Want to relive Outlander Season 4 Episode 7? We do a minute-by-minute reaction to “Down the Rabbit Hole.”
[8:00 p.m.] We have officially crossed the halfway mark of Season 4. Yowzers, it’s going quickly! Lucky #7 this week promises to take us “down the rabbit hole,” which is also the exact language I use to lure unsuspecting friends and family into the World of Outlander.
[8:02 p.m.] This episode brought to you by Wonder Bread – long rumored to be the 7th wonder of the world. And, thank you, Outlander, for the reminder that I need to pack my son’s lunch for school tomorrow. Crust ON. And you’re getting wheat, kid. Deal with it.
[8:03 p.m.] Bree apparently has been hiding some master orienteering skills from us, or she’s in way over her uncovered head. Speaking of, put some more layers on, girl. I see a visible bosom. No gloves. No knitted beanie hat. No hiking poles/sticks, either. Having just hiked in Scotland, you’re going to regret all of this.
[8:04 p.m.] THUD. I don’t want to say I told you so, but…
And that was a mighty dramatic fall for less than 10 feet. In addition to orienteering, she might also have played or watched too much professional soccer.
[8:05 p.m.] I’m waiting for her to fish a tube of chapstick and single tampon out of the snow. When my purse falls over, that’s generally what I’m scrambling to collect… in public.
[8:06 p.m.] I knew about gemstones, but had no idea that clean-shaven faces were also a prerequisite for time travel. Roger doesn’t look old enough to buy beer, let alone fall through time 200 years. And still with no gloves. What is it with you people? SCOTLAND IS COLD.
[8:07 p.m.] Those stones likely stayed quiet hundreds of years without people passing through them, and yet they’ve certainly seen a lot of action in the last 30 years. Hell, in the last month alone.
[8:08 p.m.] I’m a cross-body bag kind of gal myself, Bree. No batsuit needed. Clever girl brought only what she needs to survive – matches and a PB&J. I’m so glad they included this little nod from the book. While I remind you every week that my memory for every detail of the books is spotty at best, the PB&J one is nestled in there tightly. I have photographic recall for all the bits containing food. And the sexy bits. There, I said it.
[8:10 p.m.] For those of you tuning in late, Starz has broken into our regularly scheduled new episode of Outlander to re-air “Uncharted” from Season 3. Or Homeward Bound, where the wise old golden retriever drags a gimp leg across an entire range of mountaintops to reunite with his fur and human family. That movie gets me every time. This isn’t having the same effect on me yet.
[8:11 p.m.] Well look who’s back. And ohhhh, the timing of that entrance! Bear McCreary’s “Frank Theme” started in right as Tobias Menzies’ face appears. I have the most tender, vivid memories of my dad carrying a sleeping me from a couch or car to bed. No matter how old I get, when I see or smell him, the muscle memory of him curling me up in his arms and tucking me into a bed kicks in. I hope our son will carry that with him, too.
[8:12 p.m.] And I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more, just to be that lass who walks a thousand miles to fall down at… Laoghaire’s door? Say wha?
[8:13 p.m.] Will there ever be a time when Laoghaire appears that I won’t cringe and throw up a little in my mouth? No offense, Nell Hudson, but this version of Pavlov’s theory might be a foregone fate for the whole fandom.
[8:14 p.m.] The breakdown of a marriage, experienced from the perspective of a child. This scene is here to remind us that they’re always listening. They’re always vulnerable. They’re always collateral damage, no matter how hard you try to prevent it.
[8:15 p.m.] Most people know to hide at the top of the stairs and eavesdrop. Not Bree. She’s going in to… well, to what? Mediate? Defend Laoghaire from harm? Ask them to keep it down so she can digest her pigeon properly? She spent her childhood with her head under a pillow to safeguard herself from the drama, but now wants in on a stranger’s? Then again, she is Claire’s daughter.
[8:16 p.m.] “Pitiful sight she was – cold and weary, she could barely stand on her feet.” – Laoghaire describing Bree, or me after any random Saturday in December in preparation for Christmas.
[8:17 p.m.] New clothes, warm stew, apple-cheeked children for companions – dammit, I hate to say it, but Laoghaire runs one heck of a B&B.
[8:18 p.m.] The point where I have to remind myself that, somehow, this bring-me-down of a human raised two beautiful, compassionate, smart and capable young women. Proof that genetics only plays a part in the shaping of a human.
[8:19 p.m.] You know that gorgeous office smells of leather, old books, wool, brown liquor, broken dreams and a disenchantment for life.
