Blacklanderz®Convos!
Outlander S7 Epi3 – Death Be Not Proud
Written by Tyler English-Beckwith | Directed by Jacquie Gould
This conversation is between Blacklanderz® Marsha, Amanda and Erica. Arranged and edited by Vida.
M: I was so excited to see this box delivery for Jemmy. What on earth could be inside?!
E: Modern Day Scotland…Box with Jeremiah’s name on it…What could it be? I think it could be the letters.
A: I love seeing Jemmy’s full government name spelled out.
M: I enjoy watching the song as each episode airs. I am comparing the scenes from watched episodes for what is left to view. Even though I have read all the books, I try to watch with fresh eyes to see how neatly they weave the plots together to advance the overall story.
A: Sinéad O’Connor’s cover of the Skye Boat song this season is growing on me. Her melody suggests that all the characters are on a journey this season, not just Claire and Jamie.
E: I have to say that Sinéad O’Connor sounds amazing. Love her rendition of the song.
M: Well, that must be Fiona’s family playing with Brianna’s family. Such a peaceful, enjoyable day filled with children innocently laughing and playing. No matter the century, it’s a beautiful sight to behold.
A: I forgot all about Fiona. It’s been a very long time since we last saw modern day Scotland. I am glad to see the kids have playmates.
E: Children playing. So good to see that. Things appear to be going well.
We’ve been keeping it safe,
but I’ve been dying to know what’s inside.
The bank said it’s been in their vault for 200 years.
M: Fiona is a ride or die friend for the ages. She is protective of everyone and everything Roger holds dear. She takes her secrets to the grave. God bless her! I bet nothing surprises her given her own family history of traditions upheld regarding the stones. Presenting Roger and Bree with the age-old box addressed to Jemmy is quite a shocker. I would be filled with so much anxiety as well as excitement. Don’t hesitate though…open that box and let’s get this show on the road! What happened to my parents?!!!
E: 200 years…It’s a good thing that Fiona is in on the secret. That would have been complicated to explain, I think.
A: Agreed, and it builds the mystery as to what’s in the box.
They’ve come from Boston, a metropolitan city in the U.S., to a very rural part of Scotland, so it was interesting to think about their journey to get there, what clothes they’ve picked up along the way, and then the difference between them and their neighbors in rural Scotland, where people are not very up to date with fashion.
The clearest example of this comes early on when Bree and Roger pay a visit to his friend Fiona, whose traditional wardrobe cuts a sharp contrast to Bree’s bold colours and more fitted silhouette. Although Fiona’s young, realistically she wouldn’t be eye-catching in terms of fashion, so we have her in local knitwear with a print blouse.
M: Bree…. Focus! Open it! The kids are fine (sigh). No one is crying or bleeding. Just open the damn box, sheeeesh!!!
E: Marsha, you crack me up! Even after reading all the books, I share in your anticipation to get it open. I thought for sure we were going to see Dr. Abernathy. No time to show it all, I suppose.
M: Wait, I thought we would see Uncle Joe too, Erica! That would have been so cool!
A: I was also hoping for an Abernathy appearance, but it’s possible that cameo was cut because S6 was cut short.
M: Finally! I guess it makes sense to be a little nervous about what’s inside. Get over it. Open the damn box (smh). I definitely believe Roger learned from Jamie to be always as prepared as possible for anything.
A: Roger is not taking any chances!
E: Roger ever prepared with the knife. Just a bit nervous, Marsha. Love the silent conversations they have just with the eyes. They look scared to see what’s inside.
I think a lot of people will say, ‘Oh, that’s not the ’80s I know.’ People have to remember, this was the 1980s in the Highlands, which is going to be a bit different from the 1980s in, say, Los Angeles. But we did push the envelope a little bit with hairstyles and clothing, because we wanted that to pop.
Huh. A musket ball?
[V: Good question, Roger. But, maybe not.]
E: The letters…I was right! I wondered how they were going to work that in. In the book, the letters were in a desk. Excellent inclusion to bridge the past to the future. Marsha, was there a letter explaining the gold musket ball? I don’t remember that part. But yes…don’t lose it..very valuable indeed. Thank you my friend. An explanation would definitely be necessary.
M: Fantastic! They are alive and writing letters to us. I totally agree with you, Erica. The books are different, but they did a nice job here. And it is such an Outlander-esque touch to have an old box mysteriously sitting somewhere for 200 years to be delivered to them.
Look at all those letters! I would be sooo excited! Ooh…where’s the letter that explains the musket ball has gold inside lol (let’s see 200-year-old gold…hmmm). Don’t lose it… you may need it. I don’t know, but I am imagining if they sent them a musket ball there should be a story behind it in one of those letters. My friend, if I sent you a musket ball through time, I would definitely tell you there was gold inside (wink)!
A: I love this reveal of the letters, it’s a literal treasure chest of family history!
My dear daughter, as you will see
if you ever receive this, we are alive.
The more [Bree] reads the letters, to live the life through them — it’s a rebirth of her parents. It’s wonderful because it feels like a parallel timeline as well. It’s not like you lose a parent and read their diary; it feels like these letters are coming in tandem rather [than from] the grave. It’s really emotional to Bree.
M: Yessss! Let’s start with that fact. We are alive and well. Ok, now I can relax and read on. It’s interesting how the story unfolds to reveal how “alive” they are. That simple sentence was followed by so much mayhem; it was crazy!
A: This is as much a relief for Bree and Roger, as is for all of us watching, knowing how last week ended!
E: YEAH! They are alive. The relief on their faces is palpable. Yes, the mayhem was something else.
M: My emotions in this scene were all over the place. I went from being completely ecstatic because Wendigo was finally going to pay for not helping Claire when she was kidnapped and repeatedly raped (and yes, I am happy with the ultimate price he paid).
A: Wendigo is even more selfish than I initially judged him to be. Waiting for the inevitable karma delivery!
E: Madness! Wendigo is so dense. Not a good man at all. Yes Marsha, he finally gets his comeuppance. His doing nothing did a lot, and it wasn’t good for Claire at all…or anyone on the Ridge for that matter. Running away like the coward he was created a riptide like none I have ever seen. Good riddance, Wendigo.
M: Boy, bye… Wendigo’s gone. Now, y’all gotta move…RUN! In these next moments, I was devastated for Jamie and Claire, losing their home and all that it represents to them…. a safe haven…their home…right before their eyes all of that went up in smoke.
E: Move fast! We need to go now! Claire appears frozen to the spot until Jamie comes back for her.
M: Yeah, Erica, what’s up with her freezing like that?
A: I think she may be having flashbacks to the rapes and that’s why she’s frozen.
M: Oh my, what a blaze! So sad. All that hard work.
A: Agreed, Marsha!
E: BOOM!
There’s a great shot that we got to do. It’s where we run and go flying in the air from the explosion. It’s not such a big deal for Sam, cause he does a lot of his own stunts, but that was a big deal for me. I squealed like a small child that was flying through the air.
It’s a really sad moment when we say goodbye to that set and that location. But it’s such a catalyst for the rest of the season. We loved filming in that location. It was one of the most beautiful we’ve been. We had a three-dimensional facade on location that was completely burnt down.
I know it’s a TV show, but we still have so many great memories there — Brianna and Roger’s wedding, many other great moments being shot there. It was sad to say goodbye.
Both your mother and I are safe and well.
And we will always have a home
as long as we have each other.
Shooting that stuff was a lot of fun. I’ve never shot anything with that much fire, it was quite impressive the amount of pyrotechnics we used. Both Caitriona and I enjoyed being blown up and jumping out of the building!
M: I was heartened to see all their neighbors trying to help them save their home. They poured all their love into that home.
A: It’s great to see the Ridge is not just a bunch of houses but a real community that cares for each other.
E: House is on fire. The entire Ridge is there to help. The house is completely engulfed. I suppose that the fisher folk are feeling quite foolish now that they all know who the father of Malva’s son was and who killed her.
M: Claire and Jamie look on in disbelief that this house they poured all their hearts into is going up in flames.
