Blacklanderz®Convos!
Outlander S7 Epi11 – A Hundredweight of Stones
Written by Sara H. Haught | Directed by Lisa Clarke
This conversation is between Blacklanderz® Evelyn, Marsha, and Andrea. Arranged, edited, and interrupted by Vida.
M: Well, this opening with the minister’s voice sounds like a solemn funeral scene instead of a wedding scene. The dark background doesn’t help, and judging by all the faces, especially Claire’s, the room is screaming, “How the hell did we get here!”
A: Claire looks like she is lost and ready to bolt.
E: The marriage proposal in the book had more build up to it so this felt very abrupt to me as the opening scene. I didn’t think Claire was going to go through with it. William just looked confused. You’re right Marsha, this was a funeral not a wedding.
M: Lord John looks resolute…like a man carrying out his duty with utter resolve. Let’s just get through this thing because we must do it for your protection.
A: Lord John being Lord John. Lol
E: Lord John is also in pain but yeah…hurry up preacher!
I don’t think Lord John wants to be married to Claire at all. That is an act of sacrifice for Jamie and Claire. It is Lord John completely acting again in service of the Frasers. It’s an act of love for them and for Jamie — to protect the thing that Jamie values most, which is Claire.
M: Poor Claire. She is cloaked in grief. I don’t think she is aware of anything else happening in the room. She is in complete agony, and I feel every bit of it. Claire is tearing my guts out!
A: This was rough.
E: She looked like her stomach was doing flip flops and if she tried to speak words were not coming out of her mouth. I wanted to prod her to just hurry up. It was killing me. Caitriona’s face is so expressive.
M: When I heard Jamie’s voice it was so heartbreaking. Could the director have made this scene more agonizing?! I think not.
A: I for real was like, Oh, he’s okay. He has to be the way he was calling to her.
E: I was not expecting to hear voices! I know how the book reads but I thought Jaime was going to come through the door and save her like he did at Fort William, and again at her Witch Trial.
M: As Claire looks at William, I think she is seeing Jamie because he is supposed to have some of Jamie’s features. In that moment, she looks nauseous and struggles to finish her vows with the reality of the words she speaks hanging around her neck like a noose.
A: I thought the same. That she was seeing Jamie.
E: I ‘m not sure what Clair was thinking here. Her struggle is real…saying till death do us part and she is still grieving is awful.
M: John looks down at Claire’s hand and is reminded that, Oh yeah…Claire collects wedding rings; she doesn’t ever remove them. Once again, here is another thing about Jamie’s that John has to share with Claire. John has to now share Claire’s ring finger and all that symbolizes … with Jamie. Dang, this whole situation is so cruel and heartbreaking at the same time.
E: I was so interested in trying to figure out which ring Claire was going to remove. Was it in fashion to just stack rings back then? They were mighty chunky stacked up on her hand like that. I don’t know what Lord John was thinking but we all know he couldn’t ask Claire to remove any of her previous husband’s rings. Claire would definitely have something to say about that.
A: I mean John, what can you expect at this point.
M: Well, now that the formalities are over, I am done. Get this ring off me. I just want to lie down right here and die. Catch y’all on the other side.
A: I felt that in my heart. Like she wanted the bed to swallow her up.
E: Like you said Marsha…a funeral. She came down a widow and went back upstairs a reluctant and mournful bride. I would have started drinking at the ceremony and never looked back.
M: I believed this title was about the degrees of reckoning, the heavy burden that Jamie’s death would have on everyone involved in his life. Equally, how that weight would impact their purpose in the future.
[V: Usually, I can figure out what the title cards men. But this time, I had no idea what it could/would represent. ]
M: Ian is a grown ass man. Despite his grief, Ian exudes a tenderness that he learned from Jamie, as well as a power in who he is and what he wants for his life.
E: Was Ian saying a Gaelic prayer or a Mohawk prayer? I was confused at first and didn’t understand the scene. I have read the books and thought this was something else and was about to get hopping mad that it was coming so soon in the series without the background. I came back to my senses. It was a beautiful prayer.
A: This made me cry for some reason. I can’t put my finger on it. He is a grown man but also very much still a young man. I don’t know if that makes sense.
M: I liked this scene between Rachel and Ian. It is clear their future is built on a strong desire to be honest and understand each other. I think Ian found a good woman to partner with and together they make a strong couple.
A: I love them together. They are such a good match.
E: I feel so badly for Ian. He just lost his father and now Uncle Jaime is gone. So much loss for him. Yes Andrea, Rachel is so kind and patient with Ian as he is with her. They definitely make a good match.
M: I loved their conversation. They had enough mutual respect for their faiths to find solace and comfort with their understanding.
A: Marsha, yes, I agree. They really have a lot of respect for one another’s differences.
E: Ian is such an observer and absorber of places and cultures. He takes the best parts of them and incorporates them into his world. With Rachel, he admires and loves her and therefore wants to take on the best of being a Quaker. The love and respect they have for each other will guide them.
M: Roger was onto something here. His reasoning made sense. Now, how do they get out of this mess if we can’t find Roger’s father or Jem?