[8:20 p.m.] Pick it up, Bree. Pick up the paper. READ THE FINE PRINT, BREE.
[8:21 p.m.] We already know that Frank says nothing of Jamie to his daughter; she learned the truth from her mother. And yet I’m watching this with bated breath to see whether he breaks or not. Because I refuse to disregard the powerful role alcohol has played for centuries in making people do and say dumb things.
[8:21 p.m.] “Maybe someday I won’t care.” Ouch.
[8:25 p.m.] If last week’s game between Claire and John was three truths and no lies, this one between Laoghaire and Bree is the exact opposite. Me, listening to Laoghaire’s recollection.
[8:26 p.m.] Hold up, the B&B also comes with pre-warmed beds and biblical bedtime stories as part of the nightly turndown service? This is taking a weird turn.
[8:27 p.m.] Ahhhhhhhhh hell naw. Find another captain, Roger. FIND ANOTHER CAPTAIN.
[8:28 p.m.] Tails. Please let it be tails. You’ll see her when you see her. Please let it be tails. That wharf looks buzzing, I’m sure they’ll be another one to come along soon. Please let it be tails.
[8:29 p.m.] If she says “my husband” one more time, I’m going to Claire slap her into next week.
[8:30 p.m.] “And who might your mother be?”
Me: Oh god, oh god, oh god, oh god.
My husband: Oh sh*t, oh sh*t, oh sh*t.
[8:31 p.m.] Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. I allowed myself to nestle cozily in the warmed bed, hot stew comfort of Laoghaire’s B&B. Be smarter than that, Ash.
[8:32 p.m.] The E. coli/salmonella-panicked freak in me is going to need her to wash the raw meat juice off that cutting board. ASAP.
[8:33 p.m.] Frank and I don’t see eye-to-eye on much, but we do agree on the restorative benefits of a warm scone with butter or clotted cream and a fresh pot of hot tea. Hangover or not. And the ability of a child to soothe and bring normalcy to their parent, even when they’ve seen them at their worst.
[8:34 p.m.] Bree, you’re the daughter of Jamie Fraser (the King of Men) and Claire Randall Fraser (the original Wonder Woman), and were raised by Frank Randall (the be-speckled, celebrated scholar). The point? Data says you’re smarter than to buy into this B.S., I just know it.
[8:35 p.m.] I can’t tell which is the worse Would You Rather game game card of this episode – stuck in a house with a fired-up Laoghaire or stuck on a ship with a demonic Capt. Stephen Bonnet.
[8:37 p.m.] We’re locking her in the room? Apparently this portion of the episode was written by the Brothers Grimm.
[8:38 p.m.] “Don’t be silly – you’re too old to get a divorce.” – Bree, and possibly any adult child who has reacted to the news of their parents’ divorce before they’ve put enough years of life in the rearview to know that life choices such as these are not always based on a number.
[8:39 p.m.] Even if her feelings for her mom changed years ago, this right here is the moment when innocence is lost for Bree. The moment when her dad loses that superhero, confident captain sheen that has glowed from him her whole life. I’m sure we can all recall a moment when you realized that your parents were not invincible. They were mere mortals capable of faults and fallacy and disappointment, even when full of well-intentioned love.
[8:40 p.m.] …but unlike Bree, we likely all had the benefit of another day to see that the luster we thought was gone was actually still there, even if changed in some way. Anyone now questioning Bree’s brattiness – I’d implore you to put yourself in her shoes for a minute, a day, a year to try and process and make right for herself all that transpired, all that’s lost and all that will never come.
[8:41 p.m.] Sophie Skelton’s performance has been met thus far by mixed reviews. No one’s asking me, but if you were – she’s definitely proving her acting chops ten-fold this episode.
[8:42 p.m.] It’s official: Roger Mac’s face possesses the power to make young and old, male and female smile. Also, I love that he’s letting it go on the hair, but still finding time to keep the beard to a 5 o’clock shadow aboard Captain Bonnet’s boat of horrors.
[8:44 p.m.] This face, however……….anyone else on the edge of your seat, cringing, just waiting for him to smother this baby?
[8:45 p.m.] Ed Speleers – you do bad oh so very well. The bar has been set high with villains on this show, and you might actually be taking an unpredicted lead to the top.
[8:46 p.m.] I love how Roger stood ready to make the leap, conjuring up memories of Claire. But unlike Claire necessitating a jump in the dark sea to reach Jamie on the other side, Roger must stay put to experience the same endgame with Bree.
