Want to relive the Outlander Season 4 finale episode? We do a minute-by-minute reaction to “Man of Worth.”
[8:00 p.m.] I’m no prophet but starting the episode with a song long reserved exclusively for the most intense of losses is not, perhaps, the best sign of where the next 60 minutes of our lives are headed. Please let us be wrong. Please let us be wrong.
[8:01 p.m.] I’ve never thought of myself as a time traveler, but this season has made me rethink that. Because rounding second base with a set of standing stones is the only plausible scenario for feeling like I watched the premiere, blinked, looked up and found us already at the end of Season 4.
[8:03 p.m.] They found the Mohawk camp! It took longer than anticipated, but sometimes Waze can do you like that.
[8:05 p.m.] These Mohawk frat boys can pretend not to care for Roger, but they valued him enough to take the time to give him a real frat house name and everything, so they care.
[8:06 p.m.] “What is he to you that you’d come all this way?” Oh, you know, just a chance to salvage both what’s left of the brand-new relationship with my daughter and any shot in hell that I could bear to live with myself should something happen to him.
[8:07 p.m.] I love that, to get Roger back, the Frasers are unveiling their own QVC of sorts. Call now and we’ll throw in a second set of pots and pans for free! Although, now that the trade is going the other way, a necklace for a man doesn’t sound that great. I’d at least ask for a matching bracelets and earrings.
[8:08 p.m.] That Hope Diamond necklace of Claire’s has mucked the whole deal all to hell, but I love that this woman is like, “yes yes, she must go, spawn of evil and whatnot… but can I get a deal on that scarf first?”
[8:09 p.m.] Murtagh’s going after that roast like a man on death row eating his last meal. What, too soon?
[8:10 p.m.] “I’m no an easy man to kill.” And thank to be all things Outlander holy for that. Of all the twists and deviations of this season, and series as a whole, sparing Murtagh’s life so that we might all enjoy an abundance of Duncan LaCroix is by far my favorite.
[8:11 p.m.] “I think it’s best that you don’t stay in one place too long.” Best line ever for family who are threatening to overstay their welcome. I’m making a mental note for next Thanksgiving.
[8:12 p.m.] Poor Murtagh, he gets thrown in jail for a few days and finds that, to quote Hamilton, the world has turned upside down. Can you imagine the mental gymnastics involved with trying to figure out how Bree got engaged to Lord John?
[8:13 p.m.] Bree, get used to those nagging doubts about being a mother. They’ll be with you for the next 20 years or so.
[8:14 p.m.] I really thought she was going to say “we’re here for the scarf.” Girl was eyeing that accessory like Claire was her own personal Stitch Fix that finally arrived after a postal delay.
[8:15 p.m.] Of all the things I thought we would focus on in this episode, accessories was not one of them.
[8:16 p.m.] A story of a time traveler bringing chaos into a village and Jamie’s all like, tell me about it.
[8:18 p.m.] Does anyone have a literal Outlander headcount? I think we’re at three severed heads in four seasons.
[8:19 p.m.] He buried it far, far away – like 800 miles away? I can’t even hide Christmas presents with any level of confidence that prying eyes won’t find them, but I guess maybe I need to expand my range a bit. Then again, Claire found it, sooo…
[8:20 p.m.] Yes, Bree proposed to Lord John. Until this moment, women studying at universities was the craziest thing Murtagh had heard.
[8:21 p.m.] She forgave her father and that makes me equal parts squishy and relieved and also believe heartily in the impactful merits of art therapy. All that sketching did a pregnant lassie good. Do adult coloring books have the same effect?
[8:22 p.m.] Camp raids in the middle of the night….just like the old days before Culloden. I hope there are s’mores! Also, this one time at band camp…never mind…
[8:23p.m.] “It’s Jamie… he won’t hurt you.” Um, YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?
[8:24 p.m.] Oh hell. Roger’s right… YOU SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT THE WHOLE MACKENZIE CLAN.
[8:25 p.m.] Ohhh, I love it when they do the three-legged races at camp! Also, this scene feels like one of the New York street magician tricks – ball under the cup, slide, slide, slide, now where is it? I keep trying to follow the bright light to keep up, but it’s not working. I can’t for the life of me track who’s hitting who, where the punches are landing and how they’re faring. I’ll just go ahead and assume that since it’s Outlander, not well.
