It’s Outlander Time! Recaps 211

What a fantastic episode! Kudos to Diana Gabaldon for adding screenwriter to her list of talents. She did a beautiful job. I was surprised by some characters, angry with others, grateful and amazed by one and cheered at a certain someone’s death.  Morose, yes but the guy deserved it and worse. Claire again played the poor English lady held prisoner by sadistic Scots.We get to see one of my favorite characters from season 1. And how many more wounds can Rupert take? Anyway, here we go.

Episode 211- Vengeance is mine

 

1) It has been months since the victory at Prestonpans. The army has moved on from location to location gathering artillery and whatnot. Right now they are in Northern England, 5 days from London. The Prince is having an argument with the other bigwigs as whether to go forward like the Prince wishes, or turn around like a bunch of cowards. Sure the odds don’t look too keen, I mean with only 1 Jacobite troop to 3 British. Just too big a risk for the others in command to chance. Except for Jamie. He’s the only one who’s sides with the Prince and that makes those who didn’t look like traitorous buffoons. But Jamie’s loyalty isn’t enough to make a difference. There’s no contest. They’ve overridden the Prince and have chosen to turn back toward Scotland.This decision really pisses off the Bonny Prince too.”I’d rather be run through by a British bayonet and have my body buried in an unmarked grave then turn back when we’ve come this far.” You tell ’em Chuck!

2) Meanwhile, during the disagreement Claire has been adding another few letters to her list of medical attributes. Dr. Claire Fraser, DDS. Yes, our Sassenach is now practicing dentistry. Well someone has to tend to the abundance of sore rotting teeth and gums, don’t they? Rupert’s sitting nearby reminiscing about Angus lack of oral hygiene thus scaring folks, especially one little lad waiting their turn to see Dr. Fraser. My heart goes out to these people. Imagine going to the dentist without the benefit of novocain and laughing gas? No thank you! Jamie gives Claire and clan the bad news: we’re not going to London as planned because  the majority of those commanders-in-charge are too chicken. He does have kind words to say about the Prince “At least he has a fighting man’s heart.”

3) Nightime. A beautifully naked Jamie lays on the bed whispering sweet Gaelic to a sleeping Claire. His words are a prayer to God; a promise to keep a woman he’s knows in his heart he must eventually give up safe from harm. A touching scene that radiates the deep love they share for each other.

4) A spitting mad Dougal bounds up the stairs pissed as hell. Turns out the Prince’s generals, for the reason they are jealous over the friendship and influence Jamie has on the His Highness, has exiled Jamie and his men to Inverness. Jamie goes to speak with the prince but Murray has earlier managed to persuade him to leave. As further insult the Prince took Jamie’s horse.The clan has no choice but to head out for Inverness. “Well Sassenach how long has it been since you’ve been to Inverness?” Claire  answers with a scowl. Very funny, Jamie! 

5) And they’re off. The clan marches north toward Scotland. At a rest stop where Dr. Claire is removing splinters from Ross’ finger and Rupert starts reminiscing about Angus again, out of the blue gunshots are heard. Just peachy, the Redcoats are near.  To keep the men safe Jamie, Claire, Dougal, Murtagh, Rupert and Fergus head out on horseback.  They think at one point they’ve lost the Brits but uh,uh you must not assume all is well when oh, no shit! here come the cavalry. During the chase Rupert gets hit in the eye with a musket ball. He start to fall from his horse but kudos to Dougal for jumping from his horse to Rupert’s to save his clan member. High-five, Dougie!

6) Our group manages to escape to an abandoned Scottish chapel. Good thing too because if  Claire doesn’t tend to Rupert he might end up visiting Angus. When they arrive  at the chapel Jamie finds a few of his men had the same idea too, a haven from the redcoats. I love when Claire is bandaging Rupert and describing all pirates have black eye patches, peg legs and parrots. Surely she has not seen Black Sails! When all is assumed calm, damn, here come a group of redcoats carrying torches in the black of night. Their intention? To capture the Scots and if they don’t surrender voluntarily  the thatched roof is going to be set ablaze.

