will take care of the casks. She suggests that she send one of her discreet girls to clean up in the room, but Claire is insistent upon getting medical supplies to try and save Barton’s life. She asks Madame Jeanne to send the girl to the barber’s for a drill called a trephine and the older woman says that she will see what she can do. Jamie sends Fergus to gather the other men so that he can inform them of events.
With Fergus and Jeanne gone, Jamie tries once more to dissuade Claire from attempting save Barton’s life, telling her that the man doesn’t deserve her mercy. Claire acquiesces, but only in as far as allowing Jamie to turn Barton over to the authorities once he has recovered. Jamie tries again: in the 18th century, Claire is likely to find herself arrested for assaulting Barton, given that she had been alone in a room in a brothel, with a man who was not her husband. The fact that Claire is not a whore, he responds to her indignant comment, would be immaterial. But Claire will not be swayed, and begins to dress in order to go to the apothecary. An obviously annoyed Jamie declares her to be “as stubborn as always”, and tells her that he has casks to get rid of, but that he will send a man up to watch over Barton while they are gone.
Down in the basement, Jamie, Willoughby, Fergus, Young Ian, Lesley and Hayes are in the process of moving the casks. Willoughby declares his admiration for Claire in valuing the sanctity of human life, a comment that promptly earns him the job of watchman over Barton’s prone body. Meanwhile Lesley and Hayes can’t understand Claire’s decision at all, saying that they have always wanted to gut an exciseman. Fergus says that Claire has always been a unique woman, a comment that earns a wry chuckle of agreement from Jamie.
Meanwhile Young Ian is worried about the print shop, fearing that Sir Percival will send men there as well. But Jamie is less concerned: he doesn’t keep casks at the shop, he says and Sir Percival doesn’t know about the pamphlets that are hidden there. He entrusts Young Ian and Fergus with the task of selling the casks, even if it means taking a loss. Young Ian is delighted with this responsibility, promising his uncle that he won’t let him down.
Claire arrives at the apothecary and attempts to jump the queue, telling her fellow customer that she is dealing with an urgent situation. The man proceeds to insist that his sister’s condition is no less urgent, prompting Claire to introduce herself as an experienced healer and offering to visit his sister later that afternoon.
When she also agrees to do so free of charge, the man moves aside and Claire gives the proprietor her order of supplies. As she waits for them to be prepared, the man chats briefly about his sister, saying that she has a nervous complaint. Upon getting both the supplies she needs and the man’s address and name (Archibald Campbell of Carubbers Close), Claire hurries out of the shop and back to her patient.
Ian and Fergus are negotiating the sale of the casks, trying to increase the price up from the 50 pounds that the buyer McDaniel initially offers.
Ian suggests 75 and McDaniel counters with 70, commenting that without a Crown seal, he is the one taking all the risk. Ian repeats his price of 75 pounds, offering to throw in 3 casks of the creme de menthe as well. Not being one to pass up free liquor, McDaniel agrees, much to Fergus and Ian’s delight. While they wait for McDaniel to send up some men to help move the casks, the two young men talk of Claire. Young Ian asks Fergus if he remembers her and Fergus replies that even though he had only been a boy, he remembered Claire well, describing her as being spirited and incredibly brave. He tells Young Ian that Claire was fearless in the battles leading up to Culloden, healing men who had been virtually cut in half by swords or blown to pieces by canon fire without flinching. Fergus also speaks of the rumours that Claire had taken a few lives too and that she was not a woman to be crossed. But Young Ian remarks that if Claire had been forced to kill men, then they must have deserved it. Yet despite their mutual admiration, both agree that Claire’s recent actions have caused a bit of a catastrophe.
That catastrophe is playing out upstairs in the next scene, as Claire returns to the brothel bedroom to find both Jamie and Willoughby trying to restrain a thrashing Barton, who is having a brief lucid interval and making considerable noise.
Admonishing Jamie that Barton’s head must be kept still, she proceeds to dose her now patient with laudanum until he passes out again. Claire can see that the pressure of the haematoma is building and that she will need to operate. As she prepares to do so, a knock on the door from Madame Jeanne announces that Sir Percival has arrived to see Jamie.
Jamie comes downstairs with Madam Jeanne in tow. Sir Percival is not impressed at Jamie’s suggestion that he has come for a midday romp, although his newly hired companion seems interested by the possibility. Sir Percival states that he there on business only and has come to search the premises as he believes Jamie to have been “withholding” from him. Madame Jeanne says that nothing is in the basement, but that he is entitled to look for himself. Reiterating that that is precisely what he intends to do, Percival and his henchman head downstairs, with Jamie and Madame Jeanne following behind, Jeanne giving Jamie an intensely nervous glance.
Willoughby is assisting Claire, watching intently as she makes an incision in Barton’s temple. As she prepares to insert and use the trephine, Willoughby asks if the drill will kill the man. Claire says that it won’t, but that the pressure in Barton’s brain will, if she doesn’t release it. She proceeds to drill into the skull until she is successful.
Despite their extensive search, Percival and his companion can find no trace of the missing casks. At the sight of liquid on the floor, Percival asks if it is brandy. But his companion tastes it and declares it to be water, prompting Jeanne to state that the basement leaks, which is why she does not store anything of value down there. Dissatisfied, Percival leaves, telling Jamie that he will be watching him.
Jamie returns upstairs, unnerved by the close call. He tells Claire that the attempt to save Barton must end now. Claire has her back to him and is cleaning instruments with Willoughby’s assistance. She responds that Barton is dead anyway, so Jamie has gotten his wish. Willoughby comments that Jamie’s honourable wife had fought hard for Barton’s life, putting her best foot forward. Jamie replies that he won’t grieve for the man who tried to kill Claire and sends Willoughby in search of Lesley and Hayes, so that they can move the body.
Left alone, Jamie and Claire discuss the situation. Claire tells Jamie that she doesn’t expect him to understand, but that since becoming a doctor, she has dedicated herself both to respecting human life and healing people without judgement. She works hard, she tells him, and doesn’t often lose a patient. Softening, Jamie tells her that she will have other chances to put her knowledge and skills to use and that there will be others to save.
Claire softens too. She apologises for causing him so much trouble, for dropping in out of the clear blue sky, and putting both his livelihood and his life in jeopardy. Jamie replies that she has travelled thousands of miles and 200 years to find him and that he is grateful she has returned, no matter the cost. Jamie tells her that he would give up everything he has for them to be together again. He has been living in the shadows ever since she left, he says, and it was only when she walked into the print shop that the sun returned and cast out the darkness. It is a beautiful tender moment, reminiscent of the speech that he made after their wedding, and played with customary sincerity by Sam Heughan, but it is short lived. Claire announces that she has another patient to see, explaining to Jamie that she had promised Archibald Campbell that she would call on his sister. Pointing out that Claire doesn’t know who the Campbells are, Jamie insists that Fergus accompany Claire, worrying that Sir Percival might still pose a threat to her. But Claire reasons that Percival doesn’t know who she is, much less what she has done to the man who worked for him. If she can traverse thousands of miles and 200 years, then she can certainly get across town unaccompanied. Jamie gives up the argument, but asks only for reassurance that she will return when she is done. “Of course,” Claire replies, but there is tension between them now. The realities of starting again are beginning to hit home.
Meanwhile, Young Ian and Fergus are celebrating their successful sale. Fergus congratulates his friend on his negotiating skills, saying that they made a good profit and that Young Ian has a natural talent for business, just like Jamie. Fergus suggests that the two of them should open their own business one day, but Young Ian is scarcely listening, his attention captured by the young barmaid, Brighid. Fergus has seen Young Ian admire the girl before, so calls her over to them.
He tells his friend that tonight will be the night that he does more than just look. Ian is nervous, as he is a virgin, so Fergus prepares to give Young Ian advice on wooing a woman. After boasting of his own first sexual experience - a menage-a-trois at the age of 15 - Fergus tells Young Ian the secrets of the art of seduction: look deep into her eyes and tell the girl how beautiful she is; offer her a drink of whatever her heart desires and then continue repeating steps 1 and 2. Brighid appears at the table and Fergus departs, so Young Ian proceeds to follow Fergus’ advice, with immediate effect. Brighid smiles and tells Young Ian that she will have whisky. As Ian smiles back happily at her, he doesn’t notice the man watching him - it is Sir Percival’s henchman.
Claire arrives at the Campbells, the death of Barton still obviously playing on her mind. She is ushered into the room, to find a confused and obviously drugged Margaret Campbell. Claiming that he has given his sister laudanum to calm her, Archibald tells Margaret that he has brought a healer to see her. Claire touches Margaret’s hand and the woman rouses, fixing Claire with a piercing stare and giving a chilling warning that she will be devoured by Abandawe. As quickly as she came to life, Margaret becomes virtually catatonic again. Claire comments that her pulse is strong, but that Archibald should cease giving her laudanum as it is too potent for daily use. Deflecting, Campbell offers to translate Margaret’s vision for Claire. It then becomes obvious that they are a fortune telling team: Margaret has visions and Archie deciphers them for people, in exchange for a modest fee. Archibald tells Claire that in addition to his sister having trouble sleeping, she will also sit unresponsive for long periods of time.
Claire comments that in her opinion, Margaret isn’t a seer, but suffering from a mental condition. Archibald doesn’t dispute this, saying that his sister has been soft in the head since she was a child. Claire begins to write down the ingredients for a calming tea, but Archibald disputes the tea’s ability to subdue his sister, stating that when she has her wits about her, she will run up to people and scare them with her visions. Claire asks if Margaret enjoys bring a seer and Archibald says that she does. Claire tells him that she would like to return the following day, but the Campbells are off to the West Indies, as they have a wealthy client to minister to. Claire comments that such a journey would be an arduous one for Margaret, but Campbell replies that this is precisely why he wanted the laudanum. Claire reiterates that it should not be given and tells Campbell to make sure that his sister eats plenty of fresh fruit on their arrival in the West Indies. She takes her leave, but it is obvious that the visit has worried her: or perhaps it is because this is the second patient in a short space of time that she has been unable to help.
Back at the print shop, a drunken Ian is serenading Brighid. It works, and the two begin to kiss.
In an endearing parallel to his uncle Jamie’s inexperience the first time he slept with Claire, Young Ian similarly relies on the woman to show him how to make love, murmuring, “Tell me how you like it and I’ll do whatever you want.” Instructing him to lie down, Brighid tells him that she will show him.
Jamie is counting coins when Claire returns. He tells her that Barton’s body has been hidden in a cask of creme de menthe. Alcohol slows the decay, he says, and since no Scotsman drinks creme de menthe, he doubts that Barton’s body will be found anytime soon. He dismisses the whole incident as nothing more than ‘a wee bit of chaos’.
Claire suggests that the two of them find a place of their own. Surely Jamie hasn’t expected to make the brothel their home? Jamie responds that it won’t be forever, but for now, the brothel provides everything they need and, with true Scottish thrift, adds that there is no rent to pay.
Claire tries again: perhaps she could make some money by setting herself up as a healer and working at the back of the print shop, or by opening an establishment of her own. In a parallel to France, where she had needed to feel useful, Claire admits to Jamie that it had felt good to have a patient and that the two of them could build a happy life in Edinburgh.
But Jamie is saved from answering by a knock from Madame Jeanne announcing that a gentleman named Ian Murray is downstairs to see him. Claire is thrilled, wondering aloud why he is here. Jamie answers that Ian is likely as not looking for his son. He asks Claire not to let on that she has seen Young Ian and that he will explain later.
Ian is looking thoroughly uncomfortable as whores parade around him, but his discomfort turns to shock when he sees Claire. Embracing her in disbelief, Ian tells Claire that he and Jenny had grieved for her for years.
He asks where she has been all this time and Jamie and Claire proceed to retell the tale that Claire had used with Fergus: saying that each had believed the other to be dead after Culloden. Claire had sailed for Boston, returning once she had realised that Jamie had, in fact, survived. Jamie adds that he is more than happy that Claire had come back to find him. Changing the subject, Jamie asks why Ian is there. Ian replies that he is looking for his son, as it has been weeks since he ran away. Ian wonders if Young Ian has come to find Jamie, as he had done in the past. Claire is shocked to hear Jamie lie, claiming that he hasn’t seen the boy in months. Jamie promises that he will bring Young Ian straight home if he shows up, and offers to walk Ian out so that he can continue the search. Ian agrees, but does not leave without telling Claire it is good to see her again. Claire responds by saying that she hopes to see Ian and Jenny soon.
On the way out, Ian asks Jamie how Claire had taken his news. Jamie replies that he is yet to tell her and Ian advises that Jamie needs to do so quickly. Jamie agrees, but says that he has been waiting for the right time. Ian comments that Jamie might be waiting forever for such a time, but Jamie responds by telling him that all will be well.
Young Ian and Brighid are making love when Brighid hears a noise. Young Ian entreats her not to stop and they continue, until a louder noise reaches his ears as well. Reluctantly, they stand up and Young Ian is horrified to see a man in the shop. Telling Brighid to go, he confronts the man, asking what he is doing there. It is the man newly employed by Sir Percival, who tells Young Ian that he knows the boy is party to Jamie’s smuggling and asks where the casks are.
Young Ian says that there are no casks and the two struggle, the man throwing Young Ian against the wood panelling which gives way to reveal the hidden pamphlets. Stating that Jamie has been busy, the man tucks a pamphlet into his coat, and says that doublecrossing Sir Percival is one thing, but that inciting sedition is another matter entirely. Desperately, Young Ian tries to get the man to leave, but he draws his pistol. He fires and the shot goes wide, exploding a bottle of accelerant which catches alight. Young Ian reacts by flinging hot lead from the pot into the man’s face. The man screams in agony and runs from the shop, but the fire is taking hold and Young Ian soon realises that he is trapped.
Back at the brothel, Claire confronts Jamie over his decision to lie to Ian. Jamie says that he can hardly tell his brother-in-law that Young Ian has been helping with his smuggling business.
Claire replies that he could at least tell Ian that he had seen his son, commenting that Jenny and Ian must be worried sick. Still, Jamie is unrepentant: Young Ian is safe, he says. Claire disputes this, saying that Young Ian is, in fact, risking his neck for Jamie, without his parents’ permission. Jamie says that he did try to send him home twice but that the boy had returned and muses that it is better for Young Ian to be with his uncle than to be in a Godforsaken place surrounded by strangers. He adds that Jenny and Ian don’t know what’s best for the lad and that it is he who is teaching Young Ian the ways of the world. Claire is incredulous. It is not about the ways of the world, she says. Young Ian has run away and it is only natural that his parents should want to know where he is. Jamie has just lied and she doesn’t understand it. Jamie agrees that he has lied, but adds that Claire should not judge him for it. They have told many lies, he says, colluding their way through Paris before Culloden, to say nothing of the story that they have been telling to explain Claire’s reappearance. Claire dismisses this as a white lie, with Jamie responding that he didn’t realise that lies had shades. Claire admonishes him further, saying that Jamie has no idea what it is to be a worried parent, and reminding him that he is not Young Ian’s father.
Jamie’s response is cutting. “No,” he tells her. “I’m Brianna’s father. But I didn’t get to raise her, did I?” Bitterness is on display here. Jamie comments again on the bikini from the photograph, the implication being that Claire and Frank had raised Brianna in an immoral fashion. Claire asks if he would have preferred his daughter to be raised as a smuggler and a traitor, to which Jamie responds that at least her virtue would haven’t been in danger. When Claire comments that Frank had been a wonderful father to Brianna, we see Jamie’s jealousy ignite.
He asks Claire if Frank had been a wonderful husband as well, implying that Claire had fallen in love with Frank again on her return. Claire tells him that she had cared for Frank and had loved him once, but long before she had met Jamie. The conversation is interrupted by Madame Jeanne who knocks on the door with distressing news: Carfax Close is on fire.
This scene has been hotly debated on many forums since the episode aired. On the one hand, it certainly succeeds in showing that the romantic reunion between the two is over and that Claire and Jamie are now beginning the difficult business of trying to start their relationship again, with 20 years of different experiences, tragedies and relationships behind them. It is only natural that jealousies and insecurities would surface and that arguments would ensue. Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe are flawless in their portrayals and it is a sad scene to watch play out. The main criticism however, has been the change in the lie that Jamie tells to Ian. In the book, while Jamie also tells Ian that he doesn’t know where his son is, it is because he has promised Young Ian that he will let the boy tell his father in his own time. By deflecting Ian’s questions, Jamie keeps his word to Young Ian, which matches his personality as an honourable man. In this version though, Jamie seems to be lying merely to protect his own interests, so that Ian won’t find out that his son has been an intricate part of Jamie’s smuggling operations. Furthermore, Jamie suggests outright that Jenny and Ian don’t understand their son and that he is the only one who is showing him the ways of the world. It can, and in fact has, been argued that this makes Jamie sound quite arrogant, critical and not at all honourable. While no one, not even the King of Men can be a perfect human being, this represents quite a personality shift and it is difficult to reconcile with the Jamie Fraser who has been on the show, up until this point. But then again, we are only halfway through the season, so it remains to be seen what will happen going forward!
By the time Jamie and Claire arrive at Carfax Close, the print shop is ablaze. Knowing that Young Ian sleeps at the back of the shop, Jamie races inside.
He finds a barely conscious Ian overcome by smoke on the downstairs floor, and reaches him with an amazingly agile - almost Batmanlike - leap. The flames are building and ways of escape are diminishing with every passing second. In true Superhero fashion, Jamie pushes the printing press over to the wall to give him access to the upper level after the stairs have collapsed. Throwing Ian over one shoulder, and clutching the rescued portrait of Willie, Jamie escapes the shop with only seconds to spare, to the immense relief of Claire who has been anxiously watching, along with Fergus and Willoughby. It is an interesting continuity error that Claire calls out “Jamie!” twice, when she should have been maintaining his cover as “Alexander”. Presumably, in all the drama, no one notices!
As the two recover, Young Ian tells Jamie about Sir Percival’s companion and how he had discovered the pamphlets. This is distressing news, as Jamie can now be arrested for the capital crime of sedition if the pamphlets reach Sir Percival’s hands. Fergus asks what Jamie plans to do and he responds that he will leave at once to take Young Ian and Claire to Berwick. But Claire insists that Young Ian must be returned to Lallybroch instead, where he will be safe. Jamie reluctantly agrees, musing that Sir Percival won’t be able to trace him there. He gives Willoughby the profits from the most recent cask sales, asking him to deliver Lesley and Hayes their share and warning him to stay out of sight, as there could be a target on Willoughby’s back as well as his own. To Fergus, Jamie gives his own share of the profits, and asks that Fergus try and intercept the print shop intruder before he gets to Sir Percival.
He also asks Fergus to tell Ned Gowan to bring word of the other matter he had enquired after. Fergus asks if there is a better place to take Claire, but Jamie tells him not to worry, saying mysteriously that “Balriggan is a long way from Lallybroch”. At this point, the biggest hint is dropped as to Jamie’s ultimate secret, with Fergus asking if Claire knows about Jamie’s other wife. Jamie says that he will tell her once she and Young Ian are safe and the two men part.
The episode ends with Jamie watching the final destruction of the Print Shop. It is yet another loss, with both his latest identity as Alexander Malcolm, printer literally going up in smoke before his eyes.
This was a controversial episode to be sure, with many debatable moments discussed amongst fans. While it was certainly action packed and well acted, it can also be argued that in this case, the book was, like Jamie, living very much “in the shadows.” With book readers knowing what is surely to come in episode 8, speculation is mounting as to what this next adaptation will look like.
This episode recap was written by Susie Brown, a teacher-librarian and writer who lives in Australia. She admits that she wasn’t a fan of TV Jamie’s lie to Ian, but is determined to try and appreciate every adaptation as she strives to understand the reasoning behind the changes!
Episode 306 A. Malcolm
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 306
and Matt Roberts
Episode 306
A recap of episode 306 by Susie Brown
“There’s the Two of Us Now” - A recap of season 3 episode 6 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
“There’s the Two of Us Now” - A recap of season 3 episode 6 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
It was always going to be about the print shop. While every season of Outlander has had its emotionally draining episodes - ‘Wentworth’ in season 1, ‘Faith’ and ‘Dragonfly in Amber’ in season 2 - nothing was ever going to compare to this season’s ‘A. Malcolm’. After a Droughtlander of some 14 months and then a week’s break between episodes 5 and 6, during which the publicity was amped up more with each passing day, the anticipation for the longed for reunion was at fever pitch by the time the episode began. And as with any highly anticipated event, it was going to be virtually impossible to please everyone. Indeed, once the episode had aired and the discussion on forums began, it became obvious that opinions varied wildly - from those who loved every moment, to those who were bitterly disappointed by the changes and omissions from Diana Gabaldon’s original. Just like the characters of Jamie and Claire, a period of adjustment was needed!
The episode begins with some finishing touches to Jamie’s wardrobe being administered by an unknown woman. The two engage in some friendly banter before Jamie leaves to start his day as Alexander Malcolm, Edinburgh printer and bookseller. Right from the outset we can see what a shock Claire’s reappearance is going to be.
Jamie has settled into a new life and a new routine. He strides through familiar streets, tipping his hat to people as he passes. Who the woman is remains to be seen.
On entering the shop, Jamie checks the ledger and some printed material, when he hears noises below. Drawing a knife he listens more closely, relaxing when he realises he knows to whom the whispered voices belong. Telling them they can come out, Jamie waits until the two men appear. The rest of the scene establishes some more detail: Lesley and Hayes work for Jamie, but not as part of the official business of the print shop. Rather, these two have the task of delivering some more treasonous pamphlets further afield. Jamie cautions them not to draw attention to themselves, not to be caught and not to be seen by the legitimate customers.
Whilst passing on these instructions, his regular assistant, Geordie appears and is visibly displeased to see the other two, who waste no time in ridiculing him on account of his goitre and his haughty demeanour. Indeed, these two seem to be the Edinburgh equivalent of Rupert and Angus. Jamie admonishes them for their teasing and they make a half hearted apology before departing. Jamie then asks Geordie to get some more ash for the press, a request that is met with some displeasure by the latter as it means retracing his steps. He is soon gone, however, and Jamie is left to begin his work.
We see that Jamie has added another skill to his repertoire, as he confidently operates the machinery to produce more printed pages. The bell rings and Jamie calls out to who he assumes in Geordie, asking where he had gone to get the ash. We soon realise that this is a repeat of the end of episode 5, but this time we see Claire’s reappearance through Jamie’s eyes, ending with the same graceful faint as the opening credits finally begin.
Jamie quickly regains consciousness, to find Claire kneeling over him. Shocked, he realises that this time, she is no apparition, but actually real. He says her name in wonder, “Claire”, as she tells him that she had thought him to be dead. Their hands touch briefly, before Jamie reacts in discomfort, realising that in fainting, he had tipped over the ale pot. He stands and begins to undress, but halts, suddenly shy. He asks Claire if she minds, to which Claire, equally shy, replies that it’s all right, as they are married, or supposes they are.
The two are unsure of each other, but the longing is there, gazing at each other in disbelief. Tentatively they move closer. Jamie tells Claire he would very much like to kiss her and asks if he may do so and breathlessly, she agrees. A tear falls down Claire’s cheek as their lips meet and the reunion begins. Jamie is also tearful as they break apart, telling Claire how often she had come to him whenever he had needed her: when he was fevered, alone or afraid, but that in those dreams, she had never touched him. He takes her hand, as she replies that she can touch him now. Together they recite the words that Jamie had spoken after their wedding. “Don’t be afraid,” Claire begins. “There’s the two of us now,” an emotional Jamie responds and they kiss again, less tentative this time. Their embrace is interrupted by a horrified Geordie, who promptly quits on the spot, accusing Jamie of conducting orgies in the shop before noon. He storms out and Claire fights back laughter, saying that she hopes she hasn’t caused trouble. Jamie reassures her that Geordie will return and that he will explain the situation, but has no idea how to do so.
