Want to relive Outlander Season 5 Episode 5? We do a minute-by-minute reaction to “Perpetual Adoration.”
[9:00 p.m.] “It’s only civility that keeps us from killing one another.” A subtle but firm reminder to take to heart during this precarious — and dangerous — time when social distancing is the new norm and a highly advisable form of civility. Be good to each other, friends.
[9:01 p.m.] Great Scott! I’m not sure just yet why we’ve gone back to the future, but I’m all for starting this Sunday episode inside a church with a little quiet time of reflection and prayer. When nothing else makes sense, faith prevails. And welcome back, Claire voiceovers.
[9:02 p.m.] I don’t know which I love more — Claire’s medical marvel, the joy of her and Marsali’s burgeoning partnership or Lauren Lyle’s on-point facial expressions. Eureka! It’s all three.
[9:04 p.m.] Claire apparently gets a pedicure from the same nail salon I do. They have an equally random collection of communal reading materials. Go for the reckless pirate, Claire.
[9:05 p.m.] This reel highlighting the best of the best of Outlander is the best antidote for an anxious brain. I’ll just put this on repeat. And I welcome your suggestions on which song detailing the concept of time should accompany it in my head. There’s just too many to choose from. Rolling Stones? Cyndi Lauper? Cher? Green Day? The possibilities are endless.
[9:06 p.m.] “I guess you never really know what’s coming, do you?” Wow. If she’d only known then how close to home that statement was about to get.
[9:07 p.m.] Annnnd apparently that was coming. If I were you two, I’d lean into more of that because sprinkling in those moments amidst the large episodes of chaos and everyday juggle — no matter what century you call home — is what it’s all about. Speaking of which, too soon to predict a baby boom in early 2021?
[9:08 p.m.] Roger’s suffering from a classic case of impostor syndrome and Bree’s reassurance that his high social intellect offsets what he lacks in battle experience is the best thing she could say to him in this moment. I recognize the symptoms because I’m a sufferer myself. A year and a half ago, I accepted a promotion for a path in our company I never saw coming my way. I rode the high for about 37 seconds (okay, maybe a tad longer) then immediately thereafter began questioning my ability to do it effectively when I knew other people were more capable and experienced. A wise friend told me, “Don’t you get it? They picked you because you understand people. You have a high social IQ.” Leadership doesn’t have to come solely from technical skills. It can also come from knowing yourself in a way that helps you to know others.
[9:09 p.m.] Um, dearest members of Col. Fraser’s militia, maybe we shouldn’t question the village’s cordiality or hospitality when we ride in intimidating as hell, rifles raised in the air. I’m just sayin’. This ain’t the damn Olive Garden.
[9:10 p.m.] It’s not often the King of Men hears the word, “no.” So at least these lovely townsfolk had the decency to wordlessly laugh the “no” at him in reply to his “40 shillings to risk your life… who’s with me?” offer. Also, I love any counteroffer that says, “no thanks, but feel free to get plotzed on my dime.” So apparently it might be the Olive Garden. Ohhh, unlimited breadsticks!
[9:11 p.m.] Despite his brutally tarring and feathering the 18th century IRS collectors, I’m still not okay with playing pin the dart on Murtagh’s face. Nope. New party game, please.
[9:12 p.m.] Wait, come again? We’ve spent the first four episodes (and part of last season) on an eternal and all-consuming hunt for the Regulators and now he’s just casually over a beer all, “Oh, that? Yeah, oops. Carry on as you were.”
[9:13 p.m.] I love how Jamie’s face of subdued relief went to “Oh. Hell.” in a nanosecond at the mention of the Ardsmuir prison list. You’ve got to cover the trail, Jamie. Did you learn nothing from this classic Friends episode?
[9:14 p.m.] Jamie’s aim is a clear metaphor for how closely he ever planned on nailing Murtagh for Gov. Tryon.
