This was the first episode of the series that didn’t give us some great Jamie and Claire scenes. In fact, we saw no Jamie and Claire the entire episode, and that was a tough pill to swallow. However, some good things did happen. Claire established and cemented some relationships independent of Jamie.
Claire and Jenny
Claire and Jenny got off to a rocky start in Episode 111, but when you deliver someone’s child and share a common purpose with that person, bonds will surely be made. The bond seems tenuous, however, when tensions arise during their search for Jamie. Jenny has a little inner warrior who doesn’t appreciate Claire’s seeming judgement and hesitation at killing the English soldier. The issue seems resolved after Murtagh kills the soldier and Claire professes that she would have done it herself if Murtagh hadn’t shown up when he did. Satisfied that Claire will do all she can to bring Jamie back to Lallybroch, Jenny leaves Claire and Murtagh to the task.
Claire and Murtagh
Claire and Murtagh continue the search for Jamie and strengthen the bond they had through Jamie. Together they build a mutual respect and friendship outside of their connection to Jamie. This relationship isn’t without its challenges as well, and they don’t always agree on the best strategies to incorporate in their search.
One of our favorite scenes is when Murtagh encourages Claire to sing. Her first on-stage attempt was funny. Luckily the highlanders don’t know the word, but it may not have made a difference even if they had.
Though some parts of the search dragged, we were given an opportunity to enjoy some of the beautiful Scottish Highlands scenery.
One of the most satisfying scenes in the episode occurred when Claire and Murtagh are camped in a cave. Their search has yet to yield success and tempers run short. When Claire says Murtagh had never lost anyone he loved, Murtagh shares the story of his unrequited love for Jamie’s mother and how he gave her the carved bracelets. They share an embrace and Murtagh confesses that he loves Jamie like a son.
The next morning, with renewed strength and determination, they set off to continue their search. Murtagh tries to assures Claire that they will find a way to make more money to continue their search for Jamie.
Claire and Dougal
Claire and Murtagh receive word they are to meet Jamie, but once they arrive they are devastated to learn that it is Dougal who sent the message. He gives them the news that Jamie has been captured, tried, and sentenced to be hanged. Dougal is such a rascal, and Claire learns that Dougal had wanted Lallybroch and the Fraser lands all along, and he intends to get it by marrying Claire and “protecting” her. Obviously she sees it as an indecent proposal but agrees to marry him only if Jamie is already dead or she can’t rescue him.
Dougal refuses to order his men to help in the rescue mission but says he won’t stop them should they volunteer. More determined than ever, Claire sets out to enlist the help of the highlanders.
Herself and the Highlanders
This is one of the best scenes in the episode. Claire and Murtagh meet with a very reluctant group of Highlanders, except for Willie, who eventually shames the rest into agreeing to help rescue Jamie. That they do ultimately agree to help indicates the level of respect they have for her. Remember that this is eighteenth century Scotland, where a group of rowdy Highlanders are willing to follow the lead of not just a woman, but an English woman. She has earned their respect as Lady Broch Tuarach, as Herself.
We love Badass Claire.