Favorite Scenes

October 18, 2017

Outlander Episode 305, “Surrender” – Favorite Scenes

Episode 302, “Surrender,” shows us where Jamie and Claire are about six years after the Battle of Culloden (show time line). It is a heart-wrenching episode, so it is difficult to select “favorite” scenes. Most scenes will be sad until we reach Jamie and Claire’s reunion, so let’s look at some of the most heart-wrenching scenes.

There are several changes from the book version, but they seem to work well.

Claire has given birth to Brianna and is trying to reconnect with Frank, but to no avail. In Episode 301, Frank complains that Claire uses her pregnancy to keep Frank physically distant. However, even after Brianna is born they continue to be estranged. Claire fantasizes about Jamie, and since Claire has, in the past, embraced her sexuality, she misses that part of herself. Frank becomes aware they she closes her eyes during sex and fantasizes sex with Jamie. By the end of the episode, Claire and Frank’s sexual relationship, as well as their marriage, is for all intents and purposes done. Our last shot of them is in twin beds. They agree to remain together and lead separate lives. In translation, Frank is given permission to have extramarital affairs as long as he maintains discretion.

Book readers were nervous about how the writers might handle Mary McNab, but I think it was presented very well. Jamie is a shell of the person he used to be, and after Fergus loses his hand at the hands of Corp. MacGregor, Jamie decides to turn himself in so he family can collect the reward and escape the harassment they have long endured. When Mary comes to the cave to visit him on the last night, she offers herself to him. Reluctantly, he eventually agrees. However, the scene is very sad rather than sexy. I felt sorry for Mary and Jamie. Jamie actually cried and kept his eyes closed (as does Claire with Frank). Mary tells him he can look at her. To avoid hurting Mary’s feelings, he assures her she is a bonnie lass, but closing his eyes is something he always does. We know that isn’t true. Closing his eyes allows him to fantasize about Claire.

The title is a good description for the episode. Both Jamie and Claire surrender to their circumstances. Claire finally accepts that her life and marriage to Frank will never be as fulfilling as her life with Jamie. She surrender’s herself to the idea that he is gone forever and that she must make the most she can out of her life in Boston. Finally she enrolls in medical school, where we finally get to meet Dr. Joe Abernathy, who becomes Claire’s closest friend and confidant.

Jamie surrenders himself to the same realization that Claire is gone and that he must find a way to live. Deciding that protecting his family gives him purpose and at least a reason to live, he surrenders himself to the British soldiers. Jamie always puts others before himself. Anther reason he is King of Men.

September 29, 2017

Outlander Episode 301, “The Battle Joined” – Favorite Scenes

The long Droughtlander ended with a powerful beginning to the new season. Episode 301 did not disappoint.

Not a Docu-Drama

While most fans raved about the season premiere episode, some expressed mild dissatisfaction that more focus wasn’t given to the Battle of Culloden. While the point here is to address favorite scenes, the negative reaction was so surprising (to me, anyway) that it deserved a minor mention. Outlander is a sci-fi, fantasy, historical, or period romance, take your pic, but it is NOT a docu-drama on the Jacobite Rebellion and the Battle of Culloden.

Naturally, one of the favorite scenes was Jamie finally taking his revenge on Black Jack Randall. It was a long time coming, and being able to exact his revenge was probably the only thing Jamie lived for at this point, having just lost the love of his life and his unborn child. The final confrontation was given a surreal feeling with special coloring, which added to the dramatic effects. BJR finally succumbs to his wounds and the two embrace each other is what has been called (by Tobias Menzies) a “death dance.” Oddly, BJR ensures Jamie’s survival on the field my collapsing on top of him, allowing the weight of his body to apply sufficient pressure to the wound he inflicted on Jamie to actually save his life. Bye bye, Black Jack.

Though heartbreaking, other favorites scene occurred on the battlefield. When Jamie appeared near death and saw Claire walking towards him was a tearjerker. When she touches his face and asks me if he is alive, we see that it is Rupert. This was immediately preceded by the odd and untimely appearance of a hare on the field very near Jamie. Ron D. Moore claims the hare was added as a contrast to life in the middle of a scene of death. Some of us prefer to apply a more metaphysical meaning.

