Blacklanderz®Convos!
Outlander S7 Epi2 – The Happiest Place on Earth
Written by Toni Graphia | Directed by Lisa Clarke
This conversation is between Blacklanderz® Vanita, Margot and Jess H. Arranged and edited by Vida (VA).
VO: What do we learn from the dead
if not the lesson of life.
What had Tom Christie taught me,
since he surely was gone now?
V: The first thing I noticed was Claire’s long hair. I’m guessing several months have passed. We are left to agree with Claire that Tom has been executed.
His sacrifice reminded me that we
should make an effort to truly live, to count our lives
in thoughts, feelings, breaths and heartbeats,
M: So we won’t be seeing Tom Christie again – NICE.
J: I’m glad they didn’t end up showing his execution. Tom didn’t deserve any more screen time!
not the number of days, months and years,
because tomorrow is not promised.
V: So the kneeling man is Allan. Claire is brave to approach him as though he wasn’t threatening her the last few times he saw her.
M: Allan? UGH, what is he doing here? LIVING IN THE WOODS?
J: We haven’t seen this guy in a while! I wonder what he’s been up to. Nothing good, I’m sure.
J: Who brings a gun to their sister’s grave site?! Be careful Claire!
V: She empathizes, but is ever alert! I think Allan was planning to shoot himself, even if he had not encountered Claire. Perhaps he thought that dying on Malva’s grave would connect him to her.
M: Woah, what is going on?? He’s kneeling by her grave with a gun!!? If I were Claire, I would have backed away slowly.
J: I shudder to think of the childhood these two had. From the bits we’ve learned, it sounds awful.
V: Those children received no love. It seems Malva was the only one he didn’t see as hurtful. He wanted to protect her, but he had no way of knowing how.
M: Is he drunk? What’s with all this confession? Why is he talking?
J: Why would his aunt take the children to the execution? This family is just so twisted!
V: Tom seems normal, in comparison to the rest of them.
M: Why are the Christies so weird? Like I just look at them all with disdain. ESPECIALLY ALLAN.
V: I didn’t expect to see those flashbacks.
M: “WEE PRIVATES?” This guy is SICK. He was raping her?!
J: I knew this was coming, but it’s still so gut-wrenching to see it acted out on screen.
J: The revulsion on Claire’s face is so well acted. It’s all coming out, and the story and Malva’s actions make so much more sense. What a combination of emotions Claire must feel – disgust at Allan, relief at finally knowing who killed Malva, and maybe even some guilt for misunderstanding her.
V: When he voices his possessiveness and rage about the other men, the motive becomes apparent.
M: The girl was sleeping around because she didn’t want anyone to know about her and Allan… damn she felt forced to do all that.
J: I had to turn away from the screen here. It’s so awful that a woman dealing with this abuse back then had to worry about marrying and her reputation over her own safety.
V: Regardless of the circumstances, most women’s only protection was to marry and have more children.
M: I remember that scene from S6 when Claire went to talk to Malva, after she accused Jamie, and she just looked so scared like she wanted to say something. This is a lot.
J: He made her the scapegoat for his abuse. He also made her destroy the most valuable relationship she had to try to cover up his crimes.
V: Alexander gave another heart-rending performance in this episode, as well as in S6. He showed us Allan’s insecurity, depravity, rage and weaknesses. He delivered them all in an ‘I’m not OK; You’re not OK’ bundle.
M: OMG. He’s the reason why Jamie’s name was slandered? He put the Frasers through HELL.
OMG you can tell that Malva really loved Claire… She was just a confused girl in a tough situation.
V: Allan was delusional and believed he and Malva shared the same feelings for each other. When she revealed her true feelings and intentions, he became enraged and killed her on the spot.
J: The men in Malva’s family were so violent on different levels and ultimately ended up killing her.
Maybe that’s why she was so fascinated by Claire and Jamie’s loving relationship. It was completely foreign to her. Poor Malva!
M: Look at this, she’s trying to stand up for herself and do the right thing and this monster just kills her!?
Why did Claire stop him from shooting himself? Come on! Give the people what we want!
V: The anguish Ian must have been experiencing until he heard the truth from Allan! His issues with losing the children, with his wife, were still haunting him.
J: Excellent timing Ian!
Ian was just taking out the trash. He was doing what needed to be done. He has no time to mince words. Ian had a relationship with Malva, he’s loyal to anyone that he’s close with or has loved. So, there was only one thing he could do in that moment, and that was release that arrow.
M: BLOOP! Well, it had to be done. Ian must have felt so manipulated. He did what was necessary.
Ah, yeah. I think this season, a lot of the storylines are quite interesting. It’s not always from Jamie and Claire’s perspective. So we do follow Young Ian and his journey, and likewise, a few of the other characters as well.
So we’ll learn a lot more about Young Ian who has his own past and troubles and trauma that he’s dealt with.
But he’s always there; he’s very dependable and definitely a part of this family unit.
J: It’s hard not to feel a little pity even for Allan. Claire is right, an entire family was wiped out because of hidden abuse and religious extremism. It’s amazing to see the collateral impact abstract beliefs can have on people’s lives.
Allan was born into a twisted family and now here he is dead and will be buried in an unmarked grave. What a waste. But Claire shouldn’t shoulder the guilt here. This was outside of her control, even with her knowledge.
So much carnage and loss. I think Claire feels that, along with the helplessness of not having been able to save any of the Christies, but honestly, I can’t see why she should feel guilty. Horrified and saddened, but while she’s been involved in all of this, she’s not actually responsible for any of it, and as Jamie says, she’s done no wrong to take her life from Tom’s hand.
M: She really tried with Malva. The Christie’s were so chaotic.
J: How did Mrs. Bug find them? She really shows her loyalty to the family in promising silence and helping to dig the grave.
She is willing to stick out her own neck for Claire even after she was accused of witchcraft and murder. I hope Mrs. Bug sticks around. Claire really needs an ally like her!
M: Now that is what I call loyalty Ms. Bug. I don’t trust her though cuz she’s the one who went blabbing to the Ridge about the rumor in the first place.