[9:15 p.m.] I’m taking an early shine to this Scottish lad, too, Dr. Randall. With the accent, the robust figure, the silver hair and beard, it’s like we’ve been treated to an aged Rupert (Grant O’Rourke).
[9:16 p.m.] “If ye must” is also my reply back to my gynecologist when she feels the need to narrate any and every point of the annual visit protocol. ¯\_(“/)_/¯
[9:17 p.m.] No swollen lips or rash or hives — Claire’s allergy test assessment, or the checklist of concerning symptoms to call your doctor if you experience, according to the ED prescription medicine ad.
[9:18 p.m.] I don’t want to sound skeptical of Claire Nye the Science Guy’s handiwork… but isn’t there an infected pig or some other ridge livestock we could test the first batch of penicillin on, or has Marsali already sacrificed them all in Anatomy 101? I know you’ve been through a lifetime of squalid trauma, Kezzie, but drop trou so I can shoot you in the arse with some moldy bread goo.
[9:19 p.m.] HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, HE’S AWAKE FOR THIS?!?. Same, Lizzie, same. I shall never again complain about a biannual routine teeth cleaning. Allow me to take Kizzie’s rest for him. That was something.
[9:20 p.m.] This, my friends, is brotherly love and loyalty at its finest. Also, I’d be remiss in letting another week pass by without extending praise to talented actor Paul Gorman for convincingly pulling off the roles of both brothers — sometimes, I imagine, to a green screen as a scene partner in order to place both boys in frame at the same time.
[9:21 p.m.] Roger, word to the wise — whatever you’re thinking, please don’t. Don’t male brain all over this right now. And even if you are, employ a filter between your mouth and your brain.
[9:22 p.m.] Ed Speleers is one gifted thespian, but I’m good with remembering what he’s shown us thus far as proof to that. Me, every time Bonnet worms his way onto our screen. I’m going to need to build up my immunity to him, I know, to muscle through the rest of this season.
[9:23 p.m.] Can we go back to the mushroom soup? There’s bound to be more warmth and comfort in that than wherever we’re about to head.
[9:24 p.m.] Roger, unless you boast a psychology degree — and even if you do, for that matter — do NOT purport to know exactly what a person should or should not do to cope in the aftermath of a sexual assault.
[9:25 p.m.] Oof. Well, apparently Roger’s filter I’d hoped for suffers from the same backup issues as Cousin Eddie’s RV. Also, I watched Claire remove the twins’ tonsils so I’m basically a doctor now. And I’m going to use my newfound skills to remove Roger’s tonsils… and a few other parts.
[9:26 p.m.] “Words have consequences.” Indeed. But you know what else does? ACTIONS. Like your in allowing a first fight to let you stomp off in the dead of night leaving your naked partner confused and alone in an alley, vulnerable to what happened next.
[9:27 p.m.] She shouldn’t have to tell you crossed through my head as a similar line passed through Bree’s lips. Roger, this I can tell you… Shut it. It’s a zillion to one here.
[9:28 p.m.] “Sometimes even strangers can find a way into our hearts.” And yet another fitting reminder of how opening ourselves to new possibilities and acknowledging the power of empathy can both help pave the way to humanity a little bit at a time.
[9:29 p.m.] We find reminders in places we least expect them, Claire. Like how this episode, “Perpetual Adoration” has brought up good memories of standing in a pew singing in glad adoration as the lyrics to “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” command you do. Halfway in, I can feel pieces of that song are raining all over this episode.
[9:30 p.m.] It was only like three minutes ago I was ready to offer up Roger to Marsali for her next dissection lesson, but the self-deprecating jab about his non-existent hunting skills put him back on my nice list.
[9:31 p.m.] I enjoy scenes shared between Claire and Roger (and the actors portraying them) and how their warm banter has the ability to infuse a touch of levity into even the toughest of moments.