Gotham-Ruaidh offers an excellent explanation for the symbolism of the hare. “Lying on Culloden Moor, yearning to become one of the dead, Jamie sees a hare. ‘The Celts believed that the goddess Eostre’s favorite animal and attendant spirit was the hare. It represented love, fertility and growth, and was associated with the Moon, dawn and Easter, death, redemption and resurrection.” (Thanks to IrishAbroad.com.)’

“Easter Sunday was April 10, 1746, six days before Culloden. The hare is a symbol of the risen Christ and Jamie’s own impending resurrection from near-death. The hare is a symbol of the risen Christ – and Jamie’s own resurrection from near-death. It is only after seeing the hare – and then seeing Claire – that he returns to the land of the living. For Claire is his salvation from sin and death. She brings him back to life, even when he wishes to die, raises up his soul, and then his body. Resurrects him. Redeems him.”

Immediately after seeing the hare and vision of Claire, Rupert appears to rescue him from death on the muddy battlefield. See why Gotham’s explanation is more intriguing?

In Episode 216 we saw Jamie returning Claire to the stones. Using flashbacks to that time after she literally disappeared in his arms was a nice touch. I always wondered how he reacted when she vanished into thin air.

Who can’t admire a defiant Claire? Claire is out of her element and seemed much more comfortable with her life back in the eighteenth century with Jamie, even without the modern conveniences the twentieth century offers. When she has trouble lighting the gas stove, we can almost see her think to herself, Fuck the 20^th century! She solves her dilemma by making dinner in the fireplace. Of course, she’s probably recalling all the times she cooked outdoors with Jamie, and at the end of the scene she closes her eyes and thinks of Jamie. It was heartbreaking enough, but then it fades into Jamie awaiting execution after the Battle of Culloden.

There were so many sad moments in this episode, not the least of which was Rupert’s goodbye to Jamie. It was good to see Rupert come to terms with Dougal’s murder at the hands of Jamie, even if he didn’t exactly forgive him. Regardless, Rupert did save Jamie’s life.

At the end of the episode, we see the nurse asking Claire and Frank where Brianna got her red hair. This simple question interrupted their moment of new parent bliss and brought them back to reality. That’s right, Frank. Jamie will always be with Claire, and she will see him every time she looks at Bree. She may not speak his name, but he is always on her mind and in her heart. The blood vow with Jamie will last an eternity… for both of them.

“Ye are blood of my blood, and bone of my bone. I give you my body. that we tow might be one. I give you my spirit, ‘til our life shall be done. Ye are blood of my blood, and bone of my bone.”

November 14, 2016

Outlander, Episode 201, “Through a Glass, Darkly,” Favorite Scenes

Episode 201 is the first episode of Season 2, and for non book-readers it was a WTH moment. About the first 35 or 40 minutes are spent showing Claire’s not-so-happy reunion with Frank after she goes back through the stones. The remainder of the episode up until the last half of the season finale is told in flashback.

“I made a promise, and I must keep it.”

The opening scene has Claire having just gone through the stones at Craig Na Dun. She didn’t want to leave Jamie and return to her life with Frank, but she made Jamie a promise and was bound to keep it. This isn’t a favorite scene, but it is a very important one, and gives us an idea of Claire’s emotional state and what we might expect from future scenes depicting the struggles in the Randall marriage.

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Again, this isn’t a favorite scene, but it does illustrate the differences between the attitudes of Jamie and Frank. Initially Frank is upset to learn of Claire’s pregnancy, but since he is sterile he agrees to raise Jamie’s baby. He does have conditions, though, and this is where we see the contrast between Jamie and Frank. Frank as conditions attached to his reunion with Claire: 1) they will raise the child as their own, withholding the true paternity from the child; and 2) Claire must let Jamie go.