[8:47 p.m.] The baby’s name is Jamie MacKenzie. Roger’s such a kind soul he was going to help them either way, but now he’s like “Ah hell, seriously? FINE.” (correction: I’ve now been told the baby’s name was Jemmy. PSA – please don’t drink and blog.)
[8:48 p.m.] The framing of Bree in the Lallybroch gates, set to “The Key to Lallybroch” – my tear ducts, to Outlander right now. Having just spent time at Midhope Castle two months ago might be accelerating it.
[8:49 p.m.] “She’s Jamie Fraser’s daughter.” Bree’s spent a whole introduced as Frank Randall’s daughter and all the doors that might open for her. But here and now, she gets to experience all the possibility of being Jamie’s.
[8:50 p.m.] I’m disappointed we don’t get an Aunt Jenny-Bree moment (and a sighting of Laura Donnelly), but I’m relishing all this time with Ian. We know he’s an amazing father, but I feel like he’s also that uncle everyone wants to have.
[8:52 p.m.] Anytime an amped up villain spends time telling a lengthy story with far too many details, be afraid. It never leads to anything good.
[8:53 p.m.] Roger, free advice: find a dinghy. Don’t wait for one of the four ports before Wilmington. Take your fellow Macs and get off that boat, STAT.
[8:54 p.m.] She’s wearing her mom’s coat. She’s got a trunk full of her mom’s clothes. She’s setting sail with a heart full of Uncle Ian comfort and encouragement. Look out, New World, here comes Bree!
[8:55 p.m.] Beside the point, but I’m glad that her ankle healed. I’m not sure I’ve got it in me this late in the episode to handle two Lallybrochers hobbling down the wharf.
[8:56 p.m.] “Then don’t let him have her.” – Bree the 1960s empowered woman, forgetting where and when she is now.
[8:57 p.m.] She just bought herself a friend for the cruise! Good call, Bree. Cruises are always more fun with a buddy, and double occupancies are always a better deal. Maybe they’ll do karaoke together on the Lido deck.
[8:58 p.m.] Wait wait wait – I already cried my tears for Frank’s exit set to Bear’s music and bid my goodbye to the acting unicorn that is Tobias Menzies. This ain’t Groundhog Day. DON’T MAKE ME DO IT AGAIN. *ugly girl sniffling*
Closing Thoughts:
Whoa, Nelly! If you’d told me months ago that I’d be heralding an episode completely devoid of Jamie and Claire, but full of Laoghaire and Frank lamenting their unrequited love, I’d have put an ill-wish doll under your bed. This is the first episode in almost 50 that has lacked the principal characters and actors, and to be honest with you, [*ducks*] I didn’t miss them at all. Instead, I pictured them warm and cozy inside that cabin on Fraser’s ridge, enjoying soaks in the linen-lined tub, farm chores, dinners with Murtagh and a week of the mundane.
If you questioned the navigation that could have led Lord John Grey through Fraser’s Ridge to get to Virginia, I hope you saved some doubt for the one that would land Bree on a stopover at Laoghaire’s B&B. A deviation if I ever saw one… from the book, that is. And while it felt a bit too Days of Our Lives for me in parts (I blame Stefano!), it worked. It didn’t diminish my enjoyment of a solid episode. So I’ll let it be. For now.
The return of Tobias Menzies, however –albeit sure to be met with groans from part of the fandom – was an especially welcome one for me and not just because I’m a card-carrying member of the Tobias Menzies fan club (though that’s part of it). It’s because it gave much-needed depth and detail to the story of Bree and Frank. Before we experience all that’s to come with her meeting the father she ever knew, it felt necessary to have closure with the only father she’s ever known. We got it in spades with Frank and Claire in Season 3, but never for the uber-important relationship between a father and his daughter, and vice versa.
While as a book reader, the layers of longing between Roger and Bree were well sealed by now, as a TV watcher, the runway’s been short. If we’re to buy into the need for either one to move heaven and earth, time and space to finally connect, we’re going to need something that’s a bit more… well, a bit more. And we’re starting to get that by just spending time getting to know them as individuals, on unique journeys to find their destiny in the Colonies. Doing so will make any potential reunion all the more sweeter – like a fresh scone with a cup of tea.
So, soldier on we will, Frank. Right into next week. Until then, 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”
A complete library of recaps from Seasons 2-3 is also available here.
To be fair, I’m posting this while watching the most recent episode. But if Breanne went through the stones in Scotland, and she knew her parents were in America, why wouldn’t that be her first move? Instead she’s trudging around Scotland. Seems like a plot hole to me.
