Obsessenachs love a good Easter egg and Outlander Season 5 did not disappoint. Here’s a look at the 30+ Outlander Easter eggs in the Season 5 finale.
Near the beginning of the Outlander TV series, heroine Claire Fraser sees a vase in an Inverness store window in the 1940s and passes it by. She later muses what might have changed about her life had she actually “bought that vase and made a home for it.” Instead, she ended up traveling back in time to the 1700s. In the Outlander Season 5 Finale, Claire finally did buy that vase. Well, sort of.
The extraordinary collaboration between the actors, writers, director, producers, consultant Diana Gabaldon and the entire Outlander team yielded a finale filled with amazingly rich detail like that vase. So many details, in fact, it seemed as if each change of scene held an Outlander Easter egg. (An Outlander Easter egg is an artifact, message, dialogue, etc. that links to something earlier.)
Thought I’d share the Outlander Easter eggs I’ve found after watching seven times. Maybe you can add some too in the comments.
Finale Recap
First, a quick recap might help, and a *warning* that I will touch on the shockingly horrific aspects of the finale, “Never My Love.”
The finale was a testament to resilience and to the power of love — between a husband and wife, and within a family and community — and how it can take us through times we don’t think we can endure and out the other side to move forward. In her heart and her subconscious, Claire knew her husband would come for her after she was kidnapped. We all prayed that he would find her in time and he eventually did.
They made their way home and we see the aftermath, or as Diana Gabaldon phrased it on her Facebook page, the condensed TV series version of “And then what happened.” Following a scene showing the two of them at the Big House on an ordinary day, looking out at their family and an approaching storm, the episode ends with the two of them in bed, Jamie holding Claire in his arms, listening to the sounds of the storm. She is safe, for now.
The thunder and rain continue as Raya Yarbrough begins the most plaintive version yet of the series theme, “The Skye Boat Song.” The credits start to roll then the phone number and web address for the National Sexual Assault Hotline, RAINN, appears. The storm sounds remain in the background until Raya finishes her haunting rendition and the credits roll to the end. That’s the quick overview.
Now, take a deep breath, Obsessenachs. It will be a verra long Droughtlander until we see them again in Outlander Season 6. And our quest for finding the Easter Eggs left for us in this finale won’t be an easy one.
Safe House
Looking back at my first finale watch, the cold open recap with its unsettling music and absolutely no dialogue, transitioning into a woman operating a 1960s turntable with a 33 1/3 LP spinning totally threw me. FTR, we still have working turntables and a nice collection of LPs. Yes, we’re those people.
It took a few minutes for me to realize I was seeing a stylized presentation depicting an alternate future where Claire’s subconscious had retreated during her ordeal, a “dream-escape” as described by Executive Producer Matthew B. Roberts. With the benefit of hindsight, I’ve dubbed it her Safe House.
I was quite surprised to find that Claire was actually still in the 1700s, in a dissociative state playing a record from 1967, “Never My Love,” by a group called the Association. It was an interesting dichotomy and a nice touch to use the song as the episode title. The “Never My Love” lyrics evoked the scene in Outlander Season 3, episode 8 when Jamie and Claire are watching Ian from a cliff as he is off to recover hidden treasure from a nearby island. They’ve had that terrible row and are now deciding if their second honeymoon was a bust and if it was all over for them. Maybe this is the first Easter Egg but I’m not sure so I’ll call it Egg #0.
Maybe you have a better understanding but a nagging question for me is, “Who does Claire think is singing “Never My Love?” Is it a song from her to Jamie or vice versa?”
”You ask me if there’ll come a time
When I grow tired of you
Never my love
Never my love
You wonder if this heart of mine
Will lose its desire for you
Never my love
Never my love
What makes you think love will end
When you know that my whole life depends
On you (on you)
Never my love
Never my love
You say you fear I’ll change my mind
And I won’t require you
Never my love
Never my love
How can you think love will end
When I’ve asked you to spend your whole life
With me (with me, with me)”
Either way, as we listen to the song and make our way through Claire’s Safe House, we begin to notice actual artifacts and connect the dots. Outlander Easter Egg #1 is the house itself. It was planted in Claire’s subconscious earlier this season, in Outlander Episode 5. We confirm it as we make our way down the open hallway along the open expanse of glass shown on the magazine cover.
Next, there on the desk to the right, we see Outlander Easter Egg #2. It’s the wee egg of Claire’s microscope.
[In an amusing aside, my husband and I recognized the straw wastebasket, but not from Outlander. We have one almost exactly like it in our bedroom, one we acquired in the ’80s. And I like to think it’s sweet that we still have it, not sad, so no judging, please.]
The camera progresses to the end of the hall and briefly reveals, from behind, a woman sitting on a sofa looking at an abstract painting, before we see Outlander Egg #3 — ironically, this egg is an orange — placed on a table. It’s visible just long enough to make the connection to Claire’s visit with King Louis in Outlander Season 2 Episode 207, “Faith,” before, there it is, Outlander Easter Egg #4, the vase on what must be the then-popular liquor cabinet.
The camera hard cuts to confirm it is Claire on the sofa. She’s in a red dress reminiscent of THE Red Dress from Outlander Season 2, with her nails painted red as well, giving us Outlander Easter Egg #5. Stay with me to see the full effect of her matchy-matchy red ensemble .
Next, a better look at that painting, Outlander Easter Egg #6. Did you have to pause your device as I did to figure out if it is an abstract of her home, the Big House on Fraser’s Ridge? And to see there’s a lot of red in it where no red should be, hmm. Could that be a fire??
From Days of Future Passed to Reality
Here’s where reality sets in. We see a glimpse of Claire in the moonlight, gagged and bound, before we are taken back to the Safe House and its “Never My Love” soundtrack. Now I’m beginning to understand this alternate reality of a future Safe House.
Someone in a leather jacket walks down that hallway towards Claire in the living room, past the large dining table set for a meal, to Claire still sitting on the sofa. As that someone removes his jacket, she turns to see it’s Jamie.
But, it’s Jamie in what I’ll call a congruent costume. (It wasn’t my favorite costume, Trisha Biggar, sorry.) Outlander Easter Egg #7 is Jamie who can’t time travel, but yet here he is in Claire’s 1960s Safe House, hence the unusual ensemble.
The back to the future to the past to the future continues (was your head spinning, too?) and we are back again with Claire in the moonlight, this time reliving her kidnapping. Her captors reveal their motives before it’s back to the painting and Claire in the Safe House and Jamie answering the doorbell. We get glimpses of Young Ian in a military uniform — Outlander Easter Egg #8 — and a sense of other people in the house before a cut back to Claire’s reality.
As she continues to relive moments from the day, her future and past swirl together with talk of conjure women and Kelpies and the stars and a man on the moon. She discovers they’re heading to Brownsville, tries to escape, seizes moments to seek help — but it’s all in vain. There she lies, tied to a tree.
Her fear takes her in and out of her Safe House, away from what may lay ahead at the hands of her captors, to Jamie enfolding her in a blanket, saying that iconic line, “You’re shaking so hard, it’s making my teeth rattle” — Outlander Easter Egg #9. The time jumps become more frequent and we see her and Jamie again, except this time he’s wrapping her in his plaid — Outlander Easter Egg #10 — as he did when they first met.