E: This was such a difficult scene to watch. I remember when the house was built. I got Lallybroch vibes – when Jamie said that his father put his blood, sweat and tears into the house. The house at the Ridge was the same thing for him.
A: You can’t help but tear up watching Jamie and Claire lose everything.
M: No amount of water is going to save that home. That fire is completely out of control.
A: I doubt modern technology could have saved the house, let alone plain 18th century water.
E: The amount of flammables in the surgery alone was enough to burn it to the ground.
M: Everyone is working frantically to throw water at that house. Ian is yelling at everyone to hurry up with the buckets of water so he can throw them at the fire, but to no avail.
A: Ian might lose his voice with how much he’s yelling.
E: The fire and the look in the eyes of Jamie and Claire was reminiscent of the print shop fire. All lost but thankfully, they have each other.
M: Ian doesn’t want to give up, but nothing is working. The house is done for and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
A: Poor Ian, he tried so hard!
E: House may be gone, but they are each others home. Home is where the heart is. A house is just a building.
M: Claire is frantic. You can see the terror in her eyes. She hands off the bucket to Jamie but her facial expression (which you can always read) says it’s too late. They look at each other with such utter sadness, knowing their home is gone.
A: All of her hard work on the surgery and on making her family comfortable is gone.
E: Very true, Marsha. Their home is gone. Thankfully, they will build another…I am certain of it.
M: And that one moment when Jamie stops and watches the fire spread from the inside all the way up to the top of their beautiful home, he realizes their efforts are futile.
For Jamie, it is really sad. He’s built this home somewhere he thought he’d be safe and happy for his life and now suddenly he’s lost it again.
E: You know, if Jamie didn’t have faith and belief, this would have been a very different scene. Recognizing the end is crucial. Cut your losses and start again.
M: That moment just broke my heart.
A: Same here, you can’t help but cry with them.
E: Sadness abounds.
M: My eyes are tearing right now. All the love made in that room, now it’s just flames on top of flames, everywhere.
A: Claire and Jamie’s sanctuary is gone.
E: Fire destroyed everything. There is barely anything remaining.
M: Claire is devastated.
A: She feels like she’s lost everything she worked for in the surgery and in the house.
E: I don’t think that she will be the same for the rest of the season. This whole situation broke into her soul. She is utterly devastated.
We were saying goodbye to that place, the location that had been our home for the last couple of years. It holds a lot of memories for Jamie and Claire.
M: Claire’s recovery tub…nooo!!! (Sorry y’all, that’s what I recall whenever I see that tub).
A: That tub is another symbol of the house being Claire’s escape from trauma.
E: Yeah…the very tub where Brianna bathed her after the horrors she faced at the hands of the Browns.
That was a really emotional, in part because it comes on the heels of losing Bree and Roger and the kids. I think for Claire, she was trying to hold everything in and be the strong person who’s let them go for a really good reason…but it’s this thing of just losing your home [that breaks her]. It is such a destabilizing thing.
M: It’s over. Time’s up for the Fraser home, at least for now.
E: Great catch, Marsha. I didn’t even make that correlation or catch the hourglass falling. Time may be up, but like the Phoenix, they will rise again.
A: The hourglass definitely represents lost time and lost memories.
M: I thought it was truly the end for all things Dr. Rawlings.
A: Dr. Rawlings’ box is likely Claire’s most treasured object from the surgery.
E: Dr. Rawlings…Claire was certainly of a different time.
Enough.
Enough!
M: As he looks at Claire, and whispers to her, “enough,” and then he shouts, “enough!” to his friends. This scene broke me.
It canna be saved.
M: I have to commend the director, Jacquie Gould, for capturing the utter devastation of the burning down of Jamie and Claire’s dream home in such an emotional, disturbing, heart tugging way.
The memories that occurred in that home (for all of us) were just violated by the disturbing greed and selfishness of one individual (Wendigo)… in this single episode. Yes, I shall have another tear as I think about it. As I chant, it’s just a show…it’s just a show.
E: Ditto. I am always amazed at the talent pool involved in the making of this show. From the actors and writers to set design and costumes…such a talented group of individuals. I will miss this caliber of show when they close after S8.
Thank you all, but . . .
there’s nothing more we can do.
M: This loss is just plain sad. Losing their home never should have happened to them.
E: I agree, Marsha. But in the grand scheme of things, it was bound to happen. The Frasers lives are like rollercoasters with many peaks and valleys…highs and lows. This is certainly a low. They will come back better and stronger after this I am certain.
M: Ian looks traumatized by this disaster. He knows what this home represents for all of them.
A: The house was his sanctuary as well.
M: This scene is so gut-wrenching to watch. All those wonderful memories up in smoke!
E: I am sure that they will persevere.
Well, it’s not January.
Aye. And we’re no’ dead.
M: They are managing their trauma with humor; it will carry them through.
E: As always…humor is their coping mechanism.
Oh my God, I’m so sad to see that house go. It’s so sad. But on the other hand, we have been talking about this fire for so long. I think I just wanted to tap in and us to move on. It was so sad though. That beautiful house is no longer there, but I think also the aftermath of it is so brilliantly done by our art department.
So much for our obituary.
Bloody newspapers. Never get anything right.
M: Even with all that happened, Jamie and Claire still found a way to find humor in relishing the destruction of the prediction of their deaths now averted. So like the Frasers to crack a joke.
E: “Newspapers can’t get anything right.” Not even they realized that because of Brianna’s matches, the future was changed.
M: When will it be over?
E: Please let it end now. The pain is unbearable.
And that took a long time to do. That’s not just like, oh, we burn it down. That’s a piece of art. I think for the actors, it was a really sad moment for them as well, because we’ve been filming on this set for a long time. We no longer have this set, and we said goodbye to some sets this year.
We also said goodbye to our Wilmington set. And it’s something very sad when you say goodbye to these pieces of your show that you’re not going to go back to. It feels like a nostalgia and a kind of bittersweet moment. It’s just like everything you know and love is gone. But that’s the point of it. It’s like that’s just possession and the important thing is right here.
M: This home was a living vessel of love, caring, and safety for everyone who lived on the Ridge. Such an unfortunate ending.
E: While they were not of the same family, the entire Ridge benefited from not only this house, but also the inhabitants. Very unfortunate.
You and your bloody matches.
You burned the house down.
M: I enjoyed hearing Roger tease Bree about being responsible for burning their house down by inventing those matches (that Wendigo recognized how to use), while saving their lives by changing history. Their banter is humorous. He is right, but she should be happy that she saved her parents lives.
A: Agreed! Let’s just hope no one else can alter history with Bree’s invention. She definitely has mixed emotions. She wants to be happy about saving Claire and Jamie, but also feels responsible.
E: I think that the happiness will take a minute to come through for Bree. You can see that she is missing her parents.
What?
No, it was Mama’s ether.
M: Ha-ha!
A: Hurricane Bree and Claire. Lol
E: I agree. Though I believe that the 1700s was fortunate to survive not only Bree but Claire as well. The two of them are a force.
You caused a fire that they survived.
A different fire.
E: I always love the banter between them. He’s right, Bree. She doesn’t even realize that she changed history.
Look at the date.
A: I have to agree
E: Facts…100%
The fire from the obituary didn’t happen.
M: Bingo! I mean, you are correct.
A: Yes!
E: Again…Facts.
M: The harder part begins. What remains? What can be salvaged from this savage act? The feelings of violation begin again as they go through the damage looking for items.
A: It’s going to hit Claire and Jamie hard that many items may never be fully replaced.
E: What will we find? What can be salvaged? We will soon find out.
M: Well, there’s a miracle, for sure. Those pages should have gone up in flames. That’s a lot of hard work and history saved. Well Claire, looks like you won’t have to start from scratch with everything!
E: Exactly Marsha, the medical book survived. I am sure it will come in handy with the impending war for independence.
A: I’m so glad she found the medical diary!
M: I think they are all just looking, but not really expecting to find anything left worth saving at this point.
A: Agreed
E: With a silent prayer to find anything of value.
M: Jamie’s kilt remains! Yes! There is a God.
A: I’m so glad the kilt is safe!
