“Lallybroch” is another great episode for Jamie and Claire. Finally, after many trials and tribulations they return to Lallybroch. Their arrival is met with some challenges in the form of Jamie’s sister, Jenny, and Jamie’s somewhat difficult initial adjustment to his responsibilities as Laird of Lallybroch.
Ahead and behind.
The gifs below represent another favorite scene in this episode. There isn’t much happening, just Jamie and Claire on their final approach to Lallybroch, but the beautiful scenery (ahem) warranted it’s inclusion in our favorite scenes.
We learn that Jamie has been intentionally misled by Dougal as to Jenny’s fate subsequent to their initial encounter with Black Jack Randall. When Ian’s appearance confirms that Jenny’s son and her unborn child are fathered by him, Jamie tries to apologize to Jenny for his incorrect assessment of the immediate situation.
While we applaud Laura Donnelly’s performance as Jenny, the character does little to endear fans with her abrasive and sarcastic behavior towards Jamie and Claire. She was rightfully angry at Jamie’s unjust accusations, but her attitude didn’t improve much until the saw Jamie’s scars.
Jenny is not an easy character to love, but we are glad that Jamie, Claire, and Jenny eventually resolve most of their issues and come to understand each other. Ian Murray, played by the very talented Steven Cree, is an absolute joy. Jenny is lucky to be married to such a patient and loving man.
“I have a much better throwing arm than the fair Latitia.”
Jamie isn’t the only one experiencing a learning curve. Claire must navigate her way through her new role as well. Unaware of the cultural expectations for a Laird’s wife, it doesn’t take her long to step on toes, Jamie’s in particular, and they confer in private to establish the boundaries for the appropriate behavior and demeanor for the Laird’s wife. Once she understands what is expected of her, she reminds Jamie that she is not the meek and obedient type. They reach an understanding, or should we say Jamie reaches the understanding that while Claire will not defy him publicly, those rules don’t apply behind closed doors. We like this scene, and wouldn’t expect any less of Jamie and Claire.
Brian Fraser
One of our favorite scenes of this episode occurs when Jamie and Claire are in the Laird’s bedroom for the first time. Jamie talks about his father and about the last time he saw Brian Fraser alive. It was heartbreaking to hear and see, but for the first time we get a glimpse of the handsome highlander, the first Lord Broch Tuaroch, in the form of a flashback.
I love you
The Laird’s quarters again gives us another great Jamie-Claire moment. For the first time in what seems like an eternity we see the Lord and Lady happy, relaxed, and worry-free, at least for the night.
Shortly after, in the same scene, we have another iconic Jamie/Claire scene. He tells Claire that he has loved her since she wept in his arms that first day at Castle Leoch. We aren’t too surprised about that, but Claire probably is, even though she doesn’t doubt his love now. Then for the first time, Claire confesses her love to Jamie. He shouldn’t be surprised to hear it. After all, in the last episode she did choose to stay with him instead of going through the stones back to Frank. Still, he is delighted with the confirmation, and so are we.
If looks could kill…
We can’t help appreciating the looks on the faces of Jamie and Claire when, once again, Jenny reminds us why she isn’t yet one of our favorite characters. Jamie tells Jenny and Ian that he and Claire plan to stay at Lallybroch. Jenny is concerned that there is a price on Jamie’s head and what implications that might have for him and everyone at Lallybroch. Jamie assures her that the Duke of Sandringham is having a pardon issued on his behalf. Though no words are spoken, Jamie and Claire’s reaction is written all over their faces when Jenny replies in a snarky manner that she never thought Jamie would be so trusting of the English, referencing the Duke and Claire. Her meaning isn’t lost on Jamie, Claire, and Ian. Ian laughs in a combination of what might be seen as nervous tolerance or apology on Jenny’s behalf. We assume Ian is accustomed to playing peacemaker when Jenny steps in it, which is likely often. He must have the patience of Jobe.
By the conclusion of the episode we find that all of the residents of Lallybroch are on their way to mending old relationships and bonds as well as forging new ones.
(Note: We did not forget about the windy day and the cold water at the mill when Jamie intended to make repairs. Please see our tumblr post for those gifs.)