Look at how Claire and Ian are looking at her. They don’t trust her either but thanks for the help, Ms. Bug. I still don’t trust you.
J: This title card couldn’t be further away from the grisly scene we just watched. This episode will definitely have an interesting trajectory.
V: The episode title and this card, with Mickey Mouse, give hope that there will be some lovely scenes. Hope for the show only fans and promises to the book readers. I’ve been looking forward to this since I read this part of the book.
M: JESS!!! We went to Disneyland together this year! We were preparing for this episode. Ha-ha!
J: I’m surprised Roger and Jamie are there. In every other birthing scene, so far in Outlander, the men have stayed out of the room. I guess this is a testament to Claire’s influence and their unique family.
V: Jess, they are a unique family, indeed. Even when Roger and Bree were born, (the 1940s), male relatives were rarely in the delivery room, even for home births. Then there’s Claire’s baseball references. Lol! Does Jamie even know what that’s about?
We did go all out. It’s one of the most emotional seasons. There’s a lot of heartbreak and joy and disappointment. Everything you want in a drama, it’s all there.
M: This is super cute. Claire delivering her baby.
J: Any uneventful birth in this time is a huge win. I’m happy Bree and the baby seem healthy!
V: The long awaited (mostly because of Droutlander) birth of Bree and Roger’s second child!
M: Aww, the birth went so smoothly, meaning something is going to happen. Because we can’t have nice things in this show.
J: That name wasn’t very common back then, was it? The name and Jem’s plane would definitely confuse archaeologists, if they ever found it!
V: Great choice, Roger Mac! Also, if it is uncommon, that’s even more fitting.
I think her name’s Amanda.
M: I just texted my best friend, Amanda, to tell her what her name means. She was so confused. He-he.
It’s Latin.
‘She is loved.’
J: I guess the newspaper print does make it official – people didn’t really have birth certificates back then, did they?
Blessing.
Born to Captain Roger MacKenzie
of Fraser’s Ridge and his lady,
Mistress Brianna MacKenzie, a girl.
Mother and child are in good health,
V: No, Jess. There were no birth certificates yet. Births were recorded in personal bibles, as well as church registries. I guess announcements varied by individual choice and available resources.
the child’s name given as Amanda Claire Hope MacKenzie.
M: Wait, that is so cute! Let the whole world know that the new baby MacKenzie is here!
J: It’s nice to hear from Fergus, even if he’s off screen. I hope he and Marsali, and the kids, are doing well.
And Jamie is such a lovely granda!
V: I hope Fergus and Marsali return. Maybe next season. We need a proper farewell with the whole family.
It would be fun to see Jamie teaching Mandy his love of horses, as he did with Willie.
M: Look at Jamie having all these dreams for his granddaughter.
J: Claire is definitely the coolest Grandma to ever live.
M: It’s cute watching Claire and Jamie dote over her.
V: They both have dreams of her being special.
J: Oh no! This can’t be good!
M: Blue extremities? Something is wrong with the baby’s heart, isn’t it?
V: The doctor sees it right away.
J: Claire must be so frustrated with the primitive tools she has to use, but she still has her expertise to rely on.
V: She has developed some improvements over the years. She probably could not have heard that with the rolled paper cone.
M: It’s a murmur… but okay murmurs can be benign…
J: Claire couldn’t hide her concern; it’s written all over her face. It’s so sad Bree had to find out about this after only a few days of happiness.
V: It must be tearing both of them apart.
M: This is one of those cases where I bet ignorance would have been bliss. Poor baby.
J: The human body is so complicated. If one little thing is out of place, it can have huge consequences. That poor baby!
V: Good thing I kept the tissue box handy.
A big decision has to be made for Rodger and Bree this season and their whole world is turned upside down.
M: UGH Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)? Can we get NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)? Are those a thing back then? Maybe she doesn’t need surgery…
[Note: Yes, Margot is a doctor – an MD.]
J: Roger and Bree are clearly such devoted parents! But of course, this isn’t their fault. I can’t imagine living in this time without things like postnatal checkups. They are very lucky to have an accomplished surgeon like Claire in the household.
V: Trying to find a bright spot, here. They are all enlightened, even Jamie, so there are no accusations of fault or witchcraft.
M: Yea cuz when the baby was nursing, she wasn’t getting enough oxygen because her heart is abnormal. Oh man, that means its severe.
J: This episode has had so many ups and downs already, and we’re not even halfway through!
V: Claire has to be brutally honest. She must find a balance between doctor and mother/grandmother.
M: LOOK! If we just had some NSAIDS for the patent ductus arteriosus maybe we wouldn’t need surgery. I just keep wondering if there is an herbal equivalent of NSAIDS.
J: One good thing about Claire is she is direct to a fault. It’s definitely good that she told Roger and Bree the truth so they can make informed decisions. And it’s great to see how much faith Bree and Jamie have in her abilities.
M: She may not die if she gets NSAIDS! I’m not a pediatrician though. Also could the PDA resolve on its own. Maybe not because it’s so severe. UGH, this is a tough situation.
J: Claire must be talking about one of her old colleagues in Boston.
V: Could the “someone” be Joe? Anyway, she must be talking about the future.
M: I wouldn’t even attempt heart surgery on a baby, if I was a surgeon in the 1700’s. That sounds like torture.
J: I wish they understood more about how time travel worked. If it’s hereditary, Amanda might be able to, but how can they know if she can hear the buzzing?
M: UGH, THEY HAVE TO GO BACK!!! This is so messed up. But also kinda cool that they know there’s a way.
V: It’s time for big decision making. So many unknowns and variables! Despite the uncertainty, as a group, they are the experts.
What Roger and Bree are grappling with this season is, how much would you do for your children and how far would you go? Their bond is stronger than ever.
J: There’s so many gambles they have to take, but I agree with Roger – it’s better if they stick together. It makes sense for them to try a new stone circle too since the last one didn’t work.
V: Traveling with young children can be hectic enough.
M: This is so stressful. What if they do get split up?