Back in the Safe House we see Jocasta with her eyesight restored – Outlander Easter Egg #11 — and Murtagh back from the dead — Outlander Easter Egg #12. He’s playing with Germain — Outlander Easter Egg #13 — who is followed by his parents and siblings.
Then, with the children out of sight, the rest are all gathered round the table with Ian, pregnant Marsali in her go-go boots (yeah, I wore those, but I wasn’t nearly the badass she is). Then, ahhh, there’s Fergus with both hands. I give you the sweetest ones — Outlander Easter Eggs #14 and #15. There’s food and drink on the table. Bet I missed some eggs there!
Now back to reality, we are shown how Claire’s predicament escalated to the current dangerous situation — the gag and the rope around her neck reminiscent of Roger’s hanging — Outlander Easter Egg #16. It’s looking really bad for her so back her mind goes to the Safe House.
There’s talk around the table of a name for the baby and Ringo, as in Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, is bandied about — Outlander Easter Egg # 17.
The time jumps are happening so frequent now it’s hard to catch the fine details. Oh, there’s an obvious egg, Outlander Easter Egg #18, a bunny on the Safe House carpet. No, wait, he’s there on the ground beside Claire, now — poof — he’s gone. Remember Jamie seeing the bunny at Culloden and Baby Bree’s toy bunny? And Elias Pound’s rabbit foot, too? Maybe we should count that particular egg more than once. Nope, I’m having enough trouble keeping count as it is.
Back to Claire’s waking nightmare, she’s having trouble breathing. Someone rushes in to help, it’s the moon and stars fan, Wendigo Donner, asking her if she recognizes the name Ringo Starr. OK, Ringo gets counted twice for sure — Outlander Easter Egg #19. And, guess what, Donner’s a time traveler, too, a friend of long-dead Otter Tooth, aka Bob and Outlander Easter Egg #20, whose ghost appeared to Claire when she was lost in a storm a few years ago. And, again, he doesn’t help her escape. The best he could muster was to advise her to be more afraid of men, like other women of that time. I see a bad moon a-risin’ in your future, Donner, and think you’re the one who should be afraid of one man in particular. No way do you get your own egg!
With that hope dashed, Claire retreats back to Jamie in the Safe House, wrapped in the plaid, but now reality creeps into the Safe House. One of her captors is peering in the window — Lionel Brown — as he approaches her in reality. As she is sexually abused by him and others, her mind recounts her Safe House touchstones — her family, the vase, Jamie and his plaid and their Thanksgiving preparations.
At this point in watch 2 I realize two things: the celebration is Thanksgiving and Claire hasn’t spoken in the Safe House. There must be a tie to silence, maybe Roger “losing” his voice after the hanging? Maybe something else I’m missing? I think this silence theme deserves Outlander Easter Egg #21. And this point in watch 4, I realize there’s a lot of food and drink on the counter behind Jamie and I’ve probably missed more eggs there, maybe some real ones even, deviled for Thanksgiving.
Reality creeps in again as Claire discovers a leak in the ceiling – Outlander Easter Egg #22. It’s a call back to the leaky roof in their first cabin on the Ridge, the one Jamie got up in the middle of the night to fix, and to that ghastly putrid drip from the Beardsley’s cabin loft. It could even be a call back to how water has simply played such a major role in their lives, as in Season 3, “Voyager.”
In quick succession we get Outlander Easter Egg #23, Germaine playing with a dragonfly, and Outlander Easter Egg #24, a closeup of Ian’s uniform with an Indian patch on the sleeve.
And because I just discovered that we see both the dragonfly and a bison/buffalo like the one Claire shot a few episodes back, sitting on that sideboard behind Jocasta, I’m adding it in out of order. That’s Outlander Easter Egg #25.
Back to the future, they’re all sitting down at the table again. Now my head really hurts. Well, almost all of them are there. Daughter Bree and husband Roger’s chairs are empty plus the roof keeps dripping. That can’t be good. Jamie focuses on his Thanksgiving toast to Claire and drops another iconic line, one from their wedding vows — “blood of my blood, bone of my bone,” — Outlander Easter Egg #26.
The lights dim, colors fade and creepy Brown reappears, also toasting Claire, as he takes his leave from abusing her in reality, inviting others to follow.
This return to the Safe House is a replay of her family’s arrival and their festivities that is interrupted by the doorbell. As she walks to the door, we get a glimpse of wallpaper like that at their Scottish home of Lallybroch, Outlander Easter Egg #27. Claire opens the door to two police officers who inform them of a car accident, Outlander Easter Egg #28, a call back to so many moments — her parents’ and Frank’s deaths, her description of her first trip through the stones, and thinking she’ll never see her beloved time travelers, Bree, Roger and son Jemmy, now that they’ve traveled through the stones. Reality has crossed more solidly into her Safe House with Outlander Easter Egg #29 — the policemen bearing this tragic news are two of her rapists, Brown and Hodgepile.
Wow. I’ve had to take a break at this point on each watch and remember these are actors in a TV series. Despite the surreal circumstances in this episode, these actors are most convincing.
I’ll say it again, this episode was an incredible collaborative effort. How difficult it must have been to portray these characters through those violent scenes, in the dead of night, out in the Scottish woods. Bravo!
The Trip that Never Was
OK, I can press Play now. As we moved through the episode, I was beginning to think we weren’t going to find out when and where Bree, Roger and Jemmy landed on their trip through the stones and was very relieved to see their faces after my break on my watch 1. (I had suspected that they didn’t go far because of Jemmy’s reaction in Episode 11 and, frankly, am not sure exactly what the point was in them attempting the trip. If any of you understand, please share in the comments.)
It took the sixth watch for me to see the phases of the moon, illustrating the length of their journey home. I’ll give that moon montage Outlander EasterEgg #30. Given the turbulent situation, thank goodness they’re back and Roger’s manning up. (Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” momentarily replaces “Never My Love” on repeat in my brain.)
Red Jamie in his kilt — Outlander Easter Egg #31 — is going to need all the help he can get to rescue Claire. Bree you stay here and protect the Ridge with your excellent marksman skills.
Pausing for a time check — we’re only 20 minutes in and I’ve already counted over 30 Outlander Easter Eggs. Maybe my definition is too broad. Do you think so? Moving forward.
Now Claire’s at the Safe House again, reliving Jamie’s arrival in his beautiful leather coat and waltzing into the most comforting slow dance of all time. If there’s a dance egg, maybe it’s callback to Claire and Murtagh’s song and dance journey across Scotland to find Jamie. Or maybe it’s Jamie’s recent Highland Fling in Brownsville? It’s legit so that’s Outlander Easter Egg #32.
Back to reality, it seems that Claire realizes Jamie and the Fraser Cavalry have arrived to her rescue but she retreats from the ensuing fight to the Safe House to give us Outlander Easter Egg #33. Jamie delivers another iconic line, “Dinna be afraid. There’s the two of us now.”