A: There is definitely a reason they came to the wrong time; but what, I don’t know. I can’t wait to find out. And please, please find Jem.
E: I just don’t know. I love Roger Mac, but I think they found themselves in 1739 because he was subconsciously thinking about his father Jeremiah. Or, can there be something to do about the time of year Roger & Buck head back that crossed the “signal,” and “it” chose the Jeremiah wanted to send Roger & Buck to. Now it is going to be a challenge for Roger and Buck to puzzle it out. By the way, I am enjoying seeing Graham McTavish back on the show. I really love him as Dougal.
M: I agonized over Bree. She has to hold it all together without knowing anything that is going on. Where is her baby?! How is her baby?! Whew…it’s just too much.
Brianna’s biggest fear is that she thinks that she can’t help. The only thing that she can do, and knows how to do right now, is to protect Mandy and just keep life as normal as she possibly can for Mandy. And that’s her way of saving one child.
And I think the idea of being helpless and the idea of being in the passenger seat is something that Brianna really struggles with. Like I said, she’s always just kind of had herself to rely on, and so not being the one to kind of be in control and be able to be proactive is something that she’s struggling with.
A: Not knowing what is going on is way too much. I mean I cannot imagine.
E: I would be losing my mind. We live in a 24-7 information cycle and contact with people. I would be losing my mind not getting information. How do you get information back to her 200+ years ahead of you?
M: See? It’s all just too much! Bree lives for solving problems. This one (her missing child and husband) is way over her head and she is losing it. You can tell that Bree feels so helpless.
A: I was hoping the drawer being stuck was a clue to something but of course it’s just the fact that it is just all too much.
E: My thoughts as well Andrea! I was sure that the drawer was stuck because Roger found a way to contact her, or someone left a clue.
M: Rachel received a shocker just now. She is a fast processor though.
A: She is taking all of this remarkably and I really love that about her. She is very thoughtful with how she takes things in and listens.
E: The look on Rachel’s face was sincere but said you need to tell me everything. Honestly, sometimes Ian speaks in riddles and thankfully she is patient and listens to ask the right direct questions.
M: I love the grown Ian. He is one determined man. Once he makes a decision, he runs with it straight away. He looks at Rachel with such intensity it melts my heart. You can see by all his body language that he is hers if she wills it or not.
A: Ian, “Woman of course I am marrying you. I love you.” 😂
E: I just laughed! Love Rachel in this scene.
M: Yes, Rachel wants these questions answered, but I believe when Ian told her he and Emily lost two babies and he just found out there was a third child, a boy, who lived and he may never see him again, all walls dropped for her. Rachel showed instant empathy and compassion for Ian. In that moment, I believe she was truly his, will it or not.
A: Once again, thoughtful, empathetic, and definitely the one for Ian. Have I mentioned I really like her?
E: Rachel could have just shut Ian down when she found out Emily was still alive, and Ian had a son. Again, she is thinks through this in a rational way and comes right back to loving that man in front of her. Did anyone else notice that Ian was not wearing leggings and boots? He had his father’s coat on and the mantle that he typically wears but he was dressed in regular pants and shoes.
M: William is very principled. He is puzzled by his father’s desire to marry Claire given that she is a Rebel which risks their family’s reputation. John struggles with how to explain his reasoning for doing so.
E: Good old William. Blissfully ignorant and does not always see or comprehend what is going on around him. Lord John knows how to keep his reputation intact. Marrying a rebel is nothing compared to being outed.
A: William if only you knew….
M: Lord John tastefully explains why he is loyal to the end to Jamie. He painfully lets him know that he will do anything to honor his memory. I love this scene.
E: I have no words. David played this scene up.
A: Lord John for the win! I know it must be so difficult for him.
M: I was deeply touched by the interaction between father and son in this scene. Their emotions were so moving, as they conveyed the love expressed between them. The hug at the end of the scene spoke volumes about their love and concern. William loves his dad and is concerned about his well-being. LJG reassures him that standing by this act with Claire (for Jamie), along with his enduring love for William, gratifies his soul.
[Regarding Lord John’s loneliness] Yeah, I think the Greys are just generally a little bit sad, aren’t they? Williams inherited that as well, but maybe it’s something they could bond over because — poor William, I am rooting for him and Ms. Rachel Hunter, but I think his cousin might have him beat. I think it’s maybe something they talk about over a game of chess, that’s for sure.
A: It makes me so sad to think the LJG won’t or doesn’t have happiness. I mean he says he has it all, but does he?
E: I feel for Lord John. He will never be happy if he has to continue to hide his true self. That is no life for anyone. LJG has faith that he will have comfort which will have to be enough.
M: Ian and Rachel, together, are a powerful couple. Both actors portrayed these characters with such tenderness and grace, I was deeply moved by how well they navigated this scene.
E: This was a pivotal part in the book. I agree with you, it was nicely portrayed and drives the Ian and Rachel story line forward.
M: Ian was so sad as he spoke about this painful part of his life with the Mohawk. I loved how delicate he was with his words as he talked about Emily and what their losses meant to him. Ian definitely connected with Rachel as he explained how he felt discovering that he had a living son that he could not parent due to circumstances that were in the best interest of his son.