[9:32 p.m.] However, I also always wonder whether Claire looks at Roger somewhat torn with a constant thought in the back of her mind that she’s the reason he’s here struggling. Yes, he followed Bree but Bree came for her mom and dad, and her mom came back for her dad… and oh my god, the Joey, Ross, Chandler trail game is back.
[9:33 p.m.] “Don’t be careless with the time you have together.” We all have that one person who can get through to us like no other. Roger might be good at getting through to people, Bree, but your mom is the best.
[9:34 p.m.] The mushroom soup can wait. Because I don’t know about you all, but I’ve been waiting several hours of Outlander for this Bree-Roger conversation and for the moment of resulting exhaling relief. Secrets have a way of doing that to you. And when you carry the burden of it (as we have) along with the holder, you feel equally weighted.
[9:35 p.m.] Bree’s had a lot more time than Roger to adjust to the reality of Bonnet still lurking about, which explains his attempt to so quickly shrug off her fears of Jemmy’s encounter with him. It’s been a solid year since his supposed death and he’s had two seconds with this information.
[9:36 p.m.] THAT’S WHAT YOU GOT OUT OF THIS?! Ugh, men. They mean well in their never-ending quest to fix a situation. But sometimes we don’t need it fixed; we just need someone to jump in the hole with us to listen, console and tell us it’s going to be okay before we both try to find a way out.
[9:37 p.m.] I almost forgot we left Jamie in this pub. I was in full ‘60s Claire wear, then back in frontier life. This episode is trying to cover a lot of ground — and time — in a single hour. On second thought, I could use a drink. Pub it is.
[9:38 p.m.] “Allow me to worry about him.” Sorry, Lieutenant, you don’t get that honor singularly. We will all worry about our beloved Murtagh.
[9:39 p.m.] Oh gallstone laddy, I never stop missing Scotland either. After only two visits there, my heart is always lost in wanderlust dreaming of returning for new adventures. The place just does that to you — it’s that magical.
[9:40 p.m.] Reminder #727 that my brain is always fixated on food (and I should never watch this show hungry). I could’ve sworn he said “mustard roll” and I was over here like Scooby Doo all, “ohhhh after that pub beer, I could go for a warm and crusty Bavarian style pretzel! Yes please.”
[9:41 p.m.] Claire, just displaying her love for the chesty pirate tales for all to see, and I love it. I also love a man who can recognize the value in hiding from real life between the pages of a trashy romance novel.These memes are for you, smart and enterprising pals.
[9:42 p.m.] Graham Menzies… wink to the brilliant (and missed) Tobias Menzies? Because there was something about that Menzies too that allowed us to get attached to him.
[9:43 p.m.] Me, trying to process the super odd editing jump between those scenes that felt disconnected. I swear I only had one beer. Jump jump, Kris Kross.
Also, anyone else finding it amusingly coincidental that the last time Jamie palled up to a British officer over a chess board was with Lord John Grey at Ardsmuir… and here we are with Lt. Knox doing the same while he awaits the info on Ardsmuir.
[9:44 p.m.] “It’s hard to find people of like mind.” You can see that again. Which is why I’m grateful to have found this little corner of the world with you fine people, fawning together over a book series and TV show that has captured our brains and hearts in similar ways.
[9:45 p.m.] What a pickle! I wonder how Jamie’s going to get himself ———— orrrrr we can just blurt it out and get it over with. That works too.
[9:46 p.m.] Jamie is like a cat of sorts, having survived enough lives to know this stramash is not going to claim another of his. That might explain why he’s inexplicably sporting the face of calm in this while Lt. Knox looks ready to burst from anxiety and emotion.
[9:47 p.m.] Annnnnnnd, checkmate. RIP, Lt. Knox.
[9:48 p.m.] Wait… we’re not about to Weekend at Bernie’s the deceased lieutenant, are we now Col. Fraser?
[9:49 p.m.] Last week we saw Bree working on releasing her Bonnet demons by setting fire to his sketched face. Technically, her dad is burning the evidence but I can’t help but think it’s having the same cathartic effect on him given what we saw him endure at Ardsmuir.