J: Maybe this has to do with how the stones work. You have to feel some kind of strong obligation that the travel is necessary to save a loved one. That seems to be a common factor so far, except for the first time Claire traveled.
M: I get it. They have to save the baby. I’m really sad about not having some ibuprofen to help this baby. The ibuprofen would inhibit some pathway and help the PDA close up. Okay, I know this is too much medical info. I’m such a geek.
V: Margot, it’s good to hear of the modern possibilities. It lets us know that the MacKenzies are not on a wild fool’s errand. We are all geeks of some type.
J: Claire really is a surgeon through and through. She is able to walk herself logically through the surgery even with the high emotional stakes of it being her infant granddaughter.
V: No matter her ramblings, Claire gave the best information to Roger and Bree. They will think through this and make the right decision. Does she even have the needles and suture fine enough to work on an infant?
M: A cardiac rotation? Claire, do you hear yourself? That’s too risky. I’m sorry; I would not. I’m watching this scene wondering why she’s even thinking she could do it. It’s a no. WHY DON’T WE HAVE NSAIDS?
J: Jamie seems to form deep religious connections with the children he has lost. He had a saint for Faith and William too. It’s so awful how much of his family has lost, but his faith seems to help keep him whole.
V: Some may forget Jamie’s spirituality, but he always knows when to pray for help and guidance, as well as when to express thanks. I love that he and Mandy already have secrets (equestrian).
M: He’s right. All we gotta do now is pray. I agree.
J: It’s a good thing they still have that stone so they can at least do a little experimentation before taking the full-time travel leap.
V: The gemstone gave off heat to the MacKenzies and Claire. Perhaps the baby will react to touch and/or sound.
M: How will the baby communicate that she can hear it?
J: Jemmy is so cute! I really hope he’s right about Mandy hearing it.
V: Yep! Happy tears for me, while watching him speak for his sister. Those double potency ‘travelers’ are something else!
M: How does Jemmy know? That’s kinda creepy and convenient how he knows she can hear it. LOL And, they just took the claim as gospel.
J: Sometimes I forget how remote Fraser’s Ridge is. Just getting to town is a journey for them. Traveling with a sick infant makes it even more difficult.
V: The Frasers are earning a lot of mileage points. The Wilmington trip must be several, at least two, weeks – one way.
M: Aww, they’re such a happy family. AND NOW YOU WANNA SPLIT THEM UP?!
J: Jemmy is so precious. It looks like he’s helping everyone stay more light-hearted.
V: Another lovely family moment. So many feels in this episode.
M: You can tell that Jemmy and Jamie are close. This hurts.
Brianna had a sad childhood. I feel like she was pretty estranged from her mom, and she was kind of raised by Frank, and then she was on her own a lot, and didn’t have a solid family to rely on. And so she’s finally got that and then to find that she has a brother, I think is just a dream come true.
Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ.
J: What a small world this is! Or, Lord John just can’t miss an opportunity to run into Jamie. I also love that Bree picked up the “Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ” from Claire!
V: Laughter and tears! Kleenex should have sponsored this episode. We finally see a grown William! I’m exclaiming right along with Bree!
M: Aww, Lord John. Long time, no see!
There’s been a huge fan expectation for this moment. Of course, it’s the first time that we see an adult William. For audiences, it’s Charles’s big introduction into the series.
J: William is all grown up! And Jamie was definitely right to leave, unfortunately; the resemblance is really there.
V: I love how Lord John loses his breath when he first sees a Fraser.
M: Looks like ‘spawn‘ is all grown up and ready for some battle.
The scene is quite simple from William’s perspective. It’s a lot more complicated when you add in all the other dynamics. They all know who I am. They know my true parentage. They know I’m Jamie’s son, and I have no idea, so it’s a much more complicated conversation for, I think, the people around me. For me, I’m just meeting this woman who has some kind of familiarity to me for some reason.
J: There is so much Bree can’t say here, and knowing this will probably be their last meeting must make this all the more painful.
V: William is quite the striking soldier and gentleman, as are both his fathers. He remembers Jamie and mentions him from the time he was young, and they were closest. Another tissue.
M: I don’t know why, but ‘spawn’ looks so stiff, like he has a stick up his butt or something. At least he is well-mannered. This is cute that Brianna gets to meet her half-spawn-half-brother.
The character of William Ransom is a wonderful role, and one fans have been eager to see. Finding someone with the talent and physicality to play Jamie’s son was a daunting task, but Charles’ charisma was evident during the audition process and we are excited to see what he will bring to William’s multi-layered journey.
J: You picked the wrong fight William! I wonder how Jamie will feel about this.
V: There’s no way Bree can explain any of what she wants to say about Boston. I hope William and LJG don’t go asking for tea.
M: Maybe he should stay in England; he’s not on the right side.
J: William you better listen to your big sister! She has more knowledge than you can possibly know!
V: I think John senses the awkwardness, without really knowing why. What he does know is enough to warrant de-escalation.
M: Like I said, the man seems so stiff…like he could be really boring to talk to.
You know a clever man once said,
‘The best way to defeat an enemy is to make him a friend.’
Sometimes the only way to settle things
is with iron and blood.
J: Jamie must be feeling so many emotions at this moment. He hasn’t seen his own son in years, but meeting him, especially in public, is a huge risk. And seeing him in full redcoat costume must be gut-wrenching.
V: He sees his son and daughter together. It must be an exhilarating and also a gut-wrenching moment. He is truly a braw lad, but he is an English soldier, at the time of the American Revolution. He gets to lay eyes on his dearest friend and his son, but they are there to fight what he knows is a losing battle, with his daughter’s countrymen.
M: I feel for Jamie. Honestly, it would be cute to see them acknowledge each other as family.
It’s a huge moment for him. You know it’s kind of tragic for Jamie that he can’t be part of [William’s] upbringing. He desperately would love to be part of his life, but it would be too dangerous for William to have that.
J: Jamie was right to walk away rather than risk meeting them, but it must have been very difficult.
V: William looks much more like Jamie now that he is grown. They must not be seen together.
