Blacklanderz®Convos!
Outlander S7 Epi10 – Brotherly Love
Written by Luke Schelhaas | Directed by Stewart Svaasand
This conversation is between Blacklanderz® Erica and Amanda-Rae. Arranged, edited and interrupted by Vida.
AR: You can tell Young Jamie and Young Ian are best buddies. They also have bonds of responsibility to each other.
E: Yes, they do. Brothers from the get-go.
AR: Their brotherhood makes the responsibility part of their relationship easier to bear.
AR: Watching Ian is reminding me so much of my own Grandfather with his friends. However, he coughs less than Ian.
E: These last scenes with Ian were so touching. I felt love through the screen.
AR: Agreed, despite the years apart the bonds are still there.
AR: It’s nice to get reminders of how religious Jamie is because the series doesn’t always spotlight it.
E: He is truly a man of deep faith. Makes him even more attractive in my eyes.
AR: Ian was there when Jamie needed him too and it’s nice that he’s able to be there for Ian on his last days.
E: They are certainly more than lifelong friends. Their bonds are so much deeper. This scene was so moving. Jamie held Ian’s hand the same way I did when my dad was dying.
Then saying goodbye as well was [emotional]. I feel like, with Outlander, I never say goodbye though because it just keeps going on — and because of the fans and because of the conventions. I filmed that scene two years ago, and I still feel like the world of Outlander for me has become so much more than just the show.
I was watching the episode yesterday, and I was like, “Oh, wow, God…” I felt a bit emotional watching last night because it was 10 years ago that I started on that show, and it makes you think a lot about what’s happened in the last 10 years of your life as well. It takes you on a journey. But, ultimately I’m just grateful to be a part of it because it’s such a phenomenon. It’s a gift being part of that world.
A: I’m very sorry for your loss Erica.
AR: Classic Frasier stubbornness on display here. Jamie refusing the help of his strong nephews.
E: I suppose that he felt he needed to do this on his own. I found this admirable. Laying his brother to rest.
AR: That’s a good point, it was a final show of loyalty.
AR: Jamie definitely wants the family back together, but Jenny is definitely hesitant to make that big of a change to her life now.
E: Jenny will be mourning Ian for the rest of her days. I do hope that she does eventually join them all in America.
A: Agreed.
AR: The statue from Philadelphia to me means that something that’s war related is going to happen.
E: Definitely. The war is far from being done.
A: Which means there’s more danger ahead.
AR: Ian getting that feeling means he may already know something happened.
E: I feel like Ian died soon after they left Scotland.
AR: It’s very possible given how slow travel is.
AR: Ian’s pain is something many people can relate to today even with the differences in travel time.
E: It’s a pain I relate to intimately.
A: Same here. However, I felt comforted by Ian and Claire’s conversation as well as Jamie and Jenny’s conversation.
AR: I do hope he finds her because Ian is already starting to feel some regret that he followed Ian’s final wish.
E: Sooner rather than later, I hope. Young Ian is certainly a man on a mission.
AR: Nothing or no one will come between him and Rachel.
AR: Claire’s thinking this isn’t the Philadelphia I’m used to.
E: I think it’s difficult at times for her to separate her futuristic mind with the time she is in.
AR: And that confusion can potentially make her miss signs that something is amiss.
AR: This is the 1778 version of the traffic stop.
E: Ha-ha.
AR: I’m sure she’s had those back in the 1960’s, but the bayonets look more intimidating.
AR: Claire may not know this but there were definitely a few women spies during the Revolutionary War precisely because men assumed women couldn’t fight.
E: It’s a fool’s errand to believe that women pose no threat.
AR: Their poor planning and risk assessment is part of the reason why the British eventually lose the war.
AR: I’ll give Claire some credit for realizing this was what we call today a microaggression. To be fair though, the word for the employer for a paid female household servant was still “mistress” in this era. Also, as a historical note, The British were more interested in undermining wealthy rebels versus being truly charitable to the freed people or enslaved.