[9:50 p.m.] Wow, these dudes pulled him out of the blaze and pronounced him dead before Jamie was barely done straddling that window sill. Either time moved quicker than it appeared on screen, or colonial 911 seems to respond a lot faster than our metropolitan one in a digital era.
Also — yes yes, nab the kitten. Because kittens. That’s what we all need right now in this time in the world. KITTEN THERAPY. Go on, take the kitty and run.
[9:51 p.m.] Home sweet home, and the half smirk says it all. Or he’s thrilled with the progress his contractor and crew are making on the big house. Either way, smirk on, lad.
[9:52 p.m.] Last week they contemplated, and then passed on, the opportunity to raise a baby together. I suppose a kitten will do. Sometimes all you need is something new to share joy in jointly — no matter what form it takes.
[9:53 p.m.] We’ve grown so accustomed to seeing Claire and Bree’s tightening bond that you almost forget the tension that lived between them for so long. I had to remind myself of this when wondering why Bree would skeptically field an invite from her mom to spend time traveling together.
[9:54 p.m.] Welcome to the Fraser Clan, Adso. As you’ll quickly learn, you’ve hit the jackpot… though maybe steer clear of the bubbly blond one midway through her Anatomy 101 course. Just for a bit.
[9:55 p.m.] Welcome home, Soldier. End Scene. I’ll add this to my running count on the number of times this patterned dialogue has beautifully ended a scene between these two.
Actually before we go, Claire, I have a question — did we really need to end this episode in the church? More biblical bookending, I suppose, but that voiceover could have just as effectively worked by zooming out from the porch to a birds eye view of the house and the surrounding land. I’m no cinematographer, but just a mustard roll for thought.
Closing Thoughts:
Friends, are we in the tree of trust? I hope so, because I’m braving full honesty with you in telling you I struggled to get into this one. I don’t fault Outlander and, in fact, look forward to revisiting this episode another time. But this week, I’ve found there’s “no room at the inn” in my brain given all that’s happening in the world. My mind already feels like it’s racing from one scenario to the next, attempting to piece together the chaos one bit at a time. So jumping back and forth, to and fro, doing the same in this episode to provide back story and sense to something I long ago found peace in just made me feel nuttier. I’m all set on understanding why Claire resolved to find her way back in time to Jamie. And again, I don’t blame a television show. I blame the time in which I watched the television show.
Time. There’s that word again. How curious that an episode shot months ago that focuses on defining time and petitioning God for a better understanding of it ends up airing smack dab in the middle of a period where time — both the parameters of how long and how to spend it — is all that anyone can talk about. In that regard, I needed this show and am grateful for it. A little levity, if you will, and hope you take the spirit of this snarky-in-places recap in the distractive spirit in which it was intended.
Even still, there’s yet to be an hour of Outlander that I haven’t gleaned some life insight from, and this one proved no different. I learned about faith and questioning faith while still leaning into it in times of despair and uncertainty. I learned about the power of open communication and subsequent forgiveness; even if the path ahead still looks bumpy, it’s smoother than the burdened weight of carrying our fears and secrets alone. I learned that no matter how you squiggle the lines around the paper like a toddler with a coloring book and muddle the journey’s trajectory, all paths do indeed lead back to each other and home. And I learned that, in any time, one can never underestimate the therapeutic powers of kittens and trashy romance novels.
Until next week, friends… and stay well.
If you’ve missed any of our Season 5 episode recaps, you can catch up with them here:
Episode 5.01: “The Fiery Cross”
Episode 5.02: “Between Two Fires”
Episode 5.03: “Free Will”
Episode 5.04: “The Company We Keep”
A complete library of recaps from Seasons 2-4 is also available here.