M: Yea, Jamie don’t engage in that. That’s drama no one needs.
J: I think Bree has very modern opinions about the situation, which must seem pretty foreign to LJG. It’s good they can still discuss this even with the 200-year gap between their opinions.
M: I kind of don’t think this is Brianna’s business, but I understand the questioning.
She also never thought she’d meet him, and managing to see William is just a beautiful moment for Bree, but also quite bittersweet because she can’t just have a candid conversation with him and actually get to know her brother. But I don’t think that there’s too much sadness in that. I think it’s more just feeling grateful that she gets to meet him at all.
V: Bree compares her ‘plural fathers’ situation to her brother’s and applies her 20th century, American logic to suggest appropriate actions. Of course,18th century English nobleman, Lord John, thinks she has gone mad. She has no understanding of how and why William’s dignity, title, property, social standing, and respect would be stripped from him, if the truth of his parentage were to come to light.
He would also lose self-esteem and consider himself a worthless fraud. Lord John would possibly lose his social standing and shame his family for being a conspirator in perpetrating that fraud.
J: Bree knows exactly how William would feel LJG, she doesn’t have to imagine! I hope he takes her advice, but I doubt it.
M: I like this advice Bree gave him, and it’s sweet to see how much LJG loves spawn/William.
V: I value honesty also, but I disagree. If Bree were speaking to someone who was a part of a similar society to that of her upbringing, her advice would have great value.
However, the culture is so drastically different, she has no comprehension of what she’s suggesting. She thinks it is merely a matter of who William loves and accepts. She and William might as well be different species from different planets because their customs and societal norms are worlds apart.
The truth would make her brother more despicable and an enemy of the king than the rebels he has come to fight. His birthright, honor, all that he is and all that his future holds would not just be in jeopardy, but those things would disappear. Bree questioned her identity when she learned Jamie was her father. William would completely lose his identity and all that he has. She means well, but she just doesn’t understand.
J: These two have such an unlikely relationship. They’ve been on opposite sides for most of the time they’ve known each other.
M: Besties reunited.
V: Jamie and his friend are on opposite sides of a war again. It is always good to see each other.
J: I’ve never heard this perspective on America, but it makes sense to LJG I guess. It’s crazy that Jamie fought English rule in Scotland, and now again in America. I guess the revolution makes more sense in that context. I’m sure a lot of Irish and Scottish immigrants to America were absolutely fed up with being ruled by England.
V: Colonizers often take on the role of benevolent, albeit strict parents.
M: That’s a condescending way to describe America in this situation. So off putting. Do we ever think about how wild it is that the British Empire really tried to have the whole world under their feet?
J: It’s so sad that Jamie has never seen his own children together, and one of them doesn’t even know they are siblings. And William definitely is his father’s son. I guess Jamie was fighting in France at his age.
V: Whether nature or nurture, William’s determination and willingness to go to battle cannot be easily swayed. There’s not much Jamie nor John can say about that. John always finds a way to help his friend. He does so again by returning the sapphire to Jamie, no questions asked.
M: Oh yes, Jamie has been fighting in wars all his life, hasn’t he? Guess it’s genetic.
J: I get Jamie’s perspective. If William learns Jamie is his father, it’s like Jamie leaving him was all for nothing.
V: Jamie, being a man of his time, perfectly understands the need to keep William’s lineage a secret, even from William.
Jamie is on the side of the rebels and Lord John Gray (David Berry) and maybe William are on the other side. So, there could be some interesting drama to be handled. It’s a fantastic storyline. It’s another love story, a love of Jamie for William. You know, Jamie has always wanted to be part of his life.
J: This is definitely an awkward exchange. There’s a huge gulf between these two, so much that cannot be said, even though they have a strong bond. Jamie can’t even be fully honest with his friend who raised his son as his own. LJG’s line about opposing the crown is interesting. It shows that his loyalty is more about power dynamics than actually believing British rule is just.
M: It’s crazy because Jamie knows the outcome and he can’t tell LJG about this. LJG also just wants Jamie to be okay.
V: Jamie’s family has told him how the war will go, and Roger has explained the impact it will have on the world that he and Bree know. Of course, John would not believe Jamie, if he told him about the future.
Lord John and Jamie find themselves on opposite sides of the war. Lord John’s a loyalist, and Jamie is a rebel. These two have come to a point in their relationship where it’s pretty much untenable.
I fear we must sever all
connections between us.
J: This is such a sad breakup! These two have been through so much together, and politics broke them apart. I hope Jamie can still find some way to keep in contact with William, but it looks doubtful.
V: They want the best for each other. Like so many other situations in this episode, it boils down to perspective.
M: I think it’s for LJG safety. Jamie is doing what he thinks is best.
J: This breakup is for real. They’re even returning gifts! I hope this isn’t the last we see of LJG.
V: Jamie insists he and John not see each other again, for each of their safety. He then vows his continued friendship. John gives him one last gift, for Bree.
M: I forgot about this sapphire. LJG is hurt!
J: This is so sad! I want to cry too! Can’t they do one last bro hug?
V: Seeing Jamie is always joy and pain for John. This time he looks as if he is shattered. Jamie does not fare well either.
M: Bestie break up. I enjoy their friendship. This is really sad.
I’ve called this scene the divorce scene and that gemstone is symbolic of a wedding ring. It holds extreme sentimental value to Lord John. It’s something that binds John and Jamie in a ceremonial way.
When that stone was first found, Jamie was a prisoner. Later, Jamie sees it in [the Caribbean] when John is the governor there, and he’s kept that stone with him as a memento and reminder of Jamie and the relationship that they have.
The handing over of that back to Jamie is symbolic of a change in their relationship.
J: The look between Claire and Jamie here is significant. She must be surprised that LJG would give up something so precious to him and wondering what happened.
And if I were her, I would still be nervous about my husband spending alone time with someone so clearly in love with him, even with a relationship as strong as theirs.
M: Looks like we have all of our supplies for time travel. Let’s get going!
V: Yes! They are ready to leave for Ocracoke in the morning.
