Want to relive Outlander Season 4 Episode 5? We do a minute-by-minute reaction to “Savages.”
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 and ogle over your favorite show with you? 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 Seasons 2 and 3, we’ll be LIVE blogging all the episodes in Season 4. Like the Outlander Cast podcast, it will be SPOILER FREE for non-book readers.
Not into distractions during your weekly visit to the World of Outlander? That’s okay! Our live posts double as episodic minute-by-minute 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…
[8:00 p.m.] We just spent a weekend in the Southwestern mountains of North Carolina taking our son on a pre-Christmas adventure, and forget sugarplums – visions of Fraser‘s Ridge danced in my head the whole time. Bring on a new episode!
[8:02 p.m.] While this little ditty plays, this feels like as good a time as any to offer an unsolicited plug for my new favorite beer: Belhaven Brewery’s Belhaven Scottish Ale. It’s nutty, smooth and pairs well with live blogging a new episode of Outlander.
[8:04 p.m.] This episode is titled “Savages,” which is also how my husband describes my behavior if I get too hangry.
[8:05 p.m.] Move over, Rosetta Stone. These two serve up a far more appealing and charming way to learn a new language.
[8:06 p.m.] Is it me, or are you also finding the true meaning of life emanating from Adawehi’s eyes? I’ll say it again, Tantoo Cardinal’s soulful expression can act circles around most other actors’ voices any day of the week.
[8:07 p.m.] Holy homestead, Batman! Jamie and Claire must’ve enjoyed a royal HGTV visit from Chip and Joanna Gaines at Fraser’s Ridge since last week. Jon Gary Steele, you’ve outdone yourself again. The interior of this house is perfectly Fraser hearth and home. If someone isn’t making scented candles to match, please get on it.
[8:08 p.m.] First Claire with a skull, now Jamie with a candlestick. These two and their purse-stowed treasures remind me of my grandma, though hers would boast a half-eaten sandwich wrapped in a napkin and some Sweet’N Low packets.
[8:09 p.m.] “The sooner we go, the sooner we’ll be home…and I LOVE bacon,” Ian’s brain works exactly mine does. All roads and thoughts eventually lead to bacon. Also, what’s the over/under on number of Claire fur vest replicas that pop up on the interwebs by tomorrow morning?
[8:10 p.m.] Hugging Jamie gives Claire a sense of still being able to hug Bree, but it’ll never fill the same void. I cherish these tender moments of shared love – known and dreamt – Claire and Jamie have about their daughter.
[8:11 p.m.] Roger is the most darling little Scottish Waldo I’ve ever seen. Remember when I wanted to put Ian in my pocket for safe keeping? Well, I just remembered I have TWO pockets. Roger’s going in the other.
[8:12 p.m.] What’s the tally on guests who’ve stayed at the Baird Family B&B and then mysteriously disappeared after a little tea and black pudding. Not something you typically brag about on TripAdvisor, but you never know.
[8:13 p.m.] I’m wondering whether Mistress MacNeil might have roomed at Madame Jeanne’s in Edinburgh before her time in Cross Creek. Just sayin’.
[8:14 p.m.] Whereas her time in the 20th century Boston focused solely on surgery, I love that Dr. Fraser Medicine Woman now gets to be the well-rounded family physician, seeing, treating and healing all that comes with the circle of life.
[8:16 p.m.] This might be the first time everyone’s ever said “no” to following Jamie Fraser. Even Ian’s dumbfounded.
[8:18 p.m.] That, friends, is the look of “ah hell, what’ve I done” that just rolled across Fraser’s face. I, for one, like to gather lots of data before making large decisions or purchases. I’m sensing that Jamie should have done the same before locking himself into a deal with the governor.
[8:19 p.m.] I shake my head anytime someone freely offers up information such as how they’ll be at home alone for several days. It’s like rolling out an open invite and a welcome mat for imminent trouble.
[8:20 p.m.] Well now I feel like an arse; they named the baby after her. And gave baby Klara a sweet little doll full of choking hazards. Kids these days are too safeguarded.