Claire asks if he has another pair of trousers and Jamie realises that he is still standing there in only his shirt. He says he has another pair out the back, asking Claire to come with him, almost as if he is afraid that she will disappear again if he lets her out of his sight. Claire follows him and watches as he changes. Suddenly, Jamie remembers something: saying “the child!” Smiling, Claire pulls a packet of photographs from her cloak pocket, telling Jamie she thought he would like to see their daughter. Jamie begins to get emotional. “Our daughter?” he says. “She... knows?” We can see the tears welling up, as she comes towards him with the pictures, explaining what photographs are.
Self consciously, Jamie pulls out a pair of glasses, telling Claire he will need them to see properly, as his eyes are not what they used to be. Declaring him to be as dashing as ever, Claire reassures him that he doesn’t look at all like the old man he fears he must be. She confesses to her own vanity, telling Jamie that she has dyed the grey in her hair, because she had wanted to look the same for him as when he had last seen her. Jamie responds that time doesn’t matter: she will always be beautiful to him. He caresses her cheek, then puts on his glasses and asks Claire to shown him their daughter.
The scene that follows has been hotly debated already, with many book fans upset by how it has been changed. In the book, on seeing the photos, Jamie “falls completely to pieces” in Claire’s arms, overcome by the emotions of seeing Brianna. Indeed, it appeared as if this was precisely what was going to happen. But despite these directions being written into the script that has been published online, it doesn’t eventuate and the scene plays out differently. Undoubtedly, Jamie is emotional at seeing Brianna’s photos.
He stares at the first picture for a long time, needing to sit down and closing his eyes as he asks about her name. He then wants to know more, asking about her first word. Happily, Claire supplies the details, adding that baby Brianna had been a good sleeper, smiling in her sleep just like her father. When Claire says that Bree also has Jamie’s red hair, Jamie replies with “like her sister, Faith” and the two share a nostalgic sad moment. Looking at Claire’s graduation photo with Brianna, Jamie learns that Claire is now a surgeon, commenting that she always had been, only lacking the title she now has. Jamie expresses disbelief at Brianna’s ability to chop wood and becomes suitably patriarchal and stern at the sight of his daughter in a bikini. But at the point where book readers were still expecting Jamie to be overcome with emotion and bury his head in Claire’s shoulder, instead he hands the photographs back to Claire and stands. Claire worries initially that Jamie is angered by the bikini, adding that it is quite modest. But Jamie has a confession of his own. Pulling out his own version of a photograph in the form of a colour portrait, he proceeds to tell her about Willie, his son. This is news that comes to Claire far later in the book and under entirely different circumstances. Many fans are not happy with this change, with the primary opinion being that Jamie seems more interested in his son than his daughter. However, it can also be argued that this admission is, in fact highlighting that Jamie now has the person back in his life to whom he can tell everything.
He has not spoken of Willie to anyone, not even Jenny and he is as keen for Claire to know about Willie’s personality as she is for him to know about Brianna’s. Claire is unnerved by the revelation, asking Jamie if he had been in love with Willie’s mother. She is noticeably relieved to discover that he wasn’t, but says only that she knew when she decided to come back, that Jamie would have had a life. This opens the door for Jamie to ask about Frank and whether she had left Frank to return to him. They skirt around the 20 years of the Randall marriage, Claire answering Jamie’s question about whether she had been happy with Frank by saying that she had been happy raising Brianna with him. Outside a bell rings and Jamie realises the time. He says that he needs to get to the tavern and asks Claire to accompany him. She replies that wild horses couldn’t keep her away and the scene ends. It is a scene that allows both Jamie and Claire to learn a little of each other’s lives in the 20 years they have been apart, but for those who felt the focus should have been on Brianna, it falls disappointingly short, despite the lovely acting throughout by both Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe. (Indeed, during a Twitter chat with the Outlander Writers, Sam Heughan weighed in on the ‘falling completely to pieces’ debate, stating that the action lines in the script are guidelines only and that it had been his own creative choice to show an internal fall, rather than tears that could have appeared melodramatic and stall the flow of the scene. And with that, the debate seems to be closed!)
Jamie and Claire walk through the streets, as Claire updates Jamie on the fate of Bonnie Prince Charlie and how he managed to escape after Culloden. Claire remarks that while Charles is indeed alive in 1766, he is not living a happy life. Their conversation halts, as Jamie indicates a young man standing nearby.
The man in question utters a shocked “Milady?” and Claire realises that this is Fergus all grown up. The two embrace, Claire commenting on what a handsome man he has become, to which Fergus agrees! Claire notices the wooden hand that Fergus now wears and cradles it gently between her own hands, asking what happened. Fergus explains that he lost it fighting the redcoats. “Bravely,” Jamie adds. When Fergus asks Claire where she has been for so many years, Jamie and Claire share a brief look - this is not an explanation they have decided upon yet. So Claire follows Frank’s interrogation advice from season 1 - to stick to the truth as much as possible - and tells Fergus that, believing them all to be dead and not wanting to bring harm to Lallybroch as the wife of a traitor, she had gone to America. Fergus accepts this story and tells Jamie that he needs to speak to him about their friend, Mr Willoughby. They leave Claire in the marketplace for a few moments.
Once alone, Fergus asks Jamie if Claire will be staying with him. When Jamie replies that he hopes so, Fergus says, “What about...?” Book readers know the truth behind Fergus’ question, but it remains a mystery for tv only viewers at this point. Jamie agrees that he hasn’t had time to think it through, but that he will need to consult Ned Gowan on the law. Leaving that particular problem behind, the talk turns to Mr Willoughby and the trouble he has gotten into. Shortly afterwards, Claire is following Jamie to the tavern known as the World’s End, discussing the fact that Claire had told Fergus the truth of her disappearance, aside from leaving out the 200 year time difference.
At the World’s End Tavern, Jamie is forced to pay a prostitute for the unwelcome attentions of Mr Willoughby, a Chinese man who, somewhat the worse for drink, has licked the woman’s elbow without permission. Claire begins to introduce herself to the man, with Jamie interrupting before she can utter her surname, announcing her to be Claire Malcolm, his wife.
After they share a brief look, Jamie leaves Claire with Mr Willoughby so that he can keep his business appointment. This business turns out to be a meeting with an Englishman who Jamie pays to keep silent about his activities. Jamie tosses a purse onto a cask, but the man, annoyed at being kept waiting, is after 25% more “tax”, saying that he has heard that Jamie is dealing further afield to Arbroath and Dundee. Jamie disputes this, saying that he only deals in the High Street and won’t be paying any more. But as he walks away, the man’s parting comment indicates that there may be some danger ahead.
Returning to Claire, Jamie discovers that she and Mr Willoughby, real name Yi Tien Chao, have been getting acquainted. Mr Willoughby has painted a heroic picture of Jamie, telling Claire how he would have died were it not for him. Claire is impressed and Jamie does not dispute Mr Willoughby’s account, deeming him to be an interesting fellow. Jamie and Claire leave, with Claire addressing Mr Willoughby by his real name and Mr Willoughby calling her by a phrase that Jamie translates as “honourable wife.” The look he gives Willoughby indicates that there is perhaps more to the story however.
The introduction of this character has also been altered from the book, where the portrayal of Mr Willoughby has been seen by some as stereotypical and potentially racist in the 21st century. TV Willoughby is dressed more neutrally and has a finer command of the language, allowing him to tell his own story to Claire, rather than have others tell it for him. It will be interesting to see this character develop in future episodes.
Night has fallen and Jamie is leading Claire towards a building that turns out to be a brothel. The woman from the opening scene returns, greeting Jamie warmly, kissing him on both cheeks.
But Madam Jeanne’s expression freezes as Jamie introduces Claire and we witness a frosty, polite encounter between the two women. There is obvious jealousy on both sides, that Jamie chooses either not to see, or to ignore. Jeanne questions Jamie’s wisdom about bringing Claire to the establishment but he merely asks if his room is ready as they will be spending the night. Jeanne dispatches a maid to see to fresh linen and hot water and watches unhappily as Jamie and Claire walk upstairs.
Inside, Claire is uncomfortable. With the noises of the establishment audible through the walls, she wonders why Jamie has a room in a brothel, asking if it is because Jamie is a good customer.
Jamie is quick to explain. He apologises for bringing her to the brothel, but states that it is more comfortable than the print shop. He tells Claire that far from him being a customer of Madame Jeanne’s , she is one of his and that he has a room because he is often abroad on business and it is convenient to have somewhere to come for a hot meal and a bed on short notice. Claire accepts his explanation but it is clear that she is still uncomfortable.
Jamie asks her why she has come back - is it to be his wife, or to bring news of their daughter? Claire repeats that she has come back because she had previously thought him to be dead.
Jamie responds that he had tried hard enough. He asks Claire how she had found out he was alive and she tells him briefly of Roger’s help, adding that when she saw the name A. Malcolm she thought it might be Jamie and decided to take a chance. Still, Jamie wants to know why she has come. Claire asks if he is trying to tell her something. Does he have other ties, another life? Jamie responds that he has burned for her for over 20 years, but that they are different people now, who know each other less than when they were first wed. “Do you want me?” Jamie asks. Claire steps towards him, saying, “Whoever you are, James Fraser, yes, I do want you.” She adds that she might be a horrible person now herself, to which Jamie responds that he doesn’t think he cares. They are about to kiss when they are interrupted by a knock on the door: it is the maid with their dinner. Once it has been delivered, Jamie firmly bolts the door.
The next scene begins with them sharing a meal, slowly getting to know each other by telling stories, in the same way that they had done on their wedding night. Finally, Jamie asks Claire the inevitable question: will she come to bed with him? Claire smiles and agrees - and the next anticipated part of the episode begins.
There are many parallels between the reunion lovemaking and the wedding night lovemaking. Both scenes begin with the slow undressing of each other, as this time they reacquaint themselves with each other’s body. Both are self conscious, smiling shyly and nervously.
When Claire is finally standing naked before Jamie, she asks him to “bloody well say something”, to which he replies that she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Claire asks if he is as scared as she is and reminds him of their wedding night, when he had held her hand and said it would be easier if they touched. They do, but the initial stage of their lovemaking is clumsy - Jamie’s forehead coming into contact with Claire’s nose and then him crushing her as they lie on the bed. But their giggles soon give way to passion and their first time is urgent, with the joy and relief at finally finding each other taking over.
Afterwards, they lie talking together, Jamie complimenting Claire’s body and how he can’t keep his hands from her. Claire replies that he has more hair on his chest now and declares their lovemaking to be like riding a bicycle. The term confuses Jamie, but giggling, she explains that it just means they haven’t forgotten what to do. The familiar noises of the brothel break into the conversation and Jamie comments that he should have taken her to a tavern. Claire answers that of the places she had imagined their reunion, she wouldn’t have picked a brothel and asks Jamie if he will finally tell her how he makes a living. She says that he can’t possibly be just a printer, as he is in too good a physical condition. Lightheartedly, she suggests a few possibilities, as Jamie strolls back to the food and helps himself to some grapes. The two are much more at ease with each other now, teasing and joking together. Claire says that the last time she saw him Jamie was a traitor and he confirms that he still is, adding that he spent years in prison for treason after the Rising. His expression clouds for a moment at this memory, and Claire tells him that she knew that, and a bit more. Again, she asks what he does for a living.
Jamie answers that he is both a printer and a traitor, with the printing press replacing his sword as a weapon. He has been arrested for sedition, he tells her, 6 times in the past two years, with his premises seized twice. Claire asks what happens when the authorities are finally able to prove his activities and Jamie responds by saying he will likely be hanged. It is said light heartedly and Claire responds in kind, but it is nevertheless a real danger. Jamie asks if she wants to leave. Claire tells him that she did not return to make love to him one time, but that she came back to be with him. Jamie tells her how after finally being able to touch her and knowing her to be real, he couldn’t bear to lose her again. Claire replies that he won’t lose her, adding as an afterthought, “not unless you do something immoral.”
Jamie seems to react at this and Claire asks if there is something else he hasn’t told her. We see him hesitate for a brief second, before the lighthearted mood returns. Printing seditious pamphlets isn’t profitable, he says and admits to smuggling whisky, cognac, brandy, rum and French wine, thereby explaining why Madame Jeanne is his customer. The alcohol is stored in the brothel’s cellar; some going to Madame Jeanne herself and some kept in storage until it can be moved on.
Claire checks one last time: does Jamie accept part of his payment in trade, adding while she asks that it is none of her business. “Is it not?” Jamie counters and the second lovemaking begins. This time it is slow and tender, with the two looking into each other’s eyes constantly as they reconnect.
Afterwards, Claire runs her fingers over the long scar on Jamie’s leg, asking “How?”
“Culloden,” he whispers, after a long beat.
Seeing the weight of the memory on him, Claire says, “I will never leave you again.”
“You were right to leave,” he says in return. “You did it for Brianna.” He tells her that he knows that she is a wonderful mother and that she has given him a child who is alive and safe. “Because of her,” he says, “we will live forever, you and I.” Tenderly, he kisses her forehead and they sleep, but it is obvious that Claire’s last waking thoughts are of their daughter.
The next morning, Jamie is watching Claire as she wakes. When she looks at him, saying that she wanted to check that he was really there, he tells her that he could watch her for hours, looking for ways in which she is different and yet still the same. He strokes her hair, calling her “Mo nighean donn” and asking if she remembers, which of course she does. They reminisce about the time they had previously discussed what it was like between them and the depth of feeling when they touched. They speak of how they hadn’t known back then why the connection was so strong and still don’t, but the feelings are as strong as they ever were. Jamie says that he never thought he would laugh in a woman’s bed again, or even come to one, except as a brute blind with need. “Is that what you’d do?” she asks, “when you had the need?” Again, he looks troubled and starts to speak, but Claire stops what appears to be the beginning of a confession, telling him that they don’t have to rush things. She only has one question and asks it, unable to look at him as she does so. Had he ever fallen in love with anyone else after she left?
His answer is immediate and honest. “No, Sassenach,” he says. “I never loved anyone but you.” Breakfast threatens to interrupt their third lovemaking session, but Jamie sends the servant away, mischievously answering Claire’s question, “Don’t you want to eat?” with “Aye”. It is not food he has in mind though and the scene fades to black!
When Claire wakes some time later, a reluctant Jamie is finishing dressing. He tells her to go back to sleep, saying that he must take care of some business. Reminding her that she is Mrs Malcolm in Edinburgh, Jamie tells her not to go anywhere until he returns. She tells him that she isn’t likely to move, as her legs are like jello and entreats him to “Hurry back, soldier.” He kisses her once more and leaves.
A knock on the door comes a while later, while a partially dressed Claire is eating the remains of the food from the previous night. A young boy peers into the room, in search of Jamie, asking Claire if she is Mr Malcolm’s woman. Claire says that she is and asks his name, which he gives as Ian Murray. Realising that he must be Jenny and Ian’s son, Claire introduces herself as young Ian’s aunt, telling the 16 year old that she knew his parents a long time ago.
“But you’re dead!” he replies, telling Claire that the old women at Lallybroch had said Claire to be a wise woman, a white lady or a fairy, who had possibly returned to the fairies after Culloden when Jamie came home alone. Again, Claire tells her version of her story, explaining that she had gone to the colonies after believing Jamie to have died on the battlefield at Culloden. She confirms when Ian asks, that she has returned to be with Jamie once again. Ian tells her that it’s very fine to meet “Uncle Jamie’s wife” and asks Claire to tell Jamie that he is looking for him. Ian gives one last briefly puzzled smile, that Claire misinterprets but book readers do not, and he is gone.
Dressed in shawl and shift, Claire heads downstairs, finding the young ladies of the establishment having breakfast. Believing Claire to be the new girl, the others introduce themselves, teasing Claire about her reddened neck and stiff gait, which they say is indicative of a busy evening’s work. They promise to show her where the herbs are for washing and start to give advice on how to avoid pregnancy as well as a trick to ensure that a client’s passion doesn’t last overlong. When a new customer is heard in the other room, the girls begin to complain, until they decide that as the new girl, Claire will have to take him.
But when Madame Jeanne comes in, she is horrified to see Claire sitting amongst her girls. Expressing disgust that food had not been delivered to the room, she promises that the maid will be in trouble. Claire replies that this is not necessary, as she has been enjoying the chat with the ladies. But Jeanne is insistent that Claire return to the room, saying that she will have the rest of the meal sent up. Claire sees the frostiness of the other woman’s demeanour, but she is sure of herself and Jamie now and is no longer unnerved. With a cheery goodbye to the others, she heads upstairs.
But on opening the door to their room, Claire is shocked to see a man already inside, obviously searching for something. She tells him to leave, but he shuts the door. Dismissing her as a whore, the man tells her to wait on the bed until he has found what he has come for.
Claire tells him that she is no whore and that this is her husband’s room. The man smirks. “Then you can tell me where he keeps his ledgers,” he replies. When Claire says that she has no idea, he comments that maybe he can jog her memory and moves menacingly towards her. Claire repeats her demand that he get out, but he grabs her by the throat and the episode ends. She hasn’t been 24 hours back in the 18th century and already, Claire is in trouble!
As well as being the most anticipated episode of the season, it is highly likely that this will also be the most controversial. While fans are undoubtedly thrilled to see Jamie and Claire reconnect at last, dissatisfaction remains for many, as to some of the alterations to the story. While ultimately tv and book are different mediums, it will be interesting to see what details appear in future episodes and what else may change from Diana Gabaldon’s words. Of course, we do have the luxury of both mediums now and despite what else happens, Jamie and Claire have certainly been reunited. It truly is “the two of them now.”
This recap was written by Susie Brown, a teacher-librarian and writer who lives in Australia. She admits that she was one of the fans who wanted to see Jamie fall completely to pieces, but does think that Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe did a beautiful job of showing the longing and uncertainty of 20 years spent apart. She is certainly looking forward to the rest of the journey, changes or not!
Episode 305 Freedom and whisky
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia
and Matt Roberts
Episode 305
A recap of episode 305 by Susie Brown
“Gang Thegither” - when original writing and TV adaptations combine! A recap of season 3 episode 5 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
The thing about good writing is that it really makes you think. When it’s writing that adapts a story that you already knew, it makes you think about things from a whole new perspective. When it’s really good writing, it brings you to new understandings as a result. When it does all three, there’s a good chance that you’ve just watched an episode of Outlander that was written by Toni Graphia. “Freedom and Whisky” was an amazing episode from start to finish, not because of the fact that it contained the beginnings of the longed for reunion between Jamie and Claire, but rather because it brought the perspectives of Claire, Brianna and Roger together in a way that the book doesn’t. In doing so, it complemented the original beautifully. It was clever, clever stuff and an honour to watch!
The episode begins with an operation in 1968. Back in Boston and back doing what she does best, Claire refuses to stop the surgery even when the patient’s blood pressure is lowering and Joe tells her she is out of time. Using a mixture of instinct and determination, Claire finds the necrosis that would otherwise have gone unnoticed and saves a life.
It is a short scene, but one that establishes a couple of very important facts: Claire is a talented surgeon back at the top of her game and she will not back down from what she knows to be right, even if it involves danger and risk. As the scene ends, she and Joe share a brief look; hers of satisfaction, his of respect.
Meanwhile in a history lecture, Brianna is doodling on a notepad. While the lecturer speaks of the historical figure of Paul Revere, Brianna is drawing archways. Her attention is captured however, when the lecturer announces the famous poem about Revere’s ride to be a lie, speaking instead of the man who did complete the mission, a man who has been lost to history because, “Revere had a better publicist.” The other students chuckle, but Brianna is obviously affected by the words. After class, the professor speaks to her. A previously outstanding student, Brianna is now failing, not only in history but in other subjects too. If her results do not improve, her future at Harvard is in jeopardy. Declining the opportunity to talk to her teacher, who was both a colleague and friend of Frank’s, Brianna merely says that everything is fine.
Brianna returns home to an empty house and spends a few minutes lost in nostalgia. In quick succession, she looks at an ornament on the Christmas tree from her first Christmas, Frank’s armchair, his pipe, (which she smells) and photographs from when she was a baby.
This is such a clever scene. Much has been written about the character of Bree, as well as the portrayal of her by Sophie Skelton, a lot of which has been negative. But with this simple scene, Sophie Skelton does a superb job of portraying the sadness that Bree is feeling, in a way that must surely give these critics food for thought. With the book shown through Claire’s perspective, readers don’t get the chance to focus on how hard the events have been on other characters too. In a short space of time, Brianna has lost the man she thought was her father, discovered an almost impossible to believe tale about her actual father, begun to reconnect with her mother and become attracted to a man who she has left behind when her mother announced it was time to give up the search and go home. Is it any wonder that she has behaved in what many have said is a “bratty” way? In the few moments of this scene, Brianna has no dialogue, but we are left in no doubt as to the depth of her emotions, her loneliness amplified by the soulful Frank theme playing in the background throughout. Bravo to actress, writer and director, for bringing in another dimension that complements the original story and shows the weight of events on Brianna.
The next scene begins with a pensive Claire looking at a photograph of Brianna in her graduation robes. Given that he is now the person who has known Claire the longest in Boston, as well as being her closest confidante, Joe notices that his “Lady Jane” is miles away, and comments that she has the look that she had when she first returned from Scotland. Not one to give up, Joe asks Claire if she had met a man and finally gets her to talk in somewhat guarded terms about Jamie.
When Claire mentions that she had hoped to reconnect but that fate had had other plans for her, Joe responds with his opinion of fate - a line that has fast become a fan favourite. (This is another example of where a writing adaptation complements the book, as it was not a sentiment expressed in Diana Gabaldon’s version!) A nurse interrupts the conversation with the delivery of some files, but Joe is not about to let Claire off the hook, saying that their conversation is to be continued.
A taxi pulls up outside the Randalls’ Boston house and with the lyrics of “Show me a man who’s got a good woman” playing in the background, a nervous Roger Wakefield gets out of a cab, telling a disinterested driver that it’s probably the most brilliant or most daft thing he has ever done. As he rings the doorbell, he can hear a spirited argument coming from the two good women inside. He sighs, realising that once again, he is about to be in the middle of a Brianna and Claire quarrel.
An irritated Brianna opens the door, but her mood quickly brightens at his “Happy Christmas”. She leads Roger inside, to greet a surprised Claire, who tries initially to make light of the situation that he has interrupted. She tells him that Brianna has decided to withdraw from Harvard and move out, a decision that Brianna states is hers to make. With this the argument begins again, with Brianna expressing a little of the emotion that we had seen in her previous scene. She tells her mother that she couldn’t just come back to Boston and be who she was. Despite her trying to do just that, it hasn’t worked. A car horn beeps outside, and Brianna grabs a box of her belongings, telling an uncomfortable Roger that they will hang out the next day.
Claire insists that Roger stay in the house and, over drinks, they begin chatting. Roger too is readjusting to a different family situation: with the Reverend dead, it is his first Christmas alone and so he has decided to swap the Inverness house of books, dust and old Christmas traditions for an American festive season, where hopefully he will be able to make some traditions of his own. Claire tells Roger of the Randall Christmases, where she and Frank would read Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to Brianna, until either she grew out of it, or they did. With a brief humorous mention of the quarrel, Claire questions the reason that Roger has arrived unannounced. She knows that it can’t only be for an American Christmas, but adds that she is pleased that Brianna will have someone with her who understands what she has gone through in the past few months. Fortified by whisky, Roger tells Claire the real reason for his visit.