Brian – I’m with you. I’ve been wrestling with that myself. My husband, too. In the end, I’ve decided it’s because they know for certainty those stones are a portal. This was pre-Google and it might have been harder to research and find whether a similar one in America existed. I’d just say, stay tuned…
She didnt know yet that there are stones in America and Jamica
Loved your recap Ashley.
I agree that Brianna and Roger were ridiculous in planning their journey to cold, snowy Scotland. And I cringed when Leary appeared. Can’t stand the sight of her!!
Thought Brianna’s arrival to Lallybroch could have been a little more dramatic.
And I did enjoy the background of Frank and Brianna’s loving relationship, even tho I still struggle to not see Blackhack Randall every time Frank is on screen!!!
But I definitely missed Claire and Jamie…and am still waiting for a passionate love/sex scene in this season. Fingers crossed for next week!!!
Tina, agree with you on her arrival at Lallyroch – was definitely hoping they would have played it out more! I’d have preferred to see her spend copious amounts of time at Lallybroch versus Laoghaire’s.
Hey Ashley great recap, this is my favorite of season 4 so far, I love you sense of humor and I am so glad I discovered outlander cast (many moons ago) so I can enjoy all things outlander.
As for the episode, great, great, great!! I’m giving it a 4.9, only because I’m saving 5 for a really great and special episodes like the wedding, a. malcom… I loved both Bree and Rogers journeys so far. It’s all fun and games in the Laoghaire B&B until she finds out who yo mama is. Man, Laoghaire has some serious issues and I really dislike her character, but Joanie is actually quite nice and polite girl, I guess she got that from her dad. When she told Bree, it’s not your fault your mother is a witch, I was like… that’s some 20th century thinking right there. Too bad Jenny was not there (I read online that she couldn’t film this season because of scheduling issues) but I loved seeing Ian as an uncle. As for Frank, I never cared too much for his character but I loved seeing him with Bree and how their relationship was, I really think it’s important for the story and understanding Bree.
And about Bree and Roger going to Scotland unprepared, well it’s obviously because they didn’t have grandmothers in their lives. I remember my grandma in winter time, half of the time she was like, put more clothes on, put you hat on, bring gloves, wear warm shoes, don’t sit on cold concrete. (that’s east European grandmother for you, but I’m guessing it’s like that everywhere).
Can’t wait for the next episode! Read y’all next week!
Nancy – so true about the grandmother! I’ve got Lebanese heritage in my blood, so can picture my Middle Eastern grandfather begging for more layers and more food for the trip. Too funny.
Great recap Ashley. As usual. Just one comment. The baby’s name is Jemmy not Jamie. Really significant.
Yes, indeed, JEMMY!
All of the sudden, the book detail is coming back to me as to why this is critical. THANK YOU! Before I saw this, I got a message from one of my fellow Outlander Cast bloggers and was like “DOPE! You idiot.” Definitely a KEY DETAIL. Thank you all for giving me the time of day despite my shortcomings.
Hi there, Ashley…
I think I’ve not told you what a great job you do in your Recaps. A terrifically entertaining job! Caught on to this site only last year, and your part in it is what made me come back for more. Don’t own a laptop, don’t participate in social media, but I have no friends who watch (live, and breathe) OUTLANDER in real time with me. Yes, I know. They can no longer be counted as friends and have been taken out of my will. But you’ve been kind, even gone so far as to offer the thought of a beverage of my choice and a cheese plate while watching the show together in your living room! So here I sit in my own living room, with my BOC (red wine), sans fromage, and I just have to now go on with my “reply” because I’m fairly ready to burst (apologies to all others who come for Ms. Crawley but I’m certain you’ve moved on to an actual replier long before this…):
• No lie, I had those same Frye boots and purse (that things came flying out of as a result of Bree’s tumble) back in the late 60’s/early 70’s! Maybe came from Terry D.’s closet? Two excellent time-travel accoutrements! If I had only known back in the day…
• Okay. Roger. The Hobbit pants. I remember 1971 had better costume stores than is portrayed. I can not say anything more. Because, as I’ve said before, I love you, Roger!
• Wait! The PB&J she time-travelled with from Boston, by firelight?! That was disgusting in the book. Stll is. Eeewwww!
• Bree, Jamie’s seen you in a photo splitting wood, yet in a wooded area you can’t devise a walking stick (or 10?) to help you out with your hobbled ankle?