M: Jamie just wants a last moment with his daughter before she leaves. This is really sad. I didn’t expect this so soon.
V: A walk and talk, like they often did when she first arrived.
So, you’ve met your brother?
J: One child off to fight on the losing side of a war and another leaving him to travel to the future. Jamie must be one worried father.
V: He worries for them both!
M: Right!? Jamie and Claire can’t have any peace.
J: Bree out here representing Disney adults ha-ha. Margot and I went recently, and it was great, except it rained for most of the time we were there, unfortunately.
M: I’m telling you Jess, we were preparing for this episode without knowing it because we went there. SO MUCH RAIN. It was really fun though.
They remind me of Disneyland.
Aye? Where’s that?
It’s this place where stories come to life.
They say it’s for children, but . . .
really, it’s for the child in everyone.
J: I wonder how Jamie feels hearing about Frank. I’m sure he still hates him to the marrow of his bones like he said. But, he must also be grateful to him for taking care of his wife and daughter.
What was it like there?
Oh, it was magical. You’d hear music everywhere. Musicians playing horns and drums, marching up and down the streets.
You could go up and shake hands with Mickey Mouse.
What’s that?
It’s this human size mouse with these big ears and gloves.
What, a giant rat? They let the bairns play wi’ it?
M: Jamie learning about Mickey Mouse has me in stitches. LOL! Asking if the bairns play with it. It’s so obvious people who don’t know anything about Mickey would wonder that.
No. It’s not a rat, it’s a mouse.
But really it’s just a person dressed up like a mouse.
When you are there, the real world disappears.
Nothing bad can happen.
J: There’s the title! Bree must really miss Disneyland after all the hell she’s been through in this time. That and warm baths.
V: I buy into it. I’ve never heard a child crying there.
M: I guess, as a child, I can see you thinking that at Disneyland.
They call it “the happiest place on Earth.”
And for a little while . . . it really seems that way.
Is it disappointing here? In this place? In this time?
J: I think we can all agree Jamie is magical. And for Bree to have gone through all the logic bending magic of time travel to meet him, he must be even more so. When she first heard about Jamie from Claire, she accused her of making him up. And yet, here they are talking to each other 200 years in the past.
No, not at all.
You are magical to me.
M: I bet he has always wondered about this. It must make him sad to think Bree might prefer her time more than his.
J: I honestly can’t picture Jamie as a modern man. The 1970s would be one thing, but could you imagine him in the present? Would he be a crypto investor or into cross fit? Ha-ha!
V: This is the first time he entertains this notion. Is it because he is about to lose his family to the future?
M: He has realized he is the limiting factor with this time travel. Like if they could, they would all jump forward; it would be okay.
J: Farming has changed a lot by the 1970s. I’m not sure Jamie would like it. Although he might have fun driving a giant tractor.
V: Jess, that was my first thought. He would arrive just in time to see the family farms disappear.
M: Aww, this is really sweet. I bet we all imagine it sometimes – what it would be like, if he could travel with them.
J: This is a very loaded question, especially these days. I do think overthrowing British control was worth it, but we definitely missed opportunities in our history to guarantee freedom for everyone.
V: He’s right to wonder. The price is truly high.
M: Jamie knows this is going to be a big ass battle and is like “IS THIS WORTH IT?!! AM I REALLY ABOUT TO DO THIS?”
I’ve dreamt of you in your proper time.
You were sitting at a desk, maybe writing.
There was light all around you, shining on your face, your hair.
J: Of course, Jamie the perfect man dreams about his wife. It’s interesting that he calls it her proper time, even though she is clearly happiest in this time with him.
V: I thought he had told her earlier. Maybe it was only the one about Bree and her birthmark.
But it wasn’t a candlelight nor firelight.
M: He has dreams about the future? Is this a thing in the books?
V: Yes, Margot. He does!
I recall thinking to myself as I saw you,
‘Huh, now that must be what electric light is like.’
J: There is definitely something going on with Jamie’s dreams. I hope we learn more about it later!
V: Jess, I do not remember if we get more understanding of it, but there will probably be more instances of it happening.
M: Claire, he just knows. Jamie just be knowing. LOL What is this dream future thing? Someone explain it to me.
I think that he’s always had this insight into the future in some ways. Looking back to season one the first episode and seeing this ghost that could maybe be Jamie or not, we don’t know. Heughan reflects on his character’s revelation. He’s not a time traveler but certainly, maybe his love or whatever it is gives him an ability to transcend his body.
J: Interesting theory, Jamie! I wonder if he’ll have any prophetic dreams.
V: He is open to many possibilities?
M: And this doesn’t freak him out? He doesn’t think it’s weird?
J: This is an interesting thing to keep to himself. I wonder what else he has seen in the dreams.
V: LOL!
M: No one would ever think you’re daft, Jamie. But, I am so confused.
J: More secrets! But no lies, of course. He’s always thinking about protecting Claire and his family.
V: Full of surprises!
M: It’s really sweet that Jamie is so unselfish that he still gives Claire a choice, no matter what.
J: As you should, Claire! We saw what happened to Jamie the last time she left him, no one wants that again!
V: It’s the look on Claire’s face, as he says it? Someone could make a fun meme with that picture. Claire is not buying any of that.
M: Jamie understands that this battle will be huge and just wants to make sure Claire is safe. He knows that she won’t be safe without him.
J: I don’t blame Jamie for not being as brave. He’s had enough trauma in his life. I hope he can have some peace in his old age.
V: I cannot believe she threw that gem (ruby?) out on the street in Wilmington.
M: I don’t know why people won’t just leave them alone. Why can’t they always be happy?
He’s deeply relieved. He’s steeled himself to take/send Claire back to her own time before, and he knows how that felt. Ditto, living without her for 20 years. To lose her again, and this time undoubtedly for good…? No, loving Claire undoubtedly complicates his life (to say the least), but he sees that love as the best part of him, and everything that makes that life worth living.
J: Wow, this is all happening so fast. I guess they need to get Amanda modern medical attention as soon as possible.