E: She had no reason to believe that Mercy was the lady of the house, even in Philadelphia. But the recovery was swift once she learned otherwise.
A: That’s definitely true as many well-off people had butlers or maids at the time who would answer the door.
AR: I wonder what Lord John’s reaction to Claire telling him that in her time that journey is no more than 10 hours…
E: Claire is happy to see LJG, uniform and all.
AR: Lord John is a sign that some things haven’t changed at all in Philadelphia.
AR: The last thing Henry needs in his condition is some nosey officer trying to stick his nose in.
E: Exactly.
AR: It’s not just about legal issues. Only Claire would know this, but visitors could also bring disease that could weaken Henry further.
That’s in the book. I think we thought, oh that’d be kind of fun. Richard is so fun anyway, and we knew as Roger he would add something that would make it much more fun and interesting, and he did not disappoint. So I think when we saw it within the book, we were like, oh, it’s the perfect time to introduce voiceover for someone new that we haven’t seen voiceover for before.
AR: Roger’s innner voice is hilarious! However, remarking on a woman’s perceived age might be seen as rude.
E: I’m in love with his inner monologue. Loving that it’s part of the story now.
AR: The internal monologues in the novels were hard to translate to the screen but for Roger’s adventure in Scotland it works really well.
E: If not for the seriousness of this exchange, it would be funny. Geillis examining her adult son.
And on top of that, looking at Roger like I am sure I know you.
Do I ken ye, sir?
AR: Agreed, I see these Roger and Buck scenes like a buddy comedy movie where they encounter the unexpected.
[Roger, inner thoughts] Well, you should.
He’s your son.
AR: This is the part of Outlander canon that gets very timey wimey a la Doctor Who.
E: Timey wimey. 😂😂
AR: Sorry I had to go there, LOL, but it’s the perfect way to describe meeting your mother before you were born!
AR: Geillis is a little too committed to the Black Widow life…
E: Just a touch.
AR: I also get the sense Buck had no idea about his mother’s past.
AR: I hope she’s not listening to this convo, too much info for her to potentially mess up history…
E: I feel confident that she’s elsewhere. Also, that would be a major deviation from the book.
AR: Good point.
AR: Based on what I learned from Claire’s previous cases, it sounds like Henry is fighting off infection since the other ball is still there. Also, I’m not surprised Dr. Hunter is involved.
E: No surprise at all. He is a fine physician and admires the skills that Claire brings to the table.
AR: Dr. Hunter definitely wants another opportunity to learn from Claire.
I’m sure Dr. Hunter tried his best.
E: As am I. But it appears as though Mercy and Henry have something going on…or is this simply compassion?
AR: Hmm, I can see the possibility as they’ve spent a lot of time in close proximity.
AR: I believe Henry and Mercy are likely more than friends.
E: I’m sure that’s a possibility. Or again, compassion toward the patient
AR: This situation could go either way.
AR: The second musket hiding near a sensitive area makes sense.
E: A lot of sense.
AR: Dr. Hunter may have concluded it was too risky to continue to search.
AR: I am also guilty of making family and friends wait a long time while shopping!
E: A lady must find what she is looking for. He should be grateful she came back.
AR: Yep, Rachel could have easily left him holding the basket!
AR: If Rollo can smell mushrooms, put him on truffle duty!
E: Haha! Truffle duty.
AR: Jokes aside, it’s a good way for Rollo’s nose to earn some money.
What’s nice about this love triangle is that she has a completely different dynamic with these two different men. And it was really fun to play with this idea of romantic love at first sight, having that kind of spark that you can’t get away from, versus a more platonic love of somebody that you love as a friend and it’s unrequited. You do love them but not like they love you.
AR: I think Rollo smelled Ian nearby!