[8:21 p.m.] Isn’t this just a horrific little game of Would You Rather Claire finds herself smack in the middle of – looking down the barrel of an angry and territorial German man shakily bearing arms? Or staring at the sharpened arrow of a bow-wielding Cherokee tribe that’s all fed up with the arrogant entitlement of the white men invading their land?
[8:23 p.m.] What a day! Girl needs a tall whisky, a diffuser full of essential sleep oils and a few days of tending to no one.
[8:24 p.m.] Welp, I spoke too soon. Farm girl’s got chores to do… and we get a reworked sampling of Bear McCreary’s “Comin Thro the Rye” as she does! And also, I now want pork chops for Christmas. I hope my mom reads this recap.
[8:25 p.m.] Sweet brown elixir, she heard me. Don’t skimp on this self care, Doc.
[8:27 p.m.] SWEET GRUFF CHARM, I KNOW THAT VOICE!!!!!!!!!! Turn around, turn around, turn around…dammit, TURN AROUND.
[8:28 p.m.] Annnnnnd, I just piddled on the floor like an excitable puppy. Also, it’s okay to have unholy thoughts about a deliciously aged Murtagh, right? Because I am. Lots of them. #SilverFox
[8:29 p.m.] “I’d wager she’s a good cook.” *Snorts laughter.*
[8:30 p.m.] SWEET GRUFF CHARM, HE KNOWS THAT VOICE!!!!!!!!! Turn around, turn around, turn around…dammit, TURN AROUND.
[8:31 p.m.] Forget raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, it’s this. THIS is my most favorite thing of the season. Would you all mind if I begged to take my leave of you now so that I can rewind this exchange and replay it on repeat for the rest of the hour?
[8:32 p.m.] “And I want to hear every word.” Fact: I crush these two harder than I could ever crush Jamie and Claire.
[8:34 p.m.] Let me get this straight – Claire meddled (or intervened, depending on how you feel) and now there’s a dangerous fallout from it? I. Am. So. Shocked. Well this looks like it’ll be a peaceful, restful next few days for Claire.
[8:35 p.m.] Watching Murtagh light up upon hearing or seeing memories of Ellen will never get old for me.
[8:37 p.m.] If you’re headed to the bar, Ian, fetch me another one while you’re at it. I could sit with these two all night listening to them catch up, matching each other excited moment for excited moment.
[8:38 p.m.] “10,000 acres?” Murtagh’s doing the math, and it’s not sitting well with him. His life’s work of worrying for Jamie’s well-being never ends.
[8:40 p.m.] I love that she’s going to panic eat her way through this ordeal with what’s left of the jerky stash. I’d go with what’s left in a can of Pringles or a bag of chocolate chip cookies, but whatever. I get you, girl. Panic eating is my method, too.
[8:42 p.m.] Anytime a Scotsman belts out a rallying monologue, I’m waiting for him to let us know that they take our lives, but they can never take our freedom.
[8:43 p.m.] Murtagh the silent but loyal follower has evolved into Murtagh the outspoken but loyal leader. Jamie’s face registers the transformation, alongside disbelief that Murtagh has found his voice as a regulator. Curious to see how this plays out as we move forward.
[8:44 p.m.] Claire, beware grieving, insane German men posing as calm and concerned.
[8:46 p.m.] Wherever this scene is headed is making me far too anxious. Screw the Pringles – quick, let in indulge again in dreamy Murtagh and his gorgeous, silver mane.
[8:47 p.m.] Oh hell… Claire, beware grieving, insane German men bearing gifts. Claire, beware grieving, insane German men bearing gifts. Claire, beware grieving, insane German men bearing gifts. IT’S ADAWEHI?!? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Not her!
[8:48 p.m.] I vividly recall when a Cowgirl Claire once famously threatened to cut out Jamie’s heart and eat it for breakfast. I’d not fault her if she chose to exact that here upon a savage Herr Mueller.
[8:50 p.m.] Never mind, the Cherokee beat her to it. This is tragic, all the way around, and I fear just a small sampling of the realities of the time between settlers full of hope in this new land and Native Americans full of pride and history.