[8:26 p.m.] Claire looks equally confused, which is not good given that she may need to help at some point.
[8:27 p.m.] “You outsiders are not the reason for the strife. The pain and disharmony caused by Otter Tooth has always been with us.” This feels topical.
[8:28 p.m.] Kids grow up so fast. One minute they’re feeling up a girl in your Print Shop and the next they are trading their life for an in-law.
[8:29 p.m.] Can we go ahead and just call him Ian now – no Wee or Young needed? He’s a man. An honest to God man with his own identity capable of making selfless, grown-up decisions such as these that affect himself and, more importantly, others.
[8:30 p.m.] Ian’s all, “Um you got this with my mom? Cool. Tell her I’ll write.”
[8:31 p.m.] But seriously, I can’t imagine how exactly you’d be able to turn and walk away. Or better yet, be the one to to watch them leave you behind uncertain as to the implications of your choice. Sigh. Bye Ian, indeed. And I thought dropping a kid off at college would be tough.
[8:33 p.m.] “Whisky is hard to come by in the new world.” Necessity is the mother of invention and that’s why I’m bringing you Regulator Rye – a smooth, easy drinking whisky made with American grains and pure mountain water by a Scot who knows damned well what he’s doing.
[8:34 p.m.] These two are about three verbal burns away from their own butler’s pantry moment. Or more… Having just watched European Vacation with my family, I am reminded of the conversation between Russ and Clark. “He’s going to pork her, dad. He’s not not going to pork her, Russ…he might pork her.”
[8:35 p.m.] Silver Fox indeed. I’d say it’s a shame Aunt Jocasta is blind, but I’m assuming Murtagh’s not complaining that the woman compensates for that by doubling down on her ability to see with her hands. Jocasta didn’t need Ulysses to help her find her way around the bedroom last night.
[8:36 p.m.] Who could have thought that Ian would have navigated the gauntlet easier than Jamie is navigating this “reunion” with Roger.
[8.37 p.m.] I love that the path to becoming a welcomed Mohawk is paved with an episode of American Ninja Warrior.
[8:38 p.m.] Ian left his homeland and has trekked over so much land and sea with a wanderer’s heart and soul and, here among the Natives, this fair-skinned ginger Scottish lad finally found his tribe. We should all be so lucky, I mean without all that bargaining yourself to save another man’s life stuff, of course.
[8:39 p.m.] I guess Roger the gimp found his second wind. The scholarly historian packs quite the punch. I can’t help but wonder if Claire is standing there looking at these two men lying on the ground calculating the first aid that will be required to patch them up. You two done?
[8:40 p.m.] Outlander misunderstandings are just bigger, Roger. It’s a fact that you’ll have to accept if you choose to remain among Clan Fraser. Also, y’all better work this out because the Mohawk said that all sales are final.
[8:41 p.m.] Brianna was attacked. Gasp. By Stephen Bonnet. Gulp. She’s pregnant. Blank stare. But wait there’s more!
[8:43 p.m.] You think I would leave her? Well, History Professor, history would show us that, yes, you just might leave her.
[8:44 p.m.] It’s one thing to go up against Momma Fraser or Daddy Fraser but to stare them both down at once must be terrifying. To see Jamie and Claire united in defense of and fierce love for their daughter is…why is my face leaking?!
[8:45 p.m.] Roger, here’s a previously used Outlander response that would not work well in this moment, ”that amount of time doesn’t exist.”
[8:46 p.m.] Wait, are they parting ways? Or does he intend to take the time he needs by sticking with them, sleeping in that giant REI tent with his in-laws within earshot?
[8:47 p.m.] Jocasta postdating a birth certificate like my 20-year old self postdating checks with likely equal effectiveness.
[8:48 p.m.] That baby grew as quickly as Fraser’s Ridge was erected. He’s two months old today and, technically, hasn’t yet been born according to Jocasta’s special brand of birthday math.
[8:49 p.m.] You didn’t bring Roger back with you? Then it looks like I’m marrying a gay man who is in love with one or both of you and who also happens to be the father of my brother. The family tree will be complicated.