Describing himself as a historian who pursues something like a dog with a bone, Roger takes an envelope from his case. He tells Claire that he has succeeded in tracing Jamie; showing her an article written by an Alexander Malcolm in 1765 that quotes lines from a Robert Burns poem that Claire had once shared with Jamie. Given that Robert Burns was only 6 years old in 1765, plus the fact that the writer has used Jamie’s middle names, an excited Roger is sure that the author is Jamie, therefore proving that he is still alive just one year earlier in the parallel time period.
But Claire doesn’t react in the way that Roger expects. Pacing around the room, emotions rising, Claire says that she could have lived the rest of her life not knowing; that she had shut the door to the past 20 years before. The news that Jamie had survived Culloden had started her hoping, something that she tells Roger she can’t go through again. Roger persists: this isn’t just hope, he says. With this news, Claire can return to Jamie. His face falls though, when Claire reminds him that in doing so, she would be leaving Brianna in the midst of her own personal crisis. As a mother, she can’t abandon her daughter. Roger is crestfallen, immediately asking what he can do to help.
He agrees to Claire’s request not to tell Brianna of his discovery and retires to bed, citing jet lag. Left alone, Claire spends a sleepless night, looking first at the article, then Ellen’s pearls, as the Jamie and Claire theme plays softly.
When Claire enters Joe’s office, she discovers him looking at a skeleton. Joe’s friend, an anthropologist has sent the skeleton looking for a cause of death. Claire picks up the skull and describes it as a 150 year old murder victim. On examining other pieces of the body, Joe confirms that someone had indeed tried to cut the woman’s head clean off. He wonders how Claire knew it was a murder victim, to which she answers that the skeleton just “felt like it”. The mystery isn’t completely solved though: although found in a cave believed to be a slave burial place, Joe knows that the woman wasn’t black, by the length of the the tibia bone.
A somewhat disquieted Claire says that “bones don’t lie.” Joe agrees, adding that they tell all and immediately segues into their previous discussion, asking Claire what she hadn’t told him about “her man in Scotland”.
Without telling him the full story, Claire admits that Jamie was Brianna’s real father, a fact that she had told Brianna while they were in Scotland and that the revelation is the reason that Bree has been struggling so much. Joe replies that the news explains a lot. He tells Claire that no one had ever thought that Frank and Claire were a perfect couple and that he has watched her live a half life for 15 years. If she has a second chance at love, he tells Claire, she should take it, adding that Brianna will “come round”.
Roger is watching daytime tv when Brianna comes home, a drama called “Dark Shadows”, where the characters are discussing the feelings of a woman time traveller.
(Interviews since the screening of the episode have revealed that not only was this a legitimate episode of an actual show, but that it also screened on the date that the episode is set: December 23rd 1968. It is a rather amazing coincidence!) After discussing the perils of Roger’s addiction to day time tv, the two begin an hesitant flirtation once again. Brianna tells him that she is glad he has come; Roger says that he wanted to experience an American Christmas, complete with lobster rolls and Boston Cream Pie. Saying that she can probably help him with that, Brianna invites him to a function that afternoon, where a fellowship is being named in honour of Frank. Brianna suggests they go early, so that she can show him the hallowed halls. Roger agrees and they settle in on the couch to watch the rest of the episode.
Later that afternoon, the two are indeed walking through the halls of Harvard, which look remarkably like the ones that Brianna had been sketching in her history lecture. While Brianna is interested in telling him about the cloisters and the fact that they are the only example of Gothic architecture in the building, Roger is more interested in how many people have walked through the halls over the years, what conversations they may have had and what secrets were etched in the arches’ nooks and crannies.
It highlights the differences between their ways of thinking: as a historian, Roger focuses on the people; whereas despite visiting the place many times since Frank first brought her as a young girl, she has only ever been intrigued by how the arches were built and how each stone is held in place by the pressure of another. It is a formula, she says, based on measurements, calculation and precision and that as a result, there is a truth to the building. Roger comments that she doesn’t sound like the daughter of a historian. This is precisely the point, says Brianna. She isn’t the daughter of a historian, but of an 18th century highlander. Again, we are reminded of her struggle. Roger tells her a story of his own father, of whom he has few memories, other than stories that the Reverend told him. With emphasis that becomes important later, Roger tells her that knowing his father helped him to know himself and that everyone needs a history. But Brianna is not convinced. History is just a story, she counters, that changes according to who is telling it and compares her own story to that of Paul Revere or Bonnie Prince Charlie. History can’t be trusted, she says. It is an important conversation, not only in order to better explain why she has withdrawn from studying history at Harvard, but why she has been struggling in general. Everything she had thought to be true has been turned upside down. She would much rather put her trust in stone and measurements than in people.
At the service for the bestowing of the Frank W Randall Fellowship in the field of European Studies, Claire finds herself face to face with none other than Professor Sandy Travers, the woman who had shown up at the house on the evening of Claire’s graduation and the woman that Frank had hoped to marry. After a couple of moments of uncomfortable small talk, Sandy confronts Claire. Claire should have let Frank go, she says.
Despite Frank telling her that he was only staying with his wife for Brianna’s sake, Sandy had known that part of him was still in love with Claire, something that wouldn’t change no matter how much Claire broke his heart. Sandy lived with this knowledge, she says, because Frank was the love of her life and she had wanted him, even if it meant sharing him with another. This is a sad parallel to Frank’s situation, who had known he was sharing Claire with Jamie’s ghost. Sandy calls Claire selfish, making Frank and Brianna live a lie while she threw away 20 years, whereas Sandy would have given anything for one more day.
As an uncharacteristically silent Claire watches Sandy walk away, Brianna has noticed the exchange and how unnerved her mother is. Afterwards, Brianna asks who the woman was, revealing to Claire that she had recognised her. When in a bookshop with Frank years ago, they had stopped to talk to Sandy and Brianna had noticed Frank look at Sandy the way he had once looked at Claire. Brianna reminds Claire of the promise they had made to each other at the stones; that there would be no more lies between them and so Claire tells her daughter the truth: Frank had loved Sandy for many years and had been planning on marrying her. Brianna then shares one of her fears: if she looked so much like Jamie, then Frank must have seen another man every time he looked at her and must have hated her as a result. Claire is quick to dispel that fear, telling Brianna that she had been the most important thing in Frank’s life and that raising her had been his greatest joy. The dam broken now, Brianna continues. Surely Claire must have resented her then, as she was the reason that Claire had lost Jamie? Again, Claire reassures her. The moment she had seen Brianna and nursed her, she had never felt another feeling like it. She loves Brianna for Brianna, she says, not for the man who fathered her. She does agree though, that she still thinks of Jamie and, adding that there is something else she needs to be honest about, pulls the copy of the article written by Alexander Malcolm, from her purse. Immediately, Brianna recognises the name, and tells Claire that this means she can go back. When Claire tells her that her life is in Boston with her daughter, Brianna counters that she is all grown up and can live on her own. While she loves her mother, she doesn’t need her in the way that she did when she was little. Although she knows this, it is something that Claire doesn’t want to discuss any further.
The scenes involving Sandy have caused much controversy since the episode aired. Some have said that they were unnecessary, given that in the books it was never confirmed that Frank had had an affair at all. Furthermore, others argue, Claire would not have remained silent in such an exchange. To have her say nothing was not true to Claire’s personality. However, these scenes also serve to remind us of the ripple effect that actions can have on others. Again, in the book everything is viewed from Claire’s eyes. We can’t see how others think and feel and here, we can. We can see that the sadness was not contained to just Claire, but that her decision to stay in a marriage where love, despite the best of intentions, had gone, had consequences for others too. While Sandy was a character invented for television, Frank was not. It reminds us again, of the sadness that he endured, tempered with the joy of raising Brianna. Finally, Claire’s actions of finally telling Brianna the truth totally threw her daughter’s life into turmoil, causing her to doubt not only her own family history, but whether Claire and Frank had ever truly loved her. Far from being unnecessary scenes, it can be argued that these are strong complements to the original, allowing us to think far more deeply.
The next scene too, where Claire, Joe and the other medical staff are watching a broadcast of the Apollo 8 mission, has been criticised by some as unnecessary. Again though, it is important to consider the symbolism of the lines it contains. As they listen to Jim Lovell’s voice, Joe says, “How can you take a trip like that and come back to life as you know it?”
The answer is, of course, that you can’t. You have seen things that you couldn’t have imagined and your life can’t be the same as it was. This is a direct parallel to Claire’s experience, as she suggests in her following voiceover. Travelling through the stones is as foreign to most people as travelling into space. You can come back to your life, but it can never be the same. Perhaps, she muses, it is enough to have gone once. To contemplate travelling a third time, with all its risks and associated losses, is becoming a decision that Claire is unable to make. The scene ends with the Jamie and Claire music reaching a crescendo as Claire stares up at the moon, whisky in hand.
In fact, it is Brianna who must make the decision for her. Sitting on their couch, Claire tells Brianna that they may never see each other again and that she is not sure whether she can cope with never being able to see Brianna get married or have children of her own.
Brianna agrees that it won’t be easy, but that she has realised while trying to figure out her own identity, that she is more Claire than either of her fathers. If she turns out to be half the woman Claire is, she says, then she will be fine. Claire has to go back, she says, to tell Jamie everything about his daughter, so that he will finally know her too. But then Claire shares her own insecurities - what if Jamie has forgotten her, or has ceased to love her? In a beautiful switch of mother/daughter bonding, it is Brianna who takes on the reassuring parent role now, saying to Claire that she has to trust that the feelings she has for Jamie, which are unlike anything else she has ever felt, must be the same for him. “You gave Jamie up for me,” Brianna tells her mother, “Now I have to give him back to you.” The two embrace, with Jamie’s place in the hug being represented by the theme music playing as mother and daughter cling tightly to one another.
But Claire still requires an opinion that Brianna cannot give her. In their office, Claire puts Joe on the spot: is she attractive sexually? Joe is suspicious, asking if this is a trick, but Claire says that she needs an honest male opinion and he is the only male she can ask.
Joe realises that Claire is asking because of “her man” and Claire admits that she is thinking of giving it another go, but it has been 20 years. Has she changed that much since Joe first met her? With a chuckle, Joe replies that Claire had been a “skinny white broad with too much hair and a great ass”, adding that Jamie would be in heaven when he saw her. It is what Claire needs to hear, but she watches Joe with sadness as he gets his coat. She knows, as he does not, that this is their farewell. She thanks him and they wish each other a Merry Christmas.
Back at the house, Brianna, Roger and Claire sit around the fire and exchange gifts. Claire has unwrapped a box of coins that Brianna and Roger found in an antique shop, while Roger hands her a book called “Scotland, the Nation.” Claire admits that she has also been thinking about what to take and that she has borrowed some penicillin and scalpels, as they will be needed more in 1766 Edinburgh than 1968 Boston.
Brianna has another gift, handing Claire a topaz necklace. Not only is it to help her travel safely through the stones, it has added significance as Brianna’s own birthstone. Putting it around her neck, Claire confirms that she did indeed lose two gems in each of her previous trips - from her jewelled watch and Jamie’s ring. Brianna asks how Claire will carry everything she needs and the talk turns to the making of a garment. Brianna teases Claire as to her ability to do so, but Claire assures her that after years of making pageant costumes, she knows what she is doing. Roger is impressed. Claire can have her own utility belt, he jokes, like the caped crusader. As the Batman TV music begins under Brianna’s observation that Roger watches a lot of tv, the scene changes.
By the time the final chorus of “Batman” is done, so too is Claire’s outfit. Looking in the mirror, she then takes care of the grey in her hair.
When Brianna and Roger return, Claire is wrapping the scalpels into a leather pouch. They compliment her new look hair, assisted by “Miss Clairol” and she shows them “the batsuit”, complete with its hidden pockets that will allow her to take all her supplies. Borrowing Brianna’s blouse to complete the outfit, Brianna assures her that it will be perfect, marvelling at Claire’s ingenuity at making the outfit out of raincoats.
This is another departure from the books, where Claire had gone shopping to buy an 18th century dress. Fans have criticised the making of the “bat suit” as well as the music used - wasn’t this a wasted scene? Yet again, this scene, although undoubtedly different to the novel, serves a number of purposes. First, to the general observer, Claire is a bit of a “superhero”. In the 20th century, she overcomes the prejudice against women and becomes a successful surgeon. In the 18th century she did the impossible, by travelling through solid rock, being impervious to many of the diseases of the time, having knowledge of the future and healing people with her combined skill of 20th century medicine and 18th century herbs. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it highlights Claire’s skills to adapt to a situation. She has made Brianna’s pageant costumes; she knows what type of outfit she will need; she is fiercely independent, so therefore she makes it herself. Thirdly, there was a humorous suggestion that it could have been a nod to Sam Heughan’s previous role as Batman in a touring production. While this one is unlikely, this scene can still stand on its own as important in terms of symbolism - and is certainly arguably more satisfying in terms of characterisation than a one-off moment in a dress shop. Again, it is an example of the tv writing complementing Diana Gabaldon’s original.
Roger leaves to fetch a “last provision”, giving Claire and Brianna a moment alone. Claire tells her that Roger is a good one, Brianna replying that she knows. The moment of truth has come. Claire gives Brianna her resignation letter to be given to Joe and the deeds to the house, which are now in Brianna’s name, along with all the bank accounts. Brianna hesitates. She can’t believe that Claire won’t let her come along to Scotland to say goodbye. But Claire recounts the two journeys she has already made: the first time she was terrified, the second, heartbroken.
She wants this time to be peaceful. If Brianna was with her, she might never go. But Brianna is adamant that Claire is going.
She will miss her mother so much, she says, but wants Claire to find Jamie and give him a kiss from her. Claire then gives Brianna her final gift: Ellen’s pearls from her wedding night, suggesting that Brianna can wear them on hers. The two tearfully embrace, as Roger returns with whisky as a final “nip for the road.” Claire thanks him for everything and he pours them each a dram. Brianna makes the toast: to freedom and whisky.
It is dark as Claire takes the halting steps down the path towards her waiting cab. Tearfully, she turns and blows a kiss to Roger and Brianna, who watch from the window. Brianna closes the curtains and cries in Roger’s arms, as the cab pulls away. She tells him to stay there for a moment and disappears into the kitchen.
Then, showing the emotional strength that proves her to be her mother’s daughter above all else, Brianna dries her eyes, puts on a Christmas hat and takes a plate of prepared food from the sideboard. It is time to get on with her own life.
Roger is waiting for her and laughs at the lobster roll and boston cream pie that Brianna is holding. Planning on starting Roger’s new American Christmas tradition, Brianna suggests that they can watch a Charlie Brown Christmas later on that day. But Roger has a final gift for Brianna. He watches intently as she unwraps a copy of A Christmas Carol. It is the perfect gift and the look on his face shows that he understands her completely. It is a look of love, and of recognition of the loss that she has experienced, both in the past few months and in the past few moments.
Her returning look is of equal tenderness and they share a kiss beyond the impulsive one of the previous episodes. Curling up together on the couch, Roger begins eating as Brianna starts to read and we are left in no doubt that they will both, indeed, be fine.
This time, we do not see Claire’s journey through the stones. Instead, in a clever parallel to the first episode of season 2, when Frank’s 20th century outstretched hand turned into Jamie’s 18th century one; so too Claire’s 20th century step out of a cab turns into her 18th century step out of a carriage. She has arrived in Edinburgh.
We watch as she emotionally gathers herself, reacquainting herself once again with the sights and sounds of an earlier Scotland. After a moment, she stops a young boy, asking for directions to Alexander Malcolm’s print shop. Immediately she is told what she needs to know: just down the way and to the left in Carfax Close. The moment is at hand and we see the mixture of disbelief and hope on her face as she begins to walk.
These looks only intensify as Claire finds herself standing in front of the sign that bears the name “A Malcolm: Printer and Bookseller”. She runs her fingers briefly over the name and climbs the stairs, pausing at the top to touch her hair one last time before opening the door. The bell rings as she steps inside. She looks around for a moment, before starting at a familiar voice.
It is Jamie. Slowly, she advances towards him, her breath coming quickly. Jamie stands on the floor below, examining a page of type, calling to his assistant, Geordie, asking what had taken him so long. “It isn’t Geordie,” she says, haltingly. “It’s me. Claire.”
This is the only time we see Jamie in the episode and, like he always does, Sam Heughan conveys everything without the need for words. We watch his spine stiffen as he hears her voice, watch him turn slowly and then see his eyes widen as he looks up in complete disbelief to see her standing there.
Their theme song swells as the two of them gaze at each other, before he faints dead away, leaving Claire to take a shocked breath and the episode comes to an end. The reunion will have to wait!
Adapting a well loved book for a television audience is often a thankless task. Every fan will have their own opinions about what should and shouldn’t be done and it is impossible to please everyone.
Even in an adaptation as faithful as Outlander’s has been so far, there have been many discussions on fan forums about the choices that have been made - and this episode was no exception. While the vast majority of the comments about Freedom and Whisky were positive, there were still plenty who questioned the validity of certain scenes. It is perhaps useful to remember the overall effect of the writing as a whole - does it complement the original, so that viewers can consider characters and events with new insight? This reviewer would argue that Toni Graphia has done this to perfection and deserves every accolade going!
This episode recap was written by Susie Brown, a teacher-librarian and writer who lives in Australia. Her heart was racing the entire time that Claire walked up those print shop stairs and she can’t wait to see the story continue. She also hopes that any criticism of Sophie Skelton stops now, as she thinks Miss Skelton did a phenomenal job portraying Brianna’s conflicted emotions in this episode!
Episode 304 Of Lost Things
Episode 304
A recap of episode 304 by Susie Brown
“Better to have loved and lost?” A recap of season 3 episode 4 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage originals by Susie Brown
At this point, you’d be forgiven for wondering just what else Jamie Fraser has to lose. After all, in season 3 alone, he’s already lost a battle, his men, his identity, his family and his freedom; to say nothing of the loss of the love of his life, the two daughters that he never saw and almost the loss of his mind after the horrors of Wentworth in previous seasons. Yet in episode 4, he is set to lose even more. Other characters too, do not escape unscathed. Geneva is facing the loss of her virginity; her family, the loss of their daughter and sister; Lord John, the loss of a friend; young Willie, the loss of his beloved “Mac”; while back in the 20th century, Claire is facing the loss of hope; Brianna and Roger, the loss of each other. It really is a cavalcade of despair. Many fans have commented already on the toll the episode took on them and the many tears that they shed, and so much praise must be given to the writer, Toni Graphia, the director, Brendan Maher and the actors, led by Sam Heughan, who just grows better and better with each scene.
The episode opens in 1968, with the search for Jamie well underway. Roger stands in front of a huge timeline, explaining the simultaneous passage of time in the two separate centuries and the need to prove that Jamie lived 20 years past Culloden. Whilst he and Brianna discuss these details, (interrupted briefly by Fiona who rather endearingly encourages Roger to eat more), Claire has been gazing intently through papers. She reminisces with Fiona over Mrs Graham, and the special friendship that Claire had enjoyed with Fiona’s grandmother.
Fiona contributes to the conversation at hand by suggesting that if Jamie had also been the legendary Dunbonnet then he would have been a notorious and well known figure. The search resumes, with Claire finally discovering what they have been hoping for: a mention of Jamie in prison records. Roger quickly checks the Ardsmuir lists for 1753-1756, finding Jamie on each list until the prison closed. Although he doesn’t know what happened to the prisoners at that point, Brianna agrees with him when he suggests that this is cause for celebration and that it’s “never too early for a whisky.” As the two of them leave in search of it, Claire is left alone in the study, and we watch a range of emotions cross her expression in a matter of seconds.
Fiona contributes to the conversation at hand by suggesting that if Jamie had also been the legendary Dunbonnet then he would have been a notorious and well known figure. The search resumes, with Claire finally discovering what they have been hoping for: a mention of Jamie in prison records. Roger quickly checks the Ardsmuir lists for 1753-1756, finding Jamie on each list until the prison closed. Although he doesn’t know what happened to the prisoners at that point, Brianna agrees with him when he suggests that this is cause for celebration and that it’s “never too early for a whisky.” As the two of them leave in search of it, Claire is left alone in the study, and we watch a range of emotions cross her expression in a matter of seconds.
Meanwhile, in 1756, a stately procession is taking place. With a sweeping shot of carriages and a country estate reminiscent of Downton Abbey, the scene changes to Helwater, where the Dunsanys are arriving home. (The Downton similarities don’t end there; with the two daughters behaving very much like the haughty Mary and friendlier Edith Crawley; Lady Dunsany is, like Cora, the seemingly amenable mother who is fiercely protective of her family, and the head of the house, Lord Dunsany, is much like Lord Grantham, to whom duty is important.) It is an interesting similarity and one that even the producers of the episode comment on in the “about the episode” featurette. Lord Dunsany instructs the butler (not Downton’s Carson, but yet another good imitation!) to have the new man - Jamie - brought to see him.
Having followed Lord John’s advice, Jamie introduces himself to Lord Dunsany as Alexander Mackenzie. The conversation between the two men is important as it not only establishes Jamie’s position at the estate - he is a prisoner, but will be called a groom and paid as such, with his involvement in Culloden deliberately kept from Lady Dunsany due to her grief over the loss of her son in the same battle - but it also sets up a grudging respect for Jamie by Lord Dunsany.
In addition to being impressed at the recommendations provided by Lord John, Jamie’s new employer admires men who fight for their cause. He also sympathises with Jamie over the loss of children, a cross which both men have had to bear. It is one of Jamie’s losses that he has openly shared, and while the move could be seen as a calculated one, it is more likely that it is indicative of Jamie starting to find a place for his grief and move on with his life.
In the 20th century, Jamie’s ‘lost’ living daughter is simultaneously flirting with Roger and outshining him in car maintenance, by finding the loose distributor cap that had resulted in the car breaking down. When Roger jokes “What do I owe you?” Brianna replies with, “I’ll think of something.” It is a small scene, but an important set up for later events, as we can see the two becoming closer.
Jamie is called outside by one of the other grooms, in order to draw straws. He soon discovers that the man with the shortest straw has the unfortunate task of accompanying Geneva Dunsany on her ride. Jamie is not chosen, but is not fast enough in bringing Lady Geneva’s palfry, earning him her irritated insult of being a “useless Scotchman”. As Geneva and the unlucky escort depart, Jamie and another groom share a joke, with Jamie suggesting that a boot in the hindquarters is what is needed. It is a comment overheard by Geneva’s sister, Isobel, but fortunately for Jamie, Isobel is a much friendlier soul, remarking over Jamie’s stammered apologies that she knows exactly what he meant, but that it would not likely do any good. The following conversation between the two is both poignant and symbolic. Isobel tells Jamie that she comes down to the stables to admire the horses, expressing regret that her father confines such splendid creatures. When Jamie remarks on the fine nature of Helwater’s stables, Lady Isobel replies with “A cage is still a cage.” This is magnificent writing, as Jamie is not unlike the horses that he now cares for: while he has swapped the horrors of battle and the chains of Ardsmuir for a paid position on the estate, he is still a prisoner and ultimately caged. Isobel’s meaningful glance suggests that she is aware of this too. She then confides to Jamie her affection for Lord John. Jamie tries to dissuade her without disclosing John’s secret, declaring Major Grey’s passion to be for the military, but Isobel replies that John’s dedication to King and country is one of the qualities that she most admires.
The phone rings at the Wakefield Residence, with the caller asking for Claire. It is none other than Dr Joe Abernathy, from whom Claire is delighted to hear.