E: That was so sad. My heart just ached for Ian, who was forced to leave his wife and never knew he had a son. I know that happened a lot at that time, but it is still heart breaking. The way he said, “He has a father“was so painful.
M: Oh boy… this moment had me teary eyed. The way Ian looked at Rachel with such love and conviction when he explained that he chose her. It was an emotionally satisfying scene. When Rachel tearfully declared her love for Ian… this scene was perfection in the making. They are going to be so good together! Like I said, a power couple.
E: When he said, “I choose you,” I was done.
A: What an absolutely beautiful scene. My goodness the tears. So gentle and understanding of each other.
M: There is the angry, spirited Claire I was waiting for. Moved by anger about Jamie leaving her, she decided she couldn’t go on without him. I feel like I get it. But how do I do it? How do I end my life…and along with it this pain?!
E: I would have destroyed that room. I thought when she opened that case, she was going to drink the Laudanum, but I guess that was going to be too easy. Claire is in pain, and she wants to let it out.
A: First thought. She is going to self-medicate and put herself out not to deal with the pain.
Blood of my blood.
[Jamie] Don’t you see how small
a thing death is between us?
When my body dies,
my soul will still be yours.
Nothing is lost, Sassenach, only changed.
I canna think of you dead, Claire.
Anything else, but not that.
M: Once again, Jamie saves her through his words. They are so connected, in life and in death. Cait is excellent in this episode. I am hanging on with her as she moves through her grief. I feel like she reached her limit. Something has got to give…. She can’t take the pain of missing Jamie any longer, but she realizes that she doesn’t possess the conviction of taking her own life.
E: Hearing Jaime’s voice as an overlay made me think he’s not dead. How can she hear his voice if he was. Cait worked on this scene. This was Claire, her most despondent.
A: My immediate reaction was, “No Claire, please don’t,” but once again Jamie comes through in that moment with his words. Thank the gods but lord the anguish. I felt every bit of that.
M: The mournful screams had me gutted. I am wiping tears like this episode was real life (hats off to Cait and David). Her screams were raw and visceral. I paused the tv for a few minutes here just to regroup. Claire transported me to my most painful loss. Aww man, was I torn. Girl, I get it… drink that whole bottle! Turn it all the way upside down.
E: I was in the room, in the bottle, and all engrossed in this scene. I still would have trashed that room just to get my rage out.
A: I get it girl! She is so despondent, and it is truly heartbreaking to witness. I just want to reach into the screen and hold on to her.
M: John is tormented by Claire’s screams. He doesn’t have the luxury of being able to scream (to express his true feelings of his loss of Jamie). However, he knows exactly how Claire feels.
E: Everybody is trying to numb their pain. I don’t even know how LJG kept etiquette. Just turn the bottled up, why pour it into a glass? Everyone can hear Claire screaming.
A: I was thinking he was going to throw the glass against the wall in his own anguish but the juxtaposition of carrying on with drinking the pain while simultaneously hearing Claire’s screams….
M: Okay. Well, what else was supposed to happen? He had to go and at least try to find comfort with each other. Especially since he downed his own bottle of alcohol. We all know where things are headed now.
A: I expected it, but didn’t expect it. Actual footage. Oh, Oh wait. Oh, wait this is something… and well…
E: Yes Marsha and Andrea, I thought LJG was going to go “quiet” her down but that didn’t turn out like I had thought.
It is a lot. It required a lot of negotiation. A lot of discussion. And a lot of difficult discussions actually… I think the conflict for me as an actor was trying to understand how these two characters could come to this moment… The thing is there’s no words there.
M: Well, there it is. Drunk crying man with open shirt, meet drunk woman with disheveled hair and legs open on the floor in her shift. Okay. This is what we’re doing?
I will not mourn him alone tonight.
E: OOH! I will not mourn alone was a statement! I love the rage and sorrow these two displayed. But yes, we all knew where this was going to lead.
A: Yeah, I don’t know why but I was actively blushing, cringing and like okay. Well, if it must be done, then so be it.
He was not yours!
He is not yours to mourn!
M: Yeah, this is what we’re doing. That is all.
A: In all of the sexual scenes I have witnessed thus far, this was the one that had me feeling like I shouldn’t be seeing this.
E: I agree, Andrea. I have no words and shielded my face. I’m glad that part of the scene was short.
There’s a sequence of scenes that were really, really, challenging. I think my pit was trying to figure out how we were going to do it. And it was really tough. And it was also a tough time personally, it was not that long after my dad had passed. It was a very hard thing to get myself into the headspace for. It was a big struggle as to how we were going to do it.
Lots of notes going back and forth. My peach was that, and this is a big thing to the writers and Vanessa (Coffey, Intimacy Coordinator on Outlander), but we figured out a way to do it. I think that’s the first time in my life, with work, and especially on this show, that was like I actually don’t know how I’m going to do this.