But, I mean, I would ask them, you know, who would you choose? The stuck-up English soldier or the sexy Mohawk warrior? Like, come on. I think Ian and Rachel are kind of made for each other. And there’s a lot of love that they share between them. I don’t know if William has caught on to that quite yet. So, I don’t know if it’s quite a love triangle, or maybe just an awkward third wheel. [Laughs]
E: That is believable. Definitely.
AR: He wouldn’t run off for treats.
AR: Rollo ran too fast around that corner; hope she can find him! Also, UGH at Arch Bug showing up.
E: Goodness! Arch Bug. That’s one persistent man.
AR: He’s unhealthily obsessed with being honest.
Arch Bug however, made a threat. And I think he means to deliver on that threat. Ian takes it very, very seriously. But as we all know, we’re caught up in the moment. He’s just been to Scotland. He’s just getting back to America. Will he find Rachel? Where is she? Where’s Rollo? Maybe it slips his mind that there is a very malevolent and a person that has little to lose. Do you know what I mean? Like, [Arch] has nothing to lose. And sometimes those are the most dangerous kind of enemies.
AR: Aww, Rollo licked Ian’s face!
E: YEAH! Reunited and it feels so good.
AR: This was so cute!
AR: Why did he even pick that thing up?
E: Curiosity kills the cat, Roger.
AR: Put it down before Geillis puts a hex on you!
AR: Welp, Roger’s in trouble now…
E: I hope not. He still needs to find Jemmy.
AR: He needs to create a verbal diversion fast. The goal is to get info on Jemmy!
AR: The less he reveals the better.
What troubles yes, Mr. MacKenzie?
E: Safe bet to go with the latter.
AR: Good, the focus is back to Jemmy.
[Roger, inner thoughts]
One, you’re my many times great-grandmother.
Two, you’re a murderess. Three . . .
AR: I for one would not make any sort of introductions because that would only lead up to dead husband #6.
my son’s been kidnapped.
E: #6 as far as we know. Some others might be hidden in her past.
AR: True there could be 18 dead husbands for all we know.
AR: Oh, look, another one who absolutely does not know what’s going on! It’s good to see Dougal back; it’s been a long time.
E: Another flash from the past…Dougal Mackenzie.
AR: It’s been great to see these flashbacks to S1 and 2 this season.
AR: Roger totally failed in hiding his confusion there…
And you are?
E: It’s almost like he is walking through his family tree. Having a face to put to the name.
AR: He’s freaking out about being discovered but I’m sure Roger’s inner history nerd is thriving.
Dougal MacKenzie, of Beannachd.
It was quite strange in some ways, getting back into a costume that was just exactly the same. It’s a show about time travel, and it really felt like we were traveling in time at that point. Then to meet your own son that you had also played was quite a surreal moment, and to meet Lotte in character when we all know where that led…
[Roger, inner thoughts] Oh, Christ!
AR: Claire’s surgeries are always fascinating but also unnerving.
E: That is correct on both counts. LJG can’t stomach it at all.
AR: I don’t blame him.
AR: Ether once again saves the day.
E: That, it does. I don’t think that there would have been enough Laudanum to sufficiently knock him out to perform this surgery.
AR: Definitely not and they wouldn’t have had access to opium and the like in this era.
AR: Denzell unfortunately went to medical school 200 years early.
E: Quite unfortunate. But, fortunately, Claire is there and can educate and save Henry’s life.
AR: Claire seeing the infection spot definitely improves chances for success.
E: Claire saves the day again.
AR: Now that Claire found the problem, I’m going to look away again.
AR: William pulling out the rosary is a new side of him.
E: I believe that unbeknownst to William, his father’s genes and habits are making themselves known.
AR: I don’t see LJG being very religious, but Jamie definitely is.
[V: If Rachel talking about possibly missing Ian and losing Rollo isn’t a big enough clue for William, I don’t know what will be.]
AR: The British and the Americans are nowhere near the peace Rachel wants.
E: Not by a long shot.