[8:52 p.m.] You can only imagine what plausible scenarios are running through his mind upon finding his normally unflappable warrior of a wife in this shaken state. I hate to see her like this, but love how they showed her so vulnerable and nearly bare. We all have moments like that, don’t we? We’re brave and independent to a near-fatal point, but then the levee breaks and we’re grateful for the arms of a loved one to save us from the flood. Or to climb into the deep waters with us so we don’t have to navigate it alone.
[8:53 p.m.] SWEET GRUFF CHARM, SHE KNOWS THAT TUNE!!!!!!!!!! Turn around, turn around, turn around…dammit, TURN AROUND.
(“Jamie said you weren’t coming?” Really, Claire? You wouldn’t bop on down to Cross Creek to see him regardless of whether he comes to you on the ridge now that you know he’s alive?! Please.)
[8:54 p.m.] Invite you inside? Oh my god, yes, and stay FOREVER. PLEASE NEVER LEAVE US AGAIN. If your heart didn’t burst at the nostalgic choice to have him enter whistling “The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B,” then it’s only because you don’t have a heart.
[8:55 p.m.] Forget the rye, she’s coming thro the stones! I want to equal parts nestle Roger up into my lap on that bench and stroke his head and get to the other side of those stones ASAP to see how Bree fares.
Closing Thoughts:
Sing me a song of a Murtagh that is back! Who says you can’t rewrite [Diana Gabaldon’s] history? You’ve heard the mantra: The show is the show and the book is the book. For me, they’ve always been fine existing separately but complementary. But for the record, this is one deviation that has me whistling Boogie Woogie. I have no idea what’s to become of Murtagh or how long we get to enjoy the unmatched charm of Duncan Lacroix, but I’m going to and sop it up with a cast-iron skillet biscuit while I can.
In an episode marked by yet more trauma and death (what’s the death count of Season 4 at thus far? 7?), centralizing our focus onto Jamie and Murtagh’s, and then Claire and Murtagh’s, spirited reunion was like applying soothing balm to a fresh wound. Meanwhile, Roger emoted through the “loss” of Bree and Claire battled more of the painful realities of a history she’d only previously read about, and now has to live through. I have a feeling each and every episode this season will have its fair share of that. But isn’t that like real life? There is drama and trauma and challenge and death, but, thankfully, it’s offset here and there by babies and old friends and funny stories and warm hugs.
Here, here, Outlander – raising a mug of Ian’s procured ale to you for my favorite episode yet, and thanking you for another week of escapist joy. Until next week, friends…
If you’ve missed any of our Season 4 episode recaps, you can catch up with them here:
Episode 4.01: “God Bless America”
Episode 4.02: “Do No Harm”
Episode 4.03: “The False Bride”
Episode 4.04: “Common Ground”
A complete library of recaps from Seasons 2-3 is also available here.
Okay, so I was watching, and suddenly, there’s that voice, and turning around is the handsome Duncan Lacroix, with beautiful silver hair and for a minute I am, “Jamie who?” . This is one of the moments I’ve been waiting for this season. I am at least as happy as Jamie! And, I have completely forgotten what has transpired up to this point, apart from the fact I think I heard bacon mentioned… I’m in a daze…There’s a reason they veered from the books and kept Murtagh alive, and we just witnessed it. And now, even better, Murtagh has learned that Claire returned to Jamie, the bairn was a girl and that Claire is here in NC with Jamie. He is overjoyed! Then some other things happened (I’ve revived my daze). Except, wait! Something terrible has happened to Adewehi?! Grrrrr! Then slipping back into my daze, I know more show must be transpiring but not until I hear BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY OF COMPANY B being whistled that I come back into focus and witness the coming together of Claire and Murtagh, together again, and thrilled! Did Jamie really believe his godfather could stay away from the long-missing Claire? I have found so much joy in this episode, my favorite thus far in this season. Now I’ll go back to watch everything I’ve forgotten, or was too dazed to even comprehend… Hmm… Was that Brianna in a 20th century costume version of 1700’s garb? The second viewing of this episode should be great!
I loved reliving it all through your recap! Thanks for reading and commenting! What’s your count up to now… it’s been 24 hours, so….