E: Guess we know what he will be wearing for the rest of the season.
M: Claire finds a “piece” of clothing. That’s about it.
A: Fire resistant fabrics didn’t really exist back then, sadly.
E: How much clothing does she need? I don’t think that she had a huge wardrobe. This will suffice for now.
M: Now, Jamie starts to piece more together about what other shenanigans are going on involving life on the Ridge. His brain is working….
E: Yes. I can see the cogs rotating…
M: Sitting amidst all that immediate devastation can feel hopeless.
A: There’s too much devastation to take in.
E: Which explains the look on her face. She is completely devastated.
M: As always, pushing through their trauma, by leaning on each other for strength, that’s how they continue to move on.
A: They are in it for the long haul, for better or for worse.
E: I love their connection. They lean on each other to get through everything. A beautiful marriage and relationship.
It’s so strange how you become so emotionally attached to things – you know, that is the place where we filmed all of Brianna and Roger’s wedding, and so many things. And there’s a scene that Sam [Heughan] and I shot, after the events [of the fire] at that location.
It really was such an emotional scene to film, you just felt the loss and the grief of a place and a home, I suppose. It’s crazy, you spend so much time in this make-believe world that it feels very, very real to you a lot of the time.
M: And just like that, they are already on the mend. The secret to their everlasting tenacity, perseverance, and strength (which is not so secret) is their love. They can find the power to overcome anything through their love. They will make a home and rebuild their lives no matter where they are because love is their key.
E: Amen. Well said. When I watch them, I am completely in love with their love. It’s palpable.
A: Their relationship is the bond that holds the whole story together.
M: I love Ian. He sees and understands so much without saying a word. He is an intuitive soul. He wonders if now is the time to reveal what he has figured out about Willie. Why not? Go for it, Ian!
E: That portrait means everything to Jamie. Let’s see where this goes. Does Ian show his hand?
A: Ian may not fully understand the situation, but he knows Jamie will one day like to meet Willie again.
M: Ian starts a nice ice breaker of a conversation with Uncle Jamie to get him relaxed before he drops the big one.
A: Easing Jamie into this convo definitely shows how compassionate and intuitive Ian is.
E: Yes let’s get you comfortable in your space before I break the news to you, Uncle Jamie.
A: Jamie definitely didn’t expect Ian to figure it out on his own.
M: Hahaha! Yes, Uncle Jamie! I ‘been knew’. LOL!
E: No secrets from me, Uncle Jamie. I’m an intuitive one.
M: Look at’chu … droppin’ that wisdom, Ianl! Dinna fash, Uncle Jamie. His secret is safe. Ian sees family in William because he knows you have to be a blood Fraser (meaning to pick up on the looks AND the mannerisms through life experience of being a Fraser).
E: No worries…I can keep a secret.
A: Ian knows that too much is at stake for both Jamie and Lord John to reveal the secret.
M: Dinna fash, Uncle Jamie. Your secret is safe with him. Remember, he’s known for years.
E: Jamie is so scared that he (William) will find out his true parentage. I wonder when that fact will be revealed to the rest of us. In the book, it was book eight, I believe. With the season being split, perhaps that detail will be in part two of this season.
A: It’s also possible the show may wait until next season to address it.
M: This is a community coming together when a tragedy hits. Claire learns to just say, ‘thank you’, and accept the help. For some like Claire, especially when you are proud and industrious, it can be a hard thing to do.
A: She is so used to helping others that it’s hard to be on the other side.
E: Yes. It takes a great bit of strength to accept help especially when you need it the most.
M: This was a nice scene. You can clearly see that Claire is relieved and grateful for the help. Sometimes, it is just one less thing to worry about doing that makes a difference during the grieving process.
E: She is clearly in pain. I am so glad that she didn’t let her pride get in the way.
A: Get the soot off your skin and clothes, Claire. Rebuilding will take time.
M: OH MY GOD! ADSO! I forgot about him too. Goodness. I hope he turns up and is okay.
E: The cat is missing. I am certain he will turn up. She can’t deal with another loss.
A: Noo, not Adso! Animals instinctively run away from danger, so it’s very possible he can find his way back.
M: Arc Bug gets on my last nerve. He is so self-righteous. I remember when he got smug with Roger over Jemmy’s treatment. He’s a bad egg. He’s only good when it suits him.
E: Arc Bug…I have absolutely no words for him.
A: I rolled my eyes really hard at him. He’s not a team player at all.
M: Ian does not play. He’s ready to pounce at any given moment…whenever, wherever. Don’t mess with his family! After Bug explains his history with the gold, along with his connection to Jamie’s families, it becomes clear that he has trust issues with Arch Bug.
E: No sense of loyalty to Jamie at all. Rat bastard. Be gone with yourself.
A: Ian’s figured out Arch had plans to undermine Jamie. Go away!
M: Jamie sees that neither of the Bugs are to be trusted. Their agenda is not in line with the Frasers.
E: Not at all.
A: Donner had no idea about the gold, but the Bugs have certainly made the Ridge a target by hiding valuables.
M: Yeah, yeah Mr. Bug. Your perception of what transpired is a little off. You are a thief. There’s no two ways about it. Hypocrite.
E: Again…no words for this man at all.
A: Another eye roll here.
M: That’s an interesting account of what happened, Mr. Bug. So, what is your justification for taking the gold that ended up in my home?! That is what Jamie wants to know.
E: For real…possession is nine-tenths of the law. This gold is on my property…it is mine.
A: Bug is just a tenant, Jamie owns the land and house.
M: While it comes as a surprise to Jamie to discover that Mr. Bug was involved with the initial theft of the gold, it is still hard for him to fathom that the Jacobite gold found its way all the way to his property, and he knew nothing about it.
E: Madness. All of this was complete madness. Mr. Bug has some nerve.
A: I would not be surprised if Mr. Bug was personally responsible for Malcolm Grant not showing up…
M: More excuses for stealing the gold and involving Jamie without his knowledge or consent. Why not hide the gold on your property Mr. Bug?
Had you done that, no one would have found out. But you had to involve Jamie! Now, Jamie can see that your relationship is a fraud. He sees that you are not trustworthy.
E: Yes Mr. Bug! Keep the gold on your property. No one would’ve known anything. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bug were something else.
A: Mr. Bug is so presumptuous; this is why he’s so irritating.
M: You’re saying that to say what, Mr. Bug?! You’re explaining this to Jamie as if it were all true. Some of your information is pure speculation even though it does look bad (the Camerons). However, it appears that you are driven by greed yourself, Mr. Bug.
E: Greed…one of the seven deadly sins. He will meet his comeuppance.
A: It’s bad Hector used the gold to buy slaves and land. However, Mr. Bug is ALSO guilty of stealing the gold. He was never in charge of anything related to Bonnie Prince Charlie. Karma is coming for him.
M: What Mr. Bug described was stone cold thievery. Robbing a grave, bringing it to Jamie’s home, and hiding it from everyone so that he and his wife were the only ones that knew anything about it.
E: Thief from thief does make God laugh. He must be getting a good kick out of this pure nonsense.
A: Exactly, the only thing that makes it right is to return the lost property.
Allegiances and friendships are tested and broken.
M: Bug is desecrating Jamie’s family’s grave sites?! Oh no, he’s gotta go!
E: More greed. Make your leave, Mr. And Mrs. Bug, quickly.
A: The audacity is staggering.
M: They acted so self-righteous, but at the end of the day the plan was to keep that gold for themselves. That’s why they needed to go.
E: Facts, Marsha…All Facts.
A: There were ways to undermine the Camerons that Mr. Bug clearly didn’t do. He wanted enough money to become a laird.
M: Oh, I see! And what was the “oath” to his wife …. to keep the gold for themselves! Jamie was done (and so was I) when Mr. Bug wouldn’t admit where the rest of the gold was hidden. Get off my property and take your thieving wife with you!
E: Your services are no longer required. Leave and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
A: Time for the 18th century pink slip!
M: Gotta go, Bug…bye-bye. Get your wife and go.
E: Bye. Get to steppin’.
A: Don’t let the proverbial door hit you!