Good morning Ashley! Your recap is my best birthday present ever!! I watched this episode when it “dropped” at midnight…why do I do that?? I am gonna go back and watch again, accompanied by your play by play….because I totally and completely got stuck when I saw Claire had the syringe in her hand. Huh?? Say what? I gotta get a closer look at that, not so bleary eyed. Was it me? A stainless steel and glass barrel interlocking syringe? Did it survive the shipwreck? Moe
Happy birthday (belatedly at this point, oops), Moe! SO FUNNY YOU SAY THAT — I was wondering that too! I was like, wait, is that from the Batsuit? The Dr. Rawlings kit? Stryker making deliveries of medical equipment to the Ridge? Hmm.
The narration by Claire made the episode disjointed to me as well. It cut into scenes in ways that, as you say, didn’t seam well. For me, that was evident in the scene when Jamie is about to throw the knife at Murtagh’s image, and Claire cuts in with narration. It took me right out of that scene. I already understand why Claire went to Scotland after Frank’s death and I always felt it was more than the reverend’s funeral. Claire and Jamie’s unconditional love has been portrayed in exceptional ways from the very beginning. It’s very apparent in Season 3 when Claire’s in Scotland that Jamie has never left her heart and that it’s a timeless love. We saw in Season 2 how miserable Claire and that Jamie was on her mind all the time. I did enjoy Claire’s conversations with Menzies and the call back to “it’s just one more scar. Nothing to brood over.”
To add it’s not a bad thing to have more specifics of why she went to Scotland.
The most powerful part of this episode was Jamie murdering Knox. I was shocked at that. I knew Jamie was backed into a corner. Sam Hueghan conveyed that well. He was so calm about it, it was unnerving. But if he had been arrested, Claire and the ridge would be in imminent danger. Claire could be arrested. He might never see her again. I also thought Jamie was sick of being labeled a traitor and suffering for it at the hands of others.
The scene should how lethal Jamie can be when he has to be. Knox was a tall man, taller than Jamie, yet Jamie could overpower him with a blow to the head (as he did Black Jack when he rescued Claire in Season 1), knock him almost out, and hold him down, cover his mouth, and strangle him at the same time. I thought it was a very bold and brilliant move by the writers (and maybe with Sam Hueghan’s input?). I wondered how Claire will react. She once told Jamie that she would never leave him except if he “did something immoral.”
It will be interesting how his decision plays out for Jamie because he’s a moral man who doesn’t take a life unless he absolutely needs to and Jamie wasn’t defending himself with Knox. He intentionally murders him. I loved him spotting the kitten right after.
Lauren, I can’t imagine what we lost in your repeated postings but now am curious… it’s chockfull of goodness already! I enjoy reading your replies each week. Keep them coming!
Correction: “shows” how lethal Jamie can be…”
I also enjoyed your recap very much. I wrote and tried to send a reply
twice but lost it each time and had to start over. I lost some things then. 🙂
This is my first time commenting on a Season-5 episode, mainly because this was the first episode that inspired comment, at least positive and glowing comment.
Episodes 1-4 were “just ok”, IMO, whereas I thought Episode-5 was finally the Outlander that I was pining for oh those many droughtlander months. Ultimately, for me, the “hook” of the Outlander story is Jamie and Claire and their incredible lives and relationship. I thought Jamie and Claire finally emerged from the surrounding story lines to take center stage and they were both spectacular.
For Jamie, after playing the duplicitous game for as long as he could, he took decisive action doing what needed to be done to protect his family. That is the Jamie we have come to know and admire. And Sam played it perfectly.
For Claire, first – she’s never looked more lovely. I’ve read the books so I know the story arc but I’m happy to see Claire settle in to a fulfilling yet more docile role. I didn’t want to see anymore scenes of a 50+ year old Claire jumping off ships in the ocean. Not to say I would want or expect Claire’s live to be boring or without some exciting moments, but I’m happy I think her role as “healer” at Fraser’s Ridge will be an interesting part of the story line and Marsali’s role as Claire’s assistant is a very cool idea they wen’t with.