• Oh jeez, just let out an audible, “Ohhhh, Frank!”. Nice to see you in a glad-you’re-only-a-memory sort of way. One of the best parts of flashbacks, and returns of characters is the revival of the music. Frank’s Theme. One of your finest and thank you, Bear! So is this visual snippet meant to be Bree remembering in a dream of being swept up by him because in the next scene…
• Oh jeez, just let out an audible, “Oh no, Laoghaire!”. You swept Brianna up in the wood and rescued her? And I thought only snake, when cooked properly, tasted like chicken, in er, England… Wee Joanie! Bree, Joanie is your step- (but not legitimately) sister! Love her, ’cause she deserves it! The scenes between these two “sisters” is just heartwarming.
• I am struck by the fact that Brianna has now had the opportunity to see how all the players’ (Frank and Claire/Jamie and Laoghaire) relationships worked, NOT. How both of her birth parents were in marriages with others that just could not work, even though they tried. Must reeeeally make her want to meet Jamie all the more, to see how the actual “right” relationship, at last, looks!
• Can things get any better?! Ian, Uncle Ian! Handing out money to someone, as always. Can’t recall just how many times he’s done that in that room with the fireplace in Lallybroch over the seasons. Oh, I miss you, Ian! Can’t you and Joanie travel on with the Outlander?!
• It just is so great to see Tobias Menzies. Sophie and he get to finally, really act together. Bree sees the obit. Sophie gets to use her own accent for a couple of lines. This is a chockablock scene on so many levels. So many double entendres, and hidden meanings.
• I can’t seem to get past that outfit Roger is wearing in this episode, to comment with a straight face (voice), so I’m just going to say, I love you, Roger!, and I’m certain you’ll continue to do only good things, to make your way to “(your) lass”!
• Did someone say, Lallybroch?!?!?! Dun-dun-dunnnnnn! Get ready Bree, you’re about to become acquainted with the real Laoghaire. But get ready, Laoghaire! Brianna will have you for her lunch (no more pb&j or pigeon for her)! “The truth is, Jamie Fraser has never loved you!” Seeing J & C’s grown daughter tell her that is harsh, and ohhhh so verrah satisfying!
• All of this backstory between Bree and Frank in this episode is perfection. Fills in so many gaps, in a few short scenes. No, not the book (where Claire was the last to see Frank), but certainly worked for tv, and for ME! 🙂 This was some writing prowess! The lines, ” Don’t be silly. You’re too old to get a divorce!” are entertaining. Bree’s scene at Frank’s gravesite, talking about soldiering-on; “soldier”, one of Claire’s favorite monikers for Jamie over many an episode, AND a direct quote from her father. A coincidence? I think not…
• “She’s Jamie Fraser’s daughter!” Nuff said, at least for Uncle Ian, who is once again, handing out a pouch of coin (and true to form, near the fireplace)!! Would have loved to have seen longer/more scenes between Bree and Ian (since Aunt Jenny couldn’t come home because she’s performing in a terrific play). But hey, at least there is Claire’s trunk of 25 year old clothes that has made it half way round the world and back! So now we know Claire, Marsali and Brianna are all the same size (unless pregnant). And at the docks, “Thank you, Uncle Ian”. Shivers! We’ve waited so long for these fleeting moments… Hello, Lizzie…
• Oh, and so much of the storyline of the episode set in Scotland brought me such joy! I miss it, but also know that moving on to America IS the story as it was written in the books, kids. The one advantage (?) book readers have is that we knew the show wasn’t always going to be set in Scotland, so we possibly avoided that disappointment many tv-only viewers seem to experience. Feel bad about that.
• And there is Frank’s Theme… I am tearing up. Lump in my throat. A vision, it is indeed Frank, giving his daughter a reassuring smile and nod, and in an instant has seen his daughter off on her new adventure. With a slight exhale he lets her go. She is comforted, although looks for one more sign from him. He is gone, but she turns around and “soldiers-on”. As she told Claire last season, ‘I’m more YOU…”, and right now she definitely looked it, but with the spirit of the only father she has known. Feels like, just now, I’m seeing this character as an adult for the first time. And there is Frank’s Theme for closing credits… I am tearing up.
Love what you do each week, Ashley! Actually, thanks for allowing me these “conversations” with you. You’re good to me…
Kimber, you are WAY too good to me! I’m so glad you’ve found our little corner of the Outlander world and that you come back week after week for these fun chats of ours. I look forward to them! Your play-by-play gave me some snort laughs and smiles. Hobbit pants! How can you be a doctor’s daughter and a Girl Scout and not know how to fashion a basic splint to help your ankle? Uncle Ian and his endless wallet! So much to love and poke at in this episode. Thank you for reading and commenting, as always. Cheers!