[8:50 p.m.] Seriously, where’s Roger? Did they neglect to give him directions to River Run? Did he stop at the packie store on the way in to grab a bottle of wine? Think he needs to come bearing a ham? So many questions. Just get here already, lad.
[8:51 p.m.] Yes, please, Murtagh’s eyebrows tell me a story.
[8:52 p.m.] Claire wants to bring Bree home to Fraser’s Ridge (a la Season 2 Claire). It’s a reminder that home and family are as powerful a healer as Claire’s herbs.
[8:53 p.m.] These Fraser women have a way of squaring themselves against disappointments and failures and steeling their eyes on the horizon and whatever lies just beyond it. Because that’s what mothers do – they put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. Even when it hurts the most.
[8:54 p.m.] Smart man stayed behind for a horse. That does make him stubborn, but also not a fool.
[8:55 p.m.] There will forever be a special place in my heart for men who father children that they did not father. And yes, that’s a nod to you, Frank Randall. It’s the only one you’ll ever get from me.
[8:56 p.m.] Jamie’s all, ummmm – putting a pin in this. No time right now, but we’ll be re-grouping on this later.
[8:57 p.m.] Jamie, please make Gov. Tryon an offer he can’t refuse. Because nobody crosses The Godfather.
Closing Thoughts:
Nikki: And with that another Season of Outlander is in the books. There was so much to love about the season but I think that my big takeaway will be the importance of family and our family’s ability to buoy us in times of need, struggle, or indecision. And like family, this season was not perfect. No one person liked everything. Despite that, I hope that we can all agree that we saw characters grow and change and develop into people that we want to see again next season.
Speaking of family, to sit among this group of people from around the country who have come together ONLY because of their love for a series of books that gave birth to a show is like witnessing the formation of a family. We don’t look the same and we don’t sound the same, but we are all here because we love the same thing. To those of you who are here and to those of you around the world, who listen to the podcast, participate in the Outlander Cast Clan Facebook page, and read our blogs, thank you. Thank you for being part of our Outlander family. We love you. We appreciate you. We love making this journey with you.
Ashley: I know the title of this episode refers to all the men redeeming themselves, but in the end, it also described itself. This episode of worth only made my feelings for this truly enjoyable season grow stronger. Perhaps having a final story time hour with all my favorite characters that served as the culmination of such a season made me like it as much as I did. Maybe it was the way they did the required season finale thing of tying it all up with a bow, except this time without it feeling equivalent to shoving as many tray-passed appetizers down my throat as I can before the party stops serving food (true story, that just happened). Were there critical pieces missing in this episode? Certainly. Were there flaws in the season as a whole? You bet. But does it matter? Absolutely not. Because if I ever find myself so harsh a critic that I can’t find pure escapist (but also relatable) joy in seeing emotional choices made, relationships mended, babies born, love pursued at any age and, most importantly, families sticking together no matter the mess that befalls them – all within the course of 60 minutes – then I’m left with one nagging question. Why the heck do I even bother watching?
Thank you all immensely for your patronage of this season – of these recaps, for sure, but also of our Outlander Cast podcast, online community, social channels and everywhere else you lend your support and excitable energy to a book series and/or show that unites us all. It’s a level of trust we do not take for granted. While Season 4 has officially gone dark, via new content served regularly during that dim in-between time, we will forever keep the lights on for you should you want to come nestle in our corner of this great big fandom and banter about the world of Outlander. Until next season, 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”
Episode 4.05: “Savages”
Episode 4.06: “Blood of My Blood”
Episode 4.07: “Down the Rabbit Hole”
Episode 4.08: “Wilmington”
Episode 4.09: “The Birds & The Bees”
Episode 4.10: “The Deep Heart’s Core”
Episode 4.11: “If Not For Hope”
Episode 4.12: “Providence”
A complete library of recaps from Seasons 2-3 is also available here.
If you like Ashley’s minute-by-minute episode recaps, the fun continues at All Souls Witchy Women, a blog and podcast formed by three women on our staff who met over Outlander and then jumped into the All Souls trilogy like the time-traveling witches they wish they were. Ashley and Nikki are dishing up recaps on the new series, A Discovery of Witches. We’d love to have you!
Thank you so much for these recaps. They always make me laugh out loud and often LMAO…sometimes at work….my favorites this week include:
[8:16 p.m.] A story of a time traveler bringing chaos into a village and Jamie’s all like, tell me about it.