When Jamie frees her and she seems unaware she’s really safe, Jamie says (most of) the same words to her that he did to Roger after Roger was rescued from hanging in this season’s Episode 7, “You are Alive. You are Whole.” That’s Outlander Easter Egg #34.
After all is said and done to avenge Claire, Jamie wraps her in his plaid and picks her up to carry her as Murtagh carried him to safety from his own sexual assault by Black Jack Randall at Wentworth Prison, Outlander Easter Egg #35. On their way home, we get Outlander Easter Egg #36 when they stop by the stream and talk of home as they did after the witch trial, except this time they both meant the same home.
Outlander Easter Egg #37 appears when Bree is comforting Claire by helping her bathe after she arrives home. As Bree leaves the room, she says the same words to Claire that her friend Lizzie said to her after she had been raped by Stephen Bonnet. They must have helped her for her to repeat them now. “You have my hand, Mama, and my ear, if you need it.” Jamie, Claire and Bree are due a break, don’t you think?
We are closing in on the episode’s end with a bruised and battered Dr. Claire entering her home surgery in an attempt to treat the lone survivor of the Fraser Calvary rescue, the kidnapping ring leader, Lionel Brown. She has to fight the urge to break her “do no harm” oath and slit his throat. Remember badass Marsali? She took care of Lionel Brown.
One more time, at least for this season, she retreats to her Safe House. Giving us our final Outlander Easter Egg #38, she takes the orange from the table, as she did at Versailles with King Louis, and leaves the living room with her dignity, having followed her oath to Do No Harm.
And back in reality she leaves the surgery, taking the high road up the stairs to release her pain in private and be comforted by Jamie.
Claire is safe. For now.
What Did I Miss?
Given that I just caught that bison as I was looking again at photo I’ve examined before, I imagine you saw things I missed either while viewing these photos or on your own watches. Please add anything you found in the comments? I’d also like to hear if you take issue with any of my selections.
I caught some iconic lines from the TV series and I know that there was dialogue brought directly from the books in this episode as well, like Jamie’s voice over as he delivers Brown’s body to his brother. Maybe book readers would be willing to share any dialogue we heard that came directly from Diana Gabaldon’s wonderful books in the comments as well?
Job Well Done, Outlander
Such an amazing ending to an excellent season, especially the second half IMHO. I hope Diana Gabaldon is proud of the effort to bring this particular part of her story to life in a respectful way. A round of applause to this Outlander team who can still amaze and delight me five seasons in. The thought you put in to crafting all those small details is appreciated! Thank you!!
How many times have you watched and how many Outlander Easter Eggs have you found?
What was your favorite?
Obsessenach Karen K Rutledge found Outlander through the STARZ TV series in 2016 after living under a graduate school rock during Season 1 and most of 2. She binged then began making her way through Diana Gabaldon’s captivating book series. The rest is history. Interested in following Karen? Twitter: @KarenABQNM, Facebook: Karen K Rutledge, Instagram: karen_k_rutledge
Note: Credit for all photos to STARZ.
Thanks for posting this. You saw so many more than I did! No one has mentioned, (though not really an easter egg) that Ian, being in the army is ever the WARRIER!
You are so right, Joyce, good one! I think that’s one of the traits he shares with Jamie and it continues to strengthene their bond over the years.
Good list!! I’ve only watched once so far, but plan to watch it back soon. About Bree, Roger and Jemmy going through the stones… my main take from that was them realizing the stones took them ‘home’, which they realized their home in their hearts was truly where Clare and Jamie are… not back in the future!
Agree! Seemed like a lot of screen time that have been better spent showing them *actually* bonding. I liked it, just a little confusing for me.
Yes, home, guess they all belong with Jamie. ?
I think that Bree and Roger going thru the stones in North Carolina was to demonstrate that these stones “may”take you to a different time and place than the stones in Scotland. Also, Both Bree and Roger stated that they were thinking of home (Fraser’s Ridge) when they attempted to go thru the stones, therefore, they ended up in the same time and place. The stones in N.C. function the same as the stones in Scotland as Bree and family all disappeared into the stones. I haven’t read the books, but wondering if these stones will be used at some point in the future…..
Thanks, Denise! Interesting idea that the travel process could be different from circle to circle. Sounds like something Diana Gabaldon would conjure and throw in to the time travel mix. 🙂
I havent finished all the books yet but I would bet that there will see more time travelers in the books and, hopefully, in the TV series.
I think the leaking ceiling was in reference to the reality of the trauma she was experiencing “leaking” through her dissociative state in the 1960’s safe house.
Interesting idea – I like it! Thanks!!
Thanks for a great article! Something that might be added to the list: Was that Frank’s typewriter on the desk beside the microscope? It looked like the one he was writing the note to the Reverend on when Claire’s water broke in The Battle Joined. I will have to rewatch that episode. Also, I think Claire was silent in her fantasy, except to say “yes” and “no” because she was gagged in reality. Thanks again for your thorough research.
Thanks for reading it and taking the time to comment, Barbara! That is a good thought on the typewriter. I’ll *need* to research with more rewatches. 🙂
Brilliant thought on Claire’s silence. Of course it’s because she’s gagged. How could I have missed that?!
Great article! One more Easter egg: I thought I saw a stone wall in Claire’s safe house, reminiscent of the walls at Castle Leoch.
Great catch, Debra, thank you! The production team must have had such fun building and dressing this set, don’t you think?
I loved the closeup of J&C clasped hands when they’re watching the storm come in. Reminds of the end of season 1 when they’re sailing away from Scotland. Jamie’s scars on his fingers still visible. Kind of full circle!
Brilliant, Christi, great catch! They’ve weathered yet another storm and know there’s another one on the horizon. Full circle, indeed!!
Next to the microscope is a typewriter that looks like Frank‘s
The bulletin board above the desk where the microscope and typewriter are is like Reverend Wakefield’s in the first episode, only not so loaded down.
The front room wallpaper near the front door is the exact wallpaper from the Laird’s room in Lallybrook! Also, when Murtagh plays with Germain, he says “It’s like Prestonpans all over again!” referring back to Season 1. Great haunting episode.
Thanks, Judy! I would never have remembered that one. Great catch!
Great catch, Maryse, thanks! We must rewatch to compare, right? 🙂
You and Judy spotted some good ones! I can only imagine the fun they had going through the props and staging the scenes.
Wondering if anyone was able to zoom in on the bulletin board hanging in on the wall of the “safe house” and read any of the documents hanging on it.
I read that the medals on Ian’s army uniform are actually Indian beads done in rows to represent service bars.
Weren’t the medals wonderful?!
I tried, Gail, but no luck. If I hear anything about it from other sources, will let you know.
Great article! I loved see all the Easter eggs when I was watching the episode. I’m an avid Outlander book fan too. I think when it comes to them showing Bree, Roger, and Jem at the stones and going nowhere, was for them (more Roger) to understand this is their home. It may not be their time but it’s where their family is and where their heart is. Roger was so set on going back and I think he needed to be shown what home was. When they thought of home they all thought of the ridge.
Thanks, Jaimie! I think it was on the show podcast that Matt B Roberts alluded to it having multiple purposes, the one you mention and also as a setup for future scenes. I guess he and other producers are always looking for avenues to portray book concepts in different ways.