M: I don’t know why, but I actually felt relieved afterwards. The look of Claire and Lord John made me chuckle. Yeah, we roughed each other up all night. Claire looked exhausted (go ahead Lord John lol). He wore her out! He looked all fresh (ha-ha). I think they truly became friends that night. (That sounds kind of sick, I know.)
E: Claire tore him up. Did you see the scratches on him?
[V: Yes, I did.]
A: Marsha, it does NOT sound sick. I giggled like okay you two. I see you. It definitely helped with all of the initial tension, oh no wtf, I was feeling.
It wasn’t me who you were making love to.
We both know it.
M: Well, duh! We all know.
E: Nothing to say about that. LOL
A: No kidding LJG up here like Captain Obvious! 😂
M: This is where they establish an honesty between them. Just like with Jamie, Claire learned how to be honest in her relationship and it continues to carry on here, with Lord John. Paraphrasing Jamie, “We can have lies between us, but when we speak, we must have honesty.” So, I believed she was prepared to believe and accept whatever Lord John said in response to her question.
E: I really love this entire scene. They already had the carnal knowledge behind them, however blurry that was, and they are now airing everything. All of the things each wanted to know about the other are out in the open and answered now.
A: I like the way the two of them are so open and honest with one another. Loved this scene.
M: Lord John knows this as the truth. And I believe that is what kept him in check all these years. Befriending Jamie meant forever closing that door to anything more. And John accepted those terms and made the best of it over the years.
E: LJG is too right here. There would be zero chance that he and Jaime would have been friends. LJG chose correctly.
A: Not even remotely the same but it’s sort of like me shutting the door on anything further with my bestie. He is my friend, and I have never wanted to ruin the friendship.
M: ‘Chile…I’m not a monk
E: EXACTLY, Marsha !! You know Claire couldn’t leave it unasked. The look on her face said it all.
A: 😆
M: I liked how LJG explained the analogy about the deer (Title Cards). Don’t question why we are, or what we are. If things happen again between us, just accept it, and try to find the beauty in it. Don’t question it and move on.
E: Great way to describe his situation.
A: Yes, this is a great analogy. What happens, happens.
M: ‘Chile, he is not my man.’ We just hit it and quit it, but we are friendly.
E: Girl please…why are you so deep in LJG’s business. This is how it had to be back then. If there was “more,” then it would be obvious and other people would know. Keep it on the downlow.
A: This is too good!
M: I thought that was a very appropriate response and it made complete sense to me. Say less.
E: LOL! I was right there with you Marsha. Yes, say less.
A: Girl, I told you, come on let’s keep it moving…
M: Roger and Buck talked to this man selling random items who remembered the man with the dog tags who Roger believes is his dad. The man was able to give them a little lead that could help them find him. At some point, they know they will need gemstones to return so they take the opportunity of buying gems from the man. I am glad someone finally had information that could be helpful. Otherwise, they might have been wandering forever looking for leads. This storyline is dragging just a tad, and I hope to see something materialize soon.
E: This quest for Jem and Jeremiah, the faerie man, seems so hard. If you ask too many questions, you become the issue…but why wouldn’t they say “I think the fairy man may have my boy” to stop people from looking at you sideways?
A: Can we not have to stream only once a week… I need more, I need to know more. Smart move with the gems for sure, I almost forgot they needed those. Anxious to see what is going to happen down the line for Roger.
M: I can’t stand Rob! He is such a jerk! Who kidnaps a child?!
E: I do not like Rob. I thought he was a jerk the first time he was introduced. ick!!
A: A literal piece of s**t. That is all. Friggin’ psychopath.
M: Rob infuriates me! As if Bree would go anywhere with him after what he did. She is wise enough to know not to trust him at all.
E: I would be with Bree in that bottle of wine. Andrea, I was thinking the same thing. He clearly does not know Bree. He may have gotten the best and taken the knife, but she is not giving up without a fight.
M: Pour your own drink! Bree took her opportunity to knock Rob clean out with that pot and I am here for it! Good job Bree!
E: Come on man! You are not sharp. If you tell me to do something for you after you have just assaulted me and kidnapped my son, you bet I am going to find a way to kick your ass before I do it.
A: Me shouting, “Yes Bree! Get him. Knock him out.” Around here, we handle business. She is definitely her mother and father’s child.
It’s sad because I think it’s a little triggering for Brianna. I think when she was a kid, she didn’t have much of a support system or it felt like [that]. I think her biggest lean was Frank. And then once she found out that he’d been lying to her too, and he died very quickly. I think Brianna’s really struggled to trust the world and its process and trust that she’s not on her own.
And so, I think when then in season 7 part 2, she is on her own, it’s a very hard thing for her to deal with. But I think her maternal instincts really kick in, and she has something bigger than herself to protect which is the kids. And so that definitely is a survival instinct that kicks in for her. She’s better at looking after other people than she is herself.
M: I love Claire and Ian’s relationship! Ian would do anything for his auntie!
E: Ian loves himself some Auntie Claire. Yes Andrea, that rolled “r” does it for me.
A: Aww. They have such a wonderful relationship. I am so glad they have each other. I love the way he says Auntie Claire.