After some small talk over Italian food, Joe asks two questions: when Claire will be returning and why she is not insisting on performing surgery on a patient that they both know well. Claire evades both questions: she will return “soon” and expresses her confidence in Joe’s ability to handle the operation, asking only that he let her know how it goes. Claire here is lost too: the search for Jamie is colouring everything, to the point where she is abandoning the profession that she loves.
After some small talk over Italian food, Joe asks two questions: when Claire will be returning and why she is not insisting on performing surgery on a patient that they both know well. Claire evades both questions: she will return “soon” and expresses her confidence in Joe’s ability to handle the operation, asking only that he let her know how it goes. Claire here is lost too: the search for Jamie is colouring everything, to the point where she is abandoning the profession that she loves.
It is now 1757 at Helwater and the Dunsanys are congratulating themselves on the betrothal of Geneva to the much older Earl of Ellesmere, as it will bring good fortune to both families. Geneva’s beauty and character flaws are discussed in her presence without a second thought: she too, is living in a beautiful cage. Jamie is cleaning the hooves of Ellesmere’s horse and the older man comments on Jamie’s hair, saying that if a child of his were to have hair that colour, he would drown it. He smirks at his own supposed wit and is gone, after bidding an unimpressed Geneva goodbye. As the coach draws away, Geneva’s gaze falls on Jamie. The next straw drawing by the grooms proves to be unnecessary, as Geneva demands that Jamie accompany her on her ride.
Once out on the estate, Geneva wastes no time in talking about her situation, asking Jamie what he thinks of her future husband. Jamie refuses to give an opinion, but when Geneva forces the issue, he says that the Earl appears fond of her. Commenting that the Earl’s only attractive quality is wealth, Geneva asks Jamie what he finds attractive. Jamie deflects the question, saying that he doesn’t think of such things. It is an answer that Geneva doesn’t believe, calling him a liar. When Jamie suggests they turn back before it is dark, she refuses and gallops ahead, reminding him that he has to do her bidding.
A moment later there is a scream and when Jamie follows, he finds a seemingly unconscious Geneva lying on the ground. He picks her up, at which point she revives, giggling wickedly and saying that she knew he would do as he’d been told. Furious, Jamie dumps her into the mud. It is a risky move: he is still a prisoner and to deliberately drop the Lady Geneva could be cause for punishment should she wish to cause a fuss. But Geneva has other ideas. As Jamie rides back to the estate, she laughs, calling after him that she looks forward to their next ride.
A moment later there is a scream and when Jamie follows, he finds a seemingly unconscious Geneva lying on the ground. He picks her up, at which point she revives, giggling wickedly and saying that she knew he would do as he’d been told. Furious, Jamie dumps her into the mud. It is a risky move: he is still a prisoner and to deliberately drop the Lady Geneva could be cause for punishment should she wish to cause a fuss. But Geneva has other ideas. As Jamie rides back to the estate, she laughs, calling after him that she looks forward to their next ride.
Over a board in the gardens, John and Jamie are playing chess. John remarks that the Dunsanys are pleased with Jamie’s work and Jamie comments that even after all these months John is still returning to check on his welfare. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of John’s elder brother, Hal, accompanied by the Dunsany sisters. This is potential danger for Jamie, as Hal knows his true identity. Geneva asks the Colonel if he remembers Mackenzie.
Hal does not correct her, stating only that it has been some years since they last met. Isobel comments on the fact that John had recommended Mackenzie for the groom’s position. A look passes between the two brothers at this revelation; closely followed by one between Geneva and Jamie, when Geneva remarks that it would be better if Jamie was as good with people as he is with horses. The rest of the conversation has a duel meaning. Isobel asks Hal how the family could be managing without Alex, assuming that Jamie was in Colonel Melton’s employ. Hal replies that if it were up to him, he wouldn’t have let Jamie go, but he is not his brother. This of course eludes to Culloden’s aftermath, and both Jamie and John look disquieted. Geneva notices this and suggests to Melton that they go and catch up over a game of cribbage. The implication is strong that she means to find out more.
Hal does not correct her, stating only that it has been some years since they last met. Isobel comments on the fact that John had recommended Mackenzie for the groom’s position. A look passes between the two brothers at this revelation; closely followed by one between Geneva and Jamie, when Geneva remarks that it would be better if Jamie was as good with people as he is with horses. The rest of the conversation has a duel meaning. Isobel asks Hal how the family could be managing without Alex, assuming that Jamie was in Colonel Melton’s employ. Hal replies that if it were up to him, he wouldn’t have let Jamie go, but he is not his brother. This of course eludes to Culloden’s aftermath, and both Jamie and John look disquieted. Geneva notices this and suggests to Melton that they go and catch up over a game of cribbage. The implication is strong that she means to find out more.
It doesn’t take long. In their next conversation, which takes place next to the manure pile, Geneva reminds Jamie that she could have reported him to her father for dropping her in the mud. Commenting on her upcoming marriage and the vileness of an agreement that marries her to a man old enough to be her grandfather, Geneva asks Jamie if he has ever been married. When he answers that he has, she announces a new plan: Jamie will be the one to take her maidenhead. Jamie refuses, but she plays her trump card: Colonel Melton had revealed, after a number of ports, Jamie’s true identity.
Threatened with the revoking of his parole when Lady Dunsany finds out, Jamie still refuses, saying he will not return to prison. But then Geneva delivers the final blow, asking if Jamie will return to Lallybroch and musing as to whether soldiers would be posted there, looking for Red Jamie. At this point, Jamie is trapped. He will not risk danger to his family again and agrees to her demand that he will come to her room that night.
Jamie does as he has been ordered, entering Geneva’s room under cover of darkness, to find her sitting on the bed in a white lace nightdress, her hair unbound. She calls him Jamie, which he forbids, telling her that since she has brought him there by threats against his family, she is not to call him by the same name they do. He tells her she may call him Alex, as it is his name as well. She replies by ordering him to disrobe. After sneaking small looks as he begins to do so, Jamie gives her permission to watch him undress. It is at that point that we see her haughty demeanour begin to slip. She gasps at the sight of the scars on his back and when faced with a naked Jamie before her, expresses vulnerability and fear, whispering that she doesn’t know what to do. Jamie tells her that she can still change her mind, but she replies that she wants to do this for herself, wanting her first time to be with someone like Jamie. He seems to react to this: no doubt remembering his own first time with Claire. There are parallels with the wedding night throughout the scene: Claire too had demanded that Jamie take off his shirt, as she wanted to look at him. When Geneva asks Jamie to show her how it’s done and asking if it will hurt much, he answers that it will all right as long as he takes his time.
The following sex scene between the two characters has caused as much of a stir online as the same scene did in the novel. While the contentious moment in the book (where Geneva changes her mind at the last minute and Jamie does not stop) has been removed from the television version, fans are still divided as to the morals in this scene. Some fans have criticised the action for being too sexy, that Jamie looks too much like he is enjoying it; others argue that it is merely an act that Jamie has been forced to perform by blackmail, but even so, he takes care to ensure that she isn’t hurt in the process. The dialogue after, when he asks if he did in fact hurt her seems to support the latter argument, as well as being another parallel to the wedding night in season 1.
When Geneva tells him that she loves him, Jamie is quick to deny this. He tells her that she only thinks that because of the feelings that have been aroused in her body; but that love is when you give your heart and soul to another and they give theirs in return. It is yet another reminder to Jamie of what he has lost.
When Geneva tells him that she loves him, Jamie is quick to deny this. He tells her that she only thinks that because of the feelings that have been aroused in her body; but that love is when you give your heart and soul to another and they give theirs in return. It is yet another reminder to Jamie of what he has lost.
A few months have passed before the next scene, when a heavily pregnant Geneva, now Lady Ellesmere, returns to Helwater. Jamie and the other grooms have come to attend to the coach and Geneva, with her hand on her belly, looks backwards over her shoulder at Jamie, as she hurries inside with her sister. The glance is enough: an unsettled Jamie suspects that he is the true father of the baby Geneva carries.
Back in the 20th century again, Fiona Graham presents Claire with a gift: the pearls that Jamie had given to her on their wedding night. Claire had given them to Mrs Graham years before, she tells the younger woman and Fiona replies that her grandmother had also spoken of their special friendship and that while the pearls had been left to her, she knew that Mrs Graham would want Claire to have them back.
An emotional Claire is sincere in her thanks and Fiona leaves her to her thoughts. This is a complex scene to play: the pearls represented something Claire had lost and never thought to see again, much like the search for Jamie has awakened feelings of hope, when she had assumed for so many years that he was lost to her forever. But if the search is successful, it will bring another loss, by leaving Brianna behind. Indeed, as Claire enters the study, she is unable to share Brianna’s excitement at the recently discovered ship manifests in Edinburgh. Brianna asks if she is all right, calling her Mama, something which she hasn’t done for years. It is a further jolt for Claire - the two are getting closer: could she allow Brianna to be lost to her?
An emotional Claire is sincere in her thanks and Fiona leaves her to her thoughts. This is a complex scene to play: the pearls represented something Claire had lost and never thought to see again, much like the search for Jamie has awakened feelings of hope, when she had assumed for so many years that he was lost to her forever. But if the search is successful, it will bring another loss, by leaving Brianna behind. Indeed, as Claire enters the study, she is unable to share Brianna’s excitement at the recently discovered ship manifests in Edinburgh. Brianna asks if she is all right, calling her Mama, something which she hasn’t done for years. It is a further jolt for Claire - the two are getting closer: could she allow Brianna to be lost to her?
It is a question that Brianna has wondered as well. Sitting by the fire with Roger, she announces herself to be a terrible person. Ever since being told about Jamie, the wall between the two women has come down and now that they are getting closer to finding him, Brianna is afraid of her own loss, with Claire’s likely departure into the past, as well as being afraid for Claire and the dangers of making another trip through the stones.
Roger comments that this only makes Brianna a daughter who loves her mother, but that he must be a terrible person as well, given that he doesn’t want to find Jamie either if it means that Brianna will go back to Boston. Impulsively, Brianna kisses him, a move that they both deem “unexpected.”
Roger comments that this only makes Brianna a daughter who loves her mother, but that he must be a terrible person as well, given that he doesn’t want to find Jamie either if it means that Brianna will go back to Boston. Impulsively, Brianna kisses him, a move that they both deem “unexpected.”
Jamie is in his quarters when a distraught Lady Isobel knocks on the door. He must get the horses and prepare the carriage, she tells him. Geneva is about to give birth and all is not well. The mercy dash to Ellesmere ensues, with the family arriving in time for the birth. Jamie questions one of the servants as to how both mother and child are faring, to be told that Geneva is still bleeding but that the boy is fine and healthy. He allows himself a brief moment of carefully concealed joy.
It is shortlived, however. Later, he comes across a sobbing Isobel, who tells him that Geneva is dead. She had been sitting up holding the baby and laughing, but the bleeding had returned and they had been unable to stop it. Jamie moves forward to comfort her, but is slapped across the face. Isobel knows that he is the baby’s father, as Geneva had told her. Any further conversation is halted though, by the arrival of another servant announcing trouble and both Jamie and Isobel run for the house.
The Earl of Ellesmere is in a rage. He declares Geneva to be a whore, and since she has given him a bastard, he refuses to grieve for her. He is holding a sharp letter opener in one hand and the baby in the other. Lord Dunsany is incensed too, refusing to let his lost daughter’s reputation be sullied in this way. He draws a pistol and aims it at the Earl. Jamie intervenes, telling Geneva’s father he needs to give him the weapon, for the baby’s sake. After a moment, Lord Dunsany does so and Jamie advances towards the Earl.
Refusing the entreaties of Lady Dunsany and the threats of Lord Dunsany to give up the child, the Earl yells that he will kill the boy before he will allow that to happen. He moves the letter opener towards the baby’s throat and in one swift motion, Jamie shoots the Earl dead. Rushing over to the child which has landed on the floor along with the body of Ellesmere, Jamie picks up his son and is rewarded with a brief look, where the young boy’s eyes stare straight back at him. The depth of emotion that passes fleetingly over Jamie’s face is beautiful - Sam Heughan is a master of expressing so much without saying a word.
Refusing the entreaties of Lady Dunsany and the threats of Lord Dunsany to give up the child, the Earl yells that he will kill the boy before he will allow that to happen. He moves the letter opener towards the baby’s throat and in one swift motion, Jamie shoots the Earl dead. Rushing over to the child which has landed on the floor along with the body of Ellesmere, Jamie picks up his son and is rewarded with a brief look, where the young boy’s eyes stare straight back at him. The depth of emotion that passes fleetingly over Jamie’s face is beautiful - Sam Heughan is a master of expressing so much without saying a word.
Back at Helwater, Isobel is walking with the baby when she encounters Jamie on the estate. She tells him that they have named the child William, but that she calls him Willie. Of course, she cannot know that this was Jamie’s brother’s name and he doesn’t tell her, saying only that it is a fine name. Isobel apologises for her behaviour towards him, saying that she had been angry, looking for someone to blame. She admits that Geneva had been a difficult woman and that Jamie had been kind to her. She moves away as Lady Dunsany approaches, but it is enough time for Jamie to speak briefly to his son, telling the baby not to worry, because he is there.
After telling Jamie that the official ruling by the coroner is that a grieving Earl had met his end by misadventure and that the family is grateful to him, Lady Dunsany admits that she knows Jamie to be one of Major Grey’s Jacobite prisoners and that she is certain that Lord Dusany could arrange for Jamie to be pardoned so that he could return to Scotland. Jamie’s initial joy at this possibility is quickly tempered by a look at his sleeping son. As quickly as his freedom is given back, he chooses to lose it again. He tells Lady Dunsany that he would prefer to stay in service for now, as times are hard for his family and that the money he has been able to send them has been welcomed. Of course, we know the real reason for Jamie’s wanting to stay: he cannot yet add Willie to the things he has lost. He cannot bear to lose a third child. Lady Dunsany agrees to his request, but tells Jamie that when he is ready to leave, he only has to ask.
More years pass and in 1764, Jamie is leading young Willie around on a horse, watched by Lady Dunsany and a family friend. Lady Dunsany comments that Willie spends so much time in the company of their groom that he is beginning to look like him.
Jamie overhears and later, when Willie is helping him to wipe down the carriage, he catches sight of himself in the glass. He realises the similarity of expression between the two of them and realises that it is time to do what he has been avoiding: he must leave Helwater.
Jamie overhears and later, when Willie is helping him to wipe down the carriage, he catches sight of himself in the glass. He realises the similarity of expression between the two of them and realises that it is time to do what he has been avoiding: he must leave Helwater.
In Edinburgh, the much hoped for revelations of the ship manifests is not to be: the documents are from the 1600s, not the 1700s. There are no more records to be found and they have reached a dead end. When sitting in the hotel bar later, where a Robert Burns poem is being recited by a female entertainer, Brianna notices that everyone is staring at them and asks why. Claire explains that it is because the two women are not supposed to be sitting at the bar with the men. Roger suggests that they could move to the lounge, but Claire is angry: it’s 1968 she says, and she and Brianna have as much right to sit there as any man. Roger realises the true cause of her anger and vows that this is just a setback: there must be records somewhere and they can search every port of call on the Western Coast until they find what they need. Brianna agrees, emphasising that they will find Jamie. But Claire looks towards the entertainer, who has just recited the line, “Freedom and whisky gang thegither”, remarking how she used to quote that very line to Jamie. Brianna tells her that she will again: they are not giving up. But Claire is. She tells them of Mrs Graham’s warning - that she couldn’t spend her life chasing a ghost. Raising her glass, she makes an emotional toast - “To all of those we have lost” - and after swallowing the whisky as the Jamie and Claire theme plays briefly in the background, announces that it is time to go home.
The line is echoed in the next scene, as Jamie tells Willie, “It’s time for me to go home.” The little boy is confused, telling Jamie that Helwater is his home. When Jamie disagrees, Willie makes the same demand that his mother had made - that Jamie has to do what he says. Petulantly, he kicks over buckets when he is told ‘no’, ignoring Jamie’s demand that he stop. Jamie reacts angrily, smacking the boy’s behind. When Willie retorts that he hates him, Jamie says “And I’m not very fond of you either just now, ye wee bastard.” It is something that he immediately regrets and apologises for. Sad now, Willie asks if Jamie truly has to leave, throwing his arms around his father’s neck when Jamie nods. Jamie returns the hug with feeling, whispering words of Gaelic telling his son not to cry, because it will be all right. The camera focuses on Jamie’s face - which is another beautiful portrayal of grief and quiet desperation.
In the next scene, John Grey has come to make his own farewell. He tells Jamie that he is sorry to lose his chess partner, but that Jamie has come to the right decision. Willie has the same cock of the head and set to his shoulders, as well as the Fraser eyes, John says, adding that it wouldn’t be long before Willie noticed it himself. Jamie asks John to walk with him, so that he can ask a favour. He asks John to act as father to Willie, to look out for him and spend time with him. In return, Jamie offers what he knows John wants: his body.
This is a huge offer for him to make, given the horrors of Wentworth. But again, Jamie is prepared to lose his sense of self to protect those he loves: first Claire, now Willie. John is astounded and refuses, saying that while he will probably want Jamie until the day he dies and tempted as he is, he could never accept, adding that he would feel his honour insulted if he hadn’t understood the depth of feeling that prompted the offer. John then shares news of his own: he is to be married to the Lady Isobel. When Jamie expresses disbelief, John tells him that there is much more to marriage than carnal love and that he is genuinely fond of Isobel. Besides, he says, this will allow him to truly care for Willie as a father. Jamie expresses his gratitude, holding out his hand and tearfully placing his other hand over the top of John’s when he takes it. This is the opposite response to when John had touched Jamie’s hand in Ardsmuir and also a departure from the book, (where Jamie had given John a gentle kiss) but the effect is moving, nonetheless. The two are parting as equals and most importantly, as lifelong friends.
This is a huge offer for him to make, given the horrors of Wentworth. But again, Jamie is prepared to lose his sense of self to protect those he loves: first Claire, now Willie. John is astounded and refuses, saying that while he will probably want Jamie until the day he dies and tempted as he is, he could never accept, adding that he would feel his honour insulted if he hadn’t understood the depth of feeling that prompted the offer. John then shares news of his own: he is to be married to the Lady Isobel. When Jamie expresses disbelief, John tells him that there is much more to marriage than carnal love and that he is genuinely fond of Isobel. Besides, he says, this will allow him to truly care for Willie as a father. Jamie expresses his gratitude, holding out his hand and tearfully placing his other hand over the top of John’s when he takes it. This is the opposite response to when John had touched Jamie’s hand in Ardsmuir and also a departure from the book, (where Jamie had given John a gentle kiss) but the effect is moving, nonetheless. The two are parting as equals and most importantly, as lifelong friends.
That night, Willie comes to Jamie’s quarters saying that he wanted to see him and asking if he can stay. Jamie agrees and Willie watches as Jamie begins this preparations for prayer, lighting a candle and putting out the image of St Anthony. When Willie remarks that his grandmother says that only stinking Papists light candles over heathen images, Jamie tells his son that he is a stinking Papist. He explains why he lights the candle, adding that St Anthony is not a heathen image, but the patron saint of lost things, so Jamie prays for the people he has lost. Willie asks who those people are and Jamie answers honestly: his own brother, Willie, his sister, his godfather, his wife.
When Willie counters that Jamie doesn’t have a wife, he replies “Not anymore, but I remember her” and the Jamie and Claire theme begins again in the background. Jamie tells Willie that one day he will find a wife, or perhaps, his wife will find him. Again, Jamie is remembering Claire.
When Willie counters that Jamie doesn’t have a wife, he replies “Not anymore, but I remember her” and the Jamie and Claire theme begins again in the background. Jamie tells Willie that one day he will find a wife, or perhaps, his wife will find him. Again, Jamie is remembering Claire.
Willie announces his wish to be a stinking Papist too, so Jamie baptises him William James, telling the boy that it is his special Papist name, one that he himself has. He also gives Willie a carved snake with his name on it, to remember Jamie by. It is a carbon copy of Sawny: the snake that his own brother Willie had given him. When Willie says that he has nothing for Jamie, his father tells him not to worry, as he will always remember him.
The final moments of the episode feature simultaneous losses and farewells in two centuries, as a cover of “Hard Rain” plays in the background. The lyrics are poignant and fit both storylines. As Claire slowly takes down the research timeline in the Wakefield study, Jamie is making a heartbreaking farewell to Willie, Isobel and John. Isobel embraces him, whispering that she and John will take good care of his son. Jamie is barely holding his emotions in check as he mounts his horse.
Meanwhile, Brianna, suitcases in hand, is sadly looking around the house, pausing briefly in front of a display of Culloden portraits and St Andrew’s flag. As Jamie begins to ride away, Willie, with John in pursuit, runs after the horse, begging Jamie not to go. Alone, Roger sits in front of the fireplace, a wistful look on his face and the toy aeroplane of his childhood in his hands. The images changes to a real aeroplane taking off, as Brianna and Claire,each deep in thought, head back towards Boston.
Meanwhile, Brianna, suitcases in hand, is sadly looking around the house, pausing briefly in front of a display of Culloden portraits and St Andrew’s flag. As Jamie begins to ride away, Willie, with John in pursuit, runs after the horse, begging Jamie not to go. Alone, Roger sits in front of the fireplace, a wistful look on his face and the toy aeroplane of his childhood in his hands. The images changes to a real aeroplane taking off, as Brianna and Claire,each deep in thought, head back towards Boston.
But the final moments of the episode belong entirely to Sam Heughan. He conveys a man utterly bereft, fighting every instinct within him to turn around and return to his son (who is standing, fists clenched in the same way that his father does when worried about something). Willie is distraught, and as the lyrics “It’s hard” build to an emotional crescendo, the camera closes in on Jamie’s face. Just perhaps, this is the greatest loss of all.
A lot of ground is covered in this episode and each moment is beautifully portrayed. It is no mean feat to convey such depth of feeling in multiple characters across multiple centuries, but the Outlander team has done just that and done it brilliantly. The hard rain is indeed falling and we are desperate for some sunshine!
This recap was written by Susie Brown, a writer and teacher-librarian who lives in Australia. She remains in awe of Sam Heughan’s acting ability and knows she is echoing the thoughts of many when she says that she hopes some major awards are not too far away!
Episode 303 All Debts Paid
Inside look with show runner Ron Moore, with Toni Graphia and Matt Roberts
Episode 303
Review of episode 303 by Susie Brown
“A Promise made is a debt unpaid” - a recap of season 3 episode 3 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage Originals by Susie Brown
Everyone incurs debts throughout their lives. Whether it’s a financial debt in order to buy property, a car or that really big holiday; or the emotional debt we feel while owing someone something, these debts make an impact. Sometimes we consciously realise it, other times we don’t. But it’s the way that we deal with these ever present debts that can have an effect on what we do and how we live. Episode 3, brilliantly written by Matt B Roberts, explores this concept: what happens when debts span years, even centuries, and what happens once these debts are finally discharged?
Time has passed in Boston, with the episode beginning in 1956. Immediately we see the result of Claire and Frank focusing on parenting, rather than each other. Frank is cooking up a full English breakfast, in the hopes of quashing any further requests from Brianna for “eggo toaster waffles”. The two are friendly, seemingly at ease in each other’s company, as Claire praises his cooking and smiles at his musing about replacing Brianna’s Dr Seuss collection with Dickens. In a spur-of-the-moment show of friendly affection, Claire announces she has no class that evening and since she doesn’t think she can study any more, suggests that the two of them go to a movie. Frank is friendly enough in his response, saying that it sounds lovely, but adding that he has already seen both of the movies that Claire mentions. It takes a moment for this to sink in. Frank has not been making solo trips to the cinema and Claire realises that here is the consequence of their single beds and their focus on being parents rather than a romantic couple. Discretion not withstanding, Frank is no longer being faithful to her and it is news that rocks her. Any further conversation is halted however, by the arrival of Brianna at the breakfast table. The scene ends with all vestiges of companionship gone; Frank and Claire are uncomfortable in each other’s presence once more.