Murtagh!!! That’s it for me!! I love this deviation from the book. Thank you to the writers for giving me more time with my favorite ??Duncan Lacroix??
SAME SAME SAME SAME.
Love it Ashley. I do think the Fraser’s also went shopping at Ethan Allen for their dining room chairs. Pretty fancy dancy cabin.
LOL! I’m thinking she brought some stuff from Pottery Barn in the batsuit to help accessorize their new cabin?
Maybe Claire repurposed the batsuit and used them as drapes .. you did she had drapes.
Gotta have a Murtagh!
Great decision to keep him alive and transport him here. There’s lots of Regulator story coming up, and it makes so much sense dramatically to have a character we already know and love to sort out some of it. I don’t know how long we’ll have him, either, but I’m glad we do.
And Adawehi–so sad. I knew it had to come, but I hoped it wouldn’t be so soon. Great episode, great recap.
Now it makes sense when Adawehi told Claire that death would not be her fault.
Welllllllllll, she does have a way of meddling….
Janet, I was not ready to see Tantoo Cardinal’s run on the show end! That was tough to bear. But the sight of Murtagh eased all wounds, as it always does.
We already knew the spoiler that Murtagh was going to be part of Season-4 but not how he would be worked into the story (at least I didn’t see anything about it). Interesting twist that Murtagh is a regulator and all that portends with potential divided loyalties for both Jamie and Murtagh. Really cool. This was a major deviation from the books where Murtagh died in the battle – so not only was he at Ardsmuir with Jamie – he’s now in the new world with him. I like it though.
I love any new world that still has room for an old friend like Murtagh. Best reunion scene this show has produced. Yes, I said it.
This episode….gah! As usual, your recap made me LOL. Fraser’s Ridge reveal was great, coming soon to a Target near you. And, #SilverFox, indeed!! Can we just bask in this awesome moment, so long in coming. The speech, though—I think the word count must have been greater than all of Murtagh’s lines in seasons 1-3 combined. Please stay forever! And I’ll no mind if some blue face paint appears at some point. Great job recapping! Favorite episode, by far.
Coming to a Target near you – LOL! Oh good, I was looking for more ways to spend money at Target. Because I don’t spend enough there already, said no one ever. Except my friend who shall remain unnamed (cough*NIKKI*cough) who does not shop at Target. She will be buying the Fraser’s Ridge collection from Amazon instead.
And you are so right about his word count! That’s the most words I’d heard the man string together without grunting.
Hi Ashley,
Loved your recap! I swear, you make me laugh.
Oh, I can’t tell you how much I loved this episode. Murtagh’s back. Yes! It’s about time.
How much do I love him. I actually felt my heart melt when I heard his voice with his reunion with Jamie. After seeing so many strangers with Jamie and Claire in Season 4, it was like coming home.
When he started whistling “Boogie, Woogie Boy Of Company B” and Claire turned around, it brought back memories of The Search and how Claire and Murtagh started to bond over their love of Jamie.
Thank you, thank you!
Some more thoughts: Felt so sorry for Claire’s new friend. God, everytime somebody mentions the word “witch” in the Outlander universe, it never ends well. Not for Claire or her friends.
Did you see how exhausted Claire looked doing all of those farm chores? In three seasons of her nursing, being a doctor, or doing anything else, I’ve never seen her look that tired.
Wow, Frazier’s Ridge is right out of Country Living Magazine. Stunning!
I really enjoyed this episode, and it quite reminded me of “Sarah Plain And Tall” in spirit at least.
I can’t wait for next week: Loved seeing Bree go through the stones–hey, that dress she was wearing didn’t look like authentic period dress to me. Did it to you?
Can’t WAIT to see Lord John and Willie as per the coming attractions.
I’m so excited.
Dawn
Dawn, your weekly comments are as welcome an addition to my daily life as these episodes themselves. Please keep them coming!
I can’t remember the name of the old Ardsmuir guy that ends up marrying Jocasta but I thought that’s where Murtagh would appear in Season-4, maybe still will but being a regulator puts a different spin on it.
I wonder if the scene with Willie and the snake in the outhouse will make it into the story?