M: This was a tender moment between them. He was so worried about the possibility of Claire leaving him. Ian is experiencing so much grief between the loss of his father, then Jamie, and maybe Claire if she goes back through the stones.
E: I was taken aback that he came to say goodbye because he thought she would go back to her time. The thought never crossed my mind, and I am so glad Claire said she would stay.
A: He handles all of this immense grief. It’s so heartwarming that he has Claire. She is his auntie and mother figure.
M: I love that Ian tells Claire exactly how he feels about her. She knows how much she is loved by Ian and the rest of their family. I believe she forgot that for a moment because she has been so consumed by her grief for Jamie.
E: Agreed Marsha.
A: Not leaving without saying goodbye. Ah Ian, your auntie would never abandon you. You are her family as she is yours.
M: Claire feels disconnected from life in the future. She believes she can feel closer to Jamie’s memory by living to fulfill their mission to change the future for their family.
A: See, I was right. She would never abandon you. I know it must be difficult to be away from her daughter and grandchildren but the strength to want to continue on to create the new nation that eventually those same people will be a part of… all while mourning her loss.
A: I mean again LJG, what are we expecting here? This is going to be hard and challenging. She is barely going through the motions. Let’s not expect her to remember to wear it.
M: LJG does appear to be disturbed that Claire is not wearing their marriage ring. Maybe he thinks she is no longer committed to living up to the united front they agreed to present publicly, keeping Claire and her loved ones protected.
E: Girl, get a grip. You have to wear that ring outside of the house. I was with LJG on this one, but only from a, “We have to keep up appearances and you’re falling down on the job.” I kind of felt that LJG was hurt.
A: Okay Mercy, taking care of Henry. So, I already had an idea, but they are definitely a thing.
M: I agree, Andrea. Henry and Mercy are smitten with each other. You can tell, the thought of their separation is upsetting to them both.
E: Ya’ll, It’s written all over both of their faces. Mercy kept notes and could tell Claire everything about how well Henry was doing.
A: And there it is. My man said no thank you. I am staying right here, and I am marrying this woman.
M: Henry is recovered and ready to start a new life with his sweetie! He lets LJG know exactly how he feels about Mercy.
E: Ruh Roh! Henry not wanting to do his “duty” and return home. He is all healed up and combative now.
A: No sir… This is not your home, and you aren’t about to be in here telling me where to go at all. Yes ma’am! Okay Mercy!
M: I laughed so hard during this scene! Henry and Mercy grew a pair during Henry’s injury. Now that Henry is recovered, Mercy stood on business and let John know in no uncertain terms, she would not allow Lord John to discuss her future with Henry without her being present. What’s that saying, “My house, my rules.”
E: I fell out on this scene. First you ask your uncle to write to your father and tell him the most scandalous information, then your uncle gets “told off” for forgetting whose house he was standing in. 😂 Mercy showed both of them in this scene.
A: Not LJG making decisions for his nephew. Oh no, I am not liking this AT ALL.
M: I agree. This part of the conversation was uncomfortable for everyone in that room. I see Claire with her head bowed in the background trying not to intrude on family business but registering her disapproval with the way John handled the conversation. That said, I actually loved the way Lord John (in true Lord John fashion) stood on business.
I loved how Lord John addressed Henry by name and by all of his titles as a way of saying, “Wake up man!” This is a huge deal! We are not about to ignore how serious an issue this is in this day and age. And Lord John knows how his brother will react to their news.
E: This was a hot scene. A lot of things happened at once and my head was swiveling. Agree Marsha. Claire did not like LJG’s responses and actions; Henry & Mercy being absolutely naive in his requests. But like you said Marsha, LJG stood on business.
A: Stand your ground Henry. Love is love and LJG needs to figure it out.
M: The many colorful expressions of LJG. Lord John delivered that line beautifully. I enjoyed his character portrayal so much in this episode. Lord John took me on a journey through so many emotions in this episode. I am always a Lord John fan.
E: David’s expressions were on point throughout the entire scene Marsha. There was no way that Henry and Mercy were going to get their way when LJG was in that mode.
A: Pretty much Claire. I don’t care what he says. That is bigot talk. I can absolutely be sure Henry does not care if he loses anything at all. This is about the reputation of the family. Which is really funny considering he married Claire and told William he wasn’t worried about the family name. Hmmm.
M: Girl, I agree with you! As much as I love Claire’s character, she drives me crazy at times. She can be very quick to judge, and jumps to conclusions a lot. Then you end up spending your energy getting her out of trouble.
In this regard, LJG set her straight and I was here for it. In addition to the family reputation aspect, Lord John was right to acknowledge the danger for them to pursue their love. That comment relates to how carefully Lord John has to live his own life as he guards his own personal secrets. He knows what he speaks. He shut her right up with that one.
E: Why is Claire being so simple? Did she forget what time she was in? LJG was right to set her straight.
A: Well, LJG you (and Claire) better find a way to make it happen so that it doesn’t happen.
M: Lord John has had it. I liked how this John showed up in the conversation too. He was resolute. He was unwavering. He was emotionally strong here.