Time has passed in the 18th century too, although not as much. It is now 1755, three years since Jamie was taken from Lallybroch. He is now at Ardsmuir Prison, where the incoming Governor, Major John William Grey, is being given a tour by the outgoing one, Colonel Harry Quarry.
Quarry looks as relieved to be leaving as Grey looks discomforted to be arriving. Quarry outlines Grey’s duties and mentions the famous Frenchman’s Gold, adding that while he had given up on finding it after a few years, the fact remains that its discovery would be very well received by the Crown. The prisoners are not expected to give Grey any trouble, Quarry says, given that the Jacobite Highlanders have lost all their heart after Culloden. He draws Grey’s attention to Jamie, who, as the only Jacobite officer, is the only one still kept in chains. Guards are wary of him and he is seen by the other prisoners as their leader. They have dubbed him MacDubh, which Quarry assumes is a mark of respect. He suggests that Grey keep the tradition of dining with Jamie once a week, stating that Grey will need Jamie’s cooperation in order to deal with the rest of the prisoners. But Grey refuses this suggestion outright, saying that he has now intention of dining with the prisoner. Quarry doesn’t press the matter - indeed, he doesn’t care. Wishing Grey good luck, he is gone. Throughout the exchange, Jamie has watched the two Englishmen talking and makes eye contact with Grey one last time as the scene changes.
In the cells, one of the prisoners questions Jamie about the new Governor. It is interesting to watch Jamie in this scene. Although chained and in obvious discomfort, Jamie is more alive in the cells than we have seen so far this season. A natural leader of men, he is returning to this way of life, albeit as a prisoner rather than a free man. In his mind, these men are as much his responsibility as the highland army was. Similarly, the other prisoners defer to him; one handing him a cup as he passes and another seeking his approval, asking “Am I wrong, MacDubh?” and smiling when Jamie agrees with him. As Jamie sits, a familiar voice asks about the new Governor. The voice is husky and punctuated by coughing, but belongs unmistakably to Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser.
Jamie mentions that the Governor seems familiar somehow but he can’t yet place him, and the camera moves to confirm that it is indeed Murtagh sitting on the ground next to him. He is obviously unwell, coughing almost constantly and too weak to go into the yards with the others. Murtagh clutches a piece of tartan, which he puts away at Jamie’s reminder as to the punishment for being found with it. This action highlights the role reversal for the two characters: it is now Jamie looking out for Murtagh, trying to ensure his safety by advising him against an impetuous action that could bring him harm. The two discuss John Grey - a young man scarcely more than a child, who carries himself well - before Jamie notices that Murtagh has been bitten by rats. He begins to tell Murtagh of a herbal concoction that will help with the festering, saying that he learned the trick from “a lass who knew a fair deal about healing”. Murtagh knows exactly who “the lass” is and fixes his godson with a knowing look, but Jamie is still unable to say Claire’s name.
The appearance of Murtagh is a huge change from the books, as in Diana Gabaldon’s version, Jamie found his godfather moments from death on the battlefield. In the novels, it is Murtagh’s death that Jamie remembers the most vividly and it is a loss that weighs heavily on his mind as he tries to move ahead with his life. But the Murtagh of the tv series has been a much expanded character more integral to Jamie and Claire’s story, so it is not altogether surprising to see his resurrection. Book fans have already begun musing as to which character Murtagh will end up replacing as the plot moves forward, but only time will tell what the production team have in store. In the meantime, the #SaveMurtagh campaigners are no doubt doing a jubilant Highland Fling!
Grey wastes no time in organising a meeting with Jamie, who is brought to the Governor’s quarters. Putting on his best show of authority and showing a change of heart, Grey announces his wish to continue the understanding that Jamie had had with the former Governor. This show of command is somewhat undermined by the arrival of a rat that scurries across the floor, much to Grey’s disgust. He demands that a cat be brought up from the storerooms, before asking if there are rats in the cells too. When Jamie confirms that there are a great many, Grey extends his command to include the provision of cats to all the cells. Jamie and the other prisoner, McKay, exchange a look at this, with Jamie adding that he doubts the prisoners would thank Grey for the addition of a cat that would take all their rats. Naively, Grey says, “Surely the prisoners don’t eat them” and is horrified at Jamie’s response, “Only when they’re luckily enough to catch one.” Any show of authority is gone at this point. Grey looks unnerved as Jamie shuffles towards him. “God knows what you did to be sent here,” Jamie says, “but for your own sake, I hope you deserved it.” It is a hint towards a possible debt of his own that Grey is being forced to pay and could also be seen as Jamie’s recognition of Grey as the foolish young boy at Corrieyairack. At any rate, Jamie is roughly removed by the redcoat guards and Grey slumps back into his chair with a sigh. The first meeting is over.
Back in Boston, another two years have gone by. It is now 1958 and a graduation celebration is in full swing at the Randall’s. Dr Joe Abernathy and Dr Claire Randall are smiling for the camera, which is being operated by Brianna, who then requests a photo of Frank and Claire together - “Just you and Mommy now”. With stiff smiles and awkward stance, the photo is taken, before Frank starts reminding Claire of her dinner reservations. Claire is unconcerned, as there is more than an hour before they are expected at the restaurant.
Brianna asks Frank if he is going too, pouting when he tells her that he has to work and stating that if he isn’t going, neither is she. Frank reassures his “angel”, telling her that she will have a lovely time. It is obvious that there is a close bond between Frank and Bree, just as he had alway wanted. Again, he queries the restaurant time with Claire, saying that he thought the reservation was for 6pm. But Claire is being the perfect hostess and handing around drinks - obviously the hostility shown towards her by her male colleagues at the start of her studies has abated somewhat, or perhaps it is just that she is now performing a more “traditional” role - and cheerily says that Frank is not to worry, as they will all be out of his hair soon enough. Joe and Claire are sharing a joke and a martini when the doorbell rings and Claire goes to answer it. The young woman on the doorstep is horrified to see her, and amidst her stammers of apology and gazes towards Frank, who, has come into the hallway with Brianna, Claire realises what is going on. She sweeps back down the hall, with a biting “Your work, I presume?” grabs Brianna’s hand and quickly mobilises the guests, suggesting that they all go to the restaurant early. Meanwhile, Frank’s guest has entered the house and endures a somewhat reversed “walk of shame”, as everyone files past her with curious looks. The discretion of 1956 has come unstuck.
In the next meeting between John Grey and Jamie Fraser, Grey attempts to make a bargain. A man named Duncan Kerr has been found wandering the moors, babbling in a mixture of Gaelic and French about the Frenchman’s Gold - which Grey describes only as “a matter of great interest to the crown.”
He wishes Jamie to translate what the man says, a request that Jamie initially refuses, stating that he is a prisoner, not an interpreter. But Grey is not a fool, despite his inexperience, and makes Jamie an offer that is impossible to refuse: if Jamie will help, his irons will be removed. As Jamie rubs his chafed wrists, the two men swap conditions: Grey wants Jamie to relay Kerr’s words to him exactly and exclusively, while Jamie wants Grey to organise medicine and blankets for the ill men. Grey deems this request to be ambitious, stating that they don’t have enough supplies to bring this about and Jamie immediately declares the conversation over, prepared to have the irons reapplied if necessary. When Grey says in exasperation that he would honour the request if he could, Jamie tries again: he will act as translator if Grey will arrange for the treatment of one man - Murtagh - who, Jamie says, has been struggling to survive at the prison since Culloden. (It remains to be seen whether we will ever be told how Murtagh ended up at Ardsmuir.) Grey promises to see what they have in store and Jamie tells him that they have a bargain. The two men share the ghost of a smile. It is a start.
Yet as one relationship is beginning in the 18th century, another is breaking in the 20th. Claire is waiting up for a drunken Frank, and wastes no time in attacking him when he arrives, expressing disgust that he should invite his girlfriend to the house. Frank tries to explain that since Claire was taking the car, he had no choice - he was only being collected. Claire is not appeased, saying that Frank has humiliated her on her graduation night, in front of her new colleagues. But Frank has had enough. He tells Claire that she is not the actress she thinks: no one at Harvard believes them to be happily married. Angrily, he defends his girlfriend, Sandy, from Claire’s definition of her as a “blonde harlot”. Perhaps he had wanted to hurt Claire, he admits, to give her a taste of her own medicine. But when Claire asks if he has slept with Sandy in their bedroom, the desolation on Frank’s face is clear. “I think our bedroom is far too crowded already,” he says. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Claire’s eyes fill with tears. She can’t deny the truth of his words, but still stares angrily back at him for a moment, before suggesting that Frank take his freedom by filing for divorce. Fear crosses Frank’s face for a moment and we see his vulnerability again, but for a different reason. He is no longer worried about the loss of Claire. Instead, he speaks with increasing emotion of the divorce of their neighbours, Jerry and Millie and how Jerry has since been denied access to his children. Frank is terrified of losing Brianna and has not sought his freedom for that reason only. Claire assures him that she wouldn’t keep Brianna from him, but Frank states he will not risk everything on Claire’s promises, as she hasn’t been very good at keeping them. Both are exhausted and the scene ends with them sitting unhappily next to one another on the couch. There is a reason, Frank muses, with an ironic “my darling”, that the two of them are bad at games of charades. Regardless of their acting skills, they simply do not connect with each other any more. This entire scene is beautifully portrayed by Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies, who run the emotional gamut of anger, pain, guilt, fear, regret and sorrow in just a few moments. It is powerful, compelling stuff and desperately sad.
A delirious Duncan Kerr is talking to Jamie, as John Grey waits impatiently outside. After telling Duncan that everything he says will be relayed to the English, Jamie tries to make sense of the man’s words. The gold is cursed, Duncan tells him, but unnerves Jamie with rambling thoughts that include the names of members of his family. But it is the mention of the Ban Druidh, the White Witch, that has Jamie desperately asking for more information. Duncan says only that “she will come for you” before he dies, and it is obvious that Jamie’s mind is racing with thoughts of Claire. Has she come back? Grey interrogates Jamie: what did Kerr say? He quickly becomes irritated with Jamie’s reply that the man had raved of white witches and selkies, saying that he believes Jamie to be holding back information. Jamie replies that he keeps his bargains, refusing to be intimidated when Grey threatens to force him to talk. “There’s nothing you can do that hasn’t already been done to me,” Jamie replies. “So try if you must.” This is an interesting dance between the two men. Grey stalks away, saying that they will speak again. Alone, Jamie looks back at the body of Duncan Kerr, deep in thought.
It is Brianna’s 16th birthday and Claire and Frank are singing to her. As Brianna blows out the candles on her cake and states she knows what she is wishing for, Claire advises not to waste her wish on a car, as she won’t get that. Underscoring the fact that the two no longer present a united parental front, Frank says, “Oh wish away, you never know”. Claire looks at him in irritation, as Brianna grins at him adoringly.
The scene shifts from birthday cake to thistle tea, which Murtagh is drinking under protest, stating that it is even worse than Jamie’s last concoction. He asks what had happened with Duncan Kerr and Jamie relays the confusing encounter. When he mentions the White Witch, Murtagh grips Jamie’s arm in realisation. He is the only other one who knows of the symbolism of this name and starts to ask Jamie if he thinks it is possible that if it is linked to Claire’s reappearance. He laments the fact that they don’t know what happened after Jamie sent Claire back through the stones and Jamie replies that wishing won’t bring her back. When Murtagh says that he still thinks of Claire and the child, Jamie tells his godfather not to do so, as it will only bring pain and suffering. Murtagh asks, “Can I at least pray them sound?” Interestingly, this is the closest expression to the prayer that Jamie utters repeatedly in the books, “Lord, that she may be safe. She and the child.” Jamie agrees that Murtagh can indeed do that, as he is once again called to the Governor’s quarters.
John Grey has changed his approach. This time, Jamie is met with a table set for two, and an invitation from Grey to join him for dinner. Jamie is immediately suspicious, telling the Governor to return him to the cells if he has plans of loosening Jamie’s tongue. But Grey reassures him that he only wishes to forge a connection that will be suited to them both. The arrival of the delicious smelling food soon wins out and Jamie agrees to dine. He doesn’t do so without a condition though: asking Grey to give the men permission to hunt for themselves. Grey is incredulous - why should the men be given weapons and be allowed to wander the moor? But Jamie explains that the men only wish to set traps whilst doing their usual work and to be allowed to keep the meat that they catch. Jamie adds that they can also collect watercress to eat, in order to prevent scurvy. When Grey asks where Jamie got that notion from, a shadow crosses Jamie’s face as he answers “my wife”, before adding “she’s gone.” Grey nods, promises to take Jamie’s request under advisement and then asks if they can begin their meal, announcing it to be pheasant in a wine sauce. It only takes one mouthful before we see the first unguarded smile for the season appear on Jamie’s face - he is relishing the meal. He mentions the name of the French wine sauce, catching Grey off guard. The Governor admits that he is not sure and his uncertainty is as endearing as it is indicative of the beginnings of a friendship. Grey is no longer determined to maintain the upper hand of the “man in charge”. The two men are beginning to interact with a measure of trust between them.
Afterwards, Jamie is telling the other prisoners everything about the meal. He describes what was on the menu, while one of the men asks him to slow down, so that he can savour every morsel. Murtagh is leaning against Jamie, his eyes closed, coughing often. It is clear that he is becoming weaker.
The next time the men are at work on the moors, we discover that Grey did indeed agree to allow the men to hunt. While two of his companions race off to check the snares accompanied by an officer, Jamie uses the distraction to break from the group. He dives out of sight and is hidden by clumps of heather that the other men place on top of him. This has obviously been planned amongst them and goes like clockwork.
Jamie’s destination is revealed at the start of the next scene, when Grey and one of the other officers are looking at a small island. Patrols had seen Jamie swimming towards it, Grey is told, and he orders the search to continue. The other officer is sceptical - 3 days have passed and there has been no sign. But Grey is insistent - and annoyed! The men are to remain at their current post until nightfall, before returning to the moor.
The following scene is a clever reversal of season 2, when a young William Grey attempted to capture Jamie whilst Jamie was relieving himself. This time it is Grey who is set upon by Jamie, who is much more successful than the teenage Grey had been. In one move, Grey is both silenced and disarmed, as Jamie tells him that is how it is done, giving Grey his full title of 2nd son of Viscount Melton and recounting the events at Corrieyairack several years earlier.
Each man asks the other why he hasn’t spoken of it earlier. Jamie answers that he had been waiting for the proper time; Grey because of his shame at his own foolishness. Grey adds that this foolishness had resulted in the sparing of Jamie’s life at Culloden. Jamie agrees, confirming that Grey’s brother had been an honourable gentleman. When Grey says that the family debt incurred by him had been discharged, Jamie replies, “But not your promise.” The young Grey had vowed to kill Jamie once the debt was paid and to Grey’s great surprise, Jamie throws down the sword, kneels before Grey and bares his throat. But Grey is as honourable a man as his elder brother was before him. After a brief moment where he holds the sword to Jamie’s throat, he hisses, “I am not a murderer of unarmed prisoners.” He sheaths the sword and stalks off, leaving an emotional Jamie to gather himself.
Moments later, Jamie explains why he had escaped from the group. Kerr’s revelations about the gold, which Jamie had relayed faithfully as requested, had also had personal meaning. He tells Grey about the connection between the Gaelic name of the white witch and his wife, correcting the Englishman when he says that Jamie’s wife is dead. “I said she was gone,” he replies. Jamie explains that he had needed to see if Claire had returned, but had found nothing on the island to do with her. “She is truly gone,” he says and a sympathetic look crosses Grey’s face.
He asks Jamie about the gold and Jamie replies that King Louis had not sent gold to the Stuart cause, saying that he found only a box and one stone, which he hands to Grey, as proof, along with his word, that the story is true. He had taken the sapphire, he says, because he though it might be useful should he ever be freed.
It is now 1966 in Boston and Brianna is graduating in front of a proud Frank and Claire. Frank calls out, “That’s my girl!” while Claire mouths, “I’m so proud of you!” when Brianna turns around. It is telling that each use “I” rather than “We.” The smiles are all for Brianna. Claire doesn’t look at Frank at all and he only glances briefly at her. Although still maintaining a semblance of unity for their daughter, it is purely for show.
The prison door is unlocked and a doctor is brought in. When Jamie queries what is happening, he is told that the Governor has ordered the doctor be brought to treat Jamie’s kinsman. The doctor moves over to Murtagh, who lies nearby, eyes closed.
The treatment is obviously successful. In the next scene, Grey and Jamie are playing chess and Grey remarks at the improvement in Murtagh’s health over the past three months. The two men are relaxed in each other’s company now, Jamie even calling Grey a “cunning wee bastard” when he is beaten in the chess game. Grey is pleased to win; telling Jamie that his elder brother had taught him the move. At the mention of Lord Melton, Jamie opens up a little more, telling Grey of how he had wished to be shot after Culloden and how he wasn’t grateful at the time to have his life spared instead. Grey asks why Jamie felt he had reason to want to be shot, hastening to add that he asks not out of impertinence, but curiosity, as he had once felt similarly. The conversation that follows shows the extent to which the two men now trust each other. Grey speaks of a “particular friend” who had died at Culloden, one who had inspired him and who he had discovered dying on the battlefield, only to have Hal drag him away out of embarrassment at his younger brother’s depth of feeling.
The implication is clear: Grey had been in love with his fellow soldier and the grief on his face is obvious. He remarks that Hal had told him that he would come to terms with it in time, adding that while his brother is often right, he had not been on this occasion. “Some people,” says Grey, with a look over at Jamie, “you grieve over forever.” He asks Jamie if he finds life to be burdensome. Jamie answers that the greatest burden lies in caring for those he cannot help, not in having no one for whom to care. Grey smiles in understanding. There is emptiness, Jamie continues, but no great burden.
The conversation then turns to Claire, with Grey saying, “Your wife. She was a healer, you said?” Jamie smiles and agrees, before finally saying her name. “Claire. Her name was Claire.” This is a huge moment. It is the first time he has uttered her name since sending her back through the stones before Culloden and we see the relief and emotion on his face.
Jamie then reveals to Grey the final piece of the puzzle that the Englishman had not deciphered: that the woman he had defended as a teenager at Carrieyairack was none other than Claire herself. Grey chuckles at his own immaturity, having been duped by Jamie all those years before. But Jamie praises Grey’s earlier courage, saying that he had been impressed by the young man’s willingness to risk his own life for a woman’s honour and that it was an action he had thought of in the time since he had lost Claire. They share a look of mutual admiration.
But then, the mood changes. After telling Jamie he is sorry for his loss, Grey puts his hand over Jamie’s and strokes it gently. The look he gives him now is no longer sympathetic, but charged with something more. Jamie freezes. In one moment, he has been catapulted back to his assault at Wentworth by Black Jack Randall and the look that he gives Grey as a result is chilling. “Take your hand off me,” his whispers, “or I will kill you.” Shocked, Grey does just that and Jamie returns to the cells, leaving a shaken, tearful and remorseful Grey alone. This move seems to have undone the friendship that had been developing between the two men. The endgame has moved from the chess board to real life.
In Boston, Frank finally plays his own endgame. Brianna is now 18 and Frank announces his wish to take her with him to England. At first, Claire thinks this is for a holiday, but is shocked to discover that Frank means to move back to England for good. Again, she misunderstands, thinking that the invitation includes her and saying that she can’t leave the hospital or her patients. But Frank delivers the final blow: he wants a divorce and he wants Brianna, adding that although Brianna doesn’t yet know about the plan he thinks she’ll come. With a thinly veiled accusation that Claire has been a bad mother, he remarks that between med school and the hospital, she has barely been around, adding that there are wonderful universities in England, where he could probably influence Brianna’s acceptance for study. He tells Claire that he plans to marry his girlfriend, Sandy, as soon as he is free. Suddenly, Claire realises. He hadn’t wanted a divorce when Brianna was younger, as he would likely have not been given custody or access to her. Now that Brianna is 18 and can make her own decisions, he wants to start a new life. Claire is incensed. “You’ve been waiting for the clock to run out” she accuses. We see the utter exhaustion in Frank’s face as he tells her that he is done with it. But Claire responds with fury. She will give him a divorce on any grounds he wishes, except for adultery, which doesn’t exist, adding that if he tries to take Brianna away from her she will have a thing or two to say about his own adultery. It is worth mentioning that Frank could argue that while Claire has not been physically unfaithful since her return, the same could not be said for her emotional fidelity. But he doesn’t, saying only that the situation is not about the two of them anymore. Brianna is a grown woman with her own life, who can make her own decisions. Frank wants the chance to live the rest of his life with a wife who truly loves him, adding that Claire could never look at Brianna without seeing Jamie.
It is then that he asks the final question: without that constant reminder, could she have ever forgotten Jamie? Her eyes full of tears, Claire whispers, “That amount of time doesn’t exist.” It is the last nail in the coffin of their marriage. Defeated, Frank collects his keys and leaves the house, as the phone starts to ring. Composing herself, Claire answers. It is the hospital and Dr Randall prepares to return for surgery.
The men of Ardmuir Prison are lined up in rows, like somewhat bedraggled soldiers. Amidst scraps of shouted conversation like “Set sail at night fall”, Jamie is suddenly pulled out of line and away from Murtagh who is standing behind him.
When he asks what is happening, Jamie is told that the prison is closing and that the prisoners are being removed to the colonies. But a manacle is being attached to Jamie’s wrist, which in turn is attached to a rope linked to Major Grey’s horse. Jamie demands to know where he is being taken, but no answer is given. As the snow falls, Jamie can only look back in despair as he is led away from Murtagh and the others.
It is three more days before Jamie learns the reason for the separation. The other prisoners will serve out terms of 14 years before being given their freedom. But as a convicted traitor, Jamie has been imprisoned at the pleasure of the King, whose approval is required before his sentence can be commuted. That approval has not been forthcoming and since Grey cannot give Jamie his freedom, he intends to do the next best thing. Jamie is to go to an estate called Helwater, to be in the service of Lord Dunsany, with Grey to visit every quarter to check on his welfare.
Grey also suggests that Jamie change his name, as his new employer was not remotely sympathetic to the Jacobite cause. Free of the manacles once more, Jamie asks why Grey is doing this for him, particularly when he didn’t allow Grey to act on his earlier affections. Grey expresses regret at his actions, commenting that both men had shared the loss of someone close. Jamie had given him his life years ago and now he is returning the favour, not in order to discharge the debt on his family’s name, but on his own. With a deep sigh, he says, “Now Mr Fraser. Let’s be on our way.” Jamie turns, looks down on what is to become his next prison and follows behind.
Claire is out of surgery and has just finished consoling a worried husband, when she sees Joe coming towards her.
She knows that something is wrong by the look on her friend’s face, news that is confirmed when Joe utters the words, “It’s Frank. There’s been a car accident.” After the implication sinks in, she runs down the corridor until she reaches the room where Frank’s body lies. With genuine sorrow, she kisses Frank’s chest and strokes his cheek, before whispering, “If you’re still close enough to hear me, I did love you very much. You were my first love.” A single tear falls onto Frank’s face as she kisses him one last time and it is the final tragedy that this was not something she had told him in life. Yet with his death, the final debt has been repaid. Claire had promised Frank that as long as he drew breath on the Earth, she would not speak of Jamie, or search for information of what had happened to him. She is now free to do both.