[8:21 p.m.] … All that sketching did a pregnant lassie good. Do adult coloring books have the same effect?
[8.37 p.m.] I love that the path to becoming a welcomed Mohawk is paved with an episode of American Ninja Warrior.
[8:41 p.m.] Brianna was attacked. Gasp. By Stephen Bonnet. Gulp. She’s pregnant. Blank stare. But wait there’s more!
Wendee – I love you giving us a highlights reel of sorts! If they make you laugh, then our job is worth it. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Coming soon…. an updated S4 work excuses Outlander gave us post… so you can justify any questionable behavior at work with a nod to your favorite TV show.
Ashley, how I absolutely look forward to your words! Thank you for your work each season, and I truly appreciate it. We’re lucky to have your weekly, witty takes!
Loved that they used the “Faith” theme music over “Previously…” (even though it often portends sorrow), and how about 1970’s Otter Tooth’s (with a full head of hair) reaction to the child playing the Native falling dead in front of him after being ‘shot’ by the child playing the cowboy in this title card? In my mind, could’ve been the last straw for him and what sent him through the stones, back in time to warn his ancestors!
Welcome back Jamie, Claire and Ian! With a wink and a nod, now “The Man” Ian, sent into negotiations. But oh jeez, Claire just HAD to show off her HSN clearance necklace and in one fell swoop has undone The Man’s hard work. Thanks a lot, Claire! The Mohawk do no accept home shopping jewelry, thank you very much, and you are free to go, NOW!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch… Murtagh has that, “I’m goin’ in!” look on his face as he looks up at River Run, and I’m really interested in that meaning for a number of reasons. Hoping the lady of the house available, and you know the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! Picking up where we left off months ago, with mere hand-holding, and even back then thought something might have been stirred during that first meeting…
“Dinna fash”, to Jocasta, Murtagh-style! Dreamy! But when he says, “She canna marry a Redcoat!”, notice Ulysses clasped hands, standing behind Jocasta, turn to dropped to his sides, clenched fists?, as in ready to spring into action to Jocasta’s defense at any moment!
Over the season, those circular metal rings scattered on clothing, as Adawehi had on her shirt’s left shoulder, or Ian’s coat lapel, and now all over this Native woman’s vest, are starting to remind me of decades ago and earned badges for a Girl Scout sash… Okay, a thousand years ago… 😉 Anyone know what the story behind them is? I haven’t explored…
BTW, listening to the Native Woman’s speech and intonation reminds me of Mary McDonnell as Stands With a Fist in “Dances With Wolves”! Leave it to a woman to be the brave one leading a group of those who believe the truth of what Otter Tooth was foreshadowing! And, I like her character a lot!
Very importantly, Brianna refers to Jamie as, “Da” in her conversation with Murtagh. She really HAS forgiven him…
Just as the clean getaway is about to be made, Blue Jacket Native shows up to spoil things, and Native Woman tries to plead their case. My imagination thinks there’s a “thing” between the two of them, as in she’s turned him down any number of times and now this is “getting her back” for that. I am struck by how much she is reeeeally on Team Fraser, and how fantastic is her prowess as a fighter! So glad to see Sam get a tiny bit of action sequence before the season is over, clearing a path for Claire and the hobbled Roger (nobody yells out fight scene sounds like Sam!).
Please, do not let this be the last we see of this Native Woman!!
Sam! You are just such a great, subtle actor! Without a word, he beautifully conveys fear turning to relief as the Chief announces that the Outsiders are not to blame and will be allowed to leave. And then in next instant upon hearing that will be sans Roger, his face expresses, again before uttering a word, that he has something different in mind.
Next unfolds another very “Last of the Mohicans” moment (also earlier when they were canoeing down the river with the Mohawk) with Ian’s me-for-him trade, but luckily without the same results as LOTM to come. Watching Ian and Jamie’s exchange was gut-wrenchingly beautiful. The performance between these two, gets my vote as the finest of this episode!