His reasoning was sound, while passionately defending his right to want to protect his nephew from the harsh realities of that time.
E: This was one of those days when Claire needed to be seen and not heard. She keeps forgetting “when” she is, and it causes so much necessary trouble. SMH.
E: LJG brings gifts! I’m excited. That box was large, so I knew it was a dress.
A: Ugh! Typical male, “Hey I know we had HUGE disagreement not too long ago, here is a gift.”
M: Ha-ha, Andrea for the win! I have no further comment on this one.
E: Claire, why you gotta be so stubborn? You can either show up on time and excuse yourself after guests have been greeted or show up fashionably late. It’s not hard.
M: And here is vulnerable, shy Lord John, trying to persuade her to put on the proper face in public for their own protection.
Claire is being extremely ungrateful for the service that he’s done to protect her. She’s not getting on with the practical element of the fact that her life is in danger. He’s perhaps a little bit insensitive toward the fact that she just wants to die because Jamie doesn’t exist anymore.
But the extent to which he can truly feel sympathy for that is limited because he also feels such a deep sense of grief for Jamie’s loss. There is a need for him to propel things forward and motivate her to live. That’s a great act of heroism on his part.
M: Lord John always tries to be fair, but he is also unafraid to match energy, even with Claire; and I love it!
A: Now sir!? Really, come on. LJG is starting to give me a migraine. And you know Claire is hardheaded. She is going to do what she wants to do.
A: Okay, here we go! Please let us find out some useful information.
M: You read my mind Andrea. I hope they advance this storyline a little faster in the coming week. I am ready for them to go back to whatever future they mutually need to return to so we can resolve the “Where is Jem” situation.
E: I’m with you Andrea. They continue to go in circles and it’s classic Roger Mac. I fear without Bree he gets himself into trouble and has a hard time finding his way out of a box. 😟
A: Wait! Who is this man? Ugh! I need some information. You couldn’t have answered at the very least who you got the jacket from. The suspense is killing me. But I guess for now, Roger needs to be safe. But my goodness.
M: Okay. It is clear these people will not offer any help by answering questions about his father’s jacket. He is concerned that his father may be injured somewhere, and his intuition tells him it is connected to Jemmy’s disappearance somehow. I am not sure what this all means.
E: Again…Why Couldn’t Roger be more direct and say I am looking for the man because I think he has my son? Wouldn’t That disarm people so they wouldn’t think you are trying to take something from them? At least make sure you don’t come off as crazy. Even Buck looks like he is getting frustrated with this search. If you’re gonna tie the two searches together in your mind, at least say so when speaking to strangers.
E: Buck was right. If he were hungry and needed money, he would trade for what he needed. Roger is not thinking straight. I am not sure faith is guiding him in the right direction at this point. I think he is now fully focused on finding his father.
M: I guess he will have to continue relying on his faith for an understandable outcome.
A: I agree with Roger. But what that is . . . me trying to think ahead at what it could be and wanting to see into the future.
E: That scoundrel Capt. Richardson. There is so much lore in the book but not enough time in the series to explore it.
M: Lord John is relieved that Claire heard him… finally. Her appearance at the top of the stairs indicates her understanding and acceptance of the new roles they must play equally to remain safe.
A: Claire looks beautiful as always. Good for her for rallying ’cause LJG certainly doesn’t deserve it, but I know they have to put on appearances.
E: I love the gown. Cait looks great in a royal blue and the jewelry was spot on. The color of the dress reminded me of the sapphire that Jaime gave LJG. LJG kept it in a drop on his waistcoat. That episode in the Bahamas when LJG showed up at the Party unexpectedly is so vivid in my mind right now.
I let out a sigh of relief that Claire had the ring on. I was about to talk back to the TV and tell off if she wasn’t wearing it.
M: That was Lord John’s final sign that she can be counted in on their deal.
[V: Yes, she can. But, I hated hearing that introduction of , Lady John Grey.]
A: My God man, can she give off any more of a hint that she wants you to ask her to dance. William is on my last nerve just like his dad(s).
M: Ha-ha! William was being willfully obtuse. He didn’t want anything to do with Ms. Chew. He had Rachel on the brain; and we know how that dream of his will ends up.
E: What was up with William? That was a ruthless shut down of Ms. Chew and the poor girl tried to smile through it and return the banter but damn. William needs training.
A: Claire, “Girl my name is Bennett and I ain’t in it.” I’m not stepping into that one.
M: Lol, yes! Here’s another one… My name is Wes and I ain’t in this mess!
E: Claire’s response should have been her mantra for the evening. 🤣
A: Hey William, the Rachel ship has sailed. Listen to Claire, go dance and be distracted. Lol.
M: I totally agree with you, Andrea. Let it go man!
E: William is so new. If he doesn’t watch out, he will fall for something he doesn’t want. The Rachel ship sailed so long ago. Move on.
A: Okay smartass, okay. Be easy. Sorry Claire, you DID say that.
M: Touche William! Ha-ha. Throw Claire’s own words right back in her face.
E: LOL! He was funny this time, but still.