This was a powerful episode, cleverly written to highlight the effect and consequences of real or perceived debts upon people’s lives. Debts of honour saved the lives of both Jamie and Major John Grey and allowed them to form a relationship that, while not yet one of friendship, is certainly one of respect. How different would things have been had either they, nor Lord Melton, not been honourable men. The debt of a promise made on her return to the 20th century led to years of unhappiness for both Claire and Frank, even though the emptiness of this life led Claire to the medical career that would prove so important and also allowed Frank to forge a strong relationship with Brianna. As the episode ends, both Claire and Jamie are about to embark on new challenges - and whether these bring more debts to be paid remains to be seen.
This episode recap was written by Susie Brown, a writer and teacher-librarian who lives in Australia. She is very proud to claim David Berry as a fellow countryman, as she thinks he is already doing a fabulous job as Lord John!
Everyone incurs debts throughout their lives. Whether it’s a financial debt in order to buy property, a car or that really big holiday; or the emotional debt we feel while owing someone something, these debts make an impact. Sometimes we consciously realise it, other times we don’t. But it’s the way that we deal with these ever present debts that can have an effect on what we do and how we live. Episode 3, brilliantly written by Matt B Roberts, explores this concept: what happens when debts span years, even centuries, and what happens once these debts are finally discharged?
Time has passed in Boston, with the episode beginning in 1956. Immediately we see the result of Claire and Frank focusing on parenting, rather than each other. Frank is cooking up a full English breakfast, in the hopes of quashing any further requests from Brianna for “eggo toaster waffles”. The two are friendly, seemingly at ease in each other’s company, as Claire praises his cooking and smiles at his musing about replacing Brianna’s Dr Seuss collection with Dickens. In a spur-of-the-moment show of friendly affection, Claire announces she has no class that evening and since she doesn’t think she can study any more, suggests that the two of them go to a movie. Frank is friendly enough in his response, saying that it sounds lovely, but adding that he has already seen both of the movies that Claire mentions. It takes a moment for this to sink in. Frank has not been making solo trips to the cinema and Claire realises that here is the consequence of their single beds and their focus on being parents rather than a romantic couple. Discretion not withstanding, Frank is no longer being faithful to her and it is news that rocks her. Any further conversation is halted however, by the arrival of Brianna at the breakfast table. The scene ends with all vestiges of companionship gone; Frank and Claire are uncomfortable in each other’s presence once more.
Time has passed in the 18th century too, although not as much. It is now 1755, three years since Jamie was taken from Lallybroch. He is now at Ardsmuir Prison, where the incoming Governor, Major John William Grey, is being given a tour by the outgoing one, Colonel Harry Quarry.
Quarry looks as relieved to be leaving as Grey looks discomforted to be arriving. Quarry outlines Grey’s duties and mentions the famous Frenchman’s Gold, adding that while he had given up on finding it after a few years, the fact remains that its discovery would be very well received by the Crown. The prisoners are not expected to give Grey any trouble, Quarry says, given that the Jacobite Highlanders have lost all their heart after Culloden. He draws Grey’s attention to Jamie, who, as the only Jacobite officer, is the only one still kept in chains. Guards are wary of him and he is seen by the other prisoners as their leader. They have dubbed him MacDubh, which Quarry assumes is a mark of respect. He suggests that Grey keep the tradition of dining with Jamie once a week, stating that Grey will need Jamie’s cooperation in order to deal with the rest of the prisoners. But Grey refuses this suggestion outright, saying that he has now intention of dining with the prisoner. Quarry doesn’t press the matter - indeed, he doesn’t care. Wishing Grey good luck, he is gone. Throughout the exchange, Jamie has watched the two Englishmen talking and makes eye contact with Grey one last time as the scene changes.
In the cells, one of the prisoners questions Jamie about the new Governor. It is interesting to watch Jamie in this scene. Although chained and in obvious discomfort, Jamie is more alive in the cells than we have seen so far this season. A natural leader of men, he is returning to this way of life, albeit as a prisoner rather than a free man. In his mind, these men are as much his responsibility as the highland army was. Similarly, the other prisoners defer to him; one handing him a cup as he passes and another seeking his approval, asking “Am I wrong, MacDubh?” and smiling when Jamie agrees with him. As Jamie sits, a familiar voice asks about the new Governor. The voice is husky and punctuated by coughing, but belongs unmistakably to Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser.
Jamie mentions that the Governor seems familiar somehow but he can’t yet place him, and the camera moves to confirm that it is indeed Murtagh sitting on the ground next to him. He is obviously unwell, coughing almost constantly and too weak to go into the yards with the others. Murtagh clutches a piece of tartan, which he puts away at Jamie’s reminder as to the punishment for being found with it. This action highlights the role reversal for the two characters: it is now Jamie looking out for Murtagh, trying to ensure his safety by advising him against an impetuous action that could bring him harm. The two discuss John Grey - a young man scarcely more than a child, who carries himself well - before Jamie notices that Murtagh has been bitten by rats. He begins to tell Murtagh of a herbal concoction that will help with the festering, saying that he learned the trick from “a lass who knew a fair deal about healing”. Murtagh knows exactly who “the lass” is and fixes his godson with a knowing look, but Jamie is still unable to say Claire’s name.
The appearance of Murtagh is a huge change from the books, as in Diana Gabaldon’s version, Jamie found his godfather moments from death on the battlefield. In the novels, it is Murtagh’s death that Jamie remembers the most vividly and it is a loss that weighs heavily on his mind as he tries to move ahead with his life. But the Murtagh of the tv series has been a much expanded character more integral to Jamie and Claire’s story, so it is not altogether surprising to see his resurrection. Book fans have already begun musing as to which character Murtagh will end up replacing as the plot moves forward, but only time will tell what the production team have in store. In the meantime, the #SaveMurtagh campaigners are no doubt doing a jubilant Highland Fling!
Grey wastes no time in organising a meeting with Jamie, who is brought to the Governor’s quarters. Putting on his best show of authority and showing a change of heart, Grey announces his wish to continue the understanding that Jamie had had with the former Governor. This show of command is somewhat undermined by the arrival of a rat that scurries across the floor, much to Grey’s disgust. He demands that a cat be brought up from the storerooms, before asking if there are rats in the cells too. When Jamie confirms that there are a great many, Grey extends his command to include the provision of cats to all the cells. Jamie and the other prisoner, McKay, exchange a look at this, with Jamie adding that he doubts the prisoners would thank Grey for the addition of a cat that would take all their rats. Naively, Grey says, “Surely the prisoners don’t eat them” and is horrified at Jamie’s response, “Only when they’re luckily enough to catch one.” Any show of authority is gone at this point. Grey looks unnerved as Jamie shuffles towards him. “God knows what you did to be sent here,” Jamie says, “but for your own sake, I hope you deserved it.” It is a hint towards a possible debt of his own that Grey is being forced to pay and could also be seen as Jamie’s recognition of Grey as the foolish young boy at Corrieyairack. At any rate, Jamie is roughly removed by the redcoat guards and Grey slumps back into his chair with a sigh. The first meeting is over.
Back in Boston, another two years have gone by. It is now 1958 and a graduation celebration is in full swing at the Randall’s. Dr Joe Abernathy and Dr Claire Randall are smiling for the camera, which is being operated by Brianna, who then requests a photo of Frank and Claire together - “Just you and Mommy now”. With stiff smiles and awkward stance, the photo is taken, before Frank starts reminding Claire of her dinner reservations. Claire is unconcerned, as there is more than an hour before they are expected at the restaurant.
Brianna asks Frank if he is going too, pouting when he tells her that he has to work and stating that if he isn’t going, neither is she. Frank reassures his “angel”, telling her that she will have a lovely time. It is obvious that there is a close bond between Frank and Bree, just as he had alway wanted. Again, he queries the restaurant time with Claire, saying that he thought the reservation was for 6pm. But Claire is being the perfect hostess and handing around drinks - obviously the hostility shown towards her by her male colleagues at the start of her studies has abated somewhat, or perhaps it is just that she is now performing a more “traditional” role - and cheerily says that Frank is not to worry, as they will all be out of his hair soon enough. Joe and Claire are sharing a joke and a martini when the doorbell rings and Claire goes to answer it. The young woman on the doorstep is horrified to see her, and amidst her stammers of apology and gazes towards Frank, who, has come into the hallway with Brianna, Claire realises what is going on. She sweeps back down the hall, with a biting “Your work, I presume?” grabs Brianna’s hand and quickly mobilises the guests, suggesting that they all go to the restaurant early. Meanwhile, Frank’s guest has entered the house and endures a somewhat reversed “walk of shame”, as everyone files past her with curious looks. The discretion of 1956 has come unstuck.
In the next meeting between John Grey and Jamie Fraser, Grey attempts to make a bargain. A man named Duncan Kerr has been found wandering the moors, babbling in a mixture of Gaelic and French about the Frenchman’s Gold - which Grey describes only as “a matter of great interest to the crown.”
He wishes Jamie to translate what the man says, a request that Jamie initially refuses, stating that he is a prisoner, not an interpreter. But Grey is not a fool, despite his inexperience, and makes Jamie an offer that is impossible to refuse: if Jamie will help, his irons will be removed. As Jamie rubs his chafed wrists, the two men swap conditions: Grey wants Jamie to relay Kerr’s words to him exactly and exclusively, while Jamie wants Grey to organise medicine and blankets for the ill men. Grey deems this request to be ambitious, stating that they don’t have enough supplies to bring this about and Jamie immediately declares the conversation over, prepared to have the irons reapplied if necessary. When Grey says in exasperation that he would honour the request if he could, Jamie tries again: he will act as translator if Grey will arrange for the treatment of one man - Murtagh - who, Jamie says, has been struggling to survive at the prison since Culloden. (It remains to be seen whether we will ever be told how Murtagh ended up at Ardsmuir.) Grey promises to see what they have in store and Jamie tells him that they have a bargain. The two men share the ghost of a smile. It is a start.
Yet as one relationship is beginning in the 18th century, another is breaking in the 20th. Claire is waiting up for a drunken Frank, and wastes no time in attacking him when he arrives, expressing disgust that he should invite his girlfriend to the house. Frank tries to explain that since Claire was taking the car, he had no choice - he was only being collected. Claire is not appeased, saying that Frank has humiliated her on her graduation night, in front of her new colleagues. But Frank has had enough. He tells Claire that she is not the actress she thinks: no one at Harvard believes them to be happily married. Angrily, he defends his girlfriend, Sandy, from Claire’s definition of her as a “blonde harlot”. Perhaps he had wanted to hurt Claire, he admits, to give her a taste of her own medicine. But when Claire asks if he has slept with Sandy in their bedroom, the desolation on Frank’s face is clear. “I think our bedroom is far too crowded already,” he says. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
Claire’s eyes fill with tears. She can’t deny the truth of his words, but still stares angrily back at him for a moment, before suggesting that Frank take his freedom by filing for divorce. Fear crosses Frank’s face for a moment and we see his vulnerability again, but for a different reason. He is no longer worried about the loss of Claire. Instead, he speaks with increasing emotion of the divorce of their neighbours, Jerry and Millie and how Jerry has since been denied access to his children. Frank is terrified of losing Brianna and has not sought his freedom for that reason only. Claire assures him that she wouldn’t keep Brianna from him, but Frank states he will not risk everything on Claire’s promises, as she hasn’t been very good at keeping them. Both are exhausted and the scene ends with them sitting unhappily next to one another on the couch. There is a reason, Frank muses, with an ironic “my darling”, that the two of them are bad at games of charades. Regardless of their acting skills, they simply do not connect with each other any more. This entire scene is beautifully portrayed by Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies, who run the emotional gamut of anger, pain, guilt, fear, regret and sorrow in just a few moments. It is powerful, compelling stuff and desperately sad.
A delirious Duncan Kerr is talking to Jamie, as John Grey waits impatiently outside. After telling Duncan that everything he says will be relayed to the English, Jamie tries to make sense of the man’s words. The gold is cursed, Duncan tells him, but unnerves Jamie with rambling thoughts that include the names of members of his family. But it is the mention of the Ban Druidh, the White Witch, that has Jamie desperately asking for more information. Duncan says only that “she will come for you” before he dies, and it is obvious that Jamie’s mind is racing with thoughts of Claire. Has she come back? Grey interrogates Jamie: what did Kerr say? He quickly becomes irritated with Jamie’s reply that the man had raved of white witches and selkies, saying that he believes Jamie to be holding back information. Jamie replies that he keeps his bargains, refusing to be intimidated when Grey threatens to force him to talk. “There’s nothing you can do that hasn’t already been done to me,” Jamie replies. “So try if you must.” This is an interesting dance between the two men. Grey stalks away, saying that they will speak again. Alone, Jamie looks back at the body of Duncan Kerr, deep in thought.
It is Brianna’s 16th birthday and Claire and Frank are singing to her. As Brianna blows out the candles on her cake and states she knows what she is wishing for, Claire advises not to waste her wish on a car, as she won’t get that. Underscoring the fact that the two no longer present a united parental front, Frank says, “Oh wish away, you never know”. Claire looks at him in irritation, as Brianna grins at him adoringly.
The scene shifts from birthday cake to thistle tea, which Murtagh is drinking under protest, stating that it is even worse than Jamie’s last concoction. He asks what had happened with Duncan Kerr and Jamie relays the confusing encounter. When he mentions the White Witch, Murtagh grips Jamie’s arm in realisation. He is the only other one who knows of the symbolism of this name and starts to ask Jamie if he thinks it is possible that if it is linked to Claire’s reappearance. He laments the fact that they don’t know what happened after Jamie sent Claire back through the stones and Jamie replies that wishing won’t bring her back. When Murtagh says that he still thinks of Claire and the child, Jamie tells his godfather not to do so, as it will only bring pain and suffering. Murtagh asks, “Can I at least pray them sound?” Interestingly, this is the closest expression to the prayer that Jamie utters repeatedly in the books, “Lord, that she may be safe. She and the child.” Jamie agrees that Murtagh can indeed do that, as he is once again called to the Governor’s quarters.
John Grey has changed his approach. This time, Jamie is met with a table set for two, and an invitation from Grey to join him for dinner. Jamie is immediately suspicious, telling the Governor to return him to the cells if he has plans of loosening Jamie’s tongue. But Grey reassures him that he only wishes to forge a connection that will be suited to them both. The arrival of the delicious smelling food soon wins out and Jamie agrees to dine. He doesn’t do so without a condition though: asking Grey to give the men permission to hunt for themselves. Grey is incredulous - why should the men be given weapons and be allowed to wander the moor? But Jamie explains that the men only wish to set traps whilst doing their usual work and to be allowed to keep the meat that they catch. Jamie adds that they can also collect watercress to eat, in order to prevent scurvy. When Grey asks where Jamie got that notion from, a shadow crosses Jamie’s face as he answers “my wife”, before adding “she’s gone.” Grey nods, promises to take Jamie’s request under advisement and then asks if they can begin their meal, announcing it to be pheasant in a wine sauce. It only takes one mouthful before we see the first unguarded smile for the season appear on Jamie’s face - he is relishing the meal. He mentions the name of the French wine sauce, catching Grey off guard. The Governor admits that he is not sure and his uncertainty is as endearing as it is indicative of the beginnings of a friendship. Grey is no longer determined to maintain the upper hand of the “man in charge”. The two men are beginning to interact with a measure of trust between them.
Afterwards, Jamie is telling the other prisoners everything about the meal. He describes what was on the menu, while one of the men asks him to slow down, so that he can savour every morsel. Murtagh is leaning against Jamie, his eyes closed, coughing often. It is clear that he is becoming weaker.
The next time the men are at work on the moors, we discover that Grey did indeed agree to allow the men to hunt. While two of his companions race off to check the snares accompanied by an officer, Jamie uses the distraction to break from the group. He dives out of sight and is hidden by clumps of heather that the other men place on top of him. This has obviously been planned amongst them and goes like clockwork.
Jamie’s destination is revealed at the start of the next scene, when Grey and one of the other officers are looking at a small island. Patrols had seen Jamie swimming towards it, Grey is told, and he orders the search to continue. The other officer is sceptical - 3 days have passed and there has been no sign. But Grey is insistent - and annoyed! The men are to remain at their current post until nightfall, before returning to the moor.
The following scene is a clever reversal of season 2, when a young William Grey attempted to capture Jamie whilst Jamie was relieving himself. This time it is Grey who is set upon by Jamie, who is much more successful than the teenage Grey had been. In one move, Grey is both silenced and disarmed, as Jamie tells him that is how it is done, giving Grey his full title of 2nd son of Viscount Melton and recounting the events at Corrieyairack several years earlier.
Each man asks the other why he hasn’t spoken of it earlier. Jamie answers that he had been waiting for the proper time; Grey because of his shame at his own foolishness. Grey adds that this foolishness had resulted in the sparing of Jamie’s life at Culloden. Jamie agrees, confirming that Grey’s brother had been an honourable gentleman. When Grey says that the family debt incurred by him had been discharged, Jamie replies, “But not your promise.” The young Grey had vowed to kill Jamie once the debt was paid and to Grey’s great surprise, Jamie throws down the sword, kneels before Grey and bares his throat. But Grey is as honourable a man as his elder brother was before him. After a brief moment where he holds the sword to Jamie’s throat, he hisses, “I am not a murderer of unarmed prisoners.” He sheaths the sword and stalks off, leaving an emotional Jamie to gather himself.
Moments later, Jamie explains why he had escaped from the group. Kerr’s revelations about the gold, which Jamie had relayed faithfully as requested, had also had personal meaning. He tells Grey about the connection between the Gaelic name of the white witch and his wife, correcting the Englishman when he says that Jamie’s wife is dead. “I said she was gone,” he replies. Jamie explains that he had needed to see if Claire had returned, but had found nothing on the island to do with her. “She is truly gone,” he says and a sympathetic look crosses Grey’s face.
He asks Jamie about the gold and Jamie replies that King Louis had not sent gold to the Stuart cause, saying that he found only a box and one stone, which he hands to Grey, as proof, along with his word, that the story is true. He had taken the sapphire, he says, because he though it might be useful should he ever be freed.
It is now 1966 in Boston and Brianna is graduating in front of a proud Frank and Claire. Frank calls out, “That’s my girl!” while Claire mouths, “I’m so proud of you!” when Brianna turns around. It is telling that each use “I” rather than “We.” The smiles are all for Brianna. Claire doesn’t look at Frank at all and he only glances briefly at her. Although still maintaining a semblance of unity for their daughter, it is purely for show.
The prison door is unlocked and a doctor is brought in. When Jamie queries what is happening, he is told that the Governor has ordered the doctor be brought to treat Jamie’s kinsman. The doctor moves over to Murtagh, who lies nearby, eyes closed.
The treatment is obviously successful. In the next scene, Grey and Jamie are playing chess and Grey remarks at the improvement in Murtagh’s health over the past three months. The two men are relaxed in each other’s company now, Jamie even calling Grey a “cunning wee bastard” when he is beaten in the chess game. Grey is pleased to win; telling Jamie that his elder brother had taught him the move. At the mention of Lord Melton, Jamie opens up a little more, telling Grey of how he had wished to be shot after Culloden and how he wasn’t grateful at the time to have his life spared instead. Grey asks why Jamie felt he had reason to want to be shot, hastening to add that he asks not out of impertinence, but curiosity, as he had once felt similarly. The conversation that follows shows the extent to which the two men now trust each other. Grey speaks of a “particular friend” who had died at Culloden, one who had inspired him and who he had discovered dying on the battlefield, only to have Hal drag him away out of embarrassment at his younger brother’s depth of feeling.
The implication is clear: Grey had been in love with his fellow soldier and the grief on his face is obvious. He remarks that Hal had told him that he would come to terms with it in time, adding that while his brother is often right, he had not been on this occasion. “Some people,” says Grey, with a look over at Jamie, “you grieve over forever.” He asks Jamie if he finds life to be burdensome. Jamie answers that the greatest burden lies in caring for those he cannot help, not in having no one for whom to care. Grey smiles in understanding. There is emptiness, Jamie continues, but no great burden.
The conversation then turns to Claire, with Grey saying, “Your wife. She was a healer, you said?” Jamie smiles and agrees, before finally saying her name. “Claire. Her name was Claire.” This is a huge moment. It is the first time he has uttered her name since sending her back through the stones before Culloden and we see the relief and emotion on his face.
Jamie then reveals to Grey the final piece of the puzzle that the Englishman had not deciphered: that the woman he had defended as a teenager at Carrieyairack was none other than Claire herself. Grey chuckles at his own immaturity, having been duped by Jamie all those years before. But Jamie praises Grey’s earlier courage, saying that he had been impressed by the young man’s willingness to risk his own life for a woman’s honour and that it was an action he had thought of in the time since he had lost Claire. They share a look of mutual admiration.
But then, the mood changes. After telling Jamie he is sorry for his loss, Grey puts his hand over Jamie’s and strokes it gently. The look he gives him now is no longer sympathetic, but charged with something more. Jamie freezes. In one moment, he has been catapulted back to his assault at Wentworth by Black Jack Randall and the look that he gives Grey as a result is chilling. “Take your hand off me,” his whispers, “or I will kill you.” Shocked, Grey does just that and Jamie returns to the cells, leaving a shaken, tearful and remorseful Grey alone. This move seems to have undone the friendship that had been developing between the two men. The endgame has moved from the chess board to real life.
In Boston, Frank finally plays his own endgame. Brianna is now 18 and Frank announces his wish to take her with him to England. At first, Claire thinks this is for a holiday, but is shocked to discover that Frank means to move back to England for good. Again, she misunderstands, thinking that the invitation includes her and saying that she can’t leave the hospital or her patients. But Frank delivers the final blow: he wants a divorce and he wants Brianna, adding that although Brianna doesn’t yet know about the plan he thinks she’ll come. With a thinly veiled accusation that Claire has been a bad mother, he remarks that between med school and the hospital, she has barely been around, adding that there are wonderful universities in England, where he could probably influence Brianna’s acceptance for study. He tells Claire that he plans to marry his girlfriend, Sandy, as soon as he is free. Suddenly, Claire realises. He hadn’t wanted a divorce when Brianna was younger, as he would likely have not been given custody or access to her. Now that Brianna is 18 and can make her own decisions, he wants to start a new life. Claire is incensed. “You’ve been waiting for the clock to run out” she accuses. We see the utter exhaustion in Frank’s face as he tells her that he is done with it. But Claire responds with fury. She will give him a divorce on any grounds he wishes, except for adultery, which doesn’t exist, adding that if he tries to take Brianna away from her she will have a thing or two to say about his own adultery. It is worth mentioning that Frank could argue that while Claire has not been physically unfaithful since her return, the same could not be said for her emotional fidelity. But he doesn’t, saying only that the situation is not about the two of them anymore. Brianna is a grown woman with her own life, who can make her own decisions. Frank wants the chance to live the rest of his life with a wife who truly loves him, adding that Claire could never look at Brianna without seeing Jamie.
It is then that he asks the final question: without that constant reminder, could she have ever forgotten Jamie? Her eyes full of tears, Claire whispers, “That amount of time doesn’t exist.” It is the last nail in the coffin of their marriage. Defeated, Frank collects his keys and leaves the house, as the phone starts to ring. Composing herself, Claire answers. It is the hospital and Dr Randall prepares to return for surgery.
The men of Ardmuir Prison are lined up in rows, like somewhat bedraggled soldiers. Amidst scraps of shouted conversation like “Set sail at night fall”, Jamie is suddenly pulled out of line and away from Murtagh who is standing behind him.