Except for maybe… Yessss! What I was alluding to earlier… Murtagh and Jocasta! Oh baby! They can give each other a run for their money in their banter, and then it’s the next morning with Jocasta displaying afterglow, and Murtagh is not quite ready to go down to breakfast. “Come back to bed…” ! Ab-so-lutely! Mr. LaCroix you are one handsome guy, lounging back, shirtless, on a bed looks good on you, and am hopeful for this to be a book change for seasons to come. In the backstory my my mind imagines, I think Jocasta always had a thing for Murtagh back in the days he was wooing her sister Ellen, you know, her “father’s favorite”, but never stood a chance because he loved Ellen. In the S4 E13 Inside the World, Matt Roberts expresses, “This is something we can build on going forward, we have plans!”, and Maril Davis teases, “This is the most important part of the whole episode!”. THIS really makes me happy!
Loved the determination with which Ian The Man makes it through The Gauntlet, and that they show him gleeful in what is to come. As he told Jamie, he HAS chosen this!
Claire’s hands on hips demeanor in the next scene felt really callous. As in she is so put out or exasperated! And then folded arms during the next bits. Now back to hands on hips. Doesn’t seem fitting considering all Roger is expressing, going through (has GONE through), and expected to digest all at once. Disappointed it was portrayed this way.
As always, I’m not married to the books, but the lack of Claire and Jamie (and the ensuing Brianna and Jamie bonding) during the birthing portion of the book feels like a very important missed opportunity, that now tv series-only people will never know. A shame… Awww, but we gained a pacing Murtagh, and that isn’t all bad! And finally, a scene where Lizzie is only looking on, isn’t TALKING, isn’t wreaking havoc on the countryside! Yippe-skippee!
I get that Brianna is looking for, and is disappointed when she doesn’t see, Roger, but after all these months apart there is no embrace, or “Here, hold your grandson!” between her and her parents?! Really? Didn’t feel authentic to me, but stiff and unnatural. Especially since we were deprived of what the birthing moments could’ve been. Also, this would’ve been a great opportunity for Brianna to show Jamie the forgiveness she expressed to Murtagh in an earlier scene. More lost opportunities to me. I must say though, take a look at when Jamie comes up behind Claire, even after that long, arduous trip, he is looking the most rested (aka amazingly handsome) he probably has all season 😉
More mute Lizzie. Yay!
Murtagh and Jamie, up close, heads together! Swoon-worthy! 😀
Nice jog, Bree! Just like your parents running to each other on the beach last season. Sophie is honestly very good in this scene. And there it is, “Take me to see my son”, to her relief.
Love, love, LOVE the side eye Jamie gives the Murtagh-Jocasta huddle, then over to Claire, then Claire to the huddle, before Murtagh is whisked away by Ulysses. Jamie just might be relieved that for once it’s not him who’s “Got some ‘splainin’ to do”.
Glad they didn’t end the season with what Toni Graphia said was her intended cliffhanger of Brianna asking J&C, sans Roger, “Where’s Roger?” and cut to black. With what were the ups and downs of S4, for me, that would’ve been such a low blow. Of course, the cliffhanger we are left with is not IF Jamie will kill Murtagh (seriously?), but how he will get away with NOT killing him!
These are my thoughts (not right or wrong, just mine), disappointments and appreciations, and not even remotely an attempt to make me the arbiter to sway others. All in all, while not a book purist, I AM a Jamie and Claire-centric enthusiast, as promised by Ron Moore, and make no apologies. This finale was a prime example of what I’m talking about, how that can be accomplished. That it CAN be done. For my preferences, I hope the writers and TPTB have that in mind for upcoming seasons. Don’t think that’s asking too much, and I believe loyal fans have earned it…
I continue to be such a devout fan of Outlander, despite what were the personal drawbacks for me in S4, and like all others only wish there was more of it! Never cared enough to voice an opinion on a program before it. I critique because I LOVE! It’s exhausting, but I have plennnnty of time to rest up! Droughtlander, it is the deepest cut of all! 🙁
Take care, and thanks for your indulgence, Ashley!
Oops! Meant 1960’s Otter Tooth…
Is it just me wondering how the heck he got that name? His teeth looked lovely. Roger got dogface b/c of his furry beard, but poor Otter Tooth…
The circles on the Cherokee and Mohawk clothing are trade trinkets the settlers/soldiers used, which the natives used to decorate their clothing. The Mohawk chief had pins on his clothing, too, but a lot of them were in different shapes and designs, due to his higher status.