It was interesting to be able to play both storylines within the same character. Rachel is also from a very sheltered background. She grew up in this closed Quaker community.
So, her reaction to it all is funny because she’s overwhelmed by the whole experience. So that was another layer to add into this: complete naivety.
AR: I’m glad we’re circling back to Walter because their story seemed too important historically not to have more time with it.
Mercy is grieving but at least Claire gave her some closure now.
E: Much needed closure, especially if she and Henry have something more.
AR: It’s possible Mercy may be feeling guilty for moving on hence these questions.
AR: I don’t think William is ready for a relationship.
E: He might be but, at the same time, knows that she does not look at him in the same way she looks at Ian.
AR: William is definitely better off if he looks elsewhere for love.
AR: Of course, Arch tells him the exact thing that will make Rachel not want to talk to Ian anymore.
E: And he takes the time to tell the story.
AR: And leaves out the details that would make Rachel respect Ian more.
AR: Quick Ian!!
E: Make haste man! Your woman is in danger!!
AR: Run faster than Rollo did!
[V: Now, what could he be thinking?]
AR: Months of stalking dang….
E: Talk about a shadow that did not go away.
AR: I have to admit I’m impressed that he evaded both the British and Continental Army for so long.
I knew you’d come for her.
I followed ye from the Ridge, lad.
Aye, it was me in the woods.
I heard ye calling for me, but I waited, and I watched.
I followed you to Wilmington . . . to Saratoga,
to Philadelphia, to her.
AR: Digging into the wound is extra foul.
E: Dirty fighter, that Arch Bug!
AR: Come on, Ian, fight back!
AR: Yay William for putting that training to good use!
E: William to the rescue!
AR: The stalking is over!
They’re the two wheels of the bicycle and William’s just the extra training wheel that’s kind of there that no one ever uses. I think they’re soulmates and William is just – it’s really tough. Right? And I think every young person kind of deals with that at some point in their life. Or they see someone, they’re like, wow. This person is perfect. And it’s just not quite meant to be. William has a lot of growing to do. I think, eventually, he’ll find love. Let’s hope. Let’s pray for William. He takes a lot of L’s these days. But maybe one day he’ll find love. I think you can’t really compete with the connection that those two have.
AR: William can claim he shot an intruder easier than Ian or Rachel could.
E: Facts. Not one lie detected.
AR: Better yet, William can claim Arch was a spy and no one is gonna question it
AR: Aww, Ian!
E: This exchange warmed my heart.
AR: I’m rooting for them.
AR: I’m glad Ian is finally putting his heart on the line.
E: He is taking his father’s advice. Well done, lad!
AR: Dad would be so proud!
What I can tease about Ian and Rachel, is that these are two people who are mad for each other, and I think are on each other’s minds 24/7. They share a very spiritual connection because these are two people that come from very different worlds. But there’s some sort of common theme. Something brings them together, a magnetism, or maybe it’s the fact that they’re both kind of rebels. Rachel being a Quaker, she is a Quaker, but she’s not always the most Quaker.
And Ian, of course, has always kind of forged his own path. So those two connect on that level a lot. But like any young couple, there’s going to be compromise. There’s going to be vulnerability. There’s going to be baggage that needs to be sorted out. And so, I think that the audience are really going to enjoy seeing these two characters, fall in love, and really show a more vulnerable side to each of them.
AR: Ian would make a really bad Quaker TBH.
E: Team Ian and Rachel, all the way. I hope they have some peace.
AR: Agreed they both deserve it!
I think it’s fun to bring new energy to a cast that’s been around for a long time. They were super welcoming and John [Bell] especially ’cause he’s from Glasgow. He was very good about taking us under his wing at the weekends and showing us the sites. Joining the show, it’s daunting ’cause you’re like, ‘Oh these people have been working together for 10 years. They obviously have their dynamic, I hope they like me.’ But it’s mostly just exciting becoming part of this family. It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s been really great.