M: Jamie looks at Ian as if to say, “Did you hear that utter b.s.?!” Can you believe he was living around us all this time, walking through our home, living among us with that kind of thinking in his head!
E: Complete nonsense. Can’t wait to see Mr. Bug get his.
A: I’m convinced his punishment is on the way.
M: Mrs. Bug…I never liked her. Listen to her, setting up the plot to put in motion.
E: Birds of a feather flock together. They were made for each other.
A: Not surprised at all. Mrs. Bug isn’t remotely remorseful.
M: She didn’t even blink. She just turned the corner and walked down the path to plotting some wretched behavior. And gullible Mr. Bug, he’s prepared to follow her down that same path.
E: They are cut from the same cloth.
A: Both are greedy thieves.
M: He looks back in Jamie’s direction not because he is feeling bad about Jamie losing confidence in him. He looked back in the direction of what they were going back to retrieve under the house. Mr. Bug has emotionally moved on and is preparing for the come up (let me get the rest of “my” gold). Jerk.
E: Again I say…absolutely no loyalty to the family that gave them everything they had.
A: He’s realizing he gambled and lost
M: Jamie suspects the Bugs are up to no good, so he and Ian hold a stake out and watch for abnormal activity.
E: Hummm. What’s happening here?
A: Jamie and Ian are smart to observe. The Bugs may very well have accomplices.
M: See a man digging below what used to be his home, Jamie and Ian are preparing to act, if something shady goes down.
E: Ok…let’s see what transpires here.
A: I hope they have weapons ready.
M: Like I said before, don’t mess with Jamie’s family!
E: Where are they digging? China?! It can’t be that deep.
A: The ground must be hard because it wasn’t disturbed for several years.
M: Jamie realizes it is time to confront Mr. Bug with his findings and approaches him with gun in hand pointing up as he calls him out.
E: Ok…Gun drawn. It’s about to go down.
A: He messed around and it’s time to find out!
M: Ian is primed and ready to rock with his bow and arrow. Don’t even blink the wrong way, Bug!
E: Everyone is ready for a fight.
A: Ian’s bow does not miss!
[V: I would definitely want Ian on my side of the fight!]
[V: Now, I know the person saw Jamie’s gun in the air, but shot any way.]
M: Bug takes a shot. Jamie has a shocked look on his face as if to say, I can’t believe you tried to shoot me; and in that same moment, Ian draws a bulls-eye and hits his mark! Down Bug goes.
E: Bug is out for the count.
A: Bye Bug!!!
M: OH WOW! It’s Mrs. Bug! What a shocker (remember I read the books, wink)!
E: Arch…no Mrs. Bug. And now she’s gone.
A: She was complicit in Mr. Bug’s theft. She could have told Jamie or Claire at any time before now about the gold. No sympathy.
M: Oh well, you know what they say, “you mess with the bull (Jamie/Taurus), you get the horns!” Ha! (too soon?)
E: Poor Ian. In the defense of his uncle, he killed a woman. Goodness gracious. Ian is beside himself with grief. Maybe a bit too soon, Marsha.
A: I understand why Ian is sad. He believes in chivalry and isn’t inclined to be violent towards women.
I didna ken.
M: Jamie and Ian both feel horrible about killing Mrs. Bug! But, she’s the one who dressed up like her husband to go after that gold in the middle of the night. Did Arch Bug really agree with that as a plan?! (Oh yes, wife that I love dearly, you dress up as me and go out at night by yourself and get “our” gold). Or, was she trying to be slick because he wouldn’t actually do it? Hmmm.
I d–I didna ken it was you.
E: It is quite possible that the wardrobe change was her idea. He was ready to go when Jamie said leave. She was the one that was having none of that. She wanted her gold. Remember she said they deserved it after all they had seen and done.
A: I agree that the clothes swap was her idea. Arch had to know Jamie would be looking out for him.
M: Well, looky here. Look at all that gold the Bug’s liberated and put under the Fraser’s home. You’ll be ok with time, Ian.
A: Here’s proof Mrs. Bug didn’t deserve your charity or sympathy.
E: Yes Ian. A wise woman once told me you will get over it. And over it, you will get.
M: Ian made me want to cry (for him). I feel so bad for him at this moment. He is traumatized by killing her. He remembers her perceived loyalty to them, but it was selective loyalty. She turned against them at the end of the day. And she shot at Jamie! Good-bye to bad rubbish!
M: Partially true, Mrs. Bug may have protected them at a time in the past, but she turned on them for greed. And she shot Jamie! Grazing Jamie was unintentional; it was not due to her concern for him. C’mon Ian…I need you to get a grip on reality here. It was the middle of the night…she probably aimed to kill him and just missed slightly. I tell you who showed concern…. Jamie!
He loved Murdina. He is going to be wrestling with a lot of emotions that I think he probably thought were behind him. It’s all coming up again, this idea of ‘Am I a good person if I kill so easily?
It’s all coming up again, this idea of ‘Am I a good person if I kill so easily?
Maybe there is a little bit, but he did it to protect Jamie. That’s at the core of it — it’s protecting his family. It’s protecting his loved ones by any means possible.
M: We all know Jamie. We know Jamie under duress. We know Jamie knows when and how to shoot! Even after all that happened with the Bugs, in that moment, when “Mr. Bug” aimed and shot at Jamie, Jamie approached him with his gun pointed up in the air. He never…ever… lowered it and pointed it at Bug even after the fact and we all know he could have. Jamie didn’t want to shoot him. But, Ian had one job; and he understood the assignment. Sleep well young Ian. Be at peace!
E: Ian has a sense of loyalty to the Bugs. The pain he is feeling is palpable. I agree with you 100% Marsha in everything you said. But, Ian is still young and impressionable for the most part. He is remembering Mrs. Bug helping him and Claire burying Allan in the woods. As soon as he realizes that their theft of the gold and storing it on the land, undid the good done in the forest that day, he will be better.
A: His instincts to protect were correct despite the recent past. Who knows, Mrs. Bug could have tried to attack again or even worse they could have had others waiting to attack.
E: Wise words from his auntie…keep breathing that’s all you can do. You shot in defense of your family. It’s all good.
A: That’s sound advice and also applies to the fire situation as well.
M: That is all.
E: Wise words from a wise lady.
A: Auntie Claire knows best!
After talking to Ian,
I had to take my own advice–
M: Sometimes, that is all one can do.
E: Take it one day at a time.
A: That’s the right attitude to have.
put on a brave face, be strong, and keep breathing.
M: I thought this was a beautiful staging of a work space above the yard. The production crew/set designers really do wonderful work. Oh yeah, we are supposed to still care about Mrs. Bug. Yes, this is a nice transition to show the Frasers lovingly preparing Mrs. Bug for burial after she tried to kill Jamie.
E: It was a lovely scene, but I have no love lost for this lady.
A: Claire still has fond feelings for Mrs. Bug’s assistance in the house.
M: Jamie has remorse over how everything ended with her being killed. Given the outcome, he thinks it may have been better to just let them take the gold and go.
E: Letting them leave left too many loose ends. The way he did it initially was the best way. If only Mrs. Bug hadn’t come back for the gold, none of this would have happened.
A: Claire can’t entirely wrap her head around the presumption. Jamie’s initial solution was the best one.
M: The Frasers are good people. They wished there was time to reconcile all their differences with the Bug family. I like the way the writers continue to allow Jamie’s character to reflect his abundant faith. Saying a prayer over her body seemed very appropriate for him.
E: Yes. Jamie’s faith is strong. We see evidence of it every episode and it only grows as the seasons continue.
A: Agreed. He has always found comfort in prayer and rituals.
Murdina, wife of Archibald, you’ll be missed.
Amen.
M: Ain’t that ironic! That is all.
E: Malva is off to heaven and Mrs. Bug guards everyone. Poor Malva.
A: Malva is finally free.
M: First… shall we take a moment to pay deep homage to Jamie’s return to the KILT! Hello the kilt! No one wears a kilt like Jamie. Love it! Is Mrs. Bug, as the guardian, supposed to be a step up from Malva being the guardian? O-o-k-a-y. I need to sit with that for a minute.