Because it fell flat for me, tho, it seemed like they maybe tried a little too hard here and used up a lot of screen time on something that didn’t happen in the books. Still loved this season and the finale overall!!
Excellent posting Karen; I really enjoyed reading it. Two additional things I found are 1) the 1960’s sunburst clock, referring not only to time, both past & present, but also to the monstrance on the altar in Perpetual Adoration, as well as (for the book readers) to Jamie’s name for Claire in Gaelic, Sorcha, which translates to “brightness” & 2) the typewriter with a paper left in it, which I saw as a nod to Diana Gabaldon who is continuing to write Jamie & Claire’s story for us, and also to remind those of us who love to live in the Outlander world, that it is really, only a story!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I’ve since seen others mention the clock connection but have not seen anything about your other take away – the paper in the typewriter. Those are deep and insightful interpretations. Brilliant!!
Ian’s medals were made of wampum beads. I find something I missed on each watch 12 times in 36 hours. Decided I need an intervention. Doubt I will make it through the weekend without another fix. I initially was unsure of the episode but love it more on each rewatch. I particularly loved how they use their bodies to make them whole. First as Claire brings a ‘dead’ Jamie back to life with hers after the snake bite and secondly with Jamie’s body when they merge again with her wee brave thing act to survive this as well. My favorite episodes have not always been chosen as fan favorites (Surrender and Of Lost Things) which focus on Jamie. This episode was solely Claire’s (in fact I suspect Sam stepped back to keep the focus on Cait) except for a scene stealer by Lauren Lyle when Marsali decided to take out the garbage. Probably my new favorite episode although I love them all. Bees can not come too soon. I plan to reread all the books for the 6th time before Bees but I probably still have plenty of time unfortunately.
I thought the safe house was very similar to the one that Gillian / Geilis lived in with her husband in the 60s?
Yes! At first I thought maybe she was in Gillian/ Geilis’ house!
There was a lamp in her dream that looked like a chess piece. They showed it a couple of times.
Oooh, chess piece, good recall! May be another Easter Egg. Note to self: must research! haha!! Thanks for sharing, Alicia!
Thanks, Marty! Do you think that was intentional? I haven’t heard anyone like Matt or Toni mention it but it sure was eerie!!
I thought the thunderstorms at the end were a forshadowing of the turbulent times ahead and the coming storm…..the American Revolution. Her red dress harkened back to the red dress she wore to Versailles. I also noticed that Jamie is the only character to dress the same in past and present which represented someone stable, reliable and unchanging (like their love) that she can always count on. Thanks for all your other insights. I caught several of them as well, but you shared a few I missed so I’ll have to go back and watch again.
Yes, me, too! I looked at my husband and kinda shouted, “They’re at Geillis’ house!” I got chills then and they returned as I read your comment. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Lynn! We are on the same wavelength, I think, on favorite episodes. Of Lost Things was at the top of my list for a long time then was joined by The Ballad of Roger Mac, Journeycake and now Never My Love.
They’re all at the top when I view them through different lenses but, now that I’ve been mulling things over for a while in Droughtlander, Of Lost Things has bubbled up to my alltime favorite once again no matter what lense I use to view – story, performance, etc. It’s followed closely by The Ballad of Roger Mac and the other two are right behind them.
We’re also on the same “rewatch” wavelength. If I really love the story, I can watch on repeat and forget the world around me.
I loved seeing all the Easter eggs! What I noticed about Jamie in the dream sequence was that he was dressed and his hair was exactly how he looked when Claire fell in love with him in season 1.
I really enjoyed your synopsis of all these Easter eggs. The Outlander cast and crew really hit a grand slam with this one. Not sure if you would count the wedding rings and Murtagh and Jocasta’ hands as Easter eggs but I thought it was lovely.
Oooh, LK, please tell me more about the hands and rings. Nothing popped for me there and I’d love to hear what you saw as symbolic about them. Thanks!
I think the point of Roger, Bree, and Jemmy going through the stones is (potential spoiler?) may be to add urgency and drama to a future dire NEED to go through the stones – will it work this time? what if it doesn’t? etc, as well show that they can all travel together safely, even if they don’t end up where they were hoping.
Great analysis, Bunny! They always seem to have an important reason when they deviate from the books. I should just trust them, right? Thanks for sharing!
Great finds, Karen! And thanks to your many ‘stills’ included with your blog post, I noticed something I haven’t seen mentioned: The telephone. I don’t know if this post should be spoiler-free but it is not of much consequence in the book storyline so maybe it doesn’t matter. There is a book scene, no idea which book, where Jamie tells Claire about seeing her holding this ‘thing’ in a dream and he describes it to her. It’s a modern telephone. The white phone is to the right of the barware behind Jamie. Also, you mentioned the magazine cover drawing of the house, but I just noticed it said ‘fabulous houses in North Carolina” ! She was in Boston when she picked up the magazine so the hint of a modern house in a state she would end up in 20+ years later, but, of course, 200 years earlier (and in a dreamscape 200 years forward) is a doozy of a spinning easter egg!
yes, after Bree, Roger, Jem and Mandy return he has a dream of Jemmy wanting to call him on the phone. That was in book 6 I believe.
That Diana Gabaldon, she is so clever, right? Bet we’ll see this tidbit resurface on the show down the road. Thanks, Jme!
Oooh, Beth, you’re giving me chills! I’m now foreseeing flashbacks to this episode in Season 6 and, I hope, in future seasons. This strange period in history would be an excellent time to decide to go all the way, well, at least through a Season 8, and just seal the deal with everyone. We can only hope, right?
I had not noticed that the magazine cover mentioned NC. Great catch!
So many delicious details! Still working on pulling them all together.
Thanks, Beth. I’m circling back to catch the comments I missed and I think I put my response to you in a separate thread. ICYMI…
Oooh, Beth, you’re giving me chills! I’m now foreseeing flashbacks to this episode in Season 6 and, I hope, in future seasons. This strange period in history would be an excellent time to decide to go all the way, well, at least through a Season 8, and just seal the deal with everyone. We can only hope, right?
I had not noticed that the magazine cover mentioned NC. Great catch!
So many delicious details! Still working on pulling them all together.
Great episode!! Acting ánd easterggs!
My interpretation of de dripping ceiling as an easteregg: Death drop – Claire recalls a Highland superstition that says that just before a death occurs, the sound of dripping water will be heard in the house (V, chapter 36)
This is a great post. Others have lingered on the politics of having another rape and never mention all the goodies. I absolutely loved the dream. It was fun to notice the Easter Eggs even though the cause was so terrible. A few I didn’t notice like the beads on Ians badge and s few others. There was a lot of emotion from Jamie in the dissociative state that I felt was missing when they found her. I know he had to be tough and must have been so angry, but I needed to see him break a bit. I also would have liked to see him coming around the corner when she broke down in the hall alone. I think they missed him comforting her prior to the last scene. It seemed too linear for me without enough genuine spontaneity of emotion. Claire expressed her concern for Jamie in S2 for entire episodes. Comforting and healing him along his recovery. She broke down in Murtoghs arm in the hallway and also when she left the jail in her failed attempt to see him. That’s what I wanted to see Jamie do. Love the show and can’t wait for S6. And wait, and wait, and wait.