There were lot’s of other parts of Episode-5 I liked, as there were parts in Episodes 1-4 I liked, but the story needs Jamie to be Jamie and Claire to be Claire and after Episode-5 everything is good in my Outlander world.
HI! Glenn, we’ve missed you… for real, I’ve wondered where you went. You’re back! Thank you for coming back. I always enjoy your take, perspective and commentary. SO refreshing! I love that you had this reaction to the episode… makes me want to go back and watch it again to appreciate it differently. I think Sunday just felt tough to escape into the World of Outlander mentally and emotionally so I just felt jolted. That’s why I am grateful for the era of digital TV and having the ability to re-watch.
I too enjoyed the episode a lot. An excellent escape from viral politics. Jamie was the Highlander I love – defending he and his. For if the Ardsmuir rolls were revealed, the Revolution would have to start prematurely. And Claire was her Outlander self. Healing and cutting, brave and determined. Yes, the syringe survived the swim to shore. I still don’t get how she swam the ocean dressed in all that 18th century garb. But me glad she did.
I thought the scene with Bree and Roger’s misunderstanding was very well acted. I have thought the two characters were not emotionally well drawn in this season until last night.
At the same time, Bree’s PTSD coupled with the Lt. Knox scene made me wonder why Jamie hasn’t had his own PTSD after the few scenes after his escape from Wentworth(?). And Claire’s lack of affection for Frank post her return to the 1940’s had to have been intensified given Frank looking exactly like the evil Black Jack who terrorized her and Jamie.
Thanks for the memes and looking at time travel in the context of today’s “unreal times”. Outlander has been a constant reminder that love, war, and treachery are timeless. It’s just the plumbing that gets better. BTW did you notice that Bree was wearing slacks in both the 1960’s and 1770’s scenes?
“Outlander has been a constant reminder that love, war, and treachery are timeless. It’s just the plumbing that gets better.” My god, that’s brilliant. Borrowing. Giving you full credit.
Made me laugh out loud with your “Friends” references. I loved this episode and your recap. Helps my day. Be well.
Connie, I’m so glad! I used to have a running thesis going with a friend that every life moment could hearken back to an episode of either Friends, Gilmore Girls or Sex and the City. As it turns out, ALSO OUTLANDER. Please keep watching, reading and commenting — much appreciated!
I liked this episode a lot!
It was great seeing 1960’s Claire–she looked so beautiful. I enjoyed seeing her as the take-charge doctor, but who also enjoyed romance novels. It was a great dichotomy for her character.
The Scottish patient, Graham Menzies brought back tender memories of Scotland when she thought Jamie had been lost forever (and that name was a wink back to Tobias–how I still miss you). Those memories were for the audience as well.
Joe Abernathy! It was great seeing a character that was so solidly Claire’s equal as a doctor as well as her friend.
The juxtaposition was an interesting way of storytelling, and it fit in well with Claire’s fears of the penicillin not working for the twins. Claire sometimes can be so self-assured it could border on arrogance, so it was great to see Claire having some natural doubts about her medicines.
It was also great to see how she and Bree had a tense relationship at that time.
Marsali was so wonderful, she was as excited about the penicillin as Claire. I can’t get enough of her as a character. I often like her more than Bree.
I have to give a shout out to Lizzie as well–she’s just so expressive, and I felt the exact same way watching poor Kessie getting surgery without anesthesia. Brave kid!!!
Jamie!! Wow, wow wow. Now here’s the Highland Warrior I love. Sam really ran the gamut with emotion and dynamic in this episode.
First I had to giggle. Wasn’t it just last week he looked down on Roger for getting the Brown’s drunk in time of crisis? In this episode, Jamie pretty much did the same thing!
I could literally feel his relief at the news of the pardoning of the regulations, feel his stomach churn except for the “Except for Martaugh Fitzgibbons” part, applauded Jamie’s aim at the dartboard missing his godfather’s face, and HATED Knox for getting the prisoner muster.