E: Yes…a moment for the KILT. I was so happy to see its resurgence. Much like S5 Epi1 – Fiery Cross – and again in Epi12 – Never my Love. The KILT means business. Now as for the step up…no. If we are comparing Malva to Mrs. Bug, Mrs. Bug is no upgrade.
A: We were overdue for a return of the kilt!
M: I am sorry. To me, this is comical. After Jamie describes the role of guardian, I envision both Malva and Mrs. Bug opening gates for all types of evil to enter, wreaking havoc on all they can find. The graveyard is taking an “L” for the team on this one.
E: Don’t be like that, Marsha. No love loss for Malva even after hearing how her brother did her wrong and that she wanted to come clean to Claire right before he slit her throat? IMHO Malva was the better guardian. Mrs. Bug will be sleeping on the job.
A: I agree with you, Erica. Malva was psychologically damaged. It’s hard to compare her to Mrs. Bug’s willful wrongdoing.
M: How unfortunate as a guardian. I plead my case.
E: Mrs. Bug is not going to be doing that job well. She will let people in for a price.
A: I guess Mrs. Bug will let all the grave robbers in.
M: Yes, you should attend. But do we have to worry about you desecrating any grave sites in the future? We know how you have a propensity for doing so.
E: HA-HA! I feel like this graveyard will be safe.
A: Say your prayers and leave, quickly!
Oh, well, I can’t say that it’s a natural thing for me to be singing.
Will you sing, Mistress Fraser?
M: Go Cait! I mean, Claire lol! Nicely done and such a pleasant surprise!
E: She has such a beautiful voice, and I didn’t even cry. Ave Maria is a definite tear jerker for me.
A: I had no idea Caitriona could sing, this was beautiful!
[V: Excuse me for interrupting. It was a nice, solemn scene. And I loved hearing Claire (Caitriona) sing. But what I found shocking is the anachronism of it all. Here she is singing Ave Maria that she clearly knows, but no one else has heard it because the song had not been published (Schubert wrote it and it was published in the early 1800s). And yet, nobody is curious as to what she is singing, especially inquisitive Lizzy.]
I, uh . . .
Yes, Arch.
You know, they suggested it and, you know, look, it’s always nice to have a new challenge. They might have been able to pick an easier song, but they didn’t. They really threw me in there.
Claire’s not a classically trained singer. So let’s just go and do it acapella and see what happens.
But you know, it’s a beautiful scene. I think it’s always hard to say goodbye to certain characters. And it felt like a fitting send off for a beloved one that we have.
But you know, it’s a beautiful scene. I think it’s always hard to say goodbye to certain characters. And it felt like a fitting send off for a beloved one that we have.
M: Out of respect for the dead in this scene, I will only say, the scene was nicely done.
E: Very nicely done.
A: This was a very emotional and well acted scene.
M: The graveyard scene was a good scene. The crow added a quality of eeriness to the scene, along with the overcast cinematography.
E: All of the production was spot on for this entire scene.
A: The combination of closure and foreshadowing was difficult to pull off, but the production team did it!
Death, be not proud . . .
. . . Though some have called thee mighty and dreadful.
For thou art not so.
Poor Death, one short sleep past,
we wake eternally,
and Death shall be no more.
Death, thou shalt die.
M: Don’t even think about it, Mr. Bug. Ian has such a good heart and protective nature. He truly feels bad about what happened. Mr. Bug needs to accept responsibility for his role in their faulty, irresponsible plan.
E: Accept responsibility?! I don’t think he can spell the word. Ian is still broken up about the entire ordeal.
A: Mr. Bug will never apologize or make any sort of amends.
Somewhere in the background of [Ian’s] character, though, lies a deep respect and love for women and mothers—and Mrs. Bug was motherly toward him (fed him, washed his clothes, etc.), which leaves him with a deep sense of guilt, even though he knows what he’s done was accidental. That being so, he can’t bring himself to try to kill Arch, and so…he does the other thing he can think of to resolve the situation, and not have to live with his guilt.
I swear by my iron, a life for a life.
M: Ian is just trying to make things right with his soul. There is no way I would let Mr. Bug do anything to Ian, if I were Jamie or Claire.
E: He needs to think again. Jamie might drop him where he stands, if he tried anything.
A: He may think he can intimidate Ian, but he needs to think again.
Too easy, lad.
M: This is where I start to get really bad vibes about Mr. Bug and how he moves past this unfortunate situation. Things are not looking good here.
E: Not looking good at all.
A: Hurting an animal? Really now???!
Ian is an interesting mix of cultures at this point. Is he Scottish, Mohawk, both at once, or something beyond either? Both are cultures with a strong tradition of vengeance, and he must—knowing Arch Bug—expect the man to be vengeful. That being the case, he’s got a choice: give Arch his vengeance, i.e., put his life at Arch’s mercy (if he has any, which he really doesn’t…), or kill Arch.
When you’ve something worth taking, you’ll see me again.
That I promise ye.
M: Hmmm… okay, I get it. Mr. Bug needs to die. We are not about to lose sleep worrying over where this man is skulking around the Ridge at all times of the day and night.
E: Now I’ve read the books. I don’t remember when or even if that happens, but we shall see.
A: I don’t remember what happened in the books either, Erica. I’m torn between feeling like this is an empty threat and a cliffhanger that will reappear later.
It’s going to hang over Ian’s head. For Ian, that’s a weight he carries, and we are going to see the ramifications of that relationship as we move forward.
At first, it’s about the potential of harm to Jamie and Claire. But, as somebody else appears, that changes everything. That threat is going to loom large over Ian. He’s going to have to get the hatchet out.
VO: In the days that followed, we tried to lay our sorrows to rest.
Arch Bug did not return,
and so we looked towards the future.
M: Ok, moving forward to some happy planning… Thank you Outlander for a few minutes of happiness in this Kleenex riddled season so far.
E: And we move on. What’s next for the Frasers?
A: I’m also glad there’s a break from sadness.
M: I love this scene so much. It is so comforting watching them happily dream about their future. Good old Jamie, thinking about the location of their next home.
E: He is planning. Love It! We can’t sit still. We must keep moving.
A: This scene is a beautiful reminder of how special Fraser’s Ridge is. I’m glad he is making plans to build a new house.
M: He’s always thinking about their happiness! He lives for loving Claire.
E: He is a planner that’s for sure. Yes, he lives to make her happy.
A: He definitely knows that making her happy contributes to his own happiness.
M: They were funny discussing their burial ideas.
E: I am sure that was a conversation that Claire would rather not have had.
A: Definitely, I don’t think she wants to face the possibility of surviving Jamie.
M: I felt this in my soul. He wants nothing to do with any thoughts of her being gone…in any form.
E: She is his heart beat. He can’t live without her.
A: Agreed, he won’t be able to deal with life without her.
M: Just say yes to whatever he wants to do, Claire.
E: So long as they are together…all will be well.
A: She will definitely want to stay with him after Bree & Roger left.
Well, a lot of people did—sit out the war in Europe, I mean. On the other hand, there’s not much left for the Frasers in Scotland, save Jamie’s family, and with Bree, et al gone, that family is the most valuable thing Jamie has. And he is a man of his word; he’ll take his nephew home.
M: And we all know he keeps his word, so no further discussion is needed.
E: We are going home. No further discussion is needed.
A: This is a good idea, Ian will be safer in Scotland.
M: All of these discussions make sense to me. Especially Jamie not wanting to ever face William in battle. If it were my child, I wouldn’t do it either.
E: He is a man of his word. Always.
A: Leaving increases the chances he can keep his word.
M: I am so glad that Claire hears Jamie praying, especially the part where he prays that he is enough (great adaptation from the book). And I am so glad they are highlighting his faith more and more. It is clear, the older his character gets, the easier he openly displays his faith. It’s purely heartwarming and so a part of him.
E: Facts upon facts, upon facts. For me, a man who prays and isn’t afraid to show that he believes is a good man. Jamie, while he is a fictional character, is a good man.