Oh, that’s so interesting! Knew someone would have the answer. Yes, saw that the Chief had them as well. Thanks so much for your time, Janet!
Fun to read your post. I also thought that there really should have been a moment between Brianna and Jamie because when Jamie left, Brianna was angry with him and he was so worried about his relationship with her. He needs to hear that she isn’t angry or she needs to tell him she’s sorry for her words and that he wasn’t to blame. At least she gives him a smile and little nod at the dinner table. Maybe in the next episode, they’ll be scene between the two.
I liked that Claire had her hands on her hips after Roger stops hitting Jaime. She is upset that Roger striking Jaime went on so long or happened at all. In the moments after Roger starts hitting Jaime, she turns away almost flinching because of course it’s too painful for her to see and hear Jamie being hurt like that. So she’s irritated with Roger at the end of it.
Interesting and so true that the Indian woman sounded like Stands With a Fist from Dances with Wolves.
One of the reviewers of this episode said that Jaime saying “I will return to you Sassenach” was a mantra of the series. But Jaime never says that in the series to this point, unless I’m wrong, but I don’t remember it. In the two scenes where he leaves (Episode “Lallybroch,” and “Mark of the Devil”), Claire tells him to come back to her, and his replies are more nuanced and heartfelt then a pronouncement that he will return.
I mean fun to read your post “Kimber.”
I LOVE the Dances with Wolves references here and can’t believe I didn’t connect it! It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. Claire’s turning away at the beating was hilarious, but so understandable. Like… *cringe* they’re going to do this, it’s inevitable but *cringe*.
I don’t think Jamie ever says those words exactly, but that sentiment is played out repeatedly in this series. The “we’re parting… don’t worry, I will find ye” type dialogue. I can think of a few times. They’re always splitting up for long bouts then reuniting! MUCH LIKE US FANS WITH LENGTHY DROUGHTLANDERS. Hehe
I distinctly heard Claire thinking “testosterone poisoning.”
I know what you mean. I love when Jamie and Claire always either say or imply that they will come back to each other again or are fearful that they may lose each other. The soulmates that they are, the thought or reality that one may lose the other is almost too much to bear. I was just a little defensive at the reviewer perhaps implying it was repetitive that they say that. I never tire of hearing them tell reaffirm to each other that they will not be parted. I loved Claire’s “What!” when Jamie says he’ll give himself to the Mohawk. I felt Claire saying, no, no, that she can imagine she might never see him again.
Have Sam and Cait talked about Season 5? I read that they have but wondered if you know if they said anything about being in the center of the narrative/action throughout?
I’m going to Scotland for the first time this year in late May for three weeks on a hike of the West Highlands Trail from Glasgow to Fort William (and a day trip to the isle of Skye) and doing an Outlander tour from Inverness. I’d love to perhaps see them filming but have no idea where to look for that. Maybe I’ll get lucky.
I’m sorry, I know what you mean “Ashley.”
Thank YOU for indulging us with your thoughtful comments each week! I enjoy them so.
Ashley, thanks for another great recap. I love: Roger facing off two Frasers being daunting. I love that scene. “Our daughter.” Indeed. Jamie never takes his eyes off Roger. Intense. Sam Heughan is riveting in that scene. I’m looking forward to next season and hoping that it’s Claire/Jamie centered. Thanks again for all your recaps this season.
The “our daughter” bit with both of them looming large and in charge did me in. Hell hath no fury like someone messing with your baby. For sure. Thanks for all the time you spent reading and commenting – so appreciative!
[8:39 p.m.] I guess Roger the gimp found his second wind. The scholarly historian packs quite the punch. I can’t help but wonder if Claire is standing there looking at these two men lying on the ground calculating the first aid that will be required to patch them up. You two done?
I have to think Claire was thinking what she said to Brianna in the book, when the two men were grappling with each other after Roger returned to the Ridge: It’s a case of “Testosterone poisoning.”
I enjoyed this recap immensely. I didn’t mind the birthing scene being changed, really. What I missed was Roger meeting his son and giving the “blood of my blood” speech to claim him as his. Because of the way the cliffhanger was presented, I have hope that we may still see it. Maril Davis has said in a published piece that they wanted to keep all of the Gathering scenes together, indicating we will see it portrayed in Season 5, so, maybe then?