AR: Those apples look really good for pie.
E: That they do.
AR: Now I want some apples…
AR: Ian had a feeling earlier in the episode and now it’s confirmed.
E: Eternal rest grant unto Ian…All be him a fictional character. meeting.
And can we discuss the meeting with Benjamin Franklin?! I bet Claire wishes she were there with Jamie for this
AR: I’m sure Claire is jealous of him! She loves meeting people from the history textbooks!
AR: This is definitely welcome news!
E: Alright now. I feel a reunion in the making.
AR: Agreed, Jamie could arrive any day now!
AR: Roger definitely recognizes the charm as something from the future!
E: Is it possible that the stones focused on the wrong Jeremiah?
AR: Hmm, it’s possible.
I mean, maybe that she gets away with murder. [Laughs] She’s obviously done some pretty terrible things, but she seems to get away with it. Also, I think she comes from a place of really believing in the cause and that everything needs to sort of, happen just for the cause and that she’s just a very passionate person.
She’s a rebel, and I think she’s a free-spirited person, and I think she recognizes that in Dougal when they meet. I think that’s a spark that happens in that moment because they recognize that same sort of wickedness in a way.
AR: This is awkward. Also, I didn’t think fiscals sold items, just signed documents.
E: Girl, I haven’t the slightest idea.
AR: Sorry, I only know what a fiscal is from the Scottish crime dramas on BritBox.
I mean, we’ve only waited for, what eight years for that scene. We shot this two years ago. So, yeah, that was eight years in the making. And we sure have speculated about how they would have met and what would have happened. We weren’t sure that there was ever going to be this scene, It was great We had great fun.
E: Talk about the family reunion. Again, if not for the seriousness, this would be hilarious.
AR: Agreed, this could be a romcom if it weren’t for Jemmy.
It’s not a charm.
They’re military identification tags.
They’ll give them out to servicemen about 200 years from now.
These belonged to my father.
AR: I’m happy for Roger, he can solve a mystery in his life.
E: He is completing his family tree. This is monumental.
AR: I’m sure he had questions that were going to be left unanswered otherwise.
The faerie man isn’t Rob Cameron.
It’s my father.
AR: This explains why the soldiers are searching every carriage.
E: Explains a lot.
AR: Claire is taking a huge risk, but she also likes the danger.
E: She likes playing an intricate part in the history of what will become America.
AR: I don’t think he was interested in hearing more about diarrhea though.
E: In this case, this was not knowledge he needed to get on with his day.
AR: I hope no one is watching her.
E: I don’t think she was seen. We shall see.
AR: Is this about the spying?
E: Oh no…this looks bad.
AR: Claire can’t believe it, but she can picture something happening.
Jamie’s ship, the Euterpe . . .
. . . was lost at sea.
Lost with all hands.
[Ratliff] The storm . . .
[Grey] With all hands.
E: Oh my. She can’t lose Jamie! 🙁
AR: I think Claire is disassociating.
E: At this point, the sound might as well be the adults talking in Charlie Brown.
AR: Claire’s not accepting this manifest as proof.
E: Not at all. He can’t be gone!
AR: I agree that Claire and Jamie’s bond is so tight that she would have felt something was potentially wrong.
He’s dead, Claire.
E: I am in complete agreement with you here, Amanda-Rae.
AR: That hit was hard.
E: I almost thought she would slap him across the face for the lies.
When the Frasers are not together, things don’t always go very well. This is not good. Claire believes an event happens, which is devastating.
[Jamie] You are my home now.
AR: These flashbacks to old seasons are great for reminding us why we watch and love the show, but boy do they also hurt!
E: The hurt is real. Their love is 100% relationship goals.
[Jamie] And the day shall come that we do part.
AR: Grief is often physical.
E: Grief is a major emotion. She is going through it all.
[Jamie] If my last words are not, “I love you,”
you ken it’s because I didna have time.