A: I’m also glad this episode is highlighting his faith because some past episodes ignored that as a key part of his personality.
God, grant me with thy wisdom.
God, chastise me with thy justice.
God, help me with thy mercy.
God, protect me with thy strength.
And, god, please. . .
Let me be enough.
Amen.
M: I appreciate this quiet, happy moment between them.
E: These are the best times. Peace and quiet are beautiful things.
A: A well deserved moment of rest.
M: I loved Claire’s excitement to hear Jamie sees Brianna and Roger in the dream.
E: Yes. It’s their window into their world. Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
A: Claire can imagine modern life, but it’s nice that Jamie can feel their presence as well.
We haven’t explored it too much. It is talked about in the books that Jamie can see glimpses into the future. My personal feeling is it was Diana [Gabaldon’s] kind of nod to ‘He can’t time travel, but I’m gonna give Jamie some vision of this to tie him into the future.’
M: She is fascinated by his identification of Fiona in his dreams.
Just another confirmation of Jamie’s “gift” too. Claire travels through the stones, and Jamie travels in his sleep.
E: Love it all!
A: Maybe Jamie can greet Mickey Mouse in his dreams as well!
M: It’s the club with knobs for me lol! That was a great scene listening to Jamie’s description of what turns out to be a telephone. Jamie sees Jemmy pick up the phone to talk to his grandda. Maybe that was the timing of Jamie’s dream coinciding with Jemmy answering the phone! Children are so intuitive. Jemmy may be an old soul. He’s been here before.
E: I love that he can dream of the future. It appears that he dreams after it happens since we didn’t see when they arrived at the house. Listening to Jamie describe a phone,
I still marvel when he learns about some invention of the future. Sam is such an actor…you actually believe that he has no idea what he is talking about.
A: Jamie and Jem have such a strong bond and it even shows in his dreams.
M: You will have to live vicariously through Jamie’s dreams here Claire.
E: Yes…see them through his dreams. Hopefully it will give you peace.
M: This entire scene was so beautifully acted. It was a carefree day with a purpose. Jamie works in rare form melting down the gold, hiding it in musket balls. He can do anything!
E: I wonder if one of these musket balls is the one in the chest from the beginning of the episode. He is certainly a renaissance man.
A: He really is a jack of all trades!
M: What Jamie says jokingly has an air of truth to it.
While they may be surprised by Ian’s appearance, they will be so proud of how he has matured since they last saw him. He definitely left home as a boy and is returning as a man.
E: After so long, his appearance will be the least of their concerns. Their son is home. They will be happy beyond measure.
A: Agreed, the explanations will be less important than seeing Ian alive and well.
A: I believe it’s hard for Ian to picture Scotland with how much time has passed.
M: Yes! There has to be a letter explaining that musket ball. They may need it!
E: We will see, Marsha. We will see.
A: This certainly won’t be the last time we see these gold musket balls.
M: That poem is comforting when you think about it. It speaks to the way Jamie and Claire lived their lives. They embrace everyone they deem a friend.
E: It’s a shame that more of us don’t have the same thought process.
A: Agreed.
Personally, I prefer Robert Frost.
‘Home is the place where when you have to go there,
they have to take you in.’
No wonder you’re fond of her, Uncle.
She must be a rare comfort to you.
Yeah. She keeps takin’ me in.
So . . .
I suppose you must be home.
M: This comment speaks to the essence of these two people. Home is where they are…always. As long as they are together, they will make a go of anything.
E: Jamie is Claire’s home as Claire is Jamie’s home. Once they are together, all will be well.
A: Everything is fine when they are together.
M: Can we pay homage once again to Jamie in his kilt! He looks marvelous. His entire look is pure fire! This outfit is stunning on him from head to toe! And much applause to the wig designer. Jamie’s hair this season is amazing!
E: Costume is on fire this season. They always do a fantastic job.
A: Agreed, the costumes are always so well done!
M: Jemmy and grandda have secrets. These gems will be revealed later on. Jemmy’s very smart.
E: I love the connection that Jamie has with all of his grands. We saw his intelligence when he said that Mandy can get through the stone because she said so. Perhaps he can read minds?
A: This location is Jemmy and Jamie’s version of a tree house. That’s adorable!
M: It seems Jamie found the perfect place to hide the treasure, if it is needed to be uncovered later.
E: It does appear that is the case.
A: This is a perfect hiding place, no one has been here in at least 200 years.
M: Even though Jamie was scared by the skeleton, he still managed to say a prayer over the body.
E: A prayer for every occasion. Again his faith shines through.
Nuestra Señora de los Angeles.
M: Another bonus opportunity for Jamie to display his faith.
His faith is seamlessly interwoven into his character.
E: Jamie is a man of God. He believes and isn’t afraid to show it.
A: It’s highly likely the deceased Spaniards were also Catholic so Jamie is also showing respect to the lives they likely lived.
A Dhia, cuidich mi.
Oh, God, help me.
M: Preparing to go back to Scotland temporarily to bring Ian home, they write Bree to let her know what’s going on as the war is approaching as well.
E: Love this exchange. Writing in the past to their daughter in the future. Perfect.
A: And these are how the letters begin to be put in the box.
Dear Bree, we’ve decided
to leave the Ridge and go to Scotland.
Your father would like to keep his word
to his sister and bring Ian home.
M: All these scenes are crafted to show the beautiful cinematography, while showing the day-to-day workings of life on the Ridge. It’s almost as though the show is giving us a lasting good-bye of the beauty of the Ridge in all its vastness, until we see it again.
E: Even though this is shot in Scotland trying to be 18th century America, it is simply beautiful.
A: Agreed, there’s so much attention paid to recreating small details in ordinary 18th century life.
He fears the forces of history
may deprive him of a later opportunity.
But he trusts his Ardsmuir men will take good care
of the settlers till we return.
We’ve asked the Beardsleys to
look after the site of the new house.
M: Of course, it makes sense that the Beardsleys look out for their new home-site. Jamie will not be deterred in his plans for their future.
A: They are excellent choices for guardians.
E: They must have a place to live once they return from Scotland. Can’t wait to see what they accomplish.
And I am teaching Lizzy how to treat ailments
with herbs and medicines in my absence.
M: Someone has to carry on for the folks on the Ridge! It makes sense that it would be Lizzy; as her character has grown so much over the years.
E: Makes perfect sense. Marsali isn’t there. Malva is dead. She is the perfect stand in.
A: Lizzie will definitely care for any sick folks while Claire is away.
Your father has insinuated that I’ve selfishly
kept you all to myself, so I will reluctantly allow him
the honor of closing this letter.
Until the next time, my love.
M: In part, it’s because of his hand. In the books, it is described as being painful for him to write using his hand, so Claire intentionally starts letters herself, then lets Jamie add to the letters, finishing them. In the show, she shares the compiling of the letters so Jamie can be included because he wants a say as well. They are always so thoughtful with each other.
E: Loved this entire exchange.
A: I love that they’re sharing in communicating with Bree and Roger.
My dearest daughter, it seems strange to ask you
to pray for the safety of a voyage
which will have been long completed
by the time that you learn of it,
but I ask it nonetheless.
M: I love this part! This sounds so like Jamie asking for prayers for safe travels. To him, yes, it matters that they are being looked after in prayer to guard their journey, like a blessing.
E: Perfect sense. Something as simple as, ‘Go With God’, would suffice.
A: This totally fits with his personality.
I think God takes no account of time.
M: Look Mama, there goes that man … in his kilt! Did I say, Jamie is stunning?
E: I think you may have mentioned it once or twice before. Can’t hurt to mention it again though. He wears that kilt like nobody’s business.
A: He definitely looks the best in the kilt!
I wish to tell you of the disposition of some property
M: Ok, seriously, the placement of Murtagh’s burial site overlooking their home on the Ridge is such a comforting sight. It’s like having your own sanctuary, a quiet place in your very own backyard. A place to go when you want to meditate and collect your thoughts. I am sure Jamie derives much comfort from visiting it often to talk things over with Murtagh as he figures out aspects of his life.
that was once held in trust by the Camerons
E: The love that Jamie has for Murtagh knows no end. Can you imagine what would have happened if he was alive when Claire was attacked? That would have been something to see. Lionel Brown would not have made it back to the Ridge; I can guarantee that.