I SO agree about not seeing Jamie’s emotion. Due to lots happening personally, I’m just now catching up on many of these comments and was spurred to rewatch yet again. I felt it again, the lack of emotion. I bet they filmed some scenes like that and they were cut for time. I haven’t yet watched the deleted scenes on the DVD set. Maybe there’s something there? Thanks, MC!
Such a great catch, Markeen!! I appreciate you providing the reference, too. Makes total sense now.
Great summary. You found many more “Easter eggs” than I identified, so I have none to add. One section of dialogue the was taken directly from the books is Jamie’s comment to Claire, in the second to last scene: “When the day shall come, that we do part, if my last words are not ‘I love you’ — ye’ll ken it was because I didna have time” . It’s the last line of the Fiery Cross and a favorite of mine.
One question I have, and haven’t seen discussed anywhere, is what may have been behind the decision to put Ian in a military uniform. It makes me think of the Vietnam war going on in the 1968 timeframe and I am wondering if there is any significance.
Thanks!
Mary, Ian had become a Mohawk warrior, so in Claire’s mind, she transposed him into a Marine uniform. He had a Mohawk hairstyle (although without any feathers). And yes, this was a reference to the Vietnam War. I read the actual script today on the StarzOutlander Instagram site, and there’s additional dialog in it in which Ian is asked if he’s just home on leave and he responds, “No,” that his tour is finished.
Karen, I thought I found a lot of the Easter eggs, but you found a lot more. I’m not sure if lines taken from the book should count, since the writers do that all the time when they can fit them in. I agree with those who said that the trip through the stones was necessary because it completes the plot line that has existed since last season with Roger, who has always wanted to bring Bree and then his son back “home,” thinking it was to the 1970’s. Because they stayed in the 1770’s, Roger finally accepts that home is where his entire family is. And I think those stones will end up becoming a big part in a future episode of the series.
Easter eggs, symbolism, whatever category these delicious tidbits fall in – we love them all, right? Thanks, Janet!!
About Ian, others have mentioned that they think it’s Claire’s view – Ian is a warrior – so she makes him a Marine. Lots has been added here about all the different badges and other items on his uniform, like all the tokens he began collecting from the Cherokee (in the show). Thanks, Mary!
Wow! I thought I caught most of them but I wasn’t close to how many you found. I thought Jamie’s leather coat that he was wearing when he entered the house and removed before he came to Claire was a nod back to the leather coat he wore that belonged to his father.
I agree about the coat! I also loved that it was a modern piece in his otherwise typically Jamie wardrobe. Thanks, Kathy!
Oh wow you caught so many good ones that I had missed. I’ve watched 3 times. Such a good episode and a fantastic article. ****** Thank you!
Thanks, Holly! I appreciate you reading and commenting!!
The lyrics to Never My Love are questions that any trauma survivor would ask … if you’ll lose your desire for me & you won’t require me.
The answers to those questions are … What makes you think love will end when I’ve asked you to spend my whole life with me & my whole life depends on you? Never my love. This is J & C’s love in a song.
Even the name of the group is the opposite of what is happening in her reality … dissociation opposed to association.
Just food for thought.
Thanks, Karolyn. I heard that this song wasn’t their first choice but, oh my goodness, as you point out – it’s THEIR song!
Excellent accounting of the Easter Eggs, Karen. I was hoping to see other bits and pieces included in the dream-escapes, since they were so full of imagery. It’s great to see you connect so many of the dots. I hoped someone else noticed Ian’s uniform and the beads-bar on front that resembled his bracelet. Could one of his other medals possibly belong to Hugh Munro? They appear too small to distinguish. Grateful for the presence of dragonfly.
A line of Murtagh’s is audible enough, ‘it’s like Prestonpans all over again.’ That seems significant considering the trauma and death associated with that previous event.
The show had Claire looking over her right shoulder a few times, especially as Jamie enters the scene. While unsure of the specific meaning, Jamie does often tend to be situated at Claire’s right side.
Another noticeable difference in the dream sequences is how Claire is first wrapped in a solid colored blanket, and later with a more recognizable plaid. As meticulous as these shots can be it bothered me, until remembering the cloak Claire wore on the day of her wedding had a solid exterior and a plaid lining. Maybe I’m reading too much into it?
Not sure if any of these might count toward the list of possible Easter Eggs, but I hope you find them noteworthy. How wonderful it would be to be a fly on the wall at an Outlander production meeting. ~ Blessings!
Jamie being on Claire’s right may represent his protection if her. Didn’t Ian ( Young Ian’s father) protectJamie’s right while fighting due to Jamie’s “cackhandedness”?
I totally agree! I would have loved to be there as they excitedly said – let’s add this, and that!! And the connection with Hugh – I would never have snapped to that. Definitely noteworthy catches. Thanks for reading and sharing!!
I also wonder if the orange relates back to her medical training/oath as doctors and surgeons often practiced with oranges in their early training for injections and cutterage through different layers.
I bet you’re right. Thanks!
One thing I noticed that I have not seen mentioned is when Jamie walks in only see him from neck down each time. Reminds me of season one title cards when we see Jamie walking in his kilt only neck down.
I totally missed that, Eileen. They’re so clever, aren’t they? Thanks!
I am wondering if the record player and “being able to put a record on and listen to music anytime “ could be an egg.
I take this from, I don’t know what season/episode but when Bree first came to the ridge and Claire and Bree were taking the laundry off the line, talking about things they missed from their time. Hamburgers/cheeseburgers, PB &J sandwiches, aspirin, Led Zeppelin, but Claire talks about listening to jazz.
Just an idea I thought I’d throw out there.
I think the turntable was used in San earlier season and intrigued that maybe the phone was too.
The end significance of the orange to me is the scene where Claire goes into the surgery to see Brown. He makes the plea not to be harmed, as Claire holds the scalpel, contemplating killing him. She decides not to harm him. Cut to the orange on the table and she picks it up and walks away with it.
Same as she did after she plead for Jamie’s life, she was taken to bed by the King, and the King agrees to release Jamie. She silently walks away the orange.
Also when the boy rapes her first, she has almost the same look on her face as when the King took her and finished so quickly.
I am amazed at how the production team brought all these elements together. Maybe I need to try to gather what all of you have added and do a followup for a little Droughtlander relief. 🙂
I didn’t see this Easter egg but either Matt or Meryl mentioned it in the summary. The ribbons on Ian’s uniform were made of Indian beads. They were so small I would never have caught them, similar to possible eggs on the buffet & table but the camera panned them too quickly. I think I’m going to watch it again right now.
Yes, agree! I had to rewind / pause many times and still missed a lot! Thanks for reading and sharing!!
The only egg I would add is Murtagh’s fabulous tartan/plaid pants!! His tartan was so very important to him that he risked having a piece in Ardsmuir and he was one of the few people in the show to wear a kilt type garment in the New World.
