Blacklanderz®Convos!
Outlander S7 Epi15 – Written in My Own Heart’s Blood
Written by Danielle Berrow | Directed by Jan Matthys
This conversation is between Blacklanderz® Evelyn, Ayana and Olivia. Arranged, edited and interrupted by Vida.
[Claire VO]
Even people who want
E: I was not expecting a Claire voiceover and recap of all the wars and the people that have been lost in the cold open. It brought back a flood of many emotions and memories over the seasons. I wasn’t prepared and was already boo-hooing two minutes into the episode.
to go to heaven
O: The voiceover was indeed a surprise, but it lays the groundwork well for the battle(s) to come. The flashbacks to Claire’s medical service in WWII, then Culloden. It certainly was sobering. And her realization that war “doesn’t stop” and “it doesn’t get better” was sobering.
A: This is a real recall to episode one with the Claire voiceover. I miss the red hair of Jamie circa S1-3. Here we are again, yet another war.
don’t want to die to get there.
E: You got that right Claire! You fight for what you believe is right, but you want to be alive to see it through.
O: No truer words were ever spoken. And certainly, a painful battlefield death is not what most people in our time would want, though I can see men of ages past might consider a battlefield death the most heroic of endings. But I’ll pass. And when you see what’s happening in wars throughout the world now, it’s heartbreaking. And maddening that we can’t stop it!
A: People don’t want to die to get to heaven. An instant transport there would be nice. War is just on the lengthy list of ways people don’t want to die.
A life can be snatched away;
E: I don’t miss that evil BJR. Diana broke the mold when she created him. That duel in France was crazy, all form was out the window. Pure rage was on display.
frittered or thrown away;
O: I agree with you, Evelyn. I didn’t like seeing Black Jack Randall, even in that little snippet.
ended peacefully in one’s bed.
A: They couldn’t get Tobias for this season so they went this route. I’m not mad at them. I enjoy the reminder of how BJR so badly needed to die. Witnessing Claire and Faith watching too, not so much. Oh goodness that was Roger hanging.
or in horrific pain
on the battlefield.
E: I miss Colum. He was a great, even keeled, and inquisitive character in the early episodes. It brought back lots of giggles like when he dressed down Douglas and Jamie on whose idea it was to marry Claire to young Jamie.🤣
O: Colum went out on his own terms, with Claire’s help.
A: I’m reminded of Dougal pouring out his grief unknowingly to an already passed Colum. Oh and Black Jack pouring out his rage onto his dead brother’s face. Wonder if that shows up in this montage of death.
Lives lost in conflict.
E: This scene brought back the boo-hooing. I loved Angus and all of his shenanigans. At the end of the day, he was a ride or die for Jamie and Claire.
O: Those first season characters were great. And Angus was up there, for sure.
A: I miss Angus. I think that was the episode where we first met Lord John Grey too.
Needless bloodshed.
E: Ugh…BJR again and that monstrous Stephen Bonnet. I take back what I said earlier about BJR being the worst…Stephen Bonnet was just as cruel and evil. These two turned my stomach equally.
O: I agree, Evelyn. Two sadistic villains. Be gone!
A: I don’t miss Bonnet at all. His crazy was sporadic and unpredictable. This show does great with their evil villains.
E: Oh, I miss little Fergus. I was still mad that he joined that fight. He had no business out there, but he did manage to get himself a Redcoat. Jaime has been in too many battles. He has got to be on his 7th or 8th life.
A: Baby Fergus! He was asking for an ass whoopin’. He was too young for that war.
O: I was very curious about why the writers were revisiting these old scenes. Is it a commentary on the inevitability of war? Is it to remind us of all the wars Jamie and Claire have been through? The montage was interesting though, remembering what has come before for our hero and heroine.
How many people
had died that way?
E: Claire has seen enough death and has done enough triage for four people’s lifetimes. Too many deaths.
How many more still would?
O: She’s seen a lot of death in war, but never shirks from her duty.
A: I am really enjoying the music here over this gruesome reminder of the cost of war. So many souls, gone.
E: 😢 This cold open went through all the characters.
O: It was quite the open, reminding us of some really great characters!
A: Poor Walter. This has scenes from the 1940s as well. Really showing that one thing remains the same, humans will be human. Sooner or later, there will be something we will be willing to both kill and die for.
It doesn’t stop.
It doesn’t get better.
E: For all of Dougal’s faults, I loved this character.
O: He was a great character, though flawed. Aren’t we all?!
A: He can go grind corn in the afterlife.
As Murtagh once said,
E: Murtagh, what can I say?
“There’s always a war coming.”
O: But Murtagh – what a gem! And the way he died, in Jamie’s arms with Jamie bereft was moving.
A: I love Murtagh. I think the story suffered having him survive Culloden, but I can’t really fault the Outlander team. Murtagh was truly amazing, and I miss him.
E: All true statements. As during this time, this was so true. Even in Claire’s real time, this was true. It took the world a long time to become stable and not have so many wars, but it is inevitable.
War is inevitable,
O: Indeed. A sad testament about humanity.
and death is too.
A: I am slightly pulled out of this montage. It feels too much like the show is ending and it wants to pay tribute to all that has come before. It’s moving, but I can’t help but wonder if this was when they thought the show was ending before getting an 8th season greenlit.