When he asks what is happening, Jamie is told that the prison is closing and that the prisoners are being removed to the colonies. But a manacle is being attached to Jamie’s wrist, which in turn is attached to a rope linked to Major Grey’s horse. Jamie demands to know where he is being taken, but no answer is given. As the snow falls, Jamie can only look back in despair as he is led away from Murtagh and the others.
It is three more days before Jamie learns the reason for the separation. The other prisoners will serve out terms of 14 years before being given their freedom. But as a convicted traitor, Jamie has been imprisoned at the pleasure of the King, whose approval is required before his sentence can be commuted. That approval has not been forthcoming and since Grey cannot give Jamie his freedom, he intends to do the next best thing. Jamie is to go to an estate called Helwater, to be in the service of Lord Dunsany, with Grey to visit every quarter to check on his welfare.
Grey also suggests that Jamie change his name, as his new employer was not remotely sympathetic to the Jacobite cause. Free of the manacles once more, Jamie asks why Grey is doing this for him, particularly when he didn’t allow Grey to act on his earlier affections. Grey expresses regret at his actions, commenting that both men had shared the loss of someone close. Jamie had given him his life years ago and now he is returning the favour, not in order to discharge the debt on his family’s name, but on his own. With a deep sigh, he says, “Now Mr Fraser. Let’s be on our way.” Jamie turns, looks down on what is to become his next prison and follows behind.
Claire is out of surgery and has just finished consoling a worried husband, when she sees Joe coming towards her.
She knows that something is wrong by the look on her friend’s face, news that is confirmed when Joe utters the words, “It’s Frank. There’s been a car accident.” After the implication sinks in, she runs down the corridor until she reaches the room where Frank’s body lies. With genuine sorrow, she kisses Frank’s chest and strokes his cheek, before whispering, “If you’re still close enough to hear me, I did love you very much. You were my first love.” A single tear falls onto Frank’s face as she kisses him one last time and it is the final tragedy that this was not something she had told him in life. Yet with his death, the final debt has been repaid. Claire had promised Frank that as long as he drew breath on the Earth, she would not speak of Jamie, or search for information of what had happened to him. She is now free to do both.
This was a powerful episode, cleverly written to highlight the effect and consequences of real or perceived debts upon people’s lives. Debts of honour saved the lives of both Jamie and Major John Grey and allowed them to form a relationship that, while not yet one of friendship, is certainly one of respect. How different would things have been had either they, nor Lord Melton, not been honourable men. The debt of a promise made on her return to the 20th century led to years of unhappiness for both Claire and Frank, even though the emptiness of this life led Claire to the medical career that would prove so important and also allowed Frank to forge a strong relationship with Brianna. As the episode ends, both Claire and Jamie are about to embark on new challenges - and whether these bring more debts to be paid remains to be seen.
This episode recap was written by Susie Brown, a writer and teacher-librarian who lives in Australia. She is very proud to claim David Berry as a fellow countryman, as she thinks he is already doing a fabulous job as Lord John!
Episode 302 Surrender
Inside look with show runner, Ron Moore, Tony Graphia and Matt Roberts
Episode 302
Review of episode 302 by Susie Brown
“And somehow, life goes on” A recap of season 3 episode 2 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Yield, submit, succumb, crumble, sacrifice. All these are synonyms for the word “surrender” and all are on display in this aptly titled second episode of season 3. Each of the main characters must make a personal surrender at some point during the hour and as always, it is powerful stuff.
The episode opens with a wanted flyer being nailed to a door. This is the third time that viewers have seen a picture of Jamie as a wanted man: in episode 8 of season 1, he was the mysterious highlander in the 1940s, suspected of abducting Claire Randall; in season 2, Claire noticed his poster whilst in the company of the English soldiers prior to meeting Hugh Monroe. Now it is a wild version of Jamie with long hair and a beard, but this figure is known only as the “Dunbonnet.” It is a brief but effective reminder that Jamie has been hunted for many years, with the British in both centuries eager for his capture.
It is 1752 in Scotland now and Rabbie McNab, Jamie Murray and Fergus are stealing towards the Dovecote looking for a hidden pistol. This scene serves to show the false bravado of the now teenage Fergus. With the occasional Scottish “Aye” creeping into his French accent, he boasts to the other boys of his time before Culloden, regaling them with the story of how he once killed another man with a knife. Far from the traumatised, white-faced youngster we saw in season 2, this Fergus declares that he wishes he hadn’t been sent home, so that he could have fought at Culloden as well. While teenage boys are known for their exaggerated bragging in each other’s company, this scene is important foreshadowing of what is to come later in the episode, when Fergus’ over confidence leads to his ultimate sacrifice.
The sound of redcoats in the courtyard results in the hasty re-hiding of the pistol and the boys rush back towards the house, just in time to see Ian Murray being dragged down the stone steps by an unnecessarily aggressive Corporal MacGregor. The officer in charge, one Captain Samuel Lewis, interrogates Ian and a heavily pregnant Jenny about the location of the “Dunbonnet”, hinting that he knows the notorious figure to be none other than Jamie and reminding them both of the severe penalties that come with knowingly concealing a fugitive.
Despite their assurances that no sign of Jamie or any other Jacobite is to be found at Lallybroch and after refusing the offer of a substantial reward for information leading to the capture of “Red Jamie”, the officers leave with Ian in custody, but not before Fergus insults Corporal MacGregor for being a redcoat and betraying Scotland.
Despite their assurances that no sign of Jamie or any other Jacobite is to be found at Lallybroch and after refusing the offer of a substantial reward for information leading to the capture of “Red Jamie”, the officers leave with Ian in custody, but not before Fergus insults Corporal MacGregor for being a redcoat and betraying Scotland.
As the redcoats and Ian leave, Jamie appears. But this is not a Jamie we have seen before. With long hair and beard hiding much of his face, this Jamie does not speak. Having hunted and killed a deer with his bow and arrow, Jamie brings the animal to Lallybroch for the family. As he enters the courtyard, the deer slung over his shoulder, his gaze falls on the woman facing away from him. In his mind it is Claire and he stares at her as she turns around. In reality, it is Jenny who speaks to him, shocked at his sudden appearance. Jamie’s gaze drops - Claire has gone. Defeated, he nods imperceptibly as Jenny gives him the news that the redcoats have again taken Ian away.
The conversation continues in the next scene while Jamie carves up the now skinned deer. Fergus tries to stir Jamie up with a plan to free Ian, while Jenny tries to joke that people will soon be singing ballads about the Dunbonnet. Neither approach works: Jamie is still mute and remote.
Jenny comments that she hasn’t been lying to the redcoats at all: so changed is his personality that Jamie Fraser hasn’t been at Lallybroch for a long time. Still Jamie will not look at her but merely hacks at the deer’s corpse as the scene ends, lost in his tortured thoughts.
Jenny comments that she hasn’t been lying to the redcoats at all: so changed is his personality that Jamie Fraser hasn’t been at Lallybroch for a long time. Still Jamie will not look at her but merely hacks at the deer’s corpse as the scene ends, lost in his tortured thoughts.
Back in Boston, Claire is also lost in her thoughts, but hers are more erotic. She pleasures herself in bed next to a sleeping Frank, who she imagines to be Jamie smiling back at her.
The next morning, Claire reads the paper, as baby Brianna defies Dr Spock’s developmental milestones by turning over by herself at least a month early. Clad only in a towel after the boiler cuts out mid shower, Frank hears this news and we see a brief family scene, with Frank kissing Brianna and Claire laying a hand on Frank’s bare chest. It is the first gesture towards intimacy between the two that we have seen and we witness both Claire’s disquieted look and Frank’s hopeful one.
The next morning, Claire reads the paper, as baby Brianna defies Dr Spock’s developmental milestones by turning over by herself at least a month early. Clad only in a towel after the boiler cuts out mid shower, Frank hears this news and we see a brief family scene, with Frank kissing Brianna and Claire laying a hand on Frank’s bare chest. It is the first gesture towards intimacy between the two that we have seen and we witness both Claire’s disquieted look and Frank’s hopeful one.
Jamie is gutting fish in his cave when the secret whistled signal announces the arrival of Fergus. Brandishing the pistol from the Dovecote, Fergus tells Jamie he wants to learn to shoot, so that he can be ready for the next rebellion. Jamie speaks at last: saying that there will be no rebellion and no fighting. This angers Fergus, who pushes Jamie and accuses him of being a coward. But Jamie will not rise to the bait. He hands the pistol back to Fergus, reminding the teenager that weapons are outlawed, and telling him to put it back and not touch it again. After a long look of disgust, Fergus leaves the cave. The scene further emphasises how removed Jamie is from the loved ones who remain in his life. He has surrendered to the loss of Claire and is merely going through the motions of living.
In the next scene, Jamie encounters Mary McNab taking clothes from the line. He walks slowly and uncertainly, refusing to meet her eye. His arrival is unexpected, she says, and Jamie mumbles that he has come to look at the ledgers, as Jenny had requested. Speaking is almost painful for him and we can clearly see the effect that his solitude has had on him. Once confident with man, woman or child alike, this Jamie is a shell of the man he once was. A groan from inside the house indicates what is happening before Mary announces it - the baby has decided to come early. Jamie heads inside to wait, while Fergus, Rabbie and young Jamie work in the yard. As Jenny’s screams are heard by the boys, a raven appears on the roof. Superstition states that ravens are messengers of death, Rabbie says, predicting that the baby will die as a result. Immediately the boys head to the Dovecote, where Fergus loads the pistol the way he had seen Murtagh do with the Highland soldiers. Running back to the courtyard, Fergus takes aim and fires. For one who didn’t know how to shoot, his aim is good and the bird falls. Jamie stalks from the house and takes the pistol from him, admonishing Fergus for disobeying his orders. As Fergus stares him down defiantly, Mary McNab appears to announce the arrival of a healthy baby boy, gentling taking the pistol from Jamie’s hand. As Jamie returns to the house, it is Mary’s turn to admonish Rabbie, asking her son, in a far sharper tone than she uses with anyone else, what he was thinking and telling him not to cause any more trouble. None are aware that the shot has been heard by the nearby redcoats.
Inside Jenny’s room, Jamie is holding his baby nephew. Jenny announces that the baby is to be called Ian, named for the man who sired him and comments that Jamie has always looked good with a bairn in his arms. (The last time we saw this was in season 1 and it is confusing that there is no sign of the little girl who Claire helped Jenny to deliver.
Maggie should now be around 8 years old, but she has not been mentioned and her non-appearance is never explained. In the book, Jenny and Ian have 5 living children and have also lost one by the time young Ian is born. While most of the Murray clan were born after Culloden and it is conceivable that they are not needed for the series, the absence of Maggie still seems strange.) Jenny tries to engage Jamie in conversation about love and marriage, suggesting that Mary McNab would be a good woman and “young enough for bairns”. She wants to see her brother happy, she says, and that his own lack of children is a tragedy. But Jamie is having none of this. Using her formal name of Janet, he shuts down any such talk, saying that he will never marry again. He takes young Ian from the room, suggesting that it is time the baby met his brother. But as he walks down the corridor, he hears the redcoats entering the house, demanding that the weapon be found.
Maggie should now be around 8 years old, but she has not been mentioned and her non-appearance is never explained. In the book, Jenny and Ian have 5 living children and have also lost one by the time young Ian is born. While most of the Murray clan were born after Culloden and it is conceivable that they are not needed for the series, the absence of Maggie still seems strange.) Jenny tries to engage Jamie in conversation about love and marriage, suggesting that Mary McNab would be a good woman and “young enough for bairns”. She wants to see her brother happy, she says, and that his own lack of children is a tragedy. But Jamie is having none of this. Using her formal name of Janet, he shuts down any such talk, saying that he will never marry again. He takes young Ian from the room, suggesting that it is time the baby met his brother. But as he walks down the corridor, he hears the redcoats entering the house, demanding that the weapon be found.
The fear in this scene is palpable. Downstairs, the boys are rendered mute at the sight of the redcoats charging up the stairs. Jamie hides desperately in an adjoining room, willing young Ian to be quiet. Meantime Jenny, with amazing composure given the fact that she has just given birth and knowing that her brother and son are hiding nearby, confronts the redcoats searching her room. Denying that there is any weapon in the house, she tries to convince Captain Lewis that his officers are mistaken. The redcoat notices the bloodied sheets on the floor and asks if Jenny has recently given birth.
With appropriate emotion, in reality from fear rather than grief, Jenny lies and tells the men that her child was born dead and that the midwife has taken the body away to prepare it for burial. Next door, Jamie holds the very-much-alive baby in one hand, and his dirk in the other, as the shadow of Corporal MacGregor can be seen on the wall. Captain Lewis sends MacGregor in search of the midwife to verify Jenny’s claim, and just as she calls out desperately to stop them, Mary MacNab walks into the room, holding the pistol. She hands it to the officers, saying that it belonged to her late husband and that she had kept it to give her comfort. Quickly following Jenny’s lead that the baby is dead, Mary also claims to be the one who fired the shot, taking the blame for shooting the raven because of the highland superstition. MacGregor grabs her roughly, asking Captain Lewis if she is to be taken into custody. But the Captain refuses. They have the weapon, he says, and the officers leave, but not without a warning that if there are any further violations, there will be no mercy shown. Everyone begins to breathe a sigh of relief, but as Jamie moves, a creaking floorboard gives way. MacGregor hears it and is about to investigate, but is called away by Captain Lewis. The danger is over for now. Jamie returns the baby to Jenny, who tells him that the officers won’t rest until he is swinging from a rope. She asks him to go to the cemetery to dig a mock grave for the baby, in case they come back to look. Once again, Jamie doesn’t speak, but the look of pain on his face gives away his emotions.
With appropriate emotion, in reality from fear rather than grief, Jenny lies and tells the men that her child was born dead and that the midwife has taken the body away to prepare it for burial. Next door, Jamie holds the very-much-alive baby in one hand, and his dirk in the other, as the shadow of Corporal MacGregor can be seen on the wall. Captain Lewis sends MacGregor in search of the midwife to verify Jenny’s claim, and just as she calls out desperately to stop them, Mary MacNab walks into the room, holding the pistol. She hands it to the officers, saying that it belonged to her late husband and that she had kept it to give her comfort. Quickly following Jenny’s lead that the baby is dead, Mary also claims to be the one who fired the shot, taking the blame for shooting the raven because of the highland superstition. MacGregor grabs her roughly, asking Captain Lewis if she is to be taken into custody. But the Captain refuses. They have the weapon, he says, and the officers leave, but not without a warning that if there are any further violations, there will be no mercy shown. Everyone begins to breathe a sigh of relief, but as Jamie moves, a creaking floorboard gives way. MacGregor hears it and is about to investigate, but is called away by Captain Lewis. The danger is over for now. Jamie returns the baby to Jenny, who tells him that the officers won’t rest until he is swinging from a rope. She asks him to go to the cemetery to dig a mock grave for the baby, in case they come back to look. Once again, Jamie doesn’t speak, but the look of pain on his face gives away his emotions.
Claire is watching Frank sleep. A decision made, she edges towards him and strokes his face. When he wakes, he asks what her the matter is. Her answer, “I miss my husband” is deliberately ambiguous, but Frank chooses to ignore this and they begin to make love. Claire has always been a sexual woman and she finally surrenders to this need. But her eyes are closed throughout their lovemaking and we are left in little doubt as to who she is imagining beneath her.
Back at Lallybroch, Fergus is in the yard tending the goats when the redcoats return with Ian. Corporal MacGregor is at his obnoxious best, threatening that they will find “Red Jamie” and then return for Ian and his whole family. Ian doesn’t rise to the bait, but MacGregor sneers at Fergus as he leaves. It is enough to send Fergus off towards Jamie’s cave, and the redcoats watch him leaving from their hiding place in nearby bushes. But Fergus is aware that he is being followed and leads MacGregor and his companion in circles, until at last he confronts them, telling them that they are harrassing his family and to leave them alone. Hunting rabbits nearby, Jamie hears the confrontation getting more heated. Fergus is swearing at the soldiers now and making insulting gestures. Jamie mutters warnings under his breath, begging Fergus not to antagonise them, but it is to no avail. Fergus is enjoying himself, until a third redcoat arrives on horseback and, thrown off balance, he falls to the ground.
As a horrified Jamie watches, the men hold Fergus down and Corporal MacGregor cuts off his hand, ignoring the pleas of his companions that Fergus is “just a lad”, then insisting that they leave the boy, not caring if he dies or not.
As a horrified Jamie watches, the men hold Fergus down and Corporal MacGregor cuts off his hand, ignoring the pleas of his companions that Fergus is “just a lad”, then insisting that they leave the boy, not caring if he dies or not.
Within seconds of the soldiers’ departure, Jamie is by Fergus’ side. Taking off his belt, he uses it as a tourniquet, reassuring Fergus that he watched “Milady” do the same thing many times. It is the first time we see the decisive Jamie return, caring for Fergus as he scoops the boy up into the arms and heads for Lallybroch.
It is night time and Jamie paces the floor downstairs. Jenny soon joins him, telling Jamie that his quick action saved Fergus’ life. But Jamie is distraught. He should have stopped the soldiers, he says. Jenny reminds him that had he done so, they would all be dead, but the weight of what has happened is the final straw for Jamie. He surrenders at last to the grief that he has been keeping out for so long and collapses, sobbing to the floor. Jenny holds his head and strokes his hair, and finally Jamie allows himself to be comforted. It is beautiful work by both Sam Heughan and Laura Donnelly. The bond between the two is as strong as ever and we see the strength that the Fraser siblings draw from each other.
Shortly afterwards, Jamie comes to see Fergus, who apologises to him, saying that he had tried to lead the soldiers away from the cave. But Jamie responds that it is he who is sorry, telling Fergus that he has now been reminded that he has something to fight for. Despite the pain, Fergus sits up at this, a ghost of a smile on his face. “There you are, Milord,” he says. Jamie is coming back to them at last and the two share a look of understanding. Fergus reminds Jamie of the bargain they had made in Paris and what would happen should he lose a hand whilst in Jamie’s service. But Jamie hasn’t forgotten. He had promised to support Fergus for the rest of his life, and, handing Fergus a glass of whisky vows that Fergus can trust him to keep the bargain. “I have always trusted you, Milord,” Fergus responds, adding that he is lucky, having become a man of leisure in one stroke. The two smile at each other, their relationship mended.
In Boston, Frank and Claire are hosting a dinner party for Millie and Jerry Nelson. Lighthearted small talk about desserts give way to innuendo and once the guests have gone, Claire takes the innuendo a step further. With a nod to the opening episode of season 1, where “Mrs Randall had forgotten her underwear”, Claire removes hers provocatively. It has the desired effect and the two begin to make love on the floor in front of the fire. But this time, Frank wants more. Claire’s eyes are tightly shut once again and he demands that she look at him. When Claire doesn’t, he stops, demanding to know why she won’t open her eyes. Claire tries to placate him, saying that it doesn’t mean anything and that she is enjoying it, but Frank is not convinced. Annoyed now, Claire sits up, bringing things to an immediate halt and saying that if Frank wasn’t in the mood he should have said.
But Frank is determined to bring the problem out into the open. “Claire, when I’m with you, I’m with you,” he says. “But you’re with him.” Claire cannot disagree. Both have surrendered to the truth: the ghost of Jamie is ever present.
But Frank is determined to bring the problem out into the open. “Claire, when I’m with you, I’m with you,” he says. “But you’re with him.” Claire cannot disagree. Both have surrendered to the truth: the ghost of Jamie is ever present.
By another fire, in another century, Ian and Jamie are having a heart-to-heart. Ian talks of his missing leg and how it still pains him, sometimes waking him in the middle of the night. He remarks that Fergus will no doubt feel the same, feeling a pain in a part of him that is lost. But then Ian gets to the truth of what he wants to say. “That’s just a hand,” he says. “Claire was your heart.” The two share a long look, Ian raising his glass of whisky to his brother-in-law. It is a lovely moment of understanding between them. Wandering the halls shortly afterwards, Jamie notices a deep gash in the family crest that hangs on the wall. He asks Mary McNab, who is passing by with a blanket for Fergus, who is responsible. Mary tells him that the soldiers did it when they were searching the house. At last Jamie voices what they have all known for some time: the redcoats are not going to stop until they have found the Dunbonnet. It is time for another surrender.
In the next scene, an incredulous Jenny is resisting Jamie’s plan. He wishes her to turn him in, so that she will get the reward money. The soldiers will leave the family alone then, believing them loyal to the crown. “To hell with the Crown,” Jenny retorts. But Jamie will not be deterred. He tells Jenny that she is to contact Captain Lewis, and tell him that she has heard from her brother. When Jamie arrives for a visit, the soldiers will be there to arrest him. Jenny tries to dissuade him, saying that he will be hanged. But the determined Jamie of old will not let them risk their lives for him any longer. Ian tries for a moment of comfort, saying that British are no longer executing Jacobites and that Jamie will probably only be imprisoned. But Jenny is not convinced, remarking to Jamie that he must surely have seen the inside of enough prisons in his lifetime. Jamie’s reply is heartfelt and poignant. “Little difference to the prison I live in now,” he says. We are left in no doubt that Ian was right - Claire was indeed Jamie’s heart and without her, life has lost its joy.
With Jenny unable to persuade Jamie to change his mind, plans for his capture begin. Mary McNab arrives at the cave, bringing Jamie a final feast from Jenny. She asks Jamie if he minds the company and he replies that it will be welcome. She enters the cave and here begins one of the most beautiful scenes in the episode.
As Mary removes six years of beard and hair growth, Jamie praises her act of turning over the pistol to the redcoats, telling her that she was brave to do so. “It was the only thing I could do,” she replies. Next, he thanks her for the barbering and after telling her that he will leave the cave the next day, goes to wash up by the river.
As Mary removes six years of beard and hair growth, Jamie praises her act of turning over the pistol to the redcoats, telling her that she was brave to do so. “It was the only thing I could do,” she replies. Next, he thanks her for the barbering and after telling her that he will leave the cave the next day, goes to wash up by the river.
When he returns, he finds Mary dressed only in her shift. Immediately suspicious, he asks whose idea it was, Mary’s or Jenny’s. Mary asks if it matters. Jamie answers that no, it doesn’t matter, as nothing is going to happen. If Mary won’t leave the cave, he says, then he will. But Mary stops him, with a hand on his back. She tells Jamie that no one had told her to do what she is doing now. She knows what it was like between Jamie and Claire and she doesn’t want him to think that he is betraying that. She reaches gently for his hand and Jamie begins to turn, warily, towards her. Mary wants to share something different, she says, possibly something less, but something they both need. Jamie looks at her now, as Mary speaks of them both needing something to keep them whole, as they each move forward in their lives. She touches his cheek and this time, Jamie doesn’t pull away. Instead, he moves towards her, but he is uncertain. He hasn’t done this in a very long time, he tells her. “Neither have I,” she replies, letting her shift fall from her shoulders. They kiss briefly, his eyes closed. Mary tells Jamie that he can look at her if he wishes. With tears welling up, Jamie says that she is a bonny lass, but it is something that he always does. Finally, he allows the tears to fall and he surrenders to his own needs. It is a truly beautiful scene, full of tenderness, vulnerability, sorrow and release. There aren’t really enough accolades for Sam Heughan and Emma Campbell-Jones here. The whole scene is pure perfection.