V: The journey. I hope no one notices that five go over, but only two return.
M: This is a lot. It’s Epi 2 and they’re leaving already?
J: Another stone circle! It’s so interesting how much it looks like the circle all the way in Scotland.
V: We don’t get the sound effects this season.
M: How do they know this will work? Can’t they have the baby fixed and then go back to the 1700’s? UGH, cameras weren’t even a thing for them to take a family portrait.
J: How are they not all bawling! They finally have some peace and now their family has to break up again, possibly forever.
You’re right Margot, no one can stay happy for long in this show.
M: Literally the only thing I’m thinking through this entire scene is how final this all is. It’s like someone is dead because there won’t be any contact. There are no cameras, no voice recordings or videos. It’s sad.
J: It’s eerie how similar Claire and Bree’s experiences are. But It seems much riskier to travel with an infant versus being pregnant. I really hope this goes well!
V: The tissue people are making another bundle.
I want to avoid spoilers, but that what happens in episode two really gave me goosebumps when I read the script; it made me cry. Everything seems really lovely, homey, and perfect initially.
Then, as it is with Outlander, it all goes a little south very quickly. So, I think at episode two is going to be one that’s going to shake things up for people because everything really gets torn apart pretty quickly.
J: This is just too sad!
Jem of course doesn’t really understand what’s happening, but this could be the last time he and his grandma talk.
V: Heartbreaking!
J: Roger finally gets some approval from his father-in-law as he’s about to leave!
M: I’m thinking back to those disapproving looks Jamie would always give Roger. Roger getting this validation is very heart warming.
J: Lol Yes, that wasn’t Jamie’s finest moment.
M: That snake bite episode was wild!
J: Without Roger, Claire probably wouldn’t have made it back to Jamie at all. They definitely are family.
M: I remember all the way back in S1 when we met Roger, who would have thought.
J: These two are just so cute! This is so hard to watch!
V: I have been waiting for that line, since I read it over eight years ago. Also, Jamie tells Jemmy that he will always be with him.
M: HA-HA HIS NAME IS MICKEY! I want Jemmy to take a picture with Mickey and come back to the past and show Jamie.
If you see a mouse named, Michael, tell him I say hi.
When Jamie says goodbye to Jemmy and has that iconic line about, “If you see a mouse named, Michael, tell him I say hi.” But my favorite, favorite line from that scene that I’m so glad made it in is when Jamie at the end declares something to the effect of, “If not for you, I would not go on.” And that to me encapsulates their whole relationship. It’s like I’ve just sent my kid and my grandkids through. I do not think I can make it except for you. That’s the only reason I’m still alive. And I’m just like, oh my God, I just want to cry.
J: I’m so worried for Mandy. Everyone says that time traveling is a difficult experience. Will she make it to the future?
You’re a Fraser and a MacKenzie. Same as me.
V: I have read we only have 22 more episodes!?! I’m willing to skip some years, so we can see a bit more of her.
M: I love that for her. That she is both. Oh the possibilities of how he would have been an awesome grandfather to her.
Your heart is strong. It will not fail you.
I don’t have the words, a leannan.
I canna say goodbye to you.
Dinna fash.
When you said goodbye to Mama at the stones,
when she was carrying me, you said that . . .
that I was all that would ever be left of you.
But you are so much more than that.
I will carry you in my heart and soul.
J: This is such a beautiful thing for Bree to say to Jamie. Things are really coming full circle in this moment.
V: A sad call back to one of the saddest scenes!
M: Throwback to S4 with those words. It really is a full circle moment.
There was one take where the camera turned around to Sam and Caitriona. So, we are not in the shot, and I have to take the gemstones out of my pockets. But I had been eating little packets of sweets, little milky ways and things like that, so I put all the wrappers in my pocket of my costume jacket, which is a big no-no.
Anyway, so in the scene when it’s all Caitriona and Sam and they’re really intense, everyone’s crying, and I go to take these gems out my pocket and with it comes a whole handful of chocolate wrappers. I couldn’t meet Caitriona’s eyes.
J: NOOOOO, don’t go!!! But do go, you have to! UGGGH!
V: So much of ‘this and that’ in this episode? Don’t know which emotion will win.
M: This is so heart breaking. I can’t believe this is goodbye.
J: I really hope this works. There’s been enough tragedy in this episode already!
V: Now everyone is armed.
M: There’s no way it can’t work. That would just be too much. This is such a huge gamble.
J: They are stronger than I am. I would be sobbing. They’re losing their whole family in this moment.
V: They literally walk hand in hand, into their new destiny!
M: Trying to stay strong for the children. They have to do what is best for the baby.
With Mandy’s heart issue, they’re not going to want to bring her back. And then there’s the safety of them being in that time with the American Revolution around the corner.
What parents would voluntarily thrust their children into that scenario? I think it’s a very final farewell for sure.
J: Jamie staying dignified, as always.
V: Claire blinks as they disappear. Jamie remains a stalwart.
M: I keep saying it’s so sad they can’t even take a picture.
I don’t think they can entertain the idea that they can just commute with Jemmy and Mandy. It’s not necessarily one you can guarantee the outcome of either.
They’ve got enough similarities, too. Their love of history, just their demeanor in certain scenarios, and the way they handle things. A lot of times in the relationships you see in TV and film is the lack of communication. It’s always such a frustration for me because I always think communication is just number one.
It’s just the key to things working. I think we’re a lot better at it. Roger and Brianna are better at just taking a breath, stepping back, and looking at things from the other side. And working through things as a team. I definitely think that’s why they work now.
If not for you, I would not go on.
J: I can’t even wrap my head around the amount of loss these two have experienced.
M: I’m surprised they didn’t break down crying right there.
That, to me, says everything you need to know about their relationship. He’s just sent his daughter and grandchildren through the stones; he’ll never see them again. It’s like, ‘If not for this person, I would not be able to survive.’ … They complete each other. That doesn’t mean they’re not each on their own complete people, but them together is what makes sense.
What’s interesting is usually they say you need somebody on the other side of the stones to pull you through, but I think this time it comes from the two of them going through together.