Oh yes… this was one of those show changes. Jamie does this in the book for a kid, Angus MacKenzie in prison. He received 60 lashes for it and the guys beat up the kid in prison for causing that to happen. Jamie is always such a hero. ? I say “kid” but he was just referred to as “young.” Seeing the show changes has been fun and of course has led me to rereading the books over and over.
Sorry for the extraordinarily tardy reply. Cleaning out my email inbox just now, I saw some notifications I missed so am enjoying a read through of all the comments again.
Great catch on Murtagh’s pants. How could I have missed them?! My hubby’s grandmother actually made him a pair of plaid pants in the early 70’s, around the time we met, so like Jamie’s shirt, it was definitely a trend. My husband’s were dark colors, shades of blue and gray. They might even still be packed away in our attic. 🙂
Haven’t had a lot of free time for Outland recently. I am once again inspired and will make time for a rewatch of this episode at least. Thanks and take care!
I think Ian in uniform also represents the the young soldiers she taught in WWII. Love how you found so many eggs. I think I have to watch a few more times to see them all. Great article.
Thanks, Dianne! I hadn’t put that together – Ian and her JHRC friends. Appreciate you reading and sharing!
The only one I would add is Murtagh’s fabulous tartan/plaid pants!! His tartan was so very important to him that he risked having a piece in Ardsmuir and he was one of the few people in the show to wear a kilt type garment in the New World. He was the last link to the old Highland ways for Jamie and Claire.
That is a fabulous catch, Sophie! How did I miss tartan pants?!? Thanks for reading and sharing.
Wow. So many easter eggs. I’ll have to go back and watch this many times over (like I wouldn’t have anyway!).
On the water dripping from the ceiling: Just my two cents – I think it has to do with when Jamie and Claire were washed overboard and she almost drowned.
Ooh, the drip connected to her near drowning. Very interesting! Thanks!!
Great job finding all those Easter Eggs. I have another possible one – the glasses to the right of the vase remind me of the glasses used by Claire and Colum in S1 for the Rhenish wine. The camera pans on them a couple of times.
The glasses! Now I have to watch again!! Thanks. <)
And the sweet potatoes Marsli talks about – the potatoes Claire told Jenny to plant before the battle of Culloden
Oh, interesting. I don’t remember sweet potatoes. Do you know if that’s from the book or if it was added for the show?
Great article. I made some of the references the first viewing and have picked out some more but not nearly as many, even on the seventh time watching. I had a thought about when Claire was taking her bath she was scrubbing her fingers like a surgeon would when going into surgery maybe referring back
then realizing the moment. Thanks for the insight.
I noticed Claire scrubbing her fingers like surgeon would as well.
Hi! Reading back through all these comments after seeing I had missed responding to a recent comment and see that I missed responding to yours. My apologies for the extraordinarily late reply!
Claire’s nail scrubbing was such a vivid scene ! I didn’t make the surgery prep connection- great catch – thinking it was more about scrubbing away the bad memories. Obviously time for another episode rewatch for me. Thanks and take care! 🙂
I heard people mention honey pot and pictures within the painting. I never found these. My own observations. 1 Claire wearing a red dress sewn to the neck. The original dress was very low cut. 2 most everyone was wearing muted colors making Claire stand out. 3 Marsali started to make a plate of food and someone sad save some for Jem. 4 when she was being raped by the young boy her eyes moved around like they did when she was being used by the king. 5 she did not interact with people in dreamscape because she did not want to return to reality.
If I remember correctly, in the book version of the young man raping her, he doesn’t penetrate. Maybe that’s the reason for her facial expression?
Hi Tammy…I recall the same exact thing from the book. Not sure about Claire’s facial expression though…you could be right and the young man would have been too embarrassed & mortified to admit it to his uncle.
I am sure this egg has been mentioned, but Murtagh and Jocasta have on wedding rings. 🙂
How could I have missed those rings?!? Thanks for reading and sharing!
Great job Karen! Thanks for posting this. As I was looking at your pictures I noticed that the side bowls at the place settings had a print reminiscent of the medals on Ian’s uniform (Indian beads). Additionally, the 1960’s era television reminded me of the TV that they watched while watching the astronauts walk on the moon, and Wendigo Donner mentioned “the man in the moon” when he was talking with Claire. Fun to speculate and play detective!
Thanks, Steve! You found some others that I would likely never have found. I love how they used the moon in this episode. It had its own starring role! SO much fun watching and rewatching for all the little things.
Another one I found is that at the end when Jamie asks Claire, ‘how do you feel?’. Claire asked Jamie the exact same question before she had to use her body to bring him back from death (of snake bite). They both cared so much about each other’s well being: both physical and mental.
Yes, agree, bound together verbally, physically, mentally. Thank you for reading and sharing!
Jocasta can see, Murtagh is alive, Fergus has 2 hands. The line that Jamie says following blood of my blood…. You have held my soul in your hands comes from Outlander when they are at the Abbey trying to decide where to go. Jamie tells her that. It’s a significant conversation near the end of the book. Now just as she held his life in her hands, he holds her life in his hands. Ian also had a Mohawk head on his shoulder patch.
Claire also had on red shoes with her red dress.
Finally Claire was very stoic until she returned to the dreamscape just after the men arrived to rescue her. That time she had tears in her eyes and Jamie turned her and told her not to be afraid that there’s the two of us. He was there in the reality. I thought that was a very wonderful sequence with the rescue starting the cut to her with tears and the two of us line, then Jamie is there.
This episode was literally packed with throwbacks, Easter eggs and symbolism. How in the world did they come up with all them? I bet they had a fun time doing it. #jgsswansong
Bit of costuming fun I noticed- Fergus wearing the colors of the French flag and Marsali is dressed prominently in yellow. Yellow is a color of optimism, healing and loyalty. All traits she’s stepped up and shown.
I was also a bit taken aback by Jamie being dressed historically while the others were all contemporary, but the producers have stated that’s because Claire, in her rational mind, knows Jamie can never time travel- his place is in the past.
A beautiful, but painful episode!
The French flag colors – totally missed that. And the yellow on Marsali totally makes sense. Thanks for reading and sharing!
I would have never caught all of these. Thank you for the article!
Two things I thought noticed and thought of while looking at the stills in your article. 1) The sun clock – wasn’t King Louis the Sun King? 2) The rock on the hearth reminds me of the Fraser rock from the Culloden battlefield where Claire talked to Jamie.
Ooh, the Sun King and the rock – two more briliant connections I totally missed. Thanks for reading and sharing!
At the end when they’re on the porch, Jamie reaches for her hand and you see the scars (his fingers) from his rape, as well as Claire’s.
Yes! Bound together in so many ways. Thanks for reading and sharing!
fergus had 2 hands in the safe house, and brianna and roger did not go anywher because they both thought of home, fraser’s ridge.
That was so heartwarming to see Fergus with both hands, wasn’t it? And, don’t we all call Fraser’s Ridge home?? 🙂 Thanks for reading and sharing!
The SYRINGE. The syringe had piqued my interest since the beginning of the season – where did Claire get it? Did it survive the shipwreck in season 3? Then you witness Lionel destroying the syringe at Allamance ( subsequently jeopardizing Jamie’s life with no way of delivering the penicillin post snake bite until Bree’s adaptation emerges) , only to have it rebuilt & destroy HIM at the end. It is a vehicle that can either heal or kill.