Claire’s voiceover is back! As Claire pushes a slightly older (and gorgeous!) Brianna in the pram, we hear her thoughts. Although she has thrown herself into her role as a mother, she needs something more. Once, she says, she had loved a man, borne a child, healed the sick and been part of something greater than herself. It is a lifestyle that she wants again and the small knife from the kitchen morphs into a surgical scalpel. As a new scene begins, Claire Randall, medical student, introduces herself to Dr Simms, the first year anatomy professor. But her enthusiasm is soon halted by Dr Simms’ condescending tone. He has been told there is both a woman and a negro in the year’s intake, sarcastically musing as to how modern the university has become. Soon other students begin to enter the lecture theatre, looking suspiciously at Claire. She moves to take her seat, but her first attempt is blocked by a young man who childishly refuses to let her pass.
Undeterred she moves to another row, ignoring the whispers and hostile glances from the others. At last another man enters, who momentarily takes the focus off Claire. Soon enough, the aforementioned “negro” sits next to Claire, introducing himself as Joe Abernathy. The two shake hands and smile. An alliance is formed, one which book readers will be looking forward to immensely. With a final deliberate insult to Claire, Dr Simms invites the “gentlemen” to begin the lesson.
Undeterred she moves to another row, ignoring the whispers and hostile glances from the others. At last another man enters, who momentarily takes the focus off Claire. Soon enough, the aforementioned “negro” sits next to Claire, introducing himself as Joe Abernathy. The two shake hands and smile. An alliance is formed, one which book readers will be looking forward to immensely. With a final deliberate insult to Claire, Dr Simms invites the “gentlemen” to begin the lesson.
Preparing for bed, Claire and Frank briefly discuss Brianna’s lost bunny rabbit before bidding each other good night with a friendly smile. Claire turns out her bedside lamp and we watch Frank watch her, his smile fading. The camera pans back and we see two single beds. Frank too has surrendered to the inevitable. The “new beginning” that they had hopefully spoken of at Brianna’s birth has ended. There is to be no great rekindling of the romance between them and they will now be parents, not lovers.
But the final surrender of the episode is twofold, occurring back at Lallybroch. Jenny is scattering seed to the chickens when Jamie suddenly “appears” in the courtyard, announcing that he has come home. He walks towards her, smiling, arms outstretched, playing the part of the prodigal son to the letter. Jenny is not smiling, the tears falling as the soldiers appear to arrest him for high treason. Jamie keeps up the pretence, playacting at being outraged that his sister would betray him. Jenny’s voice breaks as she plays her part, telling Jamie that it is his own fault and that he has brought it on himself. Captain Lewis presents her with the reward money, congratulating her on her service to the crown. Responding to Jamie’s cries of “blood money”, Jenny calls after him, “You gave me no choice, brother. And I’ll never forgive you.” It is true, of course.
Jamie has surrendered to the English, to save his family from persecution, while Jenny has surrendered to Jamie’s wishes, although it has broken her heart to do so. They share one last look, before the soldiers wrestle Jamie into the back of the wagon and Jenny runs inside. The forgotten “dunbonnet” lies in the mud in the courtyard, as a now manacled Jamie begins the journey to his next prison. He looks outside, as bagpipe music seems to play in the distance.
Jamie has surrendered to the English, to save his family from persecution, while Jenny has surrendered to Jamie’s wishes, although it has broken her heart to do so. They share one last look, before the soldiers wrestle Jamie into the back of the wagon and Jenny runs inside. The forgotten “dunbonnet” lies in the mud in the courtyard, as a now manacled Jamie begins the journey to his next prison. He looks outside, as bagpipe music seems to play in the distance.
The music is not from the eighteenth century, but the twentieth. Claire is walking over a bridge, when she sees a lone piper. He is playing, aptly, Scotland the Brave. Overcome, she pauses. The longing is clear on her face, as she reaches into her purse and makes a donation, before continuing her own journey.
This episode covered so much ground and was beautifully written, acted and directed. We are left under no illusion as to the personal surrenders that each of the main characters have made and it remains to be seen what will happen to them as a result.
This recap was written by Susie Brown, a writer and teacher-librarian who lives in Australia. She hesitates to say that she has seen the name “McGregor” on her own family tree, but hopes that the spelling of Mc rather than Mac renders those ancestors Irish, rather than Scottish, as she wants no connection to the horrible Corporal MacGregor whatsoever!!
Episode 301 A Battle Joined
Inside look with show runner, Ron Moore, Tony Graphia and Matt Roberts
Episode 301
Review of episode by our writer Susie Brown
“Life's Rich Tapestry - survival, loss, hope, despair.” A recap of season 3 episode 1 by your Aussie Blogging Lass
Outlander Homepage Originals By Susie Brown
We really shouldn’t complain. After all, as season 3 begins, Jamie and Claire are about to endure 20 years of separation, whereas Droughtlander has lasted a mere 427 (or perhaps 428, depending on your location in the world) days by comparison. Yet fans felt every single one of those days since Jamie sent Claire back through the stones and thus expectations were high when the familiar theme music heralded the official beginning of a new season. Would the first episode live up to them?
As the rich vocals and stirring vocals of the opening credits die away, a tattered St Andrew’s Cross flutters in the breeze. Viewers had been promised the Battle of Culloden and the episode begins with its brutal aftermath. There is no gentle ‘easing in period’ to the first episode of season 3. Bodies are piled high, the decimated Highland army lie dead or dying on the unforgiving soil. English soldiers move amongst them, collecting up swords and slaughtering any man who still breathes. Suddenly the camera pans in on two familiar bodies - one Highlander and one English soldier. Jamie Fraser’s eyes flutter open and he takes a ragged breath.
The camera takes on a blurred dreamlike quality that matches Jamie’s unfocused gaze, as he slips in and out of consciousness. The narrative alternates rapidly between the reality of a seriously wounded Jamie, who watches as a kinsman is slaughtered by a nearby redcoat and his fragmented, delirious recollections of parts of the battle. In brief glimpses, viewers see the overconfident Bonnie Prince before the battle begins, as well as the desperate charge of the Jacobites towards their enemy.
The camera takes on a blurred dreamlike quality that matches Jamie’s unfocused gaze, as he slips in and out of consciousness. The narrative alternates rapidly between the reality of a seriously wounded Jamie, who watches as a kinsman is slaughtered by a nearby redcoat and his fragmented, delirious recollections of parts of the battle. In brief glimpses, viewers see the overconfident Bonnie Prince before the battle begins, as well as the desperate charge of the Jacobites towards their enemy.
Night falls and snow drops gently onto Jamie’s face. He licks a fragment of a snowflake and swallows painfully, as the redcoats continue their examination of the bodies. Jamie’s visions continue. This time, he is reliving the moments immediately after Claire’s departure, his grief raw as he touches the cold stone and picks up her shawl. Then he returns to the battlefield to find chaos all around him. Charles Stuart is panicked and indecisive, his generals at odds with each other as to the best course of action. As he did so often in season 2, Jamie tries to advise the Bonnie Prince, who once again ignores him. Jamie’s disgust is obvious as he turns away, while the camera closes in on a fearful Charles’ face.
With or without an official call to charge, the battle begins and is brutal in its intensity. Jamie is locked in a struggle with a redcoat, finally succeeding in defeating the British soldier as his godfather appears miraculously at his side. It is perhaps the one brief lighthearted moment of the exchange. Murtagh grins at Jamie, who immediately asks whether Murtagh has been off ‘enjoying a wee whisky’.
Murtagh answers by knifing another redcoat coming towards them, and telling Jamie that the Lallybroch men have gotten safely away. Helping each other to their feet, the two men leap back into the fray, as the Highlanders charge towards the British. It is certain slaughter, yet Jamie charges forward, as the men around him are felled by either bullets or bayonets. Then the action slows, the lighting changes and somehow Jamie seems to stand apart from the other men as the familiar face of Jack Randall comes into view. Jamie almost smiles. The longed for confrontation with his ultimate foe is finally here. The two men make eye contact before lunging towards each other.
Murtagh answers by knifing another redcoat coming towards them, and telling Jamie that the Lallybroch men have gotten safely away. Helping each other to their feet, the two men leap back into the fray, as the Highlanders charge towards the British. It is certain slaughter, yet Jamie charges forward, as the men around him are felled by either bullets or bayonets. Then the action slows, the lighting changes and somehow Jamie seems to stand apart from the other men as the familiar face of Jack Randall comes into view. Jamie almost smiles. The longed for confrontation with his ultimate foe is finally here. The two men make eye contact before lunging towards each other.
This is a brief and horrific moment of reckoning. Jack’s sword slices Jamie’s leg; Jamie’s dirk finds Jack’s belly. As the haunting music underscores their battle, both wounded men swing their weapons past the point of exhaustion. Both are grievously wounded, until in a final macabre dance, Jack staggers towards Jamie.
He collapses on his shoulder and both men fall. It perhaps the last irony that in his death, it is the weight of Randall’s body that keeps Jamie alive, acting as a human tourniquet for the wound he has inflicted. From season 1, every touch by Jack has caused pain to Jamie’s body and soul. This final touch inflicts an additional pain, as it denies Jamie the death that he had expected. In Wentworth Prison, Jamie had said that Randall owed him a death. It appears he still does.
He collapses on his shoulder and both men fall. It perhaps the last irony that in his death, it is the weight of Randall’s body that keeps Jamie alive, acting as a human tourniquet for the wound he has inflicted. From season 1, every touch by Jack has caused pain to Jamie’s body and soul. This final touch inflicts an additional pain, as it denies Jamie the death that he had expected. In Wentworth Prison, Jamie had said that Randall owed him a death. It appears he still does.
In the eerie silence of the night, Jamie still lies on the field. He sees a rabbit, hopping amongst the bodies. But then his gaze focuses on an approaching figure. It is Claire, clad in white, an angel of mercy amongst the dead. She reaches Jamie and caresses his cheek. “Are you alive?” she asks. It would be a perfect moment of death and one that Jamie clearly wants. But the figure of Claire morphs into that of Rupert Mackenzie, who has found his kinsman on the battlefield. Declaring that he will not leave Jamie to be slaughtered in the mud, he asks if Jamie can stand. Randall’s body is pushed away and the blood flow begins once more. As Rupert and another highlander drag Jamie away, it looks for all the world as if his death is imminent. Indeed, he asks Rupert to leave him be. But Rupert is in charge now, and viewers are relieved to see one whole and seemingly uninjured man from the Mackenzie clan, still capable of making a joke about whisky and Jamie’s inability to drink him under the table. Jamie’s fingers drop Claire’s dragonfly talisman, which is left on the battlefield as the surviving men attempt to find shelter and escape. At this point, the timeline shifts and we are in Boston in 1948.
Claire and Frank are walking around their new home. With echoes of the very first episode of season 1, they are uncertain and nervous around each other, attempting light hearted conversation as they discuss the location of Frank’s study and Claire’s position as “lady of the house.” The mention of Claire “rustling up” dishes in their new kitchen indicates already the role she is expected to play - that of domestic housewife. It is not a role that Claire is either used to or comfortable with, and this is a theme visited many times throughout the rest of the Boston part of the episode’s storyline.
We soon see Claire do battle unsuccessfully with the stove, until the fireplace in the living room gives her an idea. With an affectionate look at the hearth, she hits on a solution and we next see her arriving home in the car with a load of firewood. A new neighbour, Millie Nelson, immediately displays good old fashioned Boston hospitality and helps Claire inside with the wood, marvelling at Claire’s ability to cook over the open flame. A word of warning is inserted into proceedings, as Millie embarks on a discussion of men and their expectations of their wives. She remarks that Claire is lucky to have such a progressive, open minded husband. When Millie says, “You’re lucky. You won’t find another man like Frank again”, we see Claire close her eyes briefly in pain. We know, although Millie does not, it is not Frank she is thinking of, but Jamie.
We soon see Claire do battle unsuccessfully with the stove, until the fireplace in the living room gives her an idea. With an affectionate look at the hearth, she hits on a solution and we next see her arriving home in the car with a load of firewood. A new neighbour, Millie Nelson, immediately displays good old fashioned Boston hospitality and helps Claire inside with the wood, marvelling at Claire’s ability to cook over the open flame. A word of warning is inserted into proceedings, as Millie embarks on a discussion of men and their expectations of their wives. She remarks that Claire is lucky to have such a progressive, open minded husband. When Millie says, “You’re lucky. You won’t find another man like Frank again”, we see Claire close her eyes briefly in pain. We know, although Millie does not, it is not Frank she is thinking of, but Jamie.
Back in the 18th century, Rupert is giving Jamie a drink. The survivors of the battle are huddled together in a cottage somewhere, most gravely wounded. Rupert and another man, Gordon Killick, discuss the possibility of making a run for it, an option that is quickly dismissed. Jamie listens as the two men outline the hopelessness of their situation and realises that the Lallybroch men may not be safe after all. The healthy English soldiers would have no trouble hunting down the bedraggled escapees from the battlefield. He stares into the distance. There is nothing he can do.
Perspective shifts again and an obviously pregnant Claire is staring into the mirror. She is preparing to “look pretty to meet the boss”, a task that she is obviously not relishing. The following scene shows exactly why. Frank’s new boss is a misogynist of the highest order, taking exception to Claire’s opinions on American politics and admonishing Frank for allowing his wife to read the Globe. His opinion on women at university or at work are scathing, dismissing both female physicians in general and Claire’s combat nursing during the war in particular, with a condescending remark about how relieved Claire must have been to return to more important and fitting domestic concerns. Somehow, Claire manages to control her temper, biting her tongue as she grips Frank’s hand and declares her happiness at her impending maternal bliss. The look on her face shows her true feelings, but of course, this is not noticed by the patriarchal group around her. It is increasingly obvious that Claire is not fitting into her new life at all.
As Jamie grows progressively weaker, he asks about Murtagh, who hasn’t been seen since his brief appearance by Jamie’s side. Rupert asks the other men, but no one knows of Murtagh’s fate, having lost sight of him during the fighting. The comment is made that they hope that Murtagh is already dead, when suddenly the doors open and two English officers enter the cottage. The leader introduces himself as Lord Melton and Rupert responds with his own introduction as Rupert Mackenzie of Leoch. It is odd to see someone other than Jamie in charge. While leadership suits Rupert (and it is a transformation that Grant O’Rourke portrays beautifully) it also highlights the desperate nature of Jamie’s condition. Without preamble, Melton informs Rupert that the men who engaged in the recent treasonous rebellion are to be executed and asks if anyone wishes to declare their innocence. With a smirk befitting the hopelessness of their cause, Rupert speaks for the group, declaring them to be “traitors all”, and asking if they will be hanged.
Melton replies that they will be shot like soldiers, the implication being that this is somehow the most noble death that the men could expect. Resigned, Rupert nods and thanks Melton, whilst the younger members of the party look at each other in horror. Melton gives the men an hour, offering them writing materials to compose a letter. It is a formal show of English honour and highlights that Melton is a man of duty, a fact that is soon to become very important.
Melton replies that they will be shot like soldiers, the implication being that this is somehow the most noble death that the men could expect. Resigned, Rupert nods and thanks Melton, whilst the younger members of the party look at each other in horror. Melton gives the men an hour, offering them writing materials to compose a letter. It is a formal show of English honour and highlights that Melton is a man of duty, a fact that is soon to become very important.
Time shifts again and back in Boston, Claire is making breakfast. She has mastered the stove now and is going through the motions of a domestic morning, when she is distracted by the bird outside the window. The music underscores her thoughts as we see first her fixation with the small creature, and then her desolation as it flies away, free, while she herself is trapped. She and Frank make a pretence of the happy family meal, beginning by commenting on the abomination of tea bags and the abundance of post war bacon. But the mood is shortlived. Claire announces her intention to apply for citizenship, due to her inability to identify with being English and her wish for their child to have a real home. The mention of their child is an important emotional moment for Frank, but it quickly dissipates when Claire flinches as he tries to touch her pregnant belly. The tension escalates quickly.
Franks lists the importance of their British heritage, but the mention of the Stuarts hits a nerve with Claire. She repeats that citizenship is something she wants to do, but Frank dismisses the idea as unnecessary, given that his employment gives them both indefinite residency. Claire says that it isn’t what the situation is about. Frank acknowledges this, attempting once more to touch her. Again, Claire pulls away and the anger mounts. Frank accuses Claire of using the pregnancy to keep him at a distance. Frank asks Claire when she will come back from the past; she accuses him of having made her leave behind anything that ever mattered to her. Each inflicts their pain on the other, the accusations becoming more and more bitter, culminating in Claire throwing an ashtray at Frank. After a long stare, Frank puts on his jacket and delivers a final ultimatum. He did not force Claire to come to Boston, he says, nor will he force her to stay. There is a moment just before he leaves the house that parallels a similar breaking point in Jamie and Claire’s relationship in Paris, with each character standing at opposite ends of the same room. Emotionally exhausted, Frank leaves, leaving a distraught Claire to break down in sobs. Kudos must go to Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies here, for portraying the desolate nature of Claire and Frank’s already crumbling relationship so beautifully.
Franks lists the importance of their British heritage, but the mention of the Stuarts hits a nerve with Claire. She repeats that citizenship is something she wants to do, but Frank dismisses the idea as unnecessary, given that his employment gives them both indefinite residency. Claire says that it isn’t what the situation is about. Frank acknowledges this, attempting once more to touch her. Again, Claire pulls away and the anger mounts. Frank accuses Claire of using the pregnancy to keep him at a distance. Frank asks Claire when she will come back from the past; she accuses him of having made her leave behind anything that ever mattered to her. Each inflicts their pain on the other, the accusations becoming more and more bitter, culminating in Claire throwing an ashtray at Frank. After a long stare, Frank puts on his jacket and delivers a final ultimatum. He did not force Claire to come to Boston, he says, nor will he force her to stay. There is a moment just before he leaves the house that parallels a similar breaking point in Jamie and Claire’s relationship in Paris, with each character standing at opposite ends of the same room. Emotionally exhausted, Frank leaves, leaving a distraught Claire to break down in sobs. Kudos must go to Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies here, for portraying the desolate nature of Claire and Frank’s already crumbling relationship so beautifully.
It is kudos that is swiftly followed by more praise for Grant O’Rourke in his final scenes as Rupert Thomas Alexander Mackenzie. After entreating Melton for mercy for the youngest boys in the company and failing, Rupert tries to give them strength and comfort as they march outside to their deaths. This is followed by a determined farewell to the only other healthy man in the group, Gordon Killock, who after taking leave of an increasingly weakened Jamie, volunteers to be the next man to meet his own death.
Left alone, Rupert and Jamie share a beautifully touching final scene. It is a masterclass in acting by Sam Heughan and Grant O’Rourke and one that leaves viewers (well, this one, at least!) an emotional wreck. Rupert reminisces about Angus, his voice breaking slightly as he expresses joy over seeing his friend again. Jamie, his speech markedly slurred, adds that it will good to see the two of them together. Gripping Jamie’s hand, Rupert says that while he can’t forgive Jamie for Dougal’s death, he won’t go to his grave hating Jamie for it either. Instead, he says, he will trust in God’s mercy when they are both judged. Bidding Jamie farewell, the two look sadly at each other one last time, before Rupert becomes the next volunteer. With one final quip to his English executioners, “I mean to set a quick pace, so try to keep up”, he walks outside. The single gunshot that follows takes its toll on Jamie. Lip trembling, eyes full of tears, he murmurs a Gaelic farewell to his friend.
It is 3:30am in Boston and Frank is trying to sleep on the couch. Kept awake by the noises of the house, he goes to his desk and begins a letter to Reverend Wakefield, asking for assistance in gathering research on one James Fraser. His letter is interrupted though, by Claire’s appearance. Her waters have broken and it is time to go to the hospital.
Meanwhile, the last of the Jacobites, those unable to walk on their own, are to be executed. Melton gives orders for the men to be propped up before they are shot, as no man, traitor or not, is going to be executed lying down on his watch. It is another example of Melton’s sense of honour. Jamie volunteers to be the next man shot, but the announcement of his full name brings Melton to a halt.
Book readers already know why, but the reason is then made apparent for tv viewers: Melton is the elder brother of John William Grey, the young boy who had attempted to kill Jamie before the battle and whose life Jamie had spared, albeit with a broken arm into the bargain. This action had incurred a debt of honour upon the Grey family, meaning that Melton cannot in all conscience execute Jamie. Melton’s dedication to his honour is outlined one final time as he rejects, with a withering glance, his deputy’s suggestion that they shoot Jamie under an alias.
All the while, Jamie is desperate to be shot. He doesn’t wish to be reprieved, he wishes to die. But Melton will not comply. Instead, Jamie is to be taken, under cover of darkness, away from the cottage. Melton muses that Jamie will likely not survive the journey, but that the death will not be on his, or his family’s head. As a result, Jamie endures a jolting journey in the back of a wagon, groaning in pain.
Claire too, is groaning in labour. The doctor, who has taken his time, finally appears, condescendingly ignoring Claire as he asks Frank about his wife’s contractions. But Claire answers, overriding Frank’s answer as to whether this is her first pregnancy. A shocked Frank mutters “of course” when Claire reveals that she had had a miscarriage about a year before. (This would seem to be a continuity error, as Faith was stillborn in 1744 and the battle of Culloden was in 1746. Claire was in the earlier stages of this pregnancy on her return from the stones and has now reached full term. Even given the vagaries of time travel, this seems to indicate more than a year, but it is a minor point.) In the book, this childbirth is revealed as being difficult and possibly life threatening to Claire had she remained in the 18th century. Here, the only indication of this is the doctor’s mention of higher risk factors for mother and child following a miscarriage. Their previous estrangement paused by the impending birth, Frank declares his love for Claire as she is taken away. Claire is soon at the mercy of another misogynist in the form of the doctor, who dismisses her wishes for the birth with an injection of anaesthetic against her will.
As Claire loses consciousness with a murmured “You bastard”, a barely conscious Jamie is being roused by Jenny and Ian. Jenny tells her brother that he has come home and Jamie breathes the word, “Lallybroch” with a smile. He looks delirious, but seems pleased to be dying at home, with loved ones.
Claire awakens, in a direct parallel to her waking at L’Hopital des Anges after the stillbirth of Faith. Running her hand over her belly, she starts to call, “Where’s my baby?” becoming increasingly agitated and asking the nurse if her baby has died. But Frank enters, holding a little girl in his arms, and together they marvel at her beauty. Overcome by the emotion of having a healthy child, Claire turns to Frank for the first time, accepting his kiss and apologising for being so horrid to him.
Frank is immediately forgiving, telling her to forget all of what has happened and that what they have now is all that truly matters. Tearfully, they make a pact: Frank promising that everything will be all right and Claire agreeing that this can be a new beginning for all of them. After all the death and horror of the episode, it is a relieving happy moment. (Shortlived, of course!) As the nurse bustles back in, she compliments the couple on their beautiful little angel (another parallel to season 2), before asking, “Where'd she get the red hair?” The spell is broken, the smiles disappear and the episode ends, with the viewers left in no doubt that far from a new beginning, more tension is ahead.
This was a spectacular start to a new season that already promises much heartache and emotion. Kudos must go to all the main players in the episode. Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies give beautiful portrayals of Claire and Frank, trying to negotiate their marriage after all that has happened and already starting to sink under the weight of both societal and personal expectations. Sam Heughan, who spent most of the episode gasping, delirious and weak, left us in no doubt as to the utter desolation Jamie is feeling. And as for Grant O’Rourke, his time as Rupert came to an end with heart wrenching perfection.
The stage is set. It’s going to be one hell of a voyage, that’s for sure.
This episode recap was written by Susie Brown, a writer and teacher-librarian who lives in Australia. Her tweet immediately following the episode was: “Brutal, confronting, heartbreaking, desolate, hopeful, emotionally charged brilliance. So much kudos to everyone involved. I need a whisky!” She stands by her reaction!
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