This little corner is juuuussst right for me. Thanks, again!
I thought episodes 1 through 6 were building quite nicely to what I thought would be the crescendo of Jaime and Brianna’s meeting … and then THUD came episode 7. I don’t say that because we got no Jaime/Claire, although hopefully that’s the last time that happens, I say it because we got Leg-Hair and Frank. I don’t mind Frank but enough already – see ya Frank … well actually I hope to not see you Frank. But as for Leg-Hair – more than enough already. I’m passed the point of going full James Cagney on her by mashing a half grapefruit into her face. If I never see her again it will be too soon. I get the point of drama and suspense and good guy / bad guy and all that but couldn’t they just bring out Scotland’s version of Sasquash to chase her around a little? Besides, the bad guy wearing her mother’s ring is waiting for her in Wilmington to be this season’s antagonist – no need to dig up Leg-Hair.
I’m mostly extremely satisfied with the casting of the characters that each of us have conjured up from reading the books, even though the descriptions in the book are often quite different than who we have on the screen. BUT, Lizzie is REALLY different. I expected a pale waif of a lass and got a woman who could double as servant and security for Brianna. Maybe it’s just the heavy layers of clothing but it looked like she was pushing 14 stone to me. When Bri has that little problem with Bonnet – she ought to just sic Lizzie on him rather than go to his room.
Looking forward to the Frankless and Leg-Hairrless episode 8. Can’t believe we’re on the downhill side of Season 4 already. Even with my complaints of episode 7 – I’m still loving it so much more than droughtlander.
“Looking forward to the Frankless and Leg-Hairrless episode 8.” Amazing. Thank you for this, Glenn, and all your comments!
Roger and Bree both went to Scotland because they didn’t know about the other stones/passages then. Claire and Jamie learned that there’s one on the islands, but Bree and Roger do not know that… Roger finds the stone circle in America….
Great review. I also though Bree/Sophie rocked this episode. And aren’t Outlander villains the best! I think we need to give Nell Hudson more credit for making us ALL hate her! And Bonnet is beginning to rival Black Jack. I think in the books the first kid that gets thrown overboard is a toddler boy. Instead they decided to use a little girl just about the same size as Wee Joanie. Knife to the heart!
Thanks for reading and for your comments, Donna! Wee Joanie stole my heart all over again. And Bonnet sealed his fate as the creepiest of all Outlander villains. Black Jack was heinous… but this guy brings it in a whole new level by pushing a kid out the window to her death.
My thoughts on the episode
1..The peanut butter and jam(jelly) were American varieties very unlikely t9 be available in 70’s Scotland unless she smuggled them in through customs and only one sandwich, surely an intelligent woman like Brianna would take more than that, and only one non winter dress, knowing what her mother took.
2. Didn’t mind that we did not get the Jenny / Brianna meeting that’s in the book, liked this version of events is the episode.
3. The actress playing Lizzy looks too old for the part, she looks older than Brianna but she should be more near Joannie’s age. Conversely the actor playing Steven Bonnett looks too young, this guy is supposed to be a griddled swaggering pirate of a man
Even with all that great episode and can’t wait for the next one
“griddled swaggering pirate of a man” – love that description!
Thank you thank you thank you Ashley for that recap .. you brought me a little joy with this episode that was such a disappointment for me. I loved all the Frank stuff maybe with the exception of the Drunken Frank that was a little uncomfortable. Roger and Bonnet storyline was great. Rick, Ed and Sophie are really capturing the essence of their characters. then what .. the Uncharted remake and all that time at Laoghaire B&B. Why not more time with her Uncle Ian and cousins? why no Pearl squabble? Now I have my blood boiling and I think I need to pour another glass of wine.
Hahahaha! ALLLLLLLLLLL the wine, Donna. You’ll get a new episode soon enough that should, hopefully, bring your blood pressure down.
Hey Mary and Blake. I’ve just watched episode 7 and I’m giving it 4 kilts. Here is my GBG.
My good: I love that Roger and Bree finally have an episode of their own. I think it was really needed especially since their breakup 4 weeks ago!!