Claire and Brianna ordered syringes from a glassblower a couple of episodes ago.
Thanks Marita! I think they were going to the glassblower to replace the glass barrel that was crushed by Lionel at the battle. The syringe itself first appeared in episode 5…
I noticed the lighting on Claire-you show it in a screenshot above-is the same as the the lighting in 213 when she says “I have to go back.”
Whew. This episode is a lot of work … in all the best ways.
Jon Gary Steele is a magician with lighting, right?! Great catch to put those two scenes together!!
When Claire is scrubbing with the nail brush as she would have as a surgeon.
You’re right!! When I watched that scene, all I could think about was Claire trying to scrub away all traces of the horror. I don’t think the idea of her as a surgeon ever crossed my mind. Thanks for sharing.
Wow all the Easter eggs are so interesting. I’m thinking that Claire scrubbing her fingers just as she would have done when she was a surgeon was bc in her dissociative state she was in the future. She still carried that with her when she got home with Jamie. It could show that the trauma never really completely goes away. Parts of her mind were still closer to who she used to be.
Very interesting thought, Mc. That symbolism is strong. Thanks for sharing!
In Season 4, when Claire reunited with Geilis and they are talking about passing through the stones, Claire says she believes that someone is pulling you or longing for you from the other side. When we see Bree, Roger and Jemmy it’s right after the scene where Claire is in her dreamscape hurting for them.
Oh, I wish you could see the chill bumps on my arms. That’s brilliant!!
A new still was posted of Claire walking past the TV. Low and behold, the framed photo on TV is of Lallybroch and the dragonfly has its own little stand on TV.
No way! I’m now on the hunt for that still!! Thanks!!!
Not an Easter Egg per se, but I haven’t seen this mentioned anywhere and it’s the first thing I thought of when I saw it. The final scene of Jamie and Claire is very reminiscent of Annie Leibovitz’s iconic photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono hours before he was shot. It’s a photo that simultaneously evokes love – and loss. Does anyone else think so?
Yes! I too immediately thought of the famous photo of John and Yoko!
In the Safe House, Claire has on red shoes – that can be related to 2 Outlander references: (1) the red shoes Geillis wears in S1, and the red shoes Claire wears with the famous red dress in S2.
Yes! I forgot all about the Geillis red shoes. Good catch!!
I am so grateful for you pointing out Easter Eggs I didn’t catch.
Also the split wood next to fireplace is definitely a Frasers Ridge reference.
Also the small waste paper baskets ? around the home, one with handles made of straw, reminds me of the ladies at the Ridge carrying their laundry.
An explanation of Ian’s uniform earlier was awesome!
Thanks!
Phenomenal job done by Sam, Cait, cast and all who worked on Outlander!
Thanks so much, Mary! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
All those you caught make perfect sense but not sure I would have picked up on them even if I’d watched many more times. Very perceptive!!
I agree with your comment about it being a Phenomenal job done by all!!!
Since Claire was gagged in her reality scenes she couldn’t talk in the safe house.
Another great interpreation, Lisa, thanks. She was still silenced even though she didn’t see herself as gagged. Brilliant!
The toast that Jamie gives Claire saying “you stole my heart” was from the books.
I interpreted the water leak as a metaphor for Claire acknowledging a problem that Jamie would come “fix”. I think that was reinforced with the scene at the end where Jamie offers to fix the broken/crooked fence.
John Gary Steele’s swan song was superlative. The amount of detail and Easter eggs included in this episode were remarkable.
This episode is up there with The Wedding as my favorite, and one that I can watch over and over, not just for the symbolism, but for the love and trust that comes through from the characters.
That info about the toast being from the book is great, Cathy. I started reading it and had some significant life events through up a few roadblocks. Maybe I’ll be able to get back to it soon. that Jamie gives Claire saying “you stole my heart” was from the books.
Jamie is Claire’s “fixer” for sure. Your interpretation makes perfect sense.
I really miss Gary’s involvement in Outlander. I follow him and Barry on Social Media and enjoy interacting with them both. Interested to see what other “graphic magic” Gary pulls off as his career continues.
I love this episode for the same reason as you – the love and trust we observe between Jamie and Claire. Thank you, Diana and Ron, and everyone involved, right?
And thank you for reading and commenting! <)
I believe the Safe House is Gillian Edgars’ (Geillis) house from Season 3. Claire visited and spoke to her husband. After he passed out drunk, she “borrowed” Gillian’s notebooks.
Interesting idea, Dani, just like yours about the dance and Claire not speaking. I haven’t heard about it iff there’s a connection between the Geillis home and the Safe House. I did hear that the Safe House was actually on a vacation rental site and that the owner took it off the site after some of us Obsessenachs identified it.
The “dance” could also represent when Jamie “dances” Claire to the rock at Craigh na Dun when he sends her back to Frank in the finale of Season 2.
Also, Claire doesn’t speak when she’s at the Safe House because she isn’t speaking during her assault. The most she says is “no” which could represent her protests while being violated.
Oh, Dani, those are awesome catches. I remember hearing or reading that the original dance to the stones was improvised by Ms. Balfe and Mr. Heughan. Wonder if they came up with it in this ep, too, or if it was the production team. And your thought about her not speaking except to say “No” makes perfect sense. I’d love to hear the story of how they selected all these callbacks, wouldn’t you?
Great article! My only additions would be the French white wine near the vase -referring to La Dame Blanc and the play sword fighting with pillows w/Jocasta and Murtagh and Germain like Dougal and Hamish at Castle Leoch. The sunburst clock reminds me of the chalice for the host at the church {we had one just like it at home}, paper in Frank’s typewriter , a nod to Printing ..A.Malcolmn AND the honey pot near the bison or buffalo and we know what that refersto!
Enjoyed the read greatly!
Stay safe
Thanks, Catherine! You caught so many I missed. I think I need to put together a new list and watch (and rewatch) again. I love your thought about the connect to the Dougal and Hamish sword play. The gave us such a GREAT episode.
Did anyone else see that Tebbe, who asked Claire to remember that he was good to her, was among the men who survived the initial surprise attack, and were killed when Jamie ordered it. He was second from the left of the line of them. Poor Tebbe didn’t get away like the coward Wendigo Donner did. I also caught the phase of the moon signifying the passage of time for Bree & Roger & Ian’s journey back from the stone circle, two weeks from nearly first quarter to full moon. And when they left in the episode before, Jamie and Claire were talking about it in the old cabin, said that it’s been two weeks and that they should be getting to the stone circle by now. Loved seeing Murtaugh and Jocasta together in the future, great screen chemistry, those two. And his hair (and beard) was perfect, to borrow from “Werewolf of London”, haha! It was eerie that everyone else was speaking but her, in the future house, and that the cops that came to the door were Lionel Brown and his henchman. Well played, the entire episode!
I did see that Tebbe was among those killed and felt it was due to the fact that he could have helped more. I’m not sure how he’s portryed in the book (or if he’s a show only character). Checking Kindle now…
I believe that while Roger and Bree might be conflicted about ‘home’, Jemmy only knows – and therefore can only think of – one home, in a time with Jaime and Claire.