AR: Who cut the onions?
E: Lots of onions have been cut.
[Lord John] Claire, at least let me know you’re alive.
AR: I’m glad John is checking on her, but it is probably best to let her sleep.
I’m alive.
Go away.
E: Probably best.
AR: Yikes, I had a bad feeling someone was watching her!
E: It’s about to get real, real.
AR: This is very brave of him to do but doomed to failure emotionally.
E: Very brave indeed. I think he fears that Jamie would come back to life and end him should anything happen to Claire.
You must marry me.
Are you aware that you are about to be arrested
and hanged as a spy?
What if I would rather let them hang me?
AR: Claire feels like she has nothing else to survive for, but she doesn’t realize she has Ian and everyone else to think about.
E: Heavy is the head that wears the crown. And the head in this case is Claire.
You would not want that.
Because you are not the only one they will seek.
Ian and Rachel, Denzell and Mercy – –
all Rebels, all suspect.
Episode Rating (1-5 Shots)
We give this episode 5-shots. Overall, we had no notes; everything was really well done. It had been some time since we read reading this book (MOBY). This episode was very well written and directed. We enjoyed that they have incorporated Rogers inner thoughts.
This episode tackled the most emotionally tense material in quite some time in a meaningful and clear way for people who have not read the series. We did not dread this as much as others may have but were concerned that in the wrong writer’s hands Claire falling apart would not work.
The emotional range involved here was off the charts. From the passing of Ian in the opening scenes to Jamie lost at sea – simply amazing. We have only seen Claire come completely undone at the loss of Faith. This display was as good, if not better than that of S2. Caitriona certainly gave her all here.
Favorite Scene
We had several favorites but will only pick a few in particular. Ian when he was dying, and his last word was “Jennie.” He loved her unto death. The love he has for Jennie is on par with the love that Jamie and Claire have for each other. Relationship goals definitely.
We cannot call Claire finding out about Jamie’s ship a favorite in terms of emotion, but we appreciated the way the scene merged her internal thoughts with external action. We also liked Rachel and Ian’s heart-to-heart after the Arch Bug incident because they are adorable together. Roger and Buck’s awkward adventure was good comic relief in between the serious moments.
Directing
The director brought his ‘A’ Game. The viewer was certainly a part of the story. We liked the way the director composed both the closeups and wider shot crowd scenes.
Standout Acting / Performances
This is hard, but we are going to give this one to Caitriona Balfe because of the end of the episode. Caitriona all the way.
Favorite Costume(s)
Claire is always dressed to a T. I was particularly fond of the suit she was wearing upon entering Philadelphia. Her power suit if you will. We also liked Claire’s blue jacket from Henry’s surgery scene. The color is a call back to a dress she wore in S5.
Cinematography
We loved the scenery in the Scotland scenes. We also loved how beautiful 18th century Philadelphia looked. All did a wonderful job.
LOOKING FORWARD
What are you looking forward to in S7 Epi11 – A Hundredweight of Snow
Amanda-Rae: I’m most interested to see how John and Claire interact post-marriage. There’s a lot more grief and emotional crisis to come. I’m also looking forward to Roger hopefully finding out more about his dad on a happier note.
Follow Amanda-Rae on BlueSky – @amandaraeprescott.bsky.social and Threads –@amandarprescott, as Twitter is now only for reposts of links.
Erica: I am looking forward to the post-marriage interaction as well. They both love Jamie and seeing that unfold in the shadow of their loss will be something to see. I’m also looking forward to seeing Roger continue to walk through history with his family some more.
Follow Erica on Instagram – @iamericalazarus and Threads – @iamericalazarus.
Outlander S7 – Epi11 – A Hundredweight of Snow ~ Video via STARZ
Synopsis:
Claire turns to John Grey for comfort as they process difficult news; Ian and Rachel discuss their love and their future; Brianna confronts an intruder at Lallybroch.
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