Jamie decides since he’s the one with the price on his head he will save them all and surrender. Dougal thinks that’s one jackass idea. “Stop being such a hero.” I agree! So does Claire. She decides for the clan’s safety to play the English damsel in distress again being held prisoner. Of course Jamie detested the idea. But he has a stubborn wife who doesn’t care. After all, she’s Lady Broch Turoch and she has a responsibility for the men too. Dougal goes out to bargain with the soldiers. If they give up their weapons and horses and the English woman the soldiers will then let them be. Deal. Time for the exchange. Jamie is very reluctant. “We will find each other again.” comes reassurance from Claire. He begins to carry out a ‘fainted’ Claire but Dougal stops him. They don’t need to hand over Red Jamie too, especially when the RC don’t know he’s there. That wasn’t part of the agreement. So Dougal does the honors. Here you go: one unconscious, terrified hostage in exchange for freedom.

Now you didn’t think these guys were just going to hand her over, bye, bye Claire, have a nice life did you? As soon as the soldiers are out of sight Jamie and Murtagh make plans to find her. Being horseless now they must find themselves a couple of rides. “Traitors, killers, now horse thieves. Have ye ever considered a mistake taking Claire as your wife?” Not for a second, Murtagh.

7) With worn out horses the tired and hungry Redcoats and Claire head for the nearest town for R and R. Who should see the troop arrive? The beggar extraordinaire and Jamie’s friend, Hugh Munro. Splattered on the door of the pub they enter are guess what, wanted posters for Red Jamie. Just great. In the company of horny men who would love to see my husband hang and a few proposition me.

8) Good morning! Seemed Claire fared the night just fine. But it’s time to leave for Belmont, a home owned by a wealthy Englishman instead of the destination first intended. Outside Hugh makes it a point to approach Claire. He is attacked by her guide, Lieutenant Barnes  and thrown to the ground. Claire is abhorred by the soldier’s lack of Christian charity and helps Hugh up. Between this brief encounter they make plans for Hugh to tell Jamie where to find her: Belmont.

11/30 Ext ramshackle Inn. Claire recognises Hugh, Berates Banrnes & tells where she’s being taken

9) Tents pitched on the grounds Redcoats patrolling, Claire starts to wonder who in the hell is the wealthy Englishman living her. Well lo and behold it’s (drum roll) The Dushy Duke of Sandringham. Yes, Claire can’t believe her eyes either. See?

He’s just as surprised to see the widow Claire Beauchamp under his roof. I don’t blame them for wanting a drink. Seems things are a wee bit tight for the Duke now. Trusting help is so hard to find after your boss has been locked in the Tower of London for disloyalty. The RC just won’t leave him alone; are watching him 24/7 because after all, he is still a Jacobite sympathizer. Of course he is sure Jamie will come rescue Claire and when he arrives he wants to be rescued from his hellish circumstances, too. To prevent her Highlander in woolen kilt from making the mistake of walking into a trap Claire suggests the Duke get her paper and quill so see can send him a note written in Gaelic with instructions the Duke’s mailman not deliver the note to Jamie personally but to hand it over to a beggar Munro who will in turn hand it over to Jamie.

10) Who should make a sudden appearance? To the Dukes dismay  it’s his goddaughter, Mary Hawkins.And Mary has some wonderful (?) news she’s not too thrilled over. In confidences, Mary takes her into a room where they will not be spied on. Mary is getting married again this time to a man named Granger. (I wonder if he knows her she’s got no maidenhead). Anyway, Mary wants Claire’s help because there’s no friggin’ way she want’s to marry this guy. About as much as her godfather wishes to visit the Tower of London again. Claire agrees to talk to him. I think in her heart she knows her effort will be a waste of time. But boy, will it be educational!