Who was he to take the initiative?! Upstart bastard.
The chess game so reminded me of Lord John, and for one brief moment, I was praying that the man himself had deleted Jamie’s name from the papers. I was even telling Jamie to SHUT THE HELL UP!
But Jamie and Knox came to blows and Jamie had to kill Knox. Well, sometimes a Highlander’s got to do what a Highlander’s got to do, and Murtaugh is Jamie’s family. More than that, he’s a soulmate for Jamie.
Good riddance, Knox. You took up way too much Outlander time as it was, in my opinion.
Oh the kitten!!! As I snuggled with my own cat on my couch, I was melting. Loved that.
Wow, Roger’s remembrances of Bonnett were so chilling when he found the gem.
Ed Spellers was amazing as Jimmy in Downton Abbey, but as Bonnett, he is frightening. At the poker game, Roger had to yield to Bonnett, and I can see the huge battle yet to come between them. Roger will come into his own power, and he will have to protect Jemmy and Bree.
I was glad to see the altercation between Roger and Bree about Bonnett.
It was hanging in the air between them, and I still do not understand why Bree had told Bonnett her name, and about her being pregnant, and letting him think her baby was his.
I would have castrated him while he was chained to the wall!!!
At least it’s clear now. Now maybe Bree and Roger and Jemmy can go forward.
Awesome episode! If this is what Cat and Sam can do as producers, I say keep it up. Loved it.
Yes yes yes to ALL of this! Keep your comments coming, Dawn!
Thank you, as always- I love these. Also found this one disjointed, but I’ll take it!
Right? I’ll take it too! And I’ll willingly take your kind words about the recap. Much appreciated.
I enjoy your recaps! I am finding season five back to the quality of season 1. This episode however reminded me a bit of The Reckoning. Lots going on, POV slightly different than the action at times, but the set up is there for the shoe to drop or at least the feeling. That is where we have been building at least…Tryon, Beardslys, Bonnet, Brownsville, the War of Regulation and Claire and Marsali.
The change from book storyline for the most part has been positive. Hoping the good judgement continues. I also was pleased to see better communication between Roger and Bri. Did not care for how either one was written last season.
Until next week. Thanks for entertainment while ordered stuck at home for at least 3 weeks.
Sandi, happy to be virtually stuck at home with you. A friend on the couch while you pass the time. Hoping you are well and stay well. If these recaps provide any comfort during this weird time, that brings me comfort.
Sorry to take up a bit more space, but wanted to add: congratulations on your new job Ashley.
(and a few more things…)
In the first scene with Claire in the church pew, was that also Claire kneeling in front of the alter? My eyes went to her first because it looked like Claire, though wearing a coat, scarf, and glasses. I thought maybe it was Claire from a future time.
One line that I wish was different was in the scene with Claire talking with Roger, and she says she and Frank “made it work.” It’s exactly what she said to Jamie in A. Malcom, but I wish she was more honest now (Jamie knows the full story anyway) and say, “we made it work, but it wasn’t easy. It was Jamie that I loved. He never left me, really. I tried to bury my unhappiness by remembering that Jamie wanted Brianna to be safe. But you can’t really make a life with someone you don’t love. It was a half life for me.”
The scenes with Brianna and Roger still don’t move me. They don’t have a connection that feels genuine at all to me.
With all the uncertainties, I look forward to Outlander right now.
Hi Lauren, I agree with you on Bri/Roger. I like both actors and both have played some dramatic scenes very well but there’s just something missing in terms of compelling me to care about them as much as I hoped I would. Maybe it’s partially because the J&C relationship has set the bar so high.
Hi Ebonyraptor,
The actors lack chemistry, and have from the start. Their scenes together feel scripted and disjointed, as if one isn’t reacting to the other as a person (again that lack of chemistry). I don’t believe they supposedly love one another. They seem mismatched. Bree and Roger are such thin characters with changing motivations that I don’t know who they are anyway.