[V: They found out in January 2023, before S7 Pt. 1 aired. But, I am sure they already had everything mapped out before the notification.]
E: I remembered to look this time 😃. I had to rewind multiple times. At first, I thought it was Roger and his little girl but thought that can’t be right. The man’s body was too lean, and the hairstyle/hair was all wrong. It’s a random guess but …the little girl is a red head, so it has to be Bree and Frank at a museum. I did not initially notice Claire and Jamie in the portrait. I didn’t focus on the painting until later in my cycle of rewinds and saw two familiar people.
A: Same Evelyn, I didn’t notice Claire or Jamie either on the first watch. I was focused on Frank and Brianna. How long has he known she would go back in time? Did either of them recognize Claire?
E: Honestly, I had not recovered from the cold open and was wiping my eyes when this scene opened the flood gates again. It must have been hard back then to always have to fight and never know if today was going to be your last day but keep moving forward.
This is why I love this show. The internal thoughts we sometimes keep to ourselves, when we think no one wants to hear them, are the things we all need to say and hear when speaking to the person you love and share your life with.
O: It’s the foreboding quality that stands out to me. Claire waking to the sound of the drum, Jamie can’t sleep and is already dressed. But the love between these two always stands out. It’s a love for the ages.
A: This is some revisionist history Jamie is doing. He was in pain in France. I really love how this scene is lit.
E: As a child, this had to be frightening. Seeing your father so sad and enraged at not seeing the woman he shared his life with done up in a way that was not her. I would have done the same. Poor little Jaime. The first dead body you’ve ever seen is your mother.
O: This is right out of Diana’s book series, just about word for word. It is an aching memory for Jamie, and it shows. I could picture it in my mind’s eye: Little Jamie in the corner. Sam’s portrayal is simply breathtaking.
A: I wonder if he had nightmares having the first dead people he sees be your mother and brother. I would. These are some of my favorite moments Outlander manages to produce. The quiet before the storm.
E: It is still shocking that people died so young back then and especially women in childbirth when they were that age or older. Thirty-eight was young. Getting pregnant in your 40’s during that time was usually a death sentence.
Jamie was happy that he could see a lived and long life in Claire’s hair.
He wouldn’t know what to do without her if the same thing that happened to his mother happened to Claire.
O: This was a great acknowledgement, that Jamie prized the gray in Claire’s hair, meaning she had lived long, and he was still here to see it.
A: I’m glad she doesn’t dye her hair anymore. To have someone who not only loves the changes but appreciates the gift life is.
Also, the way he is recalling this memory paints a very vivid picture.
To see those years brings me joy.
For it means that you live.
Come to me.
Shelter me.
Heal me.
E: Yes, let that man relax and clear his mind. Provide him comfort as he is about to go into battle and may not come back.
Dinna fash.
I want only to lie here
wi’ you in my arms,
keep ye safe,
and watch you sleep.
O: Jamie will do his duty, no matter what. And with Claire by his side to provide him comfort helps him get ready himself for what’s to come.
I can rise, then,
wi’ a clear mind,
and go do what must be done.
A: This is a rather large and nice tent. Jamie and Claire always have good sleeping accommodations.
E: Let’s hope Jamie and William get the chance to come back together and talk it out.
Jamie needs to keep focused on the battle at hand so he can have that chat.
O: It would be great if Jamie and William could come to better terms.
I liked hearing the love theme played here as Jamie and Claire declare their love for one another.
A: He needs his head in the game. Whining ass William will be fine. Cue Jamie and Claire’s theme.
E: This scene, right here, made me tear up all over again.I finally gave up and got a box of Kleenex. You can promise but it may have to be broken and all of the unsaid words that occurred when he kissed her hand and looked right into her eyes. I don’t know if I would have been able to let him go after he came back.
It willna be today, Sassenach.
O: Foreboding is all over this scene (and several earlier ones as well). Claire’s worry is palpable.
A: I needed that promise from him. Claire has me worried, however.
This war, these battles . . .
E: Was unsure if this was a flashback or not but I figured these were conversations Claire and Jamie had during the lead up to the battle of Monmouth. The “Abyss” or “Death”? I think Jamie had it right.
We pay such a heavy price
for freedom.
O: I thought it was a flashback to earlier conversations Claire and Jamie had about war and death. I suppose it could be like a dream sequence with the color change, but I’m leaning toward this was an earlier conversation they had.
[Jamie] Surely, it’ll all be worth it.
A: This sepia tone freaked me out. I too was unsure if this was a flashback or just in her head, something she wished she voiced.
I want to believe it will be, but . . .
Death comes for everyone, and you can’t always choose your time to die. I feel you, Claire. It’s only a matter of time and when you feel something is off, it does gnaw at you.
O: I wonder why this time feels different for Claire.
A: What does she mean by this time? This specific war or just war in general. Sometimes, I briefly forget this is a time travel show.
E: I hope Jamie comes back. All the ominous words and promises has me feeling unsettled seeing him ride out.
O: Me too.
A: That was something. The constant beat of the drum has me a bit worried too. I know the book and some history, and this show still has me worried.
E: Here we go. Roger is so not good at this. Poor Buck, he just wants to know who his parents are and why he can travel through time.Roger just needs to stop with the broad statements and spit out what he knows.
O: Roger is walking into a pile of mess now!
A: The juxtaposition of Jamie and Claire’s tent to Buck and Roger’s tent is funny. Roget needs to just get it all out. This man has time traveled twice and has not spilled the beans. I think he should be told all.
E: I’m right there with you, Buck! I was squirming in my seat watching Buck flirt with his mother. All Roger did was stare dumbfounded. Buck needed to know but not sure what he would have done with that information at Geillis place. Now you know…your mother was a husband burying witch.
O: So, what was Buck going to say to Geillis anyway? Hi Mom! Buck’s just letting off steam. Anyway, this is the time traveler’s conundrum (we’re in fantasy land here, work with me).
A: I am glad they did not go the book route when Buck met his mother. However, in either case, he should have been told. Are you really not going to trust him at this point? He traveled back in time to help rescue his great-great-great-great grandchild.
E: I was sure Roger was gonna hold his tongue and not tell Buck, but he did and in classic Roger fashion. I would be just as upset, but I get why Roger held the information back. However, since Buck has time traveled, twice, and he knows that he is related to Roger, he would have understood that he can’t cause too many changes to happen that would hurt the future. It’s not a leap since Buck absorbed all of the other crazy and odd happenings. 🤔
O: Like I said, Buck’s just blowing noise here. He certainly couldn’t tell Geillis the truth. But this is a nice scene for Buck, though. It gives him greater depth.
A: Hold up someone needs to call Roger on his bullshit. We just spent the last episode sending Jerry back through time. Possibly altering the future.
E: Buck throwing facts in this scene. Roger thinks he is protecting Buck and Buck is having none of it. I don’t think having a family visit is a good idea.
O: Yeah, I don’t think Buck should have a family visit, either.
A: FACTS! A family visit isn’t a good idea though. What’s going to be the opening salvo? Have you and Dougal hooked up yet? I think Roger should just tell him everything. He hasn’t really freaked out yet. He survived days in the future on his own without causing trouble. I can’t believe I am advocating this hard for a man that is the main reason Roger was in a noose.
E: I burst out laughing when Roger said “Kamikaze”. Buck has zero clue what that means but Roger should be placing blame on himself and not letting Buck take the heat. Roger should have been more upfront with Buck and this little spat would not have to happen.
O: Me too, Evelyn. Kamikaze mission. But at least Buck has been to the modern time so he’s not too nonplussed about it. More seriously, though, Roger, having second thoughts about bringing Buck along shows his decency and worries about Buck. It’s bringing them closer, considering Buck is the one that got Roger hanged and almost killed, it’s an interesting turn of events.
A: I agree ladies. Roger should just spill the beans. Buck’s reaction to the word Kamikaze and the way he pronounces it was so funny.
E: Time Travel Bingo here! Buck running circles around Roger’s logic right now. Classic Roger though…he still needs help. Come on Roger, let’s get it together.
O: Yep. The time traveler’s conundrum.
A: Roger is a decent person, I agree, Olivia. Him wishing he didn’t involve Buck really is a reflection of that. Buck seems to have a firmer grasp of this time traveling stuff than Roger.
E: I’m glad that we did not have to endure Dr. Leckie for too long in the show. He was intolerable in the book and I do not like his pompous ass. All his preaching was just hot air and not helpful.
O: Claire must be exhausted with all the male chauvinists she has had to deal with. Men who think that because she’s a woman, she can’t do anything important, certainly not healing people. Sheesh!
A: I hope his level of doctoring is as high as his level of being annoying.
E: Denny needs to have a bigger backbone. I get he was probably outranked by the idiot doctor, but still.
Claire of course takes no for an answer, as she should in this situation, and gets to work.
O: I was too through with this doctor.
A: I’m glad someone in this dick measuring contest reminded them of the future patients they need to help. A man midwife indeed.
So Leckie is an all-around pompous ass.
I feel his disdain through my T.V. I can’t wait to witness his skill.
E: Claire has seen and been in so many man-made wars that I think she feels that the soldiers’ individual deaths may not matter but possibly the collective all do. It’s an enormous sacrifice that may not be evident in the short run.
She knows the outcome of the battle, but something clearly has her feeling off. Go with your gut, Claire.
[Claire] Something feels
different this time.
Ye canna mean death.
You’re right.
It’s not death, but . . .
. . . maybe it’s a fear of what comes after.
That nothing you did matters.
Somehow it all gets swallowed
into a sort of abyss.
O: I keep coming back to why does it feel different for Claire this time?
I think this is a few nights before the battle. His hair isn’t down as it was this morning. So maybe before bed?
That’s why a warrior
doesna fear it so much.
Because he has a hope
that his death will matter.
E: That look on her face says it all.
O: I agree, Evelyn.
A: Claire in doctor mode is my favorite Claire. –
E: Claire in action setting up triage stations is always a sight to behold. She feels much more in control doing something than just waiting.
O: Indeed. Claire knows what she’s doing. Planning is her thing.
A: Are they setting up in the church’s graveyard? That’s very ominous. Glad she’s back to business.
E: I feel for Rachel. Before she married Ian, she went about helping and nursing the men from a distance. I believe like Claire, do what you can to keep the angel of death at bay. She can only have so many, and Claire will not give up without a fight. Now she is feeling the weight of missing her husband, who is out on a mission, and the ‘rules’ she has placed on Ian.
O: The atmospherics are a good setup here.
A: Has she placed rules on Ian? I don’t envy her for the extra burden of worry.
E: Claire knows her man. Now she is feeling the weight of missing her husband who is out on a mission and the ‘rules’ she has placed on him. Hard lesson to learn and hopefully Ian returns unharmed.
O: Yes, yes. Both women know their men. They are on tenterhooks.
A: I don’t think she placed rules on Ian. She was clear that he could be himself. Her rules are her own rules. They are for her. Ian is the one trying to be someone he is not.
E: This was tense. I sure hope Captain Schnell believes them.
Where are the rest of the men that were there? In the bushes/forest? What if they come back and now the numbers are too many for Ian and LJG to fight?
O: With that eye patch, LJG looks fierce and ready to go all-in to save William. Ian trying to be diplomatic, but we all know how that will turn out!
A: Lord John Grey is so dashing in that eye-patch. I’m glad they arrived but how did they arrive so quickly? This show has characters traveling faster than we do in cars and airplanes. Where are all the other soldiers? It seems a little too quiet. I hope they scouted before they approached.
E: Ugh-Oh. I think Schnell is onto them. Showing up empty-handed may not have been a good idea. But they also wouldn’t know about the cipher or be able to recreate it so that a letter would say what is should say.
That Hessian’s a mercenary.
A: Yes, Olivia. This stab at diplomacy Ian is attempting won’t last too long.
E: Why was there a bag on William’s head? He saw all of them when he rode in. What kind of hostage situation is this?
I can see why they gagged him…William can ask a lot of questions. And they found out the hard way that he could and would fight his way out.
O: I was shocked by that thing in William’s mouth. What do you call that? Actually, it made me think of how enslaved people were bound and gagged. And, William had taken out two men before LJG and Ian arrived. I’m surprised the Hessians didn’t kill him, but I guess that went against Richardson’s orders to use William as a pawn in his political game.
A: William has seen better days. He isn’t a useful pawn dead so I can see why they kept him alive. I don’t get the bag over the head either unless it is some form of torture.
Deprive him of a sense. They also may have moved and did not want William aware of the new location.
E: LJG & Ian were ready!
O: Yeah, let’s get it on! LJG did not come to play. We know what Ian can do, but LJG was quite skillful in his murderous duty. I was impressed.
A: LJG said fuck diplomacy.
You’re getting a bullet to the head and you’re getting a bullet to the head.
[V: Ian is back to his old self – just savage!
That little hamster is running around in William’s head with lots of questions. Why is he dressed like that? Why is he with Ian?
What is this patch on his eye? How did they know where I was?
If Schnell didn’t know it before, he knows now. Ian is not there to play either. Knife placement. Check, exact without even looking at him.]
E: Wait, Ian…this is not good. Take that man out. Don’t leave an enemy alive to come back at you later.
There has been enough bloodshed for today.
I’ll give you your life.
Now go.
O: I was thinking the same thing, Evelyn. You know that Hessian would come for Ian later.
You’ll regret this one day, Mohawk.
A: Glad William is now free. I know Ian isn’t letting this man walk. Oh, hell no. He better let that hatchet fly again.
E: Come on, William. Why are you disagreeing right now? I’m glad he followed up that sentence with the correct answers. Happy to see you. I would love to be there when LJG tells William about what/who happened to his eye.
O: Yes, yes. William didn’t want to let his anger go. But he got it together, eventually.
A: William is back to whining, which means he is okay. However, glad he checked on LJG before he started in. Evelyn, I want to witness that conversation too.
E: There is an entire backstory with Richardson that the show really couldn’t get into. But yeah, Richardson needs to be taken out. There are a lot of skeletons in LJG’s closet and his brother Hal. Richardson, trying to use this to his benefit, has finally backfired.
O: You are on point, Evelyn.
A: So true, Evelyn. I hope the show gets the chance next season to introduce a bit more Richardson’s backstory. I want more Hal too. LJG uses this moment to emphasize to William that he is a Grey. That side of the family is Richardson’s aim.
E: William did not like hearing that Ian should get back to his wife. Standing back there shaking his head. Good on Ian to keep it light with William and correctly address him as cousin. William will eventually come around or be without family.
O: Well, we know William has an anger management problem.
A: Must be nice to be free and back to pouting. William will get over himself. Glad this ended well.
Ian better be thinking about tracking Schnell. He can’t leave a loose end like that.
E: Here we go.
Time to put Dr. Leckie to shame. He is so high on himself.
O: That’s right, show him, Claire. Dr. Leckie is getting on my last nerve!
[V: If I were her, I would not have even bothered telling him what the man’s condition was.
I would have just gone through the actions, as she did, and let him watch.]
A: The opening shot of these wounded soldiers being wheeled in and the gravestones as a backdrop, poetic, I guess.
E: All that barking from Dr. Leckie and his explanations of oh, he just inhaled smoke, etc. All the while Claire is trying to save this soldier’s life.
As soon as that soldier took a big breath, I wanted to yell at the TV, SEE! SHE WAS RIGHT you idiot!
O: We all know Claire knows what she’s doing. Now the idiot doctor knows too.
A: Doesn’t Dr. Leckie have his own patients? He left a man on the table to berate Claire. Can’t he multitask, berate Claire AND help his patients? That puss was gross.
E: Why is he still standing there trying to tell Claire what to do? Claire was as calm as rain, but we all know Leckie was not going to stop there.
O: I’m telling you; men need to retire that word “hysterics” when they are talking to women who disagree with them. Get out of my face, Leckie!
A: Why are all the doctors busy except Leckie? Wait, he’s busy running his mouth.
E: This scene, right here, with the mansplaining and conniption fit that a woman was not obeying his orders had my work PTSD acting up. I was cheering when Claire clapped back and said, “You’re still wrong.” 🤣🤣
I, madame, am a diplomate of
the Medical College of Philadelphia.
I congratulate you,
but you’re still wrong.
O: That was a great retort from Claire.
A: Shame on the Medical College of Philadelphia. Apparently, they didn’t train you on how to take care of your patients.
E: Yesss Ian. Take care of your loose ends.
Don’t let that come back to hurt you or someone you love.
O: Yep. Ian is still Ian (in spite of Rachel’s nonviolence principles). He had to do it.
A: Thank goodness, Ian remembered he is the wolf. Loose end tied.
Ye’re right.
I would have regretted it.
E: Come on William.
Straight to the bottle and still looking for a lineage fight. The woe is me is wearing on me.
O: Ha-ha. You called it. But back in that time, lineage was all important.
A: Wait, I need a drink too. Mac would approve, why is that an issue?
E: Nobody asked him to swing from a lamp post and state his father was a Scot and a traitor. He is still Lord Ellesmere, regardless.
O: That was interesting when he went through all the names.
A: He has like 15 names, what is the problem adding another one? I want it to dawn on him that he has a living parent he can get to know. The dad he thought was his died. I’m upset he hasn’t realized that yet. However, Briana learned her true parentage at this age and didn’t take it well either.
William who?
Ransom?
Ellesmere?
Fraser?
It is certainly not Grey.
You taught me to bear my name
in its entirety with pride.
” A reputation is all
a man ever really has.”
That’s what you told me.
Who in God’s name am I?
You are my son.
E: Yes! Tell him LJG. I love how they bring this conversation of “never” betraying or pledging allegiance to another country back around. LJG has learned. Never is a strong word and sometimes things are grey and not so easy to make that decision.
O: Sage advice from LJG, never say never is right. You never know what’s coming down the pike.
A: LJG is one of my favorite characters in this series and this scene is a reminder why. I love the shade he throws Jamie way calling him a Scot and rebel, but the honesty really comes through here. Never say never is right. Life comes at you fast.
It’s sort of classic John. He’s not only being selfless, he’s being concerned for both William and Jamie. His sense of fairness (plus what he knows that William doesn’t…) makes him defend Jamie, but he’s also not wanting William to think badly of his (unsuspected) father.
A: As Buck and Roger are riding back to Lallybroch, Brian is in his kilt tossing hay into his wheelbarrow. Much like Jamie was in season one. Great casting.
“Dear Bree,
something went wrong.
I didn’t make it to where
I was supposed to go.
E: I am genuinely curious as to what Buck put in his letter to Geillis. Hope he kept it simple. She was cunning and could see through anything.
O: I was wondering about that, too.
A: This is not a bad idea. See we could have trusted Buck with his parents. Still not sure how that conversation would have gone but I don’t think Buck would have let on he was her son. I am glad he got the opportunity to meet them.
E: I hope this works. Not sure if even though they are 200+ years apart if “time” still moves in a linear fashion and quickly. Hopefully, Bree is at or coming back to Lallybroch and she finds the letter.
O: I was wondering about that. In an earlier episode, I thought Bree looked through the desk at Lallybroch but didn’t see anything from Roger then. Maybe this has something to do with the timing of Roger’s trip back, he hadn’t written the letter when Bree first went to the desk? It’s confusing.
A: I think so, Olivia. They have opened that desk a couple times this season and no letter was there. Brian must be trusting to leave these two strangers in his study alone.
E: How many drawers does this desk have? Why is this drawer just now popping open when Bree pops a letter in the opposite side of the desk?
Good to know that Roger and Bree both had the same idea. Use Lallybroch to communicate.
O: It was good that Roger went back to Lallybroch to deposit the letter.
A: The letter was an excellent idea. He also knows that desk has lasted through the test of time.
Oh, my God.
The show did show this before. If a drawer is slammed too hard on one side, another opens on the opposite end. Frank’s book! Interesting Bree has the same idea.
“Dear Bree,
something went wrong.
I didn’t make it
to where I was supposed to go.”
E: Oh no. I knew Jane was not going to be able to stay hidden and now look what happened.
O: Yep. This young actress’s portrayal of Fannie is quite good.
A: Fannie looks upset. Great acting.
William’s bruising is intense. It did not look this bad when he was first rescued.
I wonder where he is going and how does he figure that they can’t hang Jane.
[V: I honestly think he is just saying that to calm her down.
But where is he going? And, he’s just going to leave her there alone?]
E: This should be good. The whiskey is out, and stories are about to be told. I used to believe Buck was just a mean person but maybe he was just unhappy before and he did bad or horrible things because he couldn’t see himself as a good person.
O: Buck is telling his story. He’s trying to do right by Roger, it seems.
A: That seemed like a fortifying shot Roger took. Oh, Buck is about to spill the tea. Where is the host? Lallybroch seems empty.
E: Well, sounds like a lot of things happened that night and next thing you know there is a kid on the way.
O: You betcha shotgun wedding. So Buck is weighing his less than stellar behavior with the ladies back in the day.
A: Well this is quite the revelation.
E: Yeah, it sounded like nothing went right after that night when Buck and Morag hooked up.
I’m glad he brought her back to Scotland.
At least she was back with her family and maybe she did look up Donald.
E: Buck wanting to be useful now and still help Roger and Bree is sweet. He can protect Bree, if he goes back, while Roger continues to look for Jemmy.
O: I agree. He’s looking to help Roger, who is his family after all.
A: He is really getting a handle of this time travel stuff, and I love that for him. Glad he brought Morag back, but did he verify MacDonald was still alive before he so quickly gave her up.
E: Mandy is not giving that doll up without a fight or redirection.
Mommy will make you a new doll when you connect with Daddy.
[V: I wonder why Jem asked Bree if she was afraid. That seemed out of sorts. They’ve done this before.
Mandy will surely find Roger like she did Jem.
I like that they don’t leave any details out, letting us know that each of them has a gem.]
E: My heart leapt out of my chest when Mandy turned and ran towards the stones before Bree and Jen were ready. I hope they caught her.
O: Mine too. I’m like, wait Mandy! But she took off like a shot. I hope they all get to the right place!
A: Did you notice the brown bag on the ground? When Bree takes off after Mandy, it doesn’t seem like she had the bag in hand and neither does Jem. I really, really, really hope she somehow took the bag through the stones.
E: Claire is not leaving.
Dr. Leckie is wasting his unwanted opinions and directions on her. Denzell knows better too.
O: Claire’s stubbornness can lead to her detriment. She will not do the prudent thing. Yes, she’s helping this man, but sometimes you’ve got to see reason. Why couldn’t they bring the man on a litter inside the church for crying out loud?
A: Wasn’t Claire worried about Jamie going above and beyond the call of duty to his possible death?
Has it dawned on Claire she is doing the exact same thing? No, I don’t think it has.
E: Claire will see Rachel later. There will be no love lost with Dr. Leckie out of the picture.
O: Well at last Dr. Leckie gives Claire her props.
A: Now that was a quick turn for Dr. Leckie but glad to see it. I hope the patient she is helping currently is unconscious and not listening to Leckie try to convince Claire to abandon him to his faith. Begging won’t hurt. But I swear he can be more useful working on someone in the church.
E: Oh no. I hope nothing crazy is about to go down.
O: Of course it is.
A: Oh look, an opening credit shot. He’s running like he is on a mission.
E: Oh yeah…General Lee is the one that outstayed his welcome at LJG place when Washington came for dinner.
He was not long for his role after that night.
O: General Lee needs to get out of the way.
A: The one that wanted to discuss “strategy” further?
Looks like the extra strategy meeting didn’t help much.
E: Get to the church, Jamie! Just because you are winning doesn’t mean crazy stuff won’t happen while the redcoats are retreating.
O: Tell me about it! Run faster, Jamie!
A: Everything is going smoothly so far. The British are in a somewhat orderly retreat.
Maybe our army showing up now wouldn’t be so good. Let them leave peacefully. When Jamie gets there most of the British army has passed the church.
E: Oh good. Everyone is alive. But this still feels ominous. I need Jamie and Claire to embrace or kiss before this scene feels safe.
Sassenach.
O: Something’s about to go down. You know how shootings/deaths can occur even when a war ends.
A: Tensions are high. Why are we yelling back at losers? Let them pass please.
E: Nooo! Cross firing!! Claire is down. Now we know it was Claire we should have been worried about.
O: So now we know why all the foreboding, why things felt different this time for Claire. Perhaps she had a vague premonition, though she was worried about Jamie.
A: The shit has hit the fan. With the way this is shot, I am not sure who was shot. I just know it was either Claire or Jamie. I see Olivia, this is what the sepia tone scenes were foretelling.
E: She has to be okay. So much blood.
O: This was hard to take.
A: Where is Denzell? Has someone been dispatched for him?
[V: Sam’s expression . . . my god!
I’m glad Bixby was there to help them.]
E: WTF, Dr. Leckie!!! I knew you were worthless but wow! To not even try, to not even say I will send for Denzell. NOTHING!!
O: Jamie’s rage is palpable. I was watching this with my mouth open and I’ve read the books.
A: We have a doctor here, but I don’t really trust him. Where is Denzell? Has someone been dispatched to go get him?
Leckie is so useless. If someone in this scene doesn’t mention Denzell Hunter I am going to scream.
Great, we have gotten rid of the salty soul Dr. Leckie, can we go get Denzell now? Am I asking for too much?
May the devil eat your soul
and salt it well first,
you whore!
You called him a whore.
E: I wanted Claire to laugh at Jaime calling Leckie a whore. Claire can’t die, we need help here!
O: Man, oh man. That’s all I can say. These scenes are riveting and explosive!
A: I am riveted but I’m pissed too. There is so much talking happening now when there needs to be prayer and dispatching of men to find Denzell Hunter.
Please, God,
don’t let it be now.
General Frasier,
I have a message.
E: Boy, not now. Don’t you see this man is trying to save his wife? You know who this is, and do you know who you are talking to? Gen. Lee can go pound sand.
Go away.
O: Jamie is not having it. He ain’t leaving Claire, young man, so git!
I will not leave.
A: Weirdly, I am reminded of Jamie being worried about the 300 souls under his command. Leaving the rescue of his own son up to others because of this responsibility. At this moment, all 300 of those men’s souls do not matter to Jamie in the least.
Bugger Lee.
[Jamie] You see the sky?
Of course.
It’s hard to miss.
That’s a kind of abyss,
is it no’?
And yet we’re not afraid
to look at it.
E: Pray Jaime, Pray hard.
O: Jamie is clinging to hope that Claire survives. That’s all he’s got.
A: I believe in the power of prayer. I hope Jamie’s includes Denzell Hunter to get there swiftly.
I suppose men can make
all the laws they like . . .
. . . but God made hope.
The stars willna burn out. . .
. . . and nor will we.
E: Until this scene, I didn’t really see the stars as part of their story arc. But, I get it now.
O: Jamie is so poetic.
A: That sky is gorgeous. They better not burn out.
E: That’s right! Come and make me go and see what happens.
O: You got that right. Jamie ain’t going anywhere. He doesn’t give a flying fig what the generals want.
A: I hope this is not a hill Whelan is willing to die on. Hasn’t Lee been relieved of duty? Can he command anyone?
O: As a book reader, I know why, but it takes a while for this to crystallize.
E: Olivia, I had the same reaction. I remember what happened in the book but didn’t quite envision the scene playing out like this.
A: Me either ladies. Glad they have time for all this and not fetching a doctor.
E: Bixby doesn’t look like he is pressing too hard. Put your back into this man. Your life may depend on it.
O: The soldier is too slow!
A: The bandage looked minuscule to begin with and now it seems to just be hands holding the pressure.
E: Bixby doesn’t look like he is pressing too hard. Put your back into this man. Your life may depend on it.
O: The soldier is too slow!
A: The bandage looked minuscule to begin with and now it seems to just be hands holding the pressure.
E: I sure hope that kid gets to where he is going to deliver that. I bet that was a gruesome delivery for Gen. Lee.
O: Short and sweet. I wonder how the general will take that!
A: The “Sir” was an afterthought. He was trying to have the message be even shorter.
Show that to General Lee.
Well, here (again) we run into the limitations of TV—time, in this case In the book version, we get to see both Jamie’s and Claire’s POV’s, and also see Jamie’s absolute desperation when faced with something he can’t overpower, or even fight. But fight he will, because there’s nothing else to do.
D-D-Denny.
I need Denny.
He gets Denzell Hunter, in the process brushing off the call of duty (in the form of General Lee’s command), because to him, there’s no duty stronger than his to Claire. He’s risking both his liberty and his neck—he could be hanged for desertion in the face of the enemy, and he’s foreswearing his oath to the Army. And if Claire dies, that sacrifice (of reputation and probably his life) will have been in vain, but he makes it without hesitation.
E: Finally, someone doing something, of course it took Claire to call for Denny. Poor Jaime, he is totally lost and grief stricken so I can see why he wasn’t thinking. But I go back to that jerk Dr. Leckie…he could have said and done the same.
O: I’m surprised Claire could even talk here. Before she was incomprehensible.
A: She is dying on a table and in her right mind enough to ask for Denzell. I can understand Jamie’s panic. But why didn’t Bixby volunteer to go get Denzell as soon as the other idiot doctor left?
I love you, Sassenach.
The stars willna burn out. . .
. . .and nor will we.
E: This got my eyes leaking again.
O: Their love shines as bright as the stars.
A: Aww, they are too precious.
E: You tell them, Jaime. If you come for her, you will face his wrath!
Lord, I ken this is your house.
But your angels have
no dominion here.
Do not send them for her.
If you do,
I will not let them take her.
O: Wow, for Jamie, who’s so devout, to stand ready to battle the angel of death of quite something!
I will not.
A: Jamie should be specific about which angels because they are not all of death. Don’t ask the Lord for help, but then tell him how to go about it, in a church no less.
And for Claire to be laid on that table bleeding out… Denny is her last hope. Everybody else has fled. Everyone has sort of left her for dead. I think that’s huge for him because he has to almost remove himself from the situation slightly, put on his surgeon hat, and just think of Claire’s teaching.
Save her.
E: Lots of head nodding and clapping going on in my house during this scene. Finally, Denny to the rescue. He can do it. He can save her.
O: This has to be the worst thing for Denzell. He has to try to save someone who taught him so much, but who is the superior doctor. Then he has to deal with Jamie, who might just kill him, if he doesn’t save her. I’d be nervous as heck!
A: Finally, Denny and Rachel arrive. I feel so much hope now.
It’s a huge pressure on Denny’s shoulders to have Jamie Fraser shouting ‘Save her.’
The ball could be in the liver.
There’s so much blood.
E: Love Claire but save your strength. Only talk when necessary. He’s got this. You have taught him well.
I’m sure thee is right.
I’m going to find the ball
and remove it.
O: Okay, Denny. Be strong and confident. You can do this!
A: Look at the cleanliness of Denzell’s tools and workstation. Claire is in the best of hands.
E: At first, I was like, what is Rachel talking about and why is she presenting gifts. Claire is on the table and time is of the essence. But Claire perked up when she heard who it was from and once again Roquefort cheese to the rescue. This time not for eating though.
O: That was fortuitous.
A: Stinky cheese is good cheese. Lafayette coming through.
O: I was hopeful they would use ether. Is laudanum enough to knock Claire out so she won’t feel the pain? This is deep surgery Denzell has to do, digging for that ball in her liver.
E: Olivia, I had the same thought but then I remembered ether would be a bit volatile to travel with and how would Claire make more when she was out. Either way, laudanum is.
A: I wondered about ether too. She traveled with it when she was going through her addiction. It would have been nice to see Denny use it for the first time.
Rachel has always sort of assisted him, so I think it’s second nature for those two to work together. And she’s an incredibly capable woman herself. Working with Caitriona and Sam and Izzy, I love them all so much. And I think it was just a really special day… It shows in the episode.
I will do my best by thee.
E: These two are so good together. I am Jamie right now.
Do not leave me, Claire.
O: This is just so powerful, Jamie’s prayer. So now I see whose bloody hands these are from the opening scenes. They’re Jamie’s full of Claire’s blood.
This time I will beg.
Do not go from me.
A: Love this callback to season one.
I won’t.
I think in his head at that moment, he definitely has Claire’s voice and he’s talking to her in his head as he’s starting the operation. I think he connects to his religion in that moment as well.
Jamie. . .
. . .pray.
E: It’s time. Let’s get to work. I got faith in you, Denny.
O: Here goes!
A: I feel much better that it’s Denny operating on Claire.
E: Hope!
O: Let’s hope Claire can still see the stars. What a metaphor.
A: We are all hoping over here.
We give this episode 5-shots. The acting was so good across all the storylines. Some of the episode showed they were clearly operating as if this was the second to last episode, and last season, but they made it work.
Each episode has a lot of storylines, but this one wrapped up across the seven seasons. It brought back pictures and scenes of others that are missed and all of the battles and wars that have transpired over time and just brought all of that back to us emotionally.
Favorite scene(s)
We had several favorite scenes in this episode. The cold opening brought us back and reconnected us to the entire franchise all over again. The episode elicited powerful emotions from many characters. From the early notes of foreboding that are woven throughout the episode to Claire being shot.
There are pivotal scenes before the climactic shooting. The discussions between Jamie and Claire under the stars. The discussion between Claire and Rachel about their fears for their husbands. The rescue of William by Lord John Gray and Ian. LJG and Williams discussion after the rescue. It was nice to see father and son again, but this time with his true parentage being out in the open between them. Then, the shooting of Claire and Jamie’s devastation.
Directing
This episode managed to flow a bit better than a few this season. We were able to sit in moments and let them flow over us before the story moved on. Jan Matthys did a phenomenal job with so much. It flowed. It made sense. It tied a lot of things together over this season and seasons past. We have been worried how a lot of these stories would be shown as there are so many story lines. Jan did it justice and made sure the important stories were shown through.
Even with the cutting back and forth between the battle, Roger, and Buck, it did not feel herky-jerky. The story flowed well. There were pivotal points throughout that were allowed to breathe. Some time was spent on each plot point.
Standout Acting / Performance(s)
David Berry is still above and beyond one of our favorites in this episode as he is for this season. We love the range being displayed by David and he has really brought LJG to life. We enjoyed his fierceness as he took out a Hessian. He is no longer a tertiary character but now a main character. He has been truly amazing this season, not just this episode. We hope the door is still open for a Lord John Grey spinoff because David Berry has shown this season, he can be a main character and lead his own show.
Other standout performances include Florrie May Wilkinson’s portrayal of Fanny. It was very effective, with her tears about her sister’s apprehension. Sam and Caitriona were great in this episode. Sam’s devastation after Claire’s shooting was palpable.
Favorite Costume(s)
We love history and the costumes on Outlander have always been spot on and perfect. They really should get awards for their wardrobe department. The uniforms are great. We love Jamie’s uniform; he looks excellent in blue. We also enjoyed seeing Bree’s red coat again. Unlike her father, Frank, she did not burn all their 18th century clothing.
Cinematography
There is always a risk when you make a drastic change, but here it works. The color palette when Claire and Jamie are talking under the stars was an interesting element that stood out. Another is the location. Scotland is beautiful and they are doing an excellent job transforming it to look like the colonies. We liked the shots in the woods. We also thought the place where William was being held prisoner was beautiful.
LOOKING FORWARD
What we are looking forward to in Epi16 – A Hundred Thousand Angels
Evelyn: I’m looking forward to the arc of LJG and William’s storylines. I’m also hoping Claire and Jaime eventually make it back to the Ridge. Follow Evelyn on X – @eloran; Bluesky – @loran25.bsky.social and IG – @e.vil.lyn.
Olivia: I’m looking forward to seeing Claire’s recuperation and how Jamie handles the development that it was she, and not him, who took a grievous shot. Also, I want to see how William navigates the knowledge of his true paternity. And, I want to see how the generals view Jamie’s resignation. Follow Olivia on Bluesky – @newsollie.bsky.social.
Ayana: I want to see more LJG and William. I also want the conclusion to Jane’s story. Most importantly, I am looking forward to “Hello the House.” Follow Ayana on X – @Ayana80Smith.
Outlander S7 – Epi16 – A Hundred Thousand Angels ~ Video via TV Promos
Synopsis:
Denzell must perform a dangerous operation with the skills he’s learned from Claire. William asks for help from an unexpected source in his mission to save Jane.
Airs January 17th.
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