Glenn, yes! This has been a popular theory I’ve heard since Murtagh was spared his book fate – that maybe he replaces Duncan Innes (the character you mention). At this point, I’m excited to see how they weave all of this together!
Ashley – You are hilarious; you had me laughing most of the time I was reading your recap. I enjoyed reading this almost as much as watching Episode 405. Keep up the good work!
Susan, your message just greeted me after a hard day at work like I’m claire in PJs on the porch launching into Jamie’s hug. Thank you!
Ha, ha, Cowgirl Claire! Jamie’s face when Murtagh turns around, oof, so good, then tears. I’ve rewatched the episode 3 times and the reunion more… fabulous as usual Ashley!
I truly could just watch the greatest hits of characters turning around in this past episode. It’s more than my heart can handle, so I test it by watching it again and again. Fabulous, Ginny, is you for reading and commenting!
First time leaving a comment here:
I just love this season and I’m gonna re-watch the hell out of it. Loved this episode, so glad Murtagh is back, I like that he’s a no nonsense character. I was staggered to see Adewehi’s scalp or whatever that was, just a cruel way to go, definitely did not see that coming. I love the fact that they are showing Claire as a doctor and a housewife/farmer. Also, I feel like giving Roger the biggest hug there is. Poor lad looked so heart broken. Looking forward to see Bree’s adventures in the 1700s (I am guessing there will be adventures, non book reader here). As far as GBG goes: GOOD: Bree going through the stones, BAD: The redness of Murtagh’s cheeks in the scenes with Ian, wth?!?, GREAT: Murtagh being back!!! Yeah baby!
Lots of love from Europe. 🙂
Nancy, welcome, first-timer! I love your comments and appreciate that you took the time to read my humble ramblings and give your own thoughts. I hope you’ll come back week after week to provide more! Now I’m off to get my Silver Fox fix of the day.
Thanks! I sure will come back, I need a place to rant about all things Outlander and you have a great community here. Also wanted to say, great job on recap, love your sense of humor.
Thank you so much! My mom has often wondered if I came from the factory without a filter. But it glad you don’t seem to mind.
OH HOW I LOVED THIS REUNION!
Seeing them with each other again was the best scene so far this season…love the #silverfox. I, too, am a fan of this change–so, so good…and that line by Ian–“you know this old coot, Uncle Jamie?!” I thought that was hilarious.
They did a good job with his wig, so are why are they so hell-bent on those Jamie-bangs?! #nomorebangs
I want to live in that cozy cabin. Where did all these things come from?! Lots of trips to the big city. Aahhh…the magic of television–I did love it.
Love your humor, Ashley!
Why thank you, Rosina! For your sweet comments, and for reading and taking the time to leave the comments. I’m more convinced than ever that she brought back some home decor touches in the batsuit. And I had the SAME thought about the wig! His looks so natural! I want to live in that cabin… with an aged Murtagh. There, I said it. Knock if you need us.
I’m new to your blog, but I’m looking forward to your recaps almost as much as I look forward to each new episode! Love having Murtagh back and that he’s found his voice! Don’t know about his character taking Duncan Innes place and marrying Jocasta. As I recall from the books, she was a staunch royalist! Keep ’em coming, Ashley!
Cathy, you keep ’em coming… your comments that is! Love seeing your name pop up here. But Murtagh popping up………. be still my heart.
Ashley, I enjoyed the comments very much. Later, in bed, I thought of how hot-headed Herr Mueller brought ruination to himself and his family. Measles germs can travel on your clothes. His children had no antibodies against the disease and the baby did not of course, so he and his son brought the disease home. The Indians had no knowledge of the germ theory, nor did Mueller, so any sprinkling of the fast-moving stream was ineffective. (I don’t think he was blessing the creek.) Mueller’s hot-headed fury of revenge brought death and destruction. Jamie had said Mueller had the mentality of Clarence, the mule. How true.
So true! Act first, think later – an approach that has failed for generations upon generations. You couldn’t help but yell at the screen as you saw it all unfold. But days later, it’s the reappearance of Murtagh and how it overshadowed all other story lines within that episode that is still dancing around in my brain.