A: Jamie would definitely want Murtagh’s blessing, if he was making a huge decision. It makes sense his grave would be on the Ridge.
for an Italian gentlemen.
It is unwise to carry all of it with us . . .
And therefore I’ve left it in a place of safety.
Jem knows the place.
M: Ah! Those Jemmy/grandda secrets again! Of course Jemmy knows. LOL. I can’t wait for that part of the season. If they are setting it up now, they are going to use that storyline. I can’t wait to watch their adaptation! I bet it’s going to be good!
E: Foreshadowing all over the place on this storyline.
A: Jemmy will be sure to point Bree and Roger to the secret cave, when the time is right!
If you should at some time have need of this property,
tell him, The Spaniard guards it.
M: Well, that part (there’s blood upon it). This is true. So, not a bad idea to bless it at all.
E: Have a priest bless it. All that was missing was to have a Catholic priest bless it. Classic Jamie. Though he has warmed up to Protestant Roger at this point.
A: I suspect Jamie will be ok with a Protestant blessing, if necessary.
He will know what it means.
If you retrieve it, be sure to have it blessed by a priest.
There is blood upon it.
M: So, this part is a continuation of the story of the Jacobite gold and how some of it turns up missing, never making it to its destination in time for war. Some gold was with Dougal, some was with Jocasta (Cameron), now some of it is with Jamie.
E: Yes. The gold is with the MacKenzies now.
A: Now we know part of the the real version of the lies Mr. Bug said.
Now that Brianna is back in her natural surroundings, there’s a deliberate shift in the way she carries herself. Her walk is different, her posture is different, her voice is even different, because you can breathe a little better. Some of that changed naturally, but I also definitely laid some on a little thicker for the sake of the storyline. Bree was ahead of her time for the 1960s, so I definitely feel the ’80s is more where she feels at home in her own body, and clothes, and surroundings.
M: So, Jamie is telling them in coded language, where his portion is located and that Jemmy will know how to find it, if you give him the clues he provided. Jamie tells them to use it, if they find they need it.
E: For such a cryptic message, I am happy they were able to sort it out.
A: Roger is a historian. These are the kind of clues he’s trained to pick up on.
M: Bree wants to take her time reading the letters because it feels like they are sharing an experience with them that she doesn’t want to end quickly. I get it. I think I would want to spread out the timing of reading them for that same reason.
E: Reading the letters slowly keeps them alive…even if they are 200 years in the past.
A: It’s as if Bree is having a conversation every few days with Jamie and Claire, if she reads them one at a time.
M: Good Bree! You can’t leave Scotland without visiting Lallybroch. I am happy she took Roger. He needs to be a part of this memory.
E: Welcome home to Lallybroch!
A: I’m glad they’re going to see Lallybroch as well!
M: Jamie shares a tradition of exchanging a coin when receiving a new blade. He made it to replace the one lost in the fire. It is important to have one to protect herself as they travel.
E: Thank you Jamie for always looking out for Claire. Protection is needed.
A: They have a long way to go and there’s a war on. Stay ready.
M: She is pleasantly surprised that it fits her hand exactly. They don’t delve into it here, but in the book, we can guess how he gauged the fit of the blade to her hand. It’s mentioned in the book, and I am sure you will get it too.
The blood oath – a sentimental reminder of their blood vow at their wedding (notice their special wedding music playing in the background). The blood to blade tradition is also purposeful, as it is so that the knife understands its purpose is to protect her.
E: Their sentimental moments are simply beautiful. I remember the story about the blade from the book. Beautifully done here. As always, production is on the job. They always find a way to tie in the prior episodes to the current ones. We really have to pay attention to catch the reference.
A: This scene is a good example of how you can take the sentiment of a novel scene without recreating it word for word.
M: A nostalgic drive to Lallybroch, showing the vast, beautiful scenery of Scotland.
E: Loved this entire exchange. Bree and Roger have a love like Claire and Jamie…IMHO.
A: I agree and many fans don’t want to admit this to be true.
M: The memories it brings back are exhilarating!
E: It’s S1 all over again.
A: All the memories are flooding back!
M: It is quite disheartening to see the home in that condition given all the happy times that transpired over the years there.
In my mind, I still relive the parties, the births, the many children running throughout the home. This home was so full of life; and seeing it in this dilapidated condition is quite sad.
A: It’s sad to see Lallybroch in such disrepair, but I also wonder when the last occupants moved out or passed away. This looks like at least a decade, if not more, of wear and tear.
E: Very sad. But not to worry…I feel like life will return to Lallybroch.
M: Good lord! The other baby is barely walking. One of them needs to go on a long hunting trip (like for six months to a year). That is all.
E: What can they say…They are all a fertile bunch. With Fergus and Marsali not on the Ridge, someone has to keep the population going?
A: Even if Lizzy had options, I doubt she’d use them.
M: Yes, it is quite an emotional time for all of them. So much unexpected change in a short period of time. Many of the people loved are leaving or are being left behind. They all have to learn to carry on, remaining hopeful in their return.
E: Loss is a part of life my dear Lizzy. They will return. Have faith.
A: They’ll be ok, Lizzy!
M: Words of wisdom. They need to look out for each other as they would if Jamie and Claire were still present.
E: We are leaving you in charge. Please take care of each other.
A: This was the best advice Claire could give.
M: The Beardsleys plan to continue with Jamie’s legacy of feeding the Ridge. In honor of her, Lizzy thinks she may name her baby, Claire, if she’s a girl.
A: I’m already picturing baby Claire walking around. It might be too soon, but that’s what I’m thinking.
E: Beautiful. They are all going to be fine. Between the Beardsleys and the men from Ardsmuir, all will be well.
M: Even though Roger and Bree know her parents are gone, they can’t help looking for signs of them.
Their comments give me the impression that they already feel at home at this house, like it’s a part of them.
E: This is their home and a part of their story.
A: Now they see why Lallybroch meant so much to Jamie and Claire.
M: Bree is happy everything turned out fine with Mandy’s health, but she still wishes they didn’t have to sacrifice life without her parents in order to travel to the future.
E: She is visibly sad. While she loves that her daughter is healthy, she misses her parents and the life that they had.
A: I agree, Erica. Bree sacrificed a lot to make sure Mandy had the best start in life.
M: Wow! Did you catch the realtor’s name on that for sale sign (Cameron)? I realize it’s a common name, but I thought it was interesting. Could there be a relationship? I wonder if a lot of that legacy gold stolen from back then was put to use. It had to end up somewhere.
It is quite possible that it was instrumental in funding many of the personal and commercial businesses, and institutions of Scotland. That said, the look on Roger and Bree’s face spoke volumes. Heck yeah, we want it!
E: I thought the same thing. When that sign came up and said Cameron, I was like WHAT! It certainly is a small world. Are we interested?! Absolutely, we’re interested.
A: I’m convinced the realtor is related to Jocasta and Hector somehow.
M: Wow, this is really good-bye. This is how it all began in North Carolina…with Jamie, Claire, Ian… and Rollo. It hit kind of hard for me. This story is interspersed with so many wonderful memories of life on the Ridge over the years. It is going to be hard not seeing it for a while. I connected with Claire’s grief.
E: Her heart is broken all over again. Traveling down the same road that they did all those years ago starting their life in North Carolina. All will be well. I am certain of it.
A: I forgot about the boundary marker, but I love that the story is calling back the beginning of the Ridge’s story.
M: What?! I thought Adso was a goner. I am so relieved. He looks like he hasn’t missed any meals, so I guess he has adapted to total wildlife.
A: Adso found a place to hide in the woods and some mice to eat!
E: Yeah! Adso is found. No, he’s not hungry…as is evident by his gut.
M: Yes, Adso is happy to see her. I see Jamie is fine seeing him from a distance lol. Adso is over it. He’s onto his next meal lol.
E: “Put me down! See what you did! I lost my meal. Thank you and see you around,” Adso said.