J: IT WORKED!!! They really have no clue what time period they are in. It must be insanely disorienting.
M: OMG, IT DID WORK!!! How do they know what time they are really going back to? This is so crazy. So many variables.
It’s been a lot of bloody hard work for them. And it’s been a long time coming. Our characters have a lot of ups and downs, maybe more so than anticipated. We’ve come a long way.
There’s no one pulling them through the specific era — I guess they could be thinking of Joe, the surgeon — but it’s not quite the same. It’s more the urgency and the abundance of love that they have for their baby. They have to go back to save their family.
J: THEY MADE IT!!!
V: That is such a Toni Graphia plot piece.
M: That was a really good shot with the plane.
They made it! Now…. where do they go from here?
J: Wow this is going to be a huge adjustment for them. It’s like they’re strangers in their own time after what they’ve experienced.
V: Hopefully, we will get answers next week and be very pleased.
M: Do they have money? How will they explain the clothes? Do they remember phone numbers? Who do they call? Where do they go?
J: It’s back to being just the two of them again.
V: I love that we see Murtagh’s cairn, as they ride by.
M: Damn. Just the two of them.
J: It’s going to be difficult just being the two of them in that big house, with so many fewer voices.
V: Talk about empty nesters.
M: Must feel like a gaping hole in their chests. That’s tough.
V: It is almost as if she is in a daze.
M: I think she was trying to distract herself from all the grief, but it’s just too much.
J: Yeah I don’t think the mood was really there for this.
J: How do you cope with so much loss? It’s almost worse than if Bree and Roger had died; at least then, they would know for sure what happened to them.
V: It is as if the whole family died in an accident. Both Caitrìona and Sam knock this scene out of the park! So much concern and care for her poignant emotions. He needed to have been there, like this, when they lost Faith? Of course, Louie hindered that.
M: It is like a death to be honest. So final.
He’s having to say goodbye to John Grey [David Berry]; to his daughter [Bree, Sophie Skelton]; to his grandchildren. He’s losing a lot and I think that cumulatively wounds him. We always thought Jamie has great fortitude and great strength, but it does have a toll.
J: How is this man still standing.
V: Immeasurable strength!
M: I DON’T KNOW, JESS. HOW HAS HE NOT GIVEN UP ON LIFE.
What we see this season is that when things get tough and when things are hard for her, she has learned already that she has to approach it in a different way. With her and Jamie’s relationship, she’s much more open and more willing to discuss things that are really hard for her. That helps with how she processes and how she heals from things.
J: This is a long overdue cry for Claire. She’s been through so much.
V: Much needed!
M: Grief is weird. It just hits you like a ton of bricks sometimes. She needs to cry though to start processing everything. It’s a huge loss.
J: I guess they both found a way to keep on living somehow.
V: As long as ‘there’s the two of them’.
M: Time moves on, you know. Gotta just keep moving forward.
VO: In the weeks that followed,
I took what comfort I could in knowing
that Brianna and Roger were not dead, but only elsewhere.
Lizzy delivered her son, and the joy of baby Rodney’s laugh
M: Ayyyeee, the famous throuple.
soften even Jamie,
V: Lizzy and the twins!
who allowed the unusual family to remain together.
J: I guess Jamie couldn’t bear to break up another family, no matter how nontraditional it is.
We made new memories every day,
added them to the ghost of older ones:
J: They’ve lost so much, but at least now they have another period of peace. But it’s sure not to last long.
Mandy’s foal,
M: You really just have to move forward. Nothing else to do. They’re still very fortunate.
Jemmy’s face smeared with honey,
Brianna’s laughter,
J: I’m glad Bree left that sketch. It’s like having a photo of Jem!
M: Aww, at least she has drawings of family.
Roger’s hands carving one of the little toy cars.
J: It must be sad to see the toys sitting still with no Jem to play with them.
M: Roger carved all of those? Damn, he is talented.
But it had not cast its shadow over us.
J: They still have Ian and Rollo!
We counted our blessings.
V: Some of their family remains.
M: Oh yes. Ian and Lizzie, Fergus and Marsali are still around too. It’ll be okay.
It really was the happiest place on Earth.
J: I guess they had to make their own happiness. They had to or else they would lose their sanity with grief.
V: It’s the two of them. They will be happy together.
J: I do not like the vibes here. Of course, they’re due for some kind of disturbance to this peace.
V: She knows something is wrong.
M: The vibe has changed. Wait, she just goes into the house with the door open?
J: THIS GUY AGAIN! WHAT IS HE DOING IN THEIR HOUSE?
M: This man just pops up like a cockroach. Two episodes in a row?
V: There he is. Always a snake to show up and ruin the happiest place on Earth.
M: He’s too nosy. Why is he there?!
J: Nobody needed to hear from this guy again.
J: Is this man for real right now.
V: Heck of a nerve, this guy!
M: Isn’t it crazy how entitled men can act? He legitimately did not help her and is demanding things from her now.
J: Roger was right not to help him!
V: Should we call him Wendigo Whiner?
M: All I am hearing are excuses. Roger was right not to help him for real.
J: Like Claire should give a crap about your problems. Again, why are you in her house?
V: The stones are a THINKING person’s transport. A bottle of whisky kills it.
M: Guess he wasn’t worthy. Also, how does he know that Claire knows how it works?
J: He is such scum. Where is Jamie?!!!
V: “His Gem”!!! He lost his ill-gotten goods.
M: Imagine coming to this woman’s house demanding things and pulling a gun on her.
J: Who are friends with this man?? Why would anyone follow him?
V: He hasn’t had friends since he arrived in the past. The last group almost got him killed.
M: OMG, LEAVE!!!! How does he have friends? I hate this guy.
J: Good quick-thinking Jamie!
V: Team Fraser is at work. Get ‘em team!
M: HAHA!!! Nice idea.
J: It’s too bad Jamie didn’t get to kill him along with the rest of Brown’s men.
V: One of the “All” that got away. Jamie’s ready to make it right.