My bad: I actually have 2
My first one is all the fabricated story with Laoghaire that took half of the episode, it makes no sense and does absolutely nothing for the plot. At the end of season 2, Claire tells her entire story to Bree and apparently she even tell her about the witch trial. So I find it hard to believe that she would not had mentioned Loaghaire to Bree. Plus Loaghaire tell Bree that a women stole the love of her life by bewitching him and I am supposed to believe Bree doesn’t see the resemblance between both stories. I mean I would have been suspicious the moment she would have told me her name was Loaghaire. The only thing needed from this was the argument at the end not the fluffy story to go along with it. Do I need to see Loaghaire read a bedtime story to Bree??? No I do not. I would have preferred to see Bree at Lallybroch with Ian and his family or bond with Lizzie who would actually play a part in future episodes or even better spend a little more time with Roger and see his journey on the Glorianna with Steven Bonnet. His story line felt rushed in this episode. Also, do we need to watch Bree getting lost in the woods and injuring herself for like 10 minutes? Seems like a deja vu right? I’m really scared the writers are making the same mistake they did last year with the Uncharted episode where they wasted 15 minutes of screen time showing Claire getting lost in the woods at the detriment of the later episodes who were rushed. Fingers crossed they didn’t make that mistake again with season 4.
My second bad: Can someone explain to me why Lizzie looks so old in the show when she is supposed to be a sixteen year old girl? I mean they cast a beautiful young actress to play Lizzie, so what was the makeup department thinking when they aged her so much. I know Lizzie comes from a poor family so she cannot look super healthy and clean, but still… I mean she could pass for Bree’s mom!! They should have asked you Mary to do her makeup, I’m sure you would have done a way better job at it and actually make her look believable.
My great: all the flashbacks with Frank. Love that the writers were able to find a way to bring Frank back and show us his perspectives of his breakup with Claire. Since the books are from Claire’s perspectives, we never knew what happened to Frank before he died. It helped filled the gaps from Season 3. So nice to see back Tobias Menzies, he brings so much to the show and is greatly missed.
All in all still a great episode but could have been better. Can’t wait for the next episode.
Loved your summary of episode 7. I laughed outloud. I’m one of those crazy Outlander book thumpers that is quick to point out differences between the Holy Grail (the Outlander book) and the television series. To say this episode (in fact the entire season 4, thus far) has veered off the path, is a extreme understatement. I feel like I’m watching the Crazy Train jumping the tracks.
* Note to the writers of this tremendous heap of garbage is “Get it together before this, once great, show gets cancelled.”
I feel like I’m taking crazy pills! I don’t understand the reinforced love for “show frank” when the #1 fact is HE WAS GONNA LET CLAIRE DIE IN A FIRE!!!!! Yes, Tobias is amazing. Yes, it was cool to see Bree and Frank’s bond. Yes, I even appreciated the duality of showcasing Leery/Frank ( the unloved!) BUT YALL. He got word that not only is Claire’s one true love still alive, but that she would go back and then DIE IN A FIRE and he took that info to his grave. I just can’t with Frank. I think y’all are blinded by tobias’ mad skills. Both book and show frank are emotionally abusive, passive aggressive, and controlling. Plus, this just creates a GIANT PLOT HOLE- if rev Wakefield knew about this obit, it would’ve been in his study and roger would’ve found it step #1 in DIA season.
Also, ALSO…. by saying the writing in this episode is one of the best eps this season, you’re okaying the major shift in character this writer chose to make. Bree should’ve bonded with her Murray/Fraser family- not Joanie! It’s just wanting conflict for conflict’s sake.
Writers could’ve just as easily landed Bree at leery’s but when uncle Ian shows up – he could’ve recognized her as Ellen Mackenzie Fraser’s likeness and asked questions and then had to rescue her from nutzo leery – could’ve still had that little story arc AND cement bond with Bree and her blood relatives. It was LAZY WRITING to extend this dual storyline just to openly provide conflict between Jamie and Bree when they finally meet ( I’ll bet 5$ when Bree and Jamie meet this line is in there-“Lerry said you never wanted me and made my mother go back! How can I trust you?! My real father FRANK never would’ve done that!” – just to kick Jamie in the fatherly nuts ONCE AGAIN.)
Plus Lizzie is 6ft tall. She’s supposed to be a Mary Hawkins type for the storyline. But obvs they will ignore that.
Ugh. If Leery is triggered by Jamie, I’m obviously triggered by anyone saying Frank is a good dude.
I love your recaps and your sense of humor!
Hi Ashley:
I just loved this episode. It captured all of the feels for me, and I am so pumped that I called the appearance of both Leghaire and Frank a couple of weeks ago.