Jocasta and Murtagh. Laughed out loud (and so did my husband) when we saw him in her bed. She was Ellen’s younger sister, so I can see Jocasta may have had a crush on her beau. And Jamie said she looks a lot like his mother, no? I loved it. If there’s one change I am very happy with, it’s keeping Murtagh around for a while. Love Duncan LaCroix’s portrayal.
I’ll miss these recaps, but I hope you’ll find a few things to share with us during our long dry spell of Droughtlander. Thanks for all the chuckles!
Janet, I hope I’ll find a few things to share with you as well! It occupies my brain during Droughtlander but, most importantly, gives me a reason to come on here and connect with you fabulous people who’ve given these recaps the time of day. Testosterone poisoning just did me in. Hahahaha! And I hope you’re right regarding the Gathering scenes. I wanted others to have a moment with that squishy cute baby, but know we will get that next season. Thank you again and again!
Hi Ashley and Nikki!
I just love your recaps. Thanks for the giggle with the adult coloring books. (I just love them, wink. I
can only hope they are cathartic)
I totally saw this episode as Ian’s episode. In my opinion, he really was the only one of the men who
really wanted to make amends to Bree.
Jamie and Roger, while they love Bree, didn’t really seem to respect her as an independent woman that could make her own choices, or seek her own empowerment. At the end of the episode Jamie still asked after Bonnet wanting to kill him himself, and Roger…Well, it didn’t show that he got over his core attitude either.
He didn’t seem to break away from his male chauvinism.
Maybe this was a fault in the writing, or direction or show telling, I don’t know. But if they tried the same storyline in past seasons with Claire, then there would have been hell to pay for the men. I’m just saying…
Ian was the one at the start pointed out the similarities between the Highlanders and Native Americans. I believe it was no accident that Ian could fight so well and passionately in his “fight test” with the Mohawk while Roger failed miserably.
There was something passionate and almost noble about Ian on a primal level. He was not fighting for himself, but for a higher cause.
It was adorable he was so happy when the Mohawk made them one of their own. You could totally see it.
I want to see more of Ian in the future.
It was a sad “bye Ian” moment and I am so glad that Diana and the writers fought for the Jamie/Ian scene in the graveyard in America The Beautiful.
Ian went from a boy, to a man this season.
I’m sorry we didn’t get to see him more. I’ll miss him.
I just love the character.
Now, Jamie’s going to be fighting for the British in Season 4 and upcoming seasons. Wow, so much for Claire saying that she didn’t have an attachment to England.
Guess she was wrong about that.
John Bell killed it! I keep going back and watching his face change from a boy’s to a man’s, almost in the course of this single episode. What a gem. He finally had a story line this episode that wasn’t just him going to do a farm chore and then returning two episodes later. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
I just wanted to add about this scene with Jamie and Ian. It was so heartbreaking. They both were so good. But Sam just did me in with his performance. I don’t think I’ve seen Jamie essentially fall apart like that–his lip trembling, the single tear, and then as the two of them step apart, Jamie looks devastated but holds it together enough to bow. In the next moment though, he bends his head and begins to break down. All the while Claire is focused on Jamie (and the camera focuses on her face) and is crying with him. Claire feels Jamie’s anguish so pointedly as if there is no space between them. The love comes through so clearly. Just brilliant.
Oops! I forgot all about the Murtaugh/Jocasta storyline. I totally wish there was an edit button on this.
I thought it was so cute!!!
There was so much tension between them all throughout, it was so cute going from seeing Jo throw a drink in Murtaugh’s face to the afterglow.
I seriously do hope there is more Jamie/Claire next season.
I missed them and their passion–Bree and Roger were just a boring boring substitute. Would it have killed the Powers-That-Be to have a hot sex scene between Jamie and Claire?
I want to see more Lord John too. I was missing him a lot this episode.
I was glad to see that one of the original writers wrote this episode. I am currently rewatching previous episodes, and I can really see the difference.