11) The talk. Stern Claire goes to have it out with the Duke. She’s finds him coming in from outside. His good news is he’s persuaded the guards to leave which seems odd to Claire since their main purpose is to keep watch over conniving him. When his valet, a man named  Danion, takes the Duke’s wrap Claire notices a birthmark on his hand, the same birthmark the guy from the rape had. It doesn’t take many questions from a suspicious Claire to bring the Duke to realize she recognizes the man from the rape. Ah ha! The truth is out. The Duke was the one responsible for the rape and seeing as the rape was meant solely for Claire poor Mary was an unfortunate circumstance. The rape came about because he owed the Comte St Germaine a huge amount of money . The Comte actually wanted Claire dead but Dukie thought rape would do the trick better; much more humiliating.  Furious Claire tells the Duke he’s going to regret his decision when Jamie comes to rescue her…. which is what he planned all along. Though the soldiers left they had not gone far and when he give over Red Jamie and his traitorous wife he won’t look like a traitor to the crown. Sneaky bastard. Claire gets shown to her room and locked in.

Meanwhile, Munro has indeed received the note and handed it on to Jamie who tries to decipher Claire’s broken Gaelic. He and Murtagh are able to make out that she is with the Duke of Sandringham at his place called Belmont. Fortunately Munro will have no problem guiding them.

12) Back at the ranch Claire notices from the bedroom window Munro approaching. She’s frantic to try to escape so to warn him when they come they’ll be walking into a trap. Well aren’t we fortunate to have Mary appear wondering why Claire is locked in. Relieved Claire asks Mary a favor: go outside and tell this beggar friend of theirs to warn Jamie he’ll be walking into a trap. Shivering like a frighten mouse Mary stutters how she couldn’t dare do as requested. Disgusted, Claire says fine stay here here like a sniveling child and I’ll do it myself. So she leaves Mary behind and how she escapes to the stairs is very Harry Potter.

13) She sneaks to the kitchen but alas, her escape attempt is foiled. There sits Sandry having a midnight snack. He invites her to have a bit. They discuss the ridiculous accusations of La Dame Blanche and the Comte’s death. Not so accidental in his opinion! Enter Mary. She’s looking for Claire but not expecting to run into her godfather. Curses. The flustered girl quickly uses the excuse for her presence as hunger. Exasperated Dukeboy hands her a plate and for the third or forth time tells her “Go to bed!” It’s like the only thing he can ever think to tell the girl. Geez.

14) Mary doesn’t though. She goes to find Munro but at the door but runs into a soldier first who isn’t expecting to get knocked unconscious by a beggar. She conveys the warning, sneaks back inside and is surprised to find Danion there. He grabs her, shakes her and takes her back they go into the kitchen. Mary tries to explain her reason but her words seem to get all jumbled. Poor girl.

15) Surprise! Enter Jamie. Danion quickly grabs Claire and puts a knife to her throat.

So to cause his Sassenach no harm Jamie throws down his dirk. Enter Murtagh. Between Murtagh and Jamie they manage to disarm the man and knock him to the ground. Claire goes on to inform all that he’s the one who raped them and the Duke was the one who thought of the plan. Grrr. That’s fuel for Jamie who knocks the fellow out then grabs the duke by the throat. He really wants to choke the life out of the guy.

Meanwhile, Danion has regained consciousness and Mary, who has found a blade is incensed to have discovered that he had been her rapist. So she plunges the knife deep into his gut. Claire is surprised and amazed Mary finally grew some lady-balls.

Back to Jamie. He figures why should he have the fun of killing the Duke. So he hands him over to Murtagh who does a Lizzie Borden and hacks his head off with an axe. Not once but three times. Then presents the  decapitated head to Mary and Claire. “Kept my word to lay vengeance at your feet.” Ewww! At the sight of the blood and gore I loved shocked Mary’s reaction. “I think we’d better go.”

Murtagh Fitzsimmons took an axe. Gave the Duke forty whacks. When he saw what he had done, he said to Claire now vengeance is done.

So there it is. My recap of 211. On to 212.

 

It’s Outlander Time! Recaps 210

 

This episode is one of the