Outlander already has a great love story in Jamie and Claire that has so much history with viewers, and depth, power, and authenticity. They are different than other secondary relationships on Outlander. Claire and Jamie are soul mates with a powerful, mystical connection. That kind of love as it’s depicted in story and song (and when it occurs in real life) doesn’t come along very often. No other characters should be trying to compete with that. I feel the show sometimes tries to say (recently) that love is love and look, love is everywhere. To me that only flattens out Jamie and Claire’s love story (which has all sorts of layers).
With all the uncertainties, I feel the same, Lauren! And thank you for your kind words about the job. I’ve been at the same company for 12 years but with the shift in responsibility, this is proving to be a trying time for the nature of our business and me keeping clients and all “the chickens in my coop” so to speak accounted for.
Hi Ashley, I fully understand the imposter syndrome, I was hired at an optometry clinic to run the office, not experienced in the optometry field but hired for my managerial skills, 1.5 years later I still struggle thinking I don’t belong.
I too love Claire and Roger together, I always feel like I’m in the 20th century when they are together, there is a modernity to their relationship that is their glue, it is their trust and understanding with their truth. Does that makes any sense? It’s one of my favourite relationship, I love seeing them on screen together, I know I’ll have that warm feeling of a trusted friendship, their connection is powerful.
I feel like I need to SNL Stuart Smalley both of us right now. Ginny, you are good enough, you are smart enough and doggone it people like you.
Hi Ladies:
I just want to chime in here too saying I love Claire and Roger together as well. I actually love
them more than Roger and Bree at this point.
Claire has known Roger since he was a little boy, but she treats him like a man–as if she respects
his intelligence, his skills, his background and where he came from.
As far as I am concerned, neither Jamie nor Bree do that!
I see so many similarities to Frank in Roger, that I imagine that this is an unconscious reason as to
why Jamie might be easily frustrated with Roger.
But Bree has no excuse! Roger came across time for her, actually was in Bonnett’s crosshairs, and was kidnapped by the Mohawk all because of coming across time for Bree.
To me, the Bree character is best when she is the wounded little doe, but all of this “Bree’s a better shot, Bree can easily cope with an 18th-century life…blah, blah blah is just irritating. I don’t believe it either.
Bree made plenty of mistakes mostly by putting everyone’s life in danger (most especially Jemmy’s) when she didn’t tell anyone about Bonnett.
The time for secrets is over girl!! You are a mother now.
I don’t really care about the character of Bree. Who else thinks Roger and Marsali might be interesting to see as a couple?
The show HAS to get to Roger’s self-esteem and strengths and I mean NOW if not sooner.
He’s got Dougal and Gelis’ blood after all, and if and when Roger remembers that, watch out, Bonnett.
Hi Dawn and Ladies…I would like to be a member of the Claire and Roger Club too ?. I enjoy their scenes together very much and they are a reflection of a genuine and special connection. Last season, even during the worst of times ( after Roger’s rescue), the communication between Claire and Roger was sincere and forthright.
Thank you Ashley for keeping us connected to Outlander.
Sunday evening can’t come soon enough!!
I agree with the comments about the characters Roger and Bri being flat and having no spark, except when they’re arguing. He was so much more confident in Seasons 1&2 when he’s the mid-century historian. It made him sexy and appealing. He was even reliable on the ship hiding the mother and babe. Although he did choke when Bonnet sent the overboard. WWJD? It is obvious that Roger is uncomfortable and unsure of himself in the 18th century frontier of “The Colonies”. I am anticipating Bonnet’s arrival to Fraser’s Ridge and wonder whether Roger or Brianna will be the one to stop him from harming their little family. Bri is the feisty sure shot, while Roger needs to prove himself as capable of standing up to someone (other than Auntie Jo). Does he have it in him?