I agree about one of the original writers (Tony Graphia) writing this episode. I don’t think that any of the original writers from Season 1 are still with Outlander. I also hope to see an intimate (or two) love scenes with Claire and Jamie in Season 5 and more of the intimacy/closeness we saw in certain episodes of Season 4. Because we’ve seen the incredible passion for one another in their love scenes, even the small gestures with each other are sexy. My take on Jamie looking so relaxed at the end (and Jamie looking at Clair ever so longingly after Claire hands the baby to Jocasta) is that they’ve had much alone time on their way back home to enjoy each other fully and often.
Ashlee you need to move to Scotland permanently and have the writers from Outlander hire you. Your comments are a delight, they make me lol. A thourougly good time is in the making. Love you ? Sharon Jones Albuquerque fan
Sharon, your lips to God’s ears, my friend. Wouldn’t that be amazing… totally not plausible, but fun to dream, right? I’m so glad that my/our writing finds a soft spot with you.
Thanks for another season of hilarious recaps.
You are most welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. It made the time I spent ignoring my family to snark at a TV all worth it. Now just tell them that.
Hey Ashley, I just wanted to say thanks for bringing us these weekly recaps, it makes watching Outlander more fun and it feeds my outlandish obsession. I look forward to the next season and more of your genius commentary.
Let the Droughtlander begin. Until next season, bye.
Nancy, is it okay to still be in denial that the season is over? It ended with such a strong episode that I find myself more affected and rocking in the fetal position than I anticipated. Here’s hoping I can find something to throw at you to fill the drought. This blog as a whole absolutely will – we’ve got some fun things planned so please come back!
Love the recap and comments. Although I did enjoy this episode more than others this season, I still find Roger annoying and Brianna very stiff. Even their reunion was dull. And the scene with Claire, Jamie and Bree didn’t seem authentic…Jamie standing silently in the background with his grandson right there..?? No embrace with Bree or the baby??
Love Ian…and I think the writers should have included the fact that Ian likes an Indian girl, which is why he wants to stay.
Love Murtagh and Jocasta…they have much more chemistry than Roger and Bree.
Truly hoping, praying and begging that Jamie and Claire’s passionate relationship be the center and focus of upcoming seasons.
With your comments, I know we have so much to look forward to with season 5 and beyond! Thank you so much for reading and for your kind comments, Tina.
Hi Tina! I am so with YOU, ’cause I’m hoping, praying and yes, even begging for a J&C-centric seasons to come! You know, what I believe to be the key to the Outlander success. From our lips to TPTB’s ears, eh?
Yes! I agree, Ladies. On all of it.
I totally agree, Roger/Bree was dull, dull, dull. I was thinking it was just me. I want to like them
together, but you can’t force chemistry.
I think Bree has more chemistry with John Grey or even Ian, for God’s sake.
I agree, the scenes with the baby were almost just thrown in there: The baby didn’t even have a
name, and was almost treated as a prop in the scenes.
Please, please, please, let’s have a Jamie/Claire focused scene: And please include some passion
and sex. It is so much a part of who they both are as a couple, it feels inauthentic and ingenuous to
totally omit it within Jamie and Claire scenes.
Anyone notice the Chief and banished woman both wore same triangular earring?
In the scene when Jocasta throws her beverage in Murtaugh’s face (nothing like a little foreplay, eh?), did I hear her correctly when she confessed to loving Murtaugh? To paraphrase J. Geils’ song: She (Jocasta) loves him (Murtaugh), and he (Murtaugh) loves her (Ellen), and she (Ellen) loves somebody else (Brian), you just can’t win, LOVE STINKS, YEAH YEAH…. And when J & C get back to River Run, maybe they couldn’t talk a whole lot in front of Jocasta, as she doesn’t know (like the rest of them do) about the time travel aspect of everyone involved? And Jamie didn’t know how Bree felt toward him yet. It did seem a bit wooden, like, doesn’t anyone talk to each other? Like why Roger wasn’t there too? But all in all, a pretty decent show, hard to pick and choose how much to include from the fabulous books. Both are enjoyable in their own respects.
Hello all!
You may have already heard, but if not, it’s being announced that both Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe will be new producers of OUTLANDER, starting with Season 5! Verrra happy to hear this and feel it will only make the show better, with their voices even more prominent.
• “Caitriona Balfe: Ireland’s Secret A-Lister” – irishtimes.com
• “Outlander Season 5: Caitriona Balfe & Sam Heughan gain producer credits” – claireandjamie.com
Kimber