A: Mmmmm, I don’t know if I trust this man. Verdict is still out.
M: What a surprise! Now, what do you want me to do? Are we supposed to share secrets now?
E: Scoundrel. I wouldn’t trust anything he says. He is two-faced clearly if he is going to talk about being a spy. Is the music loud because who talks openly about being a spy in the middle of a dance floor when you are dancing two feet apart? 😳 I just kept hoping Claire had up her guard so she could tell this joker where to get off.
A: Smart Claire, for numerous reasons. But I don’t trust this man at all.
M: I agree; good for you Claire. Stay loyal. Don’t tell him anything about Lord John’s work. Capt. Richardson needs to go and find some other informant to do his bidding.
E: Stay focused Claire. Capt. Richardson is not what he seems.
A: She is so over it. I guess they were such a hit that now everyone wants to host them.
E: I don’t care about no invitations! I’m sure she will tell him to pick one and that will be the only one she attends. This whole “turnabout the gardens” seems like the least amount of effort. 🙂
M: Claire is resigned to the fact that this is her life now. She looks so sad. I feel for her.
[Jamie’s voice] Claire!
A: The scream I scrumpt! Whoo-hoo! I am so happy to see this man. Got my heart pumping on this one.
M: YAAYYYYY!!! Me too, girl! Thank you to the Outlander gods for not making us wait an entire season for this reunion! I was so happy to see Claire run to his arms.
E: Jamie to the rescue!!! My heart leaped out of my chest. FINALLY, he is here. I ken he wasn’t dead!!!
I’ m sorry, your lordship. I asked him to wait,
but the gentleman insisted on . . .
A: Same LJG. Same. But also, close your mouth. Claire told you she would know if he was gone. You of all people should realize Jamie up here like a cat with nine lives and nothing is going to keep him from his woman.
M: You can say that again! Jamie is up to maybe seven lives with two more to go by now. LOL This reunion made me so happy. And the look of shock on John’s face was great! For a second, when Jamie first entered the room, he looked like he knew in the back of his mind that they ‘did the deed’ already. But Claire looked grateful that Jamie was alive. All she wanted to do was hug and kiss that man. I’m with her!
E: LJG was in shock and total aww that Jaime was still alive. I’m with you Marsha, LJG’s first thought was, Uh oh, I consummated my “marriage” and now it is my duty to let him know. Claire was like LJG who? Seeing Claire smile was all I needed to make this scene soo good.
[Claire] There it is.
[Jamie] What?
[Claire] My blood.
M: We would have still been kissing. I was so happy for them to be together again. I would have lost control of all my emotions if I were Claire. Their kissing was awkward for John. I get it. But when Lord John told them his son would be back shortly, I would have been like, “Oh well, gotta grow up sometime kid.” We’re kissing!
A: I’m all for staying and kissing! I’m for it. I agree. He looked so uncomfortable, but you are not interrupting my reunion.
E: What I loved about this scene was there was absolute mayhem and chaos going on. Jamie had the Redcoats after him. He finds Claire and stays for a good round of kissing and explanation. LJG says William is due home any second. But the world stops for Jaime and Claire. A perfect reunion.
I hate to break up such a joyous reunion, but
your son is due home shortly.
William?
He’s here?
A: Holy (expletive)! No! There is way too much happening right now. I was NOT expecting that at all.
“Son”?
You’re. . .
M: Whoa…that was sudden! My emotions are swirling all over the place right now. I need to catch my breath! I loved this entire scene! All the expressions were conveyed perfectly…shock and awe all over the place. William has a lot to process at that moment.
James Alexander
Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser.
And who the bloody hell am I?
E: I did not see this unfurling out quite like this, but let’s go!
A: Well, the cat is out of the bag now. Where do we go from here?
M: Jamie: We’re doing this now? Okay then, here is where it has to happen. Jamie sets his hat down on the table and let’s begin. Straight and to the point like Jamie does it.
You . . .
are a stinking Papist.
E: I was not expecting Jaime to reply with an answer that William gave him when he was a child. That was totally sweet but William was having none of it. This is the day LJG and Jaime have dreaded. It was never going to be planned so let’s hash it out. But wait, aren’t there redcoats searching for Jaime? Is it the right time to “chat”??
A: Get it all out William. This is A LOT! You can see how hurt he is but also how hurt LJG is.
M: Whoa whoa whoa… what all is happening! Good grief… the action is nonstop! I am still processing John’s expression, William’s anger at Jamie and John. Claire is in the background still processing her glee that Jamie’s alive, while witnessing William’s understandable meltdown. Poor Jamie. Poor John.
E: Marsha, I did have to giggle a bit at Claire basking in happy bliss that Jamie was alive, but chaos was raining down right in front of her. I was waiting on William to explode more. He is Jamie’s son. Count down . . . 3, 2, 1.
I think it’s just absolute chaos and rage. And because he’s Jamie’s son, there is that fire in him; that primal Scottish rage. I don’t think he deals with it in the best way. I think he gets a little bit angry, for sure.