A: I hope Adso finds the Beardsleys. A cat would a be a nice pet for their growing family.
M: This scene broke me. Where’s my tissue? What?! I’m all out! Dang. Well, Claire is the queen of grieving. Her face says it all. Jamie is the solid rock…her foundation, as usual.
A: Losing a pet is so hard; I’m glad he is there to comfort her.
M: Another wonderful flashback to a time when their journey on the Ridge was just beginning. Jamie and Claire (and Ian) were so happy putting stakes down on their own land.
Jamie was so proud carving their initials in the tree that is still standing, letting all who entered know this is their land. This is Fraser’s Ridge. I love it!
E: They will return. It’s their home.
A: This definitely won’t be the last time we see the Ridge.
Now this will be a sign to all who pass
that they are entering Fraser’s Ridge.
M: This scene was beautiful. She was so gutted, and he was her rock once again.
E: The two of them are unbreakable.
A: Their home will always be with each other.
M: Claire, you have perfect timing! Tell this man how you feel. Let him know! Oh my God in this moment, when Jamie kisses Claire to comfort her, the way Claire looks at Jamie after, (I am trying to breath) whispers his name so softly, while inhaling like just the mere thought of her love for him makes her lose her breath! Then reassures him by telling him that he will always be enough… Gahhh!!
Jamie . . .
. . . you will always be enough.
M: This was my absolute favorite part of this marvelously put together episode. This was a HUGE scene! THIS IS WHY I WATCH OUTLANDER! The way they connect as the key characters. They know each other so well, inside and out. The feelings they emote. Whew… Sam and Caitriona are brilliant actors! This show is sensational!
E: I can’t for the life of me understand why Jamie would feel less than. He could never be. He will always be enough for her, for his family, for his men, for anything that comes his way. ALWAYS ENOUGH! Yes, Sam and Caitriona are amazing actors! Everything that Jamie does, he does with his whole being and without reservation. Claire is the same. The two of them together make a complete circle. They are whole.
A: I’m guessing, Erica, that he feels like he failed as a husband to provide a home for her, but he could not have anticipated Donner’s vindictiveness nor the Bugs’ betrayal. She knows how seriously he takes his vows. This is why she has to remind him that he didn’t fail and that his love is enough for her.
They are homeless now. They don’t have the grounding that Fraser’s Ridge gave them for the last three seasons, where it was set in this one location and we return to it over and over again. We don’t have that anymore.
So there’s a propulsion of energy and a forward motion that happens from now on that happens at this point and I think it’s quite exciting.
Episode Rating (1-5 Shots)
This is our first 5-shots episode of the season! This episode was phenomenal and knocked it out of the park from start to finish.
It had it all – wonderful acting, directing, and writing! A lot of plot twists and character development happened in a short period of time, and it worked very well. The tie between the future and the past was seamless. We look for an overall good end product. That is how Outlander faithfully constructs their episodes. We come to rely on their thoroughness in the story as well as the development of the characters.
As book readers, we do not need exact depictions of the books. We are far from purists in this regard. We want to see adaptations do something different while retaining the spirit of the source material. The episode included important hints for future plots, while also satisfying knowledge for fans who have not read the book.
We look for clean storytelling that entertains, satisfies, and advances the general story in a meaningful way. Considering how many storylines and plots were involved in this episode alone, we were pleased to see that they were addressed and can’t wait to see where they go and how they tie into what is still to come.
The way Tyler English-Beckwith wrote this episode was brilliant. She is a genius. The scenes flowed seamlessly and felt complete, each in its own way. English-Beckwith is definitely someone to watch for in future TV shows!
Trying to find our favorite scene this week was difficult because there were several. The scene when Wendigo passes out and burns down their home was such a pivotal arc because it ends with his comeuppance, but it makes Jamie and Claire homeless and forces them to make some extreme decisions about their future.
Then, there was the scene with the box of letters and how it arrives and how other people and Fiona saved it for Roger and Bree to open. That created the storylines for the entire episode without them even being present. They were not there, but they were a part of the setup.
Another favorite scene was to see how all the inhabitants on the Ridge come to help put out the fire. In comparison to where the previous season ended with all of the fisher folk thinking that Claire had killed Malva and then seeing them help her and Jamie put the fire out was gratifying. They must have felt horrible that they accused her of such an act only to find out that it was the one person that they would have never suspected. It showed their growth as a people and their willingness to assist in what was a surmountable task.
We loved all the scenes with the Bugs that lead to the scenes of Ian’s dilemma. How present he was when he needed to be there…for Jamie and how tortured he was afterwards. We also enjoyed the tie between the confrontation with the Bugs, the explanation of the Jacobite gold, and Bree and Roger visiting Lallybroch in the 1980s. The scenes evoke very different emotions for the audience, but all were done well. And last but not least, the end scene between Jamie and Claire as they leave the Ridge. The way Claire makes her statement in answer to Jamie’s prayer earlier in the episode, that he will always be enough, was so emotionally gratifying.
Jacquie Gould and the production team did a brilliant job. Each scene was riveting. Watching the Big House ablaze was too surreal. These scenes had to have been a challenge, but Gould pulled it off! From showing the different actions outside of the house and showing us what Claire, Jamie and the rest of them saw to showing what was happening inside, all the memories they lost. Even though Jamie and Claire could not see what was going on, they allowed the audience to witness the devastation that was unfolding.
The acting by everyone was solid, charismatic, emotional. These actors all know what they are doing, and they know their characters completely. We felt all the emotion put forth in every scene. So again, we have several favorite performances and shout-outs this week.
The first shout-out goes to Sam and Catriona; they are at the top of their game. They were fantastic in portraying the devastating loss of the fire, the aftermath, and throughout the episode; but that ending scene for us was just pure magic. They did an emotional dance with us at the end that took us through all kinds of feelings. The second shout-out goes to Sam when he is portraying Jamie trying to save his home from the fire and his confrontation with Mr. Bug about his dirty dealings. In all these scenes, Sam portrays with such a strength of character and strong emotion.
The third goes to John Bell and his performances of Ian struggling with Mrs. Bug’s death. Once again, Ian shows the strength of his character and loyalty when he shows up for Jamie when he needs him. Last, but not least, goes to Hugh Ross (Mr. Bug) who was so convincing as a scheming opportunist who betrays his employers and friends. We also thought he was magnificent at the grave site, though some of us hated the character at that moment.
You already know that our favorite costume was . . . JAMIE IN HIS KILT!!! We are so glad he packed the kilt in such a way that it survived the fire. We also loved Bree and Roger in their 1980s costumes.
The cinematography was breathtaking. The beautiful landscape of the home on the Ridge, the area Jamie takes Claire to see where their new home will be and the drive Bree and Roger took to Lallybroch. Outlander’s team does an excellent job of capturing the luscious, expansive landscapes of Scotland. It has been a very long time since we have seen Scotland as a character and these scenes are just as important as the story itself.
LOOKING FORWARD
What we are looking forward to in S7 Epi4.
Marsha: I am looking forward to seeing how the stories with William, Ian, and John Grey unfold, as well as how craftily they are interwoven with Jamie and Claire’s lives. Follow Marsha on Twitter – @marshapatrice.
Amanda: I’m looking forward to seeing how Bree and Roger begin to rehabilitate Lallybroch. I also want to see how far Ian, Claire and Jamie have traveled so far. Follow Amanda-Rae on Twitter – @amandarprescott. Make sure to catch up with all of Amanda’s reviews for Den of Geek.
Erica: I saw some faces I wasn’t expecting in the previews. Looking forward to that being explained. Hopefully, we get to see Lallybroch. If this episode is any indication, the next one will be another show of creativity and finding a way to weave the lives of the characters into one beautiful tapestry. Follow Erica on Instagram –Imyourealtor14 .
Outlander S7 Epi4 Preview – A Most Uncomfortable Woman ~ Video via STARZ
Synopsis:
See why we love Outlander on Blacklanderz® Speak!
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What an intriguing and captivating Convos! Erica, Marsha and Amanda you did an outstanding job communicating the essence of this episode! I’m reposting this asap!
Thank you!