Oooh, Rick, brilliant! Some folks have talked about Jemmy’s time travel gift being incredibly strong which totally supports your theory. Jemmy brought them back, to home. Probably going to cry now. Thanks for sharing!
I have said this a few times, in a few different places “Never My Love” is the musical version of “that amount of time doesn’t exist”
What a great article…I’m very straightforward in my thinking, I don’t usually pick up on symbolism, so while I saw many of the OBVIOUS Easter eggs, I missed the subtle ones. Thanks to you and to all those who commented for pointing out what I missed!
Wow, Karen, that blows my mind. I wouldn’t have thought of that myself but it makes perfect sense! Thanks for sharing!!
I thought the bar ware on the buffet reminded me of the set of cocktail glasses Claire and Frank had in Boston. Also, I noticed the Jello on the Thanksgiving table. Remember when Claire said her legs were like Jello?
Cocktail set – great catch!! Thanks, Janet!
I saw someone say something about when Claire walks down the hallway, the office briefly shown looks like the one with Dr Joe. Need to watch again to see this & others I missed.
Ooh, now I need to watch again for this Dr. Joe connection!! ?
The broken nose. Claire touching it repeatedly, probably comparing it to when she thought Jamie broker her nose in A. Malcolm. No harm from Jamie vs bruising and blood from Lionel.
Ooh, I totally missed those connections, even after watching multiple MORE times. Good catch! Thanks!
I noticed a three more rewatching it to catch all of yours- well done. The record player refers back to when Clair and Bree are folding laundry and remembering things from their life in the future. Clair says she misses hearing music whenever you want to – putting a record on. The next one was when Jamie shows her the dead bodies – it made me think of the Culloden scene with all the dead warriors. Last one – when Jamie comes in when she’s home, she’s looking in the mirror as she did on her wedding night and she pulls up her shawl like she did when Jamie touches her. I know the last two are not part of the dream but they do refer back to previous episodes.
The next one was when Jamie shows her the dead bodies – it made me think of the Culloden scene with all the dead warriors. Last one – when Jamie comes in when she’s home, she’s looking in the mirror as she did on her wedding night and she pulls up her shawl like she did when Jamie touches her. I know the last two are not part of the dream but they do refer back to previous episodes.
Ooohh, Mary Ellen, you gave me chills with those callbacks. I can just hear them in the writer’s room saying, “Yes, let’s have her pull her shawl up like she did on the wedding night.” Or, maybe, Caitriona herself thought of it? I think I may need to rewrite this article and add in everything you and other Obsessenachs caught??
Just my take on it, but the still with Jamie on his own in your post, I see the child’s highchair in the background. I think this could be a reference to Faith, Jamie and Claire’s baby who died.
I think the colour red Claire is wearing is also a nod to so many instances in her life; the blood of the WW11 soldiers she is covered in in Season 2 where she has PTSD, which is also to do with Culloden – another war where blood is everywhere. I think the red also is to do with the Redcoats she encounters – Jack for one! Red for blood she loses when she nearly dies when Faith is born, Bree after being raped, and so on. As a surgeon red is a strong association for her. Plus, the Jamie phrase, “Blood of my blood, bone of my bone” is to show how she and he are so strongly connected.
I see Jamie wearing his ‘modern’ clothes which are alike his past clothes. In the 1960’s there was a romantic period where men dressed in white shirts which echoed the old buccaneer style, so Jamie would not have looked out of place, plus he is wearing trouseers. So for Claire, in a sense, wishes he were there with her in modern times where she has allowed her mind to travel to cope with all the abuse of the rapes.
You see Claire looking up and Jamie in the background setting the table, there are two doors, one is open, whilst the other on the left is closed and has a sliver of light shining under it. Perhaps a sliver of hope? Perhaps to indicate the ‘going through the stones’ if she goes to the open door she shuts her past behind physically, also representing how she went through that ‘door to her past’ she found the love of her life.
Ah, so much symbolism as well as references to different episodes and things from the books I love it all!
Great post by the way!
Hi, Maria! Sorry for the late reply. Cleaning out my email inbox just now and saw the notification about your post. Thanks for your kind comment and for taking the time to share your insight. Love the “sliver of hope” idea and the door / stones analogy. Even if not intentional by the producers, it makes perfect sense as does the dress color. I lived through the 60’s and had totally forgotten about all those lacy white shirts. Looking back, I remember lots of band members all decked out which sent me down a rabbit hole where I found a photo of The Association with one member wearing a frilly collar: https://www.liveabout.com/profile-the-association-2521947
Haven’t had a lot of free time for Outland recently. I am once again inspired and will make time for a rewatch of this episode at least. Thanks and take care!
I have been trying to find out why the blanket Jamie wraps Clair in at the safe house has no plaid at first, then the second time the plaid is showing. I could never figure that out. Did you notice?
Hi Linda,
I hope this note finds you well. My apologies that I missed your comment from last year. I found it as I’m preparing to write about the Season 6 premiere.
I did notice that blanket transition. I believe they first used a regular blanket then switched to the plaid to catch our attention. Toni Graphia spoke about using the plaid in an article: “Graphia points out that Jamie wrapping a (plaid) blanket around Claire is meant to echo a moment from season 1: “That’s a symbol of her protection.”
[https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a32428080/outlander-season-5-finale-dream-sequence-explainer/]
I now interpret the switch to the plaid as Claire subconsciously marking time. She’s telling herself to hang on. Jamie will be there to rescue her, soon.
If you’ve considered more in the last few months, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Take care,
Karen
I too have watched this episode at least 7 times but it’s just the song I fond so haunting. I believe the song summarizes perfectly the Claire/Jaime relationship. Nothing that they go through (and there’s been quite a bit) absolutely nothing will break their bond. I think it is said both ways as Jaime has always been there for Claire and Claire for him having traveled once, fell madly in love, left, flash forward 20 years, travels again, they both go through all kinds of hell, don’t forget the snake bite, and yet, here they are and Jamie mentions last words (perhaps another egg) and that if they aren’t I Love you, it’s because he dinna have time. Sorry if that was a “wee bit long winded”
Hi Emma,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope you’re doing well.
I, too, think that “Never My Love” was perfect in this episode. Did you hear that they first picked a different song but couldn’t use it for some reason? I don’t know what it was but, gosh, don’t think any other could have worked so well.
The “last words” by Jamie are from the books, right? I think the producers decided to use them here for effect as opposed to where Diana placed them.
Hope you enjoyed the season 6 premiere. I’m gathering thoughts now to possibly write about it.
Take care,
Karen
Hi! Very good job! I noticed the telephone which I connect with the phone at Fiona’s house (the former reverend’s house) which Jamie claims to have seen Jemmy pick up to “call grandpa.” Only if we dig deeper and deeper. There’s the sun sculpture on the wall, symbol of the Blessed Sacrament. (This I’ve read it somewhere)
Thanks, Silvana! This episode was packed with wee eggs. I’ve lost count but I’m thinking with those you mention it’s over 100. Thanks to the production team for a job well done!