M: I like how Jamie was trying to form some connection with him to fix things and as soon as he heard his name, he’s like – HE NEEDS TO DIE!
J: MRS. BUG! And I thought she was trustworthy! Where on earth is that gold from?
V: Bad choice actions revealing previous bad choices. If they make it out of this, the Bugs’ have some ‘splaining to do!
M: I don’t understand. Why is this gold so important all of a sudden?
[VA: Margot, at the speed they are going with these episodes, hopefully, we’ll find out next week.]
M: Also Wendigo saying Gaelic was gibberish is kinda prejudice and ignorant.
J: Idiots! I hope they don’t break anything irreplaceable like Brown did!
V: They don’t know enough to their own rash actions.
M: Damn, men really just think they can do what they want, break what they want and take what they can? I hate this.
J: They’ve really done it now. Won’t they all just pass out now?
V: They are not all running outside. So, we know something is about to go very wrong!
M: IS WENDIGO STUPID?? I bet they would pass out. I’m hoping for it.
J: WENDIGO YOU IDIOT! YOU’RE FROM THE FUTURE. DO YOU NOT KNOW WHAT ETHER IS?!
V: It has been said, “You just can’t fix stupid!” Wendigo proved the point in spades. His wanting to return is understandable, but he keeps making counterintuitive choices.
M: She says ether and he goes in and lights a match? HE’S AN IMBECILE. WHAT, THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!!!
Episode Rating (1-5 Shots)
We give this episode 4-shots! The writing, acting, directing, editing, music and lighting were all extra lovely. It made us think, feel, laugh and cry.
However, despite the episode having so much story, with important parts, it was a lot to take in! For some of us, it felt like they rushed through some parts of the episode. There were intense emotional highs and lows, but there wasn’t enough space for anything to really sink in because we were already on to the next crisis.
We saw the Christie situation get resolved before the opening credits even started and they never spoke of it again. LJG and Willie make an entrance and then, suddenly, we’re being thrust into Brianna and Roger leaving. Then, the house was on fire, and we were balking at the screen with the credits rolling. These characters have very eventful lives, but some of us think this would have been better stretched over two episodes with more time for dialogue and details.
Overall, we enjoyed this action-packed episode, from the depraved rantings of a very disturbed and guilt-ridden Allan Christie to the reckless and senseless damage and death caused by Wendigo Donner. Also, there were many severed relationships – Allan killed (the end of the Christies), the MacKenzies leaving, Jamie and LJG breaking up. The medical aspect was interesting, and we can clearly see they are setting up the whole season for some big events from what we just saw. We hope we get some answers too.
We have three favorite scenes in this episode. The first one is Jamie with Amanda in the stables. It was such a sweet moment, and Jamie has had such precious little time with his kin. We are sure he will treasure that moment forever. The second is Jamie and Brianna with the fireflies and talking about Disneyland. We all wonder what it would be like to have Jamie in the future, and it was nice that they voiced that on the show – verra sweet.
Last, but not least, is the last scene. It didn’t have all the feels of many others, but it gave us Jamie and Claire and all their range. Claire was rational then strong with Donner. Then came Jamie, overcome, but not defeated. They immediately started working together to outsmart their ragtag captors and Jamie shows a different rage toward Mr. Bug. We held our breaths and expected our team to be triumphant once more. That is, until the only other person in the room to know what ether is strikes a match and appears to blow them all to kingdom come. The Frasers are displaced, again, and it looks like they have a big adjustment period.
Anyone who could direct a beast of an episode like this one, with so many moving parts, gets five-shots in our book. And Lisa Clarke did just that. The directing was most impressive with Clarke giving us a character- and a plot-packed episode. There was a lot to cram in, but the individual scenes were cohesive and well shot.
One of our standout performances, by a hair, was Caitríona. We could see Claire think and oh could we see her feel. Her portrayal of grief, after Brianna and Roger left, touched our soul. The other stand out was Sam. He had such a huge emotional range to tackle. He also showed a more vulnerable side to Jamie that we don’t always see. At this point, he is middle aged and has gone through countless tragedies.
One of our favorite costumes of the episode is Lord John’s complete outfit. It was exquisite, as usual. [Whispers: We really think he dressed hoping he might run into Jamie that day!] Maroon is definitely his color; we would love to see the fabrics up close. Another one is Brianna’s costume that she wears when she talks with Jamie in the firefly scene.
The cinematography was once again outstanding. We really liked the opening with Claire and Allan and the rows of pines behind them. It added to the eeriness of the scene. The wide shots of Jamie and Claire riding back to the Ridge are always great, but this week there were more amazing dark scenes. Setting the mood, they gave us beauty and quiet; places where we could appreciate the closeness of loved ones.
LOOKING FORWARD
What we are looking forward to in S7 Epi3.
Vanita: I want to know who survived and how? If the Bugs’ made it, what do they have to say about the gold? Where and what is next for Jamie and Claire? What year is it when the MacKenzies return? How do they get where they needed to go and how is Mandy? What is next for William and John? What is Young Ian up to? Follow Vanita on Twitter – @AtvmMountain.
Margot: I want some answers. Where do they go from here now that the house is gone? How do they move on from all this loss? What is spawn/Willie’s role in this season? Did Wendigo die? I want to see how the MacKenzies move forward and where did they get money to get back to Boston or Scotland? Must be a weird transition. Follow Margot on Twitter – @margieleev.
Jess: I just want to find out who survived the explosion! It looks like Wendigo is the new villain this season, so I doubt he would be so short-lived. And I can’t wait to see how the MacKenzies adapt to being back in modern times. Even though they are from the future, being away from so long must mean there will be some culture shock. And of course, I hope they can get Amanda the surgery she needs. There are so many loose ends to tie up, so I am looking forward to next week! Follow Jess on Twitter – @calypsomoon9.
Outlander S7 Epi3 Preview – ~ Video via STARZ
Synopsis:
See why we love Outlander on Blacklanderz® Speak!
Disclaimer: We hold no rights to any of the pictures. No copyright infringement intended.