But from William’s perspective, his entire life, his moral compass, and his sense of direction all come from his identity as this English Lord. And that falls apart in a moment. It turns out that all of these people that he thought care for him — that do care for him — were the very people lying to him for his entire life. I think he loses his sense of self in that moment, and hurt people hurt people, so I think he’s a bit of a tornado at the moment.
A: Did he tell them to get back to protect Jamie? LJG, Claire, all of them? Was it just, how dare you enter my home?
M: I am not sure about William’s response either. I believe it could be, how dare you enter my home uninvited. Right about now, I think William would skewer both John and Jamie if he could. He rightfully inherited both Geneva and Jamie’s tempers, you know lol.
E: I think he was mad and it didn’t matter that those soldiers were there to do a job. He out ranked them and needed to boss someone around since he had zero control of the entire situation.
A: The fact that everyone seemed to understand (but the soldiers) that this was a huge ruse. Claire’s little smile of “and now back to our regularly scheduled program.” I can’t wait to see what is to come.
M: This ending was perfection to the core! Yes, the entire gunpoint kidnap part looked so orchestrated. John looked like he wanted to say, do you really think anyone believes you would shoot me. Claire looked as if to say, “Is that the best you could come up with?” Kudos to all the actors in this scene, it was so delightful to watch!
E: LOL, Andrea and Marsha! So right.
Episode Rating (1-5 Shots)
We give this episode 5-shots. We believe this was the best episode of the season so far. There was a lot to squeeze into this episode. However, it lays the foundation in driving the next large storylines for the rest of the season. Cait and David carried this episode with so much emotion and it was a heavy lift. We experienced each emotion with them.
The acting was all excellent. The scenes between Claire and Lord John were exquisitely portrayed. We got to see more layers of Lord John’s persona in one episode, which allowed us to see him as a complete character – vulnerabilities and all. Claire’s grief was gutting and so believable. Ian and Rachel’s chemistry is off the charts. Ian and Claire were portrayed with so much tenderness; it was so heartwarming. And then, there is Jamie. There aren’t enough words to convey how his mere presence in a scene is all-consuming.
Favorite scene(s)
We had three favorite scenes. The first was Claire grieving after the wedding. It was so raw and real. We still would have trashed that room. The second was Bree hitting Rob. We have a special love in our hearts for women who kick ass and homeboy FAFO with Bree. The last was the reunion and the reveal: William, I am your father (using Darth Vader in Star Wars voice).
Directing
Lisa Clarke did an excellent job directing this episode. We really enjoyed how she captured the scenes. When the scene called for a close up based on emotions or inner thoughts, she had the shots. It made the viewer become more intimate and experience what they were watching.
Acting / Performances – Stand out in this episode
David Berry was off the charts great! The range of emotion from anguish, grief, disappointment, and shock set every scene he was in. This is David Berry’s best performance in the entire series. He put on a masterclass of emotions with this episode. He had us hanging on by a thread in each and every one of his scenes, especially those with Cait. We couldn’t choose just one. Cait’s portrayal of Claire’s stages of grief throughout the episode was sheer perfection.
Favorite Costume(s)
We had two favorite costumes in this episode. Claire’s gown for the party. It took us back to previous seasons. We also liked Jamie’s costume. That man can wear anything, and he just looks plain majestic.
Cinematography
The cinematography was great. There were a lot of single room spaces. But how the scenes were shot made us feel like we were the room with the characters or just standing behind a tree when Ian and Rachel were walking. The cinematography in the scenes with Rachel and Ian were one of our absolute favorites.
LOOKING FORWARD
What are you looking forward to in S7 Epi12 – Carnal Knowledge
Evelyn: When and how does LJG tell Jaime about bedding Claire along with the subsequent fireworks that will definitely go off. That scoundrel Richardson also has to be found out and dealt with.
Follow Evelyn on X – @eloran; Bluesky – @loran25.bsky.social; IG – @e.vil.lyn .
Marsha: I am looking forward to Jamie and LJG’s confrontation about Claire. I am also looking forward to Jamie’s follow-up conversation with Claire. How will they pick up and move on from that situation. Finally, how will William handle his new understanding of his ties to Jamie, LJG, Claire, Ian and all the rest of his newfound family.
Follow Marsha on X – @marshapatrice and Bluesky – @marshapatrice.bsky.social.
Outlander S7 – Epi12 – Carnal Knowledge ~ Video via STARZ
Synopsis:
Lord John Grey is put in a precarious position. William struggles to understand a surprising revelation.
Read Blacklanderz Amanda-Rea’s S7 Epi 11 review, Outlander Season 7 Showrunner and Cast Break Down That Big William Revelation, for Den of Geek.
See why we love Outlander on Blacklanderz® Speak!
Disclaimer: We hold no rights to any of the pictures. No copyright infringement intended.
This was such a good episode, with so much packed into it and yet they did a great job with all the parts. I enjoyed all the strong women in this. Claire, of course, Brianna, Rachel, Mercy–each one standing up for herself and taking charge of her situation, even when it is difficult to see how she can continue.
Thank you for your very enjoyable discussion.
It really was a good episode with a lot happening. You’re most welcome and thank you for reading.