Amazing five kilt episode for me. Right from the start, it had me captivated: In just seeing Bree making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and seeing the contents of her purse, it cemented her as a character who valued practicality.
Bravo to have her go through the stones and automatically hurt herself. It’s about time that somebody fell down those sharp hills of Scotland, if you ask me. It is more realistic to have someone unfamiliar with the terrain and hurt themselves, rather than have characters simply be unscathed.
My good, bad, great. Well there was absolutely no bad to speak of, so I’ll just go on to the good: Bree with Leghaire and Joanie.
Nell Hudson did show that there was a sweet side to Leghaire, and she was originally quite maternal to Bree, seeing her as an injured and lost girl. It wasn’t a stretch for her to to associate Bree with Marsali, hoping that somebody would take care of her if she needed it.
Even though Leghaire and her daughter had hard times, they thought nothing of sharing their food and home with a stranger.
I loved seeing little Joanie as a character again, and the three of them had some very sweet scenes together: Bree and Joanie were both so sweet, listening to stories, and Bree threading flowers in Joanie’s hair, they really did seem to bond as sisters.
If Leghaire hadn’t been so dangerously delusional about Claire, boil- your-bunny nuts, then I think Bree could have found some affinity with Leghaire and Joanie.
It was not a surprise that Leghaire turned so violent the minute Claire was mentioned, but it was quite sad. After so many years, Leghaire still mistakenly believed that Claire was the one who was the one who came between her and Jamie.
If anything I believe that back at Castle Leoch, Jamie was just amusing himself with Leghaire, and took the beating for her out of his own guilt. Leghaire was under a delusion that he cared for her more than he did.
Later in Season 3, he married Leghaire because he was in love with the idea of being a father to Marsaili and Joanie—their mother was an afterthought.
Joanie even as a little girl was affected by her mother’s sickness (as she mentioned Bree’s mother as a witch), but it was little Joanie who cared enough about Bree to rescue her and drive her to Lallyboch.
The GREAT, Bree’s recollections of Frank. I just think Tobias is an amazing actor, and I was waiting for this! We keep hearing about how close the characters of Bree and Frank were, but it was impossible to demonstrate up until now (when Tobias seemed to be around Baby Bree he seemed uncomfortable to me.
Bree’s memory of being asleep as a young child and being carried into the house out of the car by Frank was just darling.It’s something everyone can relate to: that comfort
But the dynamics between Tobias and Sophie was amazing. They seemed to be very open with each other.
The scene in Frank’s office had just the right amount of tension: should he tell the daughter he loves about her real father and break her heart? Should he tell and break his own?
The tea and scones scene was great. You could totally see that tea and scones was something that Frank and Bree had many times before–something that was theirs exclusively.
I totally cried when Bree was recalling the last time she saw Frank. It isn’t unusual when someone dies for those left behind to feel guilty and second guess themselves with what-if’s. I thought Bree’s grief at his grave was so real. Trying to work through her emotions to “soldier on,” was so gut-wrenching.
Bree seeing Frank’s ghost, apparition, spirit or whatever at the end, was so perfect given the theme of Outlander–time is just all relative and love never goes away.
And Bear’s music–Oh God.
Honorable mention: Stephen Bonnet. Or should I say hello, Harvey Dent? When I saw him pull out that coin and tell tales of luck I was right back to The Dark Night.
But where Arron Eckhart’s Harvey Dent had the heart wrenching pathos of a man who had lost everything and turned into a murderer, Stephen Bonnet was just so evil, simply because he wanted to show his power and dominance. He had tossed a child overboard without a thought.
The fact that he had that lovely Irish accent was all the more chilling to me. He’s made quite an enemy in Roger I think
I know I am forgetting so much
Dawn
On the PB&J: Opening shows Bree cutting it in half. When it comes to the scene where she eats the thing, it’s not cut, which leads me to believe two things: Either the stones have magical healing powers, restoring the bread to its un-cut state when Bree travels to the past; or Bree has made and eaten TWO PB&J sandwichs, leading me to ask, WHAT KIND OF ADULT CAN EAT TWO PB&J SANDWICHES?
Continuity, people. Continuity.
I hated this episode. Did not need to see one more minute of Frank or Laoghaire. The whole show was a waste of 60 minutes that could have been dedicated to important storylines. Bree spends days with Laoghaire and maybe 10 minutes with Ian? I don’t think so. I am holding out almost no hope that the writers will do justice to the Jamie/Bree meeting. So disappointing.