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Jamie never made that demand of Claire during their marriage. He never told Claire she had to forget about Frank. However, Claire agrees with Frank’s conditions. She agrees to let Jamie go, not because Frank, in his selfishness demands it, but because she had promised Jamie she would. She did it for Jamie, not Frank.

I’m not a huge Frank fan (no offense, Tobias), but I must give him his due. He is at least willing to raise Jamie’s child as his own, and from all accounts in the book (Voyager, primarily), he was a good father, if not a stellar husband.

Back in time

To escape the rumors, gossip, and criticisms of of their situation, Frank and Claire move to Boston where he has accepted a professorship at Harvard. The transition back in time to Jamie two hundred years earlier in France occurs when Claire steps off the plane in Boston.

It was very hard for Claire and us to watch Frank burn her clothes. They were a symbol of his life with Jamie, and Frank would not have allowed her to keep them.

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Secrets, Lies, and Deceptions

For the remainder of the season until the finale, Jamie and Claire embark on a mission of secrets, lies, and deceptions in an effort to thwart the Jacobite rising and avoid the tragedy of Culloden.

Unfortunately, and much to Murtagh’s chagrin, Jamie and Claire must keep their secret from him as well. That must have been especially hard for them because of their close relationship with him. It must also have been difficult when it was necessary to deceive Jared, Jamie’s wine merchant cousin. However, the deception was necessary for the requisite introductions to the Jacobite leaders in France.

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“I’m sorry I doubted ye, brother.”

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“I wouldn’t change you to save the world.”

This is absolutely a favorite scene. It doesn’t take Claire long to get them into trouble when they arrive at Le Havre, France. Because she diagnosed smallpox on Comte St. Germain’s ship, the ship and its cargo are burned. He is furious and vows revenge.

Instead of being angry with Claire, Jamie simply comments that life with her is never dull, but that he wouldn’t change her to save the world.

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Perhaps Jamie wouldn’t change a thing about Claire, but they have made a dangerous enemy, and surely there is plenty about Claire that the Comte will want to change.

November 6, 2016

Outlander Episode #116, “To Ransom A Man’s Soul,” Favorite and Memorable Scenes

These last two episodes of Season 1 are difficult to watch. It does not seem fitting to call all of them “favorite,” so some scenes, particularly those that highlight Sam Heughan’s incredible acting talents,” will be considered “memorable.”

“You owe me a debt.”

This is one of those “memorable” scenes. Assuming his impending death and loss of Claire, Jamie begs BJR to fulfill his part of their bargain. Jamie had agreed to give himself to BJR in exchange for Claire’s safety and he would receive a death by his method of choice. Jamie has nothing left to live for, and when Black Jack is distracted by the invasion of highland coos, he begs him to fulfill their agreement. Again, another example of Sam Heughan’s superb acting skills.

A “Highland Coos” Drive-By

This is truly a favorite scene, at least in the sense that we are glad BJR is incapacitated for a while and won’t pose a threat to Jamie in the immediate future. We could not help cheering when Black Jack Randall was run over by a stampede of highland coos.

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Thanks to Murtagh’s brilliant idea of using wayward cattle in the rescue mission, he, Rupert and Angus were able to not only rescue Jamie, but put BJR out of commission for a while as well without having to risk their lives in battle with him and/or other British soldiers. As we know, they incorrectly assume Black Jack is dead. If only they had taken an extra few seconds to ensure it.

“You are a magnificent creature.”

This is a memorable scene because it is the one thing on which we can agree with Black Jack. Jamie is indeed a magnificent creature. Even Jack’s sadistic nature and the darkness in which he lives cannot blind him to this fact. Perhaps that is what draws him to Jamie… a need to destroy that which is good and beautiful.

“No more Claire.”

Part of what makes this plot line so tragic is that Jamie believes he will never see his beloved Claire again. She is lost to him, and Jack uses her and Jamie’s love of her against him. Jamie hallucinates Claire’s face on Jack, and when her faces disappears he realizes she is gone. We cry with Jamie, and it is a tribute, again, to the talent of Sam Heughan.

Out of the darkness and into the light

Many of the scenes in this episode are shown in flashback after Jamie is rescued and taken to the abbey. He recounts some of his experiences to Claire, who is desperate to heal him in body, mind, and spirit. Jamie is equally desperate to resist her healing. Murtagh again shares his wisdom with the suggestion that in order for Jamie to be healed, someone will be required to enter into the darkness in which he exists right now and force him back into the light.

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That is exactly what Claire does. After a a visit with Fr. Anselm and a little roughhousing to get his attention, she finally tells him that if he insists on dying, she will die with him, right there, right then. Again, Claire is shown to be Jamie’s Achilles Heel. This time Claire turns that weakness into a strength because he will not let her die with him.

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“Whatever your sins might be, have faith that they will be forgiven.”

Fr. Anselm find Claire alone in the sanctuary and offers to hear her confession. Claire hasn’t shown a great appreciation for organized religion and its dogma, but she accepts the Father’s invitation to confession. And, man, does she confess.

He is the only person outside of her immediate family with whom she has shared her amazing story. She tells Fr. Anselm that the situation is her fault, and her confession empowers her with the spiritual strength she needs to bring Jamie out of his darkness and back into the light. In a sense, she ransoms her own soul as well as Jamie’s.

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Claire is shocked to see that Fr. Anselm doesn’t judge her. He declares her story as marvelous, extraordinary, and perhaps even a miracle. He believes her and assures her that whatever her sins might be, she will be given. Claire must recognize that the Father is a good, holy man, the antithesis to Fr. Bain.

“I was wrong.”

Jamie’s road to recovery will be a long one, but at least it has begun, and they set sail to France. The good news is that Claire has a wonderful surprise for Jamie. Their lives have been forever changed, and under the circumstances it it hard for Jamie to believe he could ever be himself again or feel happiness, aside for having Claire with him.

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Neither thought it could ever happen. Jamie thought he would never feel happiness again. Never say never.

October 23, 2016

Outlander, Episode 115, “Wentworth Prison,” Favorite Scenes

When we first began thinking about favorite scenes for this episode (and the next), we wondered how we could pick “favorite” scenes from an episode replete with tragedy and torture. Upon careful consideration, however, we realized there are some things we enjoyed, apart from the brilliant performances by Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, and Tobias Menzies. Regardless, we will not address the most brutal scenes. It is simply too hurtful.

Let us first address the obvious. Sam Heughan proved in this episode that he is worthy of any and all accolades and awards for his brilliant and heart-wrenching performance. Much of his acting was done without dialogue. Sam has mastered the art of communicating with his eyes and face to give us a wide range of emotions.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Black Jack Randall burns Jamie’s Petition of Complaint, yet he gets no reaction from Jamie. That must have been a disappoint, since we know how BJR likes to evoke strong emotions from his victims.

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BJR’s attempts at intimidation fail. He asks Jamie how he would prefer to die, and wants him to admit that he is terrified. If he admits to being terrified, BJR promises to give him an honorable death of his own choosing. (What a deal.) Still, Jamie doesn’t beg or surrender. He remains calm.

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No matter what form of intimidation BJR employes, Jamie remains cool.

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This is one of our favorite scenes because it illustrates the amazing acting talents of Sam Heughan. The tear rolling down his cheek breaks our hearts. Finally, after BJR threatens Claire’s life, Jamie surrenders himself. Claire is his Achilles Heel. The only weapon BJR has against Jamie.

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Brave Hearts

Claire and Jamie sometimes make foolish decisions, but their bravery cannot be questioned. Jamie isn’t the only man to find Claire’s courage and bravery attractive.

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Claire Fraser, “a most singular woman” (Dougal Mackenzie), “no coward,” and a “fit match for [her] husband” (Black Jack Randall). Yes, she is a quite extraordinary and “rare” (Jamie Fraser) woman, and we love her well.

One of the most satisfying scenes of the episode is when Claire tells BJR she curses him. She is no physical match for him. The only weapon she has in her arsenal is knowledge, and she wields it expertly. What a brilliant mind f**k.

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We love it when Claire plays the witch card.

October 15, 2016

Outlander Episode 114, “The Search,” Favorite Scenes

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.

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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.

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Though some parts of the search dragged, we were given an opportunity to enjoy some of the beautiful Scottish Highlands scenery.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We love Badass Claire.

October 11, 2016

Outlander Episode 113, “The Watch,” Favorite Scenes

Episode 113 represents a turning point in Jamie and Claire’s lives. For what seems like only a brief moment, they live in peace and happiness at Lallybroch until the Watch arrives. When Jamie is coerced into riding with McQuarry and his men, it triggers a journey of which will impact him and Claire for a lifetime.

Never let them see you sweat.

One of the best things about this episode (aside from the wonderful Jamie and Claire moments) is the way Jamie stands up to the Watch. He will not be intimidated by them, and it’s sexy as hell. If there was ever a doubt about Sam Heughan’s ability to play a role like James Bond, then this episode should help settle the issue. We see the beginnings of Jamie as leader and fearless protector of what and who are dear to him.

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“He needed killing.”

McQuarry was right. After Harrocks set up The Watch, along with Jamie and Ian, to be ambushed by British soldiers and extorting money from Jamie, Harrocks had to die.

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“I ran him through.”

After their initial meeting, McQuarry understands that Jamie is no coward and begins to appreciate him as a fellow warrior. Still, tensions run high when Jamie tells McQuarry that he killed Harrocks when he threatened his family. Even though McQuarry agrees that Harrocks needed killing, he forces Jamie to join the Watch in a raid, which leads to their capture. Ian wants to join them and Jamie’s initial reaction is a stern, “No, yer not.” Ian wins the debate and joins Jamie and the Watch.

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“It would take more strength than I have.”

This is one of the iconic book scenes, and it is a real tear-jerker, not only for Jamie and Claire for but viewers as well. Jamie is so sweet when Claire confesses that she may not be able to give him children. Having lost his own mother in childbirth, the thought of losing Claire in that way truly scares him. However, he can’t hide all of his disappointment at the news.

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“Haste ye back.”

This scene is another sad one. Jamie won’t be hasting back to Claire, and soon his life (and hers) will be forever changed. It is the last time Jamie and Claire will be together for some time. Jamie leaves to fulfill his promise to McQuarry that he will go with the Watch on just one raid. After their capture, Jamie ends up in the hands of Black Jack Randall. To emphasize the importance of this goodbye, Jamie’s departure is filmed in slow motion.

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It will be a while before Jamie and Claire have some peace.

October 3, 2016

Outlander Episode 112, “Lallybroch,” Favorite Scenes

“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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

September 26, 2016

Episode 111, “The Devil’s Mark,” Favorite Scenes

Episode 111 is another great one for Jamie and Claire. It has some major expositions, climaxes, and resolutions in the early plot structure. These are a few of our favorite scenes from the episode.

The Confession

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In each episode we see reasons why Jamie is the King of Men. Even though Claire’s story defies logic, Jamie believes her because he trusts her. He trusts her to tell him the truth. What is so heartwarming about this scene is that Jamie feels guilty for having beaten her for running when he told her to “stay put” because he understands she was trying to reach the stones and go back to Frank. I think it was during the end of this scene that Jamie decided to take her back to the stones. He always thinks of Claire’s feelings and is willing to put her feelings before his own.

A friend in need is a friend in deed.

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Claire’s and Geillis’s lives are in jeopardy at the witch trial, but can we take just a moment to appreciate Ned Gowan? He defied Colum’s wishes and tried to save both Claire and Geillis, but ultimately he realizes that Geillis is a lost cause. Still, he’s willing to risk his life to save Claire. Ned might be the last person one would think brave enough to take on a courtroom full of enemies, but here he is, brandishing a pistol to defend Claire. He was willing to commit murder before dozens of witnesses, which is incongruent with what he had always told the highlanders. He had encouraged them not to kill anyone when they went to rescue Claire from Black Jack, but now he appears ready to do whatever he can to protect Claire, regardless of the odds. How cute is Ned Gowan here?

We hope Bill Patterson returns in Season 3, Voyager. He has a few legal issues he needs to resolve for Jamie and Claire. Like Mrs. Fitz, we believe Ned might be another Jamie/Claire shipper.

Ned, this is how it’s done.

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At least Jamie brandishes two weapons, and if anyone can defy the odds in this courtroom, it is Jamie Fraser.

This isn’t the first time Jamie has shown up at the last minute to rescue Claire, and it won’t be the last. He sees his beloved being whipped across her back, and he is so angry he practically spits… literally. After issuing a warning that the first man forward would be the first man down, wisely no one doubts that he means exactly that. With a sword in one hand and a dirk in the other, Jamie holds off the crowd until Geillis distracts them with a confession and declaration of Claire’s innocence. Although Claire is willing to go down with Geillis, kudos to Geillis for saving Claire.

It is better to give than to receive. ol-s1-11-jamie-claire-camp-fire2

Jamie plans to take Claire to the stones the next morning, so rather than taking pleasure from what he believes is their last sexual encounter, he only wants to give it. He just wants to look at her while he pleasures her so he can keep the memory of her face in his mind. Again, the King of Men.

To the stones.

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This is such a sad scene. It breaks my heart the way Jamie watches Claire while she washes in the stream. She is clueless about Jamie’s plan to take her to the stones and help her get back home to Frank. Once at the stone circle, Claire is beckoned by the large stone and is pulled away at the last minute by Jamie. He apologizes for the action, saying he just wasn’t ready yet. He doesn’t beg her to stay, but instead encourages her to go back to a safe place, away from the danger and violence of his time. He tells her he will remain at the camp below until dark and he is sure she has safely gone.

At the end of the scene, we see Jamie walk away and Claire in deep thought, staring at her hands where she wears the rings representing both marriages. She approaches the stone and the screen goes black, leading viewers to believe that she has gone back… to Frank.

Take me to Lallybroch.

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The black screen transitions to night where Jamie is lying by the campfire, tears of sadness streaming down his cheeks. This must have been a true shocker for non-readers, but suddenly we hear Claire’s voice say to Jamie, “On your feet, soldier.” Jamie must have thought for a moment that he was dreaming when he rose to see Claire looking down at him. “Take me home to Lallybroch” means Claire has chosen him over Frank, over her own time, and he realizes it. His tears are no longer from sadness and loss, but tears of happiness, joy, and relief.

I’m embarrassed to share the number of times I’ve watched this episode, but I will say that I’ve never been able to watch the final two scenes with dry eyes.

September 16, 2016

Outlander Episode 110, “By the Pricking of My Thumbs,” Favorite Scenes

Episode 110 is another great one in Season 1, and we’re glad to share some of our favorite scenes.

The Smackdown.

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Could you swear you didn’t cheer aloud when Claire slapped Leghair? You know she had it coming.

The Edict

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This is great because it shows that Colum, though feeble and smaller in stature commands the room. He is The MacKenzie. There is no doubt about that.

Goodbye Kiss

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*sigh* Here is the point in which Claire chooses. “Come back to me, James Fraser.” She has done all she can to take care of him, she has made sure he has more than what he needs, but she needs him to come back. She loves him, and Jamie knows it. That is why he is on the verge of tears at this parting. He will miss her, yes, but he is touched that she will miss him as well.

And the kiss.

Mrs. Fitz

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We love Mrs. Fitz. If her reaction is any indication of the majority at Castle Leoch, Colum may have underestimated the acceptance of Jamie as Laird and Claire as his Lady. Regardless, Mrs. Fitz has always supported Claire and has a genuine affection for both of them. We hope she and her family survive the aftermath of Culloden.

The Changeling

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This isn’t necessarily a favorite scene, but it is one that makes us wonder. Claire is catapulted back through time 200 years, yet she completely dismisses any notion of fairies, changelings, or anything else from the mythological or supernatural realms. After having an experience that defies explanation, one would think she would be a little more open minded.