Want a minute-by-minute recap of Outlander Season 3 episode 11, “Uncharted?” We give all the details…
Do you find yourself gabbing obsessively about Outlander to your friends and family? Wishing your Sunday nights included a living room full of people with whom to watch, discuss, comment, cheers, jeers and well, experience alllllll the feels? Dinna fash, Obsessenach—you are not alone.
Good news—we can get new family and friends pour ourselves a dram and, through the magic of technology, enjoy it together! As we brought to you during Season 2, we’ll be LIVE blogging all the episodes in Season 3. Like the Outlander Cast podcast, it will be SPOILER FREE for non-book readers.
Not into distractions during your visit to the World of Outlander? That’s okay! Our LIVE blogs double as episodic recaps to serve as a trusty viewing companion on your second, third and umpteenth re-watches (hey, we get it).
So get all your post-18th Century gadgets ready and settle in, because the best things in life should be shared with a buddy. Hi, buddy.
Now let the show begin…
[8:03 p.m.] Strong sexual content, nudity and the spa-like sounds and images of a sea turtle paddling by… mmm, forget the turkey leftovers—I suddenly have a hankering for turtle soup.
[8:04 p.m.] Poor Claire, she’s lost Jamie AND Wilson. Willlllllson! Also, nice barrel roll form, Sassenach. See what I did there?
[8:05 p.m.] I’m fully expecting Jack Shephard from Lost to appear on that beach. Also, that she’s not taking a page from the Jamie Fraser playbook and puking her waterlogged brains out right now is beyond me.
[8:06 p.m.] Ugh, sand in the corset is the WORST. No one needs an exfoliating scrub on their bubbies. I mean, I can’t even handle sand in my bathing suit after a day at the beach and I have the benefit of a 21st century washer sooo….
[8:07 p.m.] But you know, having to keep on trudging in wet shoes takes a close second. Then again, lass has spent some time in Scotland, sooo…
[8:08 p.m.] You’ve got your rule of threes, Claire, and I’ve got mine. As in, I’m only going to be able to survive three episodes without these two engaging in another boink fest (as my mom keeps calling it). Tick tock, Frasers, tick tock.
[8:09 p.m.] I can only imagine what’s going through Claire’s mind at a rapid clip right now. Meanwhile my brain is fighting back the cruel irony of Claire’s current situation after declaring to Jamie at Lallybroch that “I wasn’t on an island, but I was out there wishing for you to come and find me.”
[8:10 p.m.] Yesssss girl, get on wit yo bad Bear Grylls self!
[8:11 p.m.] IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME WE DECLARED DEATH TO THE BUM ROLL. This is a much better use for that stupid thing. Having full skirts is the least of her concern at present.
[8:12 p.m.] I go for bi-weekly shots thanks to a severe fire ant allergy, so I’m going to let you imagine what that scene just did to me mentally.
[8:13 p.m.] If episode 1 was Sam Heughan’s moment to shine with little-to-no dialogue, this is definitely Caitriona Balfe’s. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling her struggle to the parched core. And also feeling a bit guilty for clanking my fork along my dinner bowl and drinking wine while I do so. Though it’s what she’d want, I’m certain.
[8:14 p.m.] The sunset’s lovely but as night falls, Claire’s all, “F this noise. I only signed up for a three-hour tour. A threeeeeee-hourrrrr tourrrrr.”
[8:15 p.m.] My sincere apologies for that premature assumption that fire ants were going to be Claire’s biggest Fear Factor moment on this island…
[8:16 p.m.] It’s not lost on us that skeletal bones seem to follow Claire everywhere she goes…
[8:17 p.m.] He’s no Bouton, but he’ll do. Good boy. Now run go find help… And Jamie.
[8:18 p.m.] Here’s a thought—let’s stop trying to drink water while lying down. It’s about as effective for thirst relief as filing with a fan on.
[8:19 p.m.] Zippers = witch? Hmm.
[8:20 p.m.] Pardon me, Father Fogden, but is it me, or does Claire’s post-Survivor, sick-bed hair still look incredible? If Connie Britton’s hair gets its own Twitter handle, so should Caitriona’s. It has definitely outwitted, outplayed and outlasted the hair of mere mortals.
[8:22 p.m.] Just lean into the crazy, Claire. Trust me on this one. A little chit-chat with an imaginary coconut friend (can we rename him Wilson?) is worth the trade-off for shelter, food, water, rest and some clean garments.
[8:23 p.m.] Settle this—is our new fruity bestie spelled Coco (like Chanel or Ice-T’s wife) or Cocoa (like the yummy drink that I’d like to have right now with a smidge of Bailey’s thrown in)?
[8:24 p.m.] Add a scoop of aromatic salts, a couple drops of essential oil, some citrus-infused water and boom—Claire’s just scored herself a $250 Northern California spa treatment. Now someone get that girl a trashy romance novel and a glass of wine to read in that tub ASAP.
[8:25 p.m.] You guys, those goats need grass. STAT.
[8:26 p.m.] Claire’s channeling her inner Papist—Jamie would be so proud! I’m also tallying up in my head all the tension-ridden meals she’s persevered through in mixed company—Castle Leoch, Paris, Boston (depends on who you ask, I suppose), the Artemis, here…
[8:27 p.m.] Mamacita does resting bitch face like no other. If and when she does speak, please god let it be to tell Claire “I hear Richmond’s nice this time of year.”
[8:28 p.m.] You’ve chosen poorly, Claire. Take the yupa. I imagine it’ll cure a number of ails befalling you.
[8:29 p.m.] As it turns out, zippers = whooore. That face—and mouth—shall rest no more. Hell hath no fury like a riled-up Mamacita.
[8:30 p.m.] “The agony of losing a daughter haunts her still.” If only he knew how close to home that hit.
[8:32 p.m.] “I will consult with Coco” just became my new automatic reply for all work requests or forced social invitations.
[8:33 p.m.] Wow, I’m going to start taking all my dry cleaning to Mamacita. That’s quite the speedy turn-around.
[8:34 p.m.] Hold up, Mamacita just blamed a Chinese sailor for Arabella the goat’s new fate as a shelf mate for Coco. Could it be our Chinese sailor? *crosses fingers* Clearly, Claire’s feeling it too… and Bear McCreary, based on this music.
[8:35 p.m.] Annnnd, we’re back to Fear Factor. The veracious little critters and the foreshadowing of that fateful Jamaican cave…
[8:37 p.m.] Fergus, I am also having unholy and impure thoughts. Only they’re about your papa and my inability to remove my gaze from his bronzed clavicles. But my heart is pure, so according to Papa Fraser, all is well.
[8:38 p.m.] “I’m eager to get to Kingston myself, and reunited with my wife.” If Jamie and Claire ever make it to Kingston and are reunited, let’s all chip in to get them an all-inclusive three-nighter in a suite at one of those Sandals resorts. They’ve more than earned it.
[8:39 p.m.] I wonder if Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Better Run Through the Jungle” is rolling through her head, or if it’s just me. I always like a good adrenaline song when I run, and CCR’s not a bad choice here, Claire.
[8:40 p.m.] Please remember to breathe, please remember to breathe, please remember to breathe…that’s for me, by the way…please remember to breathe, please remember to breathe, please remember to breathe…
[8:41 p.m.] Just a lass with spirit is all… and a hell of a lot of resourceful know-how!
[8:42 p.m.] Thank Christ indeed! Forget From Here to Eternity, is there no end to the emotion these two stir up in us?
[8:43 p.m.] After seeing Jamie’s handiwork as the Dunbonnet with a cleaver and carcass, Mr. Willoughy’s suggested alternate plan for that dead body holds some real merit. Jamie seems to think so too.
[8:44 p.m.] I’m having a crown put on my tooth Tuesday. When I issue an Obsessenach-wide SOS mid-drilling, someone remind me how Claire handled getting stitched up without a numbing agent like the wonder woman she is. I also love seeing this turnabout of Jamie tending to Claire’s wounds for a change. Being the patient is always tough for those used to doling out care, so Claire’s warm validation of Mr. Willoughy’s treatment was especially meaningful.
[8:45 p.m.] I’d say we could all use a wee bit of joy, Frasers. And a moment to breathe in between danger.
[8:46 p.m.] And again, may I recommend that EVERYONE take a quick hit off the yupa peace pipe? Now that we’ve been intermittently waterlogged and dehydrated, imprisoned, blitzed by typhoid, shipwrecked, wounded and everything else I’ve lost count to recall, recreational drug use should be the least of our collective concerns.
[8:47 p.m.] It’s bittersweet to watch Claire prep a “daughter” that isn’t Bree for her wedding and first time. Also, Marsali is confirming that any time spent at Lallybroch amidst the 87 bairns is the best form of birth control. I’m tossing up a virtual fist bump to her for wanting to wait to have a baby so she can just enjoy the new intimacy with her husband. That’s so forward for what’s expected of a woman at this time to be able to separate sex from procreation.
[8:48 p.m.] I love this vulnerably sweet exchange between Marsali and Claire, so much so that I’ll take a pass on commenting on how creepy weird it is when a young girl basically says, “I want to be as good in the sack as my daddy is.” Oh wait, I just did.
[8:49 p.m.] First Jamie and his man shawl, now Fergus and his infinity scarf! These Fraser men bring a strong accessory game.
[8:50 p.m.] And it’s official, I adore Lauren Lyle. I mean, I already did but her facial expressions and ornery portrayal of Marsali and her snippy one-liners have left me with a perma-smile. And I am lapping up the edible anticipation between her and Fergus.
[8:51 p.m.] And the perma-smile just squirted ugly girl tears. For anyone questioning Jamie’s standing as a father, I’d kindly ask you to shut the hell up play this scene on repeat. The emotion of Jamie and Claire’s beach reunion just got upstaged. Be still my sappy heart, this music, too, and Father Fogden’s blessing Jamie and Claire…
[8:52 p.m.] She’s eating soup, y’all. And not leftover Thanksgiving turkey soup. Please let it be the soup. You Voyager readers know the one…
[8:53 p.m.] Her smirked reminder that she is the doctor brings to mind their last boozy healing moment in Castle Leoch when she said “I am the healer…” and Jamie says “Never doubted it.”
[8:54 p.m.] Oh my word, these two can talk antibiotic to me all day long. This is the moment I realize I’m apparently down with a little medical metaphor foreplay.
[8:55 p.m.] We’re back to fruit metaphors for female body parts! JHRC! BOLT THE DOOR ALREADY, FRASER. I’m feeling feverish just from watching this go down.
[8:56 p.m.] Is this the “when we get back to the ship” lesson Claire teased to Marsali? If so, honey, go get me some boozed-up turtle soup. I’ve got an idea or two…
[8:57 p.m.] I had a fever for days during a particularly nasty bout with a virus last month and this never occurred to me… then again, who the hell looks that good sick? Caitriona Balfe, that’s who.
[8:58 p.m.] Now THAT’S how you back-end an episode! See what I did there? More importantly, see what they did there? Someone fan me.
Closing thoughts:
I. Loved. This. Episode. Maybe it was Caitriona Balfe’s believable performance as a woman teetering on the physical edge. Maybe it was actor Nick Fletcher’s quirky but emotional turn as Father Fogden. Maybe it was Lauren Lyle and Cesar Domboy’s adorable chemistry. Maybe it was that sprint-down-the-beach reunion and a moment to exhale from the trials of the past two episodes. Maybe it was Bear’s music, yet again. Maybe it was the sexual healing that came from turtle soup, a high fever, antibiotics and a door with a bolt and seeing that whole iconic scene play out onscreen. The truth is, it was all of it—and more.
After the thrill of the high seas—and putting that whole struggle for survival aside—it was refreshing to be back on dry land. Much like the characters and their story, this episode felt like Outlander letting go of the dizzying effects of being at sea for too long and proving that, indeed, it can stand firmly on its own two feet.
To be clear, though, the anxiety of their separation and physical state pales in comparison to my panic at being one episode closer to the close of this season. Gulp. Much like my dietary habits around the holidays, less is not more. I’m a bit like Oliver Twist* when it comes to Outlander, begging Ron D. Moore and the powers that be, “please sir, can we have some more?” And yet, I’m still thankful for a show that makes me feel this strongly, and this episode proved no different.
Thank you, friends, as always for joining us. If you’ve missed any of our episode recaps, you can catch up with them here:
Episode 3.01: “The Battle Joined”
Episode 3.02: “Surrender”
Episode 3.03: “All Debts Paid”
Episode 3.04: “Of Lost Things”
Episode 3.05: “Freedom & Whisky”
Episode 3.06: “A. Malcolm”
Episode 3.07: “Crème De Menthe”
Episode 3.08: “First Wife”
Episode 3.09: “The Doldrums”
Episode 3.10: “Heaven and Earth”
*A big Outlander thank you to Clan Heughan members Laure Olson and Kathie Manes for straightening out my confusion over iconic Charles Dickens characters! My Tiny Tim reference has been updated to reflect their wisdom.
Welcome back, Ashley. I would say that I missed you last week but that would give Nikki no credit for being such an excellent stand-in. Except, OK, so I did miss you. Hillarious recap, as usual.
Yikes, ants snakes and big bugs, but thank you Outlander for turtle soup and realising what we were desparately in need of at the back end (Oh yes.) Jamie, when Claire says bolt the door, please do not argue with her. I watched this at 12.01 last night and went to bed with the biggest smile. I loved this episide too, for all the reasons you stated.
It has occured t0 me often ever since episode 101, that when I watch these two on the screen I ALWAYS only see Jamie and Claire and never Sam and Cait. That has to be an amazing testament to the talent of these two actors. On the other side when I see them in interviews, I always see Sam and Cait and never Jamie and Claire. Now I want to give a shout out to the incredible supporting cast. Seasons 1 and 2 were, I thought, without equal, but this season 3 cast just gets better and better. Even the small part players. I am so glad Lauren Lyle will be with the show for some time to come.
Don’t always like them, but I have come to accept the changes in the tv story. Couple of suggestions though. Can they please let I Tien Cho go off into the sunset with a love interest by his side. And, of course, our dynamic duo – Hayes and Lesley. Writers, please don’t kill either of them off. You have the power, please use it. I’m begging you.
Last, I live in Florida with all critters listed above (plus a few alligators) and have experienced fire ant bites. They burn for days. Can anyone tell me what that green stuff is they put on Claire’s legs. I really want some if it works that fast.
Linda, I missed you too! And you’re right, Nikki is an excellent teammate for me in these weekly recaps. Love reading your comments. I always do, but especially this week’s! Your point about Sam and Cait vs. Jamie and Claire is sooooo great and so spot-on. I agree completely! They really transport you and make you believe in the characters fully. But then when you see them in interviews, you buy in completely to the camaraderie and rapport and familiarity they clearly have with each other and makes the character dynamic all the more richer onscreen. And yes to get Mr. Willoughby his own turtle soup buddy! His knowing smile/nod from the other side of the door made me long for him to have a companion when all is said and done. It reminded me of how we cheered that Murtagh had Suzette to keep him company for a short time. It would be a great send-off for this sweet character. And lastly, I am also from Florida so I completely understand the perils of nature after 22+ years spent living around them. I have always said that Australia and Florida are about on par for the number of icky creatures that could bite, sting or kill you in a nanosecond. I, too, would LOVE to know what that green stuff was! Here’s me hoping it’s strong enough to avoid the weekly shots (where I am currently typing this reply to you).
Ashley, your recaps are a must read. I don’t recall ever not having tears rolling down my cheeks from laughing so hard when reading your recaps. A most excellent job and very much appreciated.
I’ve been critical of a few of the episodes this season, not so much because of the book to TV adaptation changes but more so because the episodes felt rushed like trying to cram too much into a 60 minute episode. Not so with this episode, which, pending re-watches, could eek its way into my pantheon of favorite Outlander episodes.
As I’ve confessed my stupifying slack jawed adulation of Claire’s beauty a few times before, it should come as no surprise that this episode made my heart go all a-flutter. While I appreciate the gussied up red dress Claire, I think I like the ship wrecked mussed up hair Claire even more. Cait has the rare beauty to have multiple looks and every one of them is incredibly gorgeous. I can’t think of another actress that keeps me so agog that my eyes become dry from forgetting to blink.
One of the changes from the book to TV that I really like is Mr. Willoughby. I pictured him a creepy little fellow in the book, whereas he is a wonderful character in the TV adaptation. I share the hope that he gets to ride off into the sunset with a good woman who doesn’t consider him a little yellow worm.
Glenn, I adore the comments you leave here! They are also very much appreciated. You are not alone in your feeling of the episodes feeling crammed. My colleague and friend (who I dragged into Outlander) discussed that this week. She’s not a fan of this season as she feels it’s too all over the place, and she’s read the book. I said it’s a product of them having to fit as much source material as they feel relevant into 13+ hours – that’s not a lot of time when you consider the size of that book and how much happens within it! I loved your comments about Claire’s beauty the most, though. I too prefer ponytail, rough and ready Claire to Parisian or bustled up Claire. It’s just not her to me. Maybe that’s because I’ve always had more of a laid-back rough-and-ready style myself so her ponytail look running through the jungle appeals to me over the stately, done-up affairs. And you are so on the money on Mr. Willoughby. I cringed in anticipation of how they might translate him to screen, but they’ve proven my anxiety fruitless and he’s such a lovely part of this season. Janet is going to write a post about this soon! We’d love to have you back as a guest contributor sometime… wink wink…
Ashley, welcome back! Your recaps are just the cherry on top of the
mouth watering chocolate, hot fudge sundae that is Outlander!
Nikki’s recaps are wonderful, but unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to
put down any of my thoughts or observations. I’ve been crazy busy with work.
Still am, but who cares? Did somebody mention the words Jamie and sex? Yowza!
First of all I’m giggling and agreeing so much with you.
Claire’s quite an amazing woman. Boy, all of her knowledge of the outdoors
from her childhood with Uncle Lam came in handy! Ants, snakes, dehydration, oh my!
It’s no wonder that she had a raging fever.
I felt every bit of that hellishly hot heat with her performance.
Oh, I thought of Bonton too when I saw the dog. Sweet thing! But frying pan/fire with Mommasita. Boy, and I thought Jenny could be scary when she was pissed!
Jenny could take lessons from the old woman.
And the Oscar goes to Cat for knocking it out of the park with her acting and looking so beautiful doing it. My heart broke for her portrayal of a woman who was not only in pain suffering, but her heart was breaking thinking that she lost Jamie again.
I couldn’t stop looking at that beautiful hair–all those long curls. She’s a stunner.
The nutty (pardon the pun) old man was funny with Coco, but I was still worried for Claire’s safety.
Mommasita had my undying gratitude though when she forcefully sent Claire on her way to the ship. (no matter what her reason, thank you!)
Now to Jamie (God God can we get to the sex soon? Sorry about that) Oh, seeing them together was heartwarming.
Did I mention that it didn’t take me long to see Marsley your way, Ashley? Since last week’s episode I like her a lot.
She’s not a Leghaire Mini-Me like I originally thought. She showed her love for Jamie and Fergus last week like Leghaire never did (I doubt she ever truly loved Jamie at all)
I loved the scene between Marsley and Claire. It was so sweet with Claire helping her dress for her wedding (that wasn’t Claire’s wedding dress was it?) and I’m sure Claire was thinking of Bree on her wedding day.
It was so sweet seeing them bond in a way, having Marsley admit that her parent’s marriage was awful, and that she didn’t want that kind. I thought it was lovely that she admitted to Claire that she realized that Claire and Jamie were really truly in love like she and Fergus were.
I had the biggest lump in my throat with Jamie’s tenderness with Marsley and Fergus–He’s truly a daddy to them both, and when Jamie loves, he loves with his whole heart.
Now I’m going to cry.
Now, I was totally reminded of The Princess Bride again with the Priest! He wasn’t as hilarious as Peter Cook, but I swear, his bumbling with the wedding ceremony was inspired by him.
Now, Claire and Jamie! The turtle soup scene was hilarious with Claire downing bowls of it! Of course it was spiked! Susanach wasted!
Oh, it was too funny seeing Jamie so squeamish over giving Claire an injection!
Boy Claire must have really trusted him, since she had to talk him through it all.
In the end, the always tough Claire injected herself!
Now the sex (yea). Damn, who would have thought being sick with a fever would have been so hot!? Wow. Now this was the welcome home that all ladies would love!
Oh, I can’t believe that Outlander is going to be wrapping up so soon!
Thanks for listening and reading.
Hugs everyone!
Dawn, as always, I love to see your comments! The Princess Bride – what a great call on that one! Mawwwwwiage. Too funny. How do we only have 2 episodes left? EEK! Now that has me feverish.
Arrgh, ok months late but I just saw it and damn, poor Claire, the writers are being particularly stupid in this episode. Lighting a fire at the expense of her clothing? A fire she has no food to cook over and doesn’t need for warmth? I know the bum roll is a particularly useless foundation piece, but she’s just gonna have to find another one to replace it. Very impractical action for our very practical Claire.
Fire ants make hills, sleeping on one would be instantly obvious. And how does she not know the field remedy for fire ants is liberal application of urine, not tearing up her little lawn stock to sorta garter wrap around her leg? Totally pointless. Shame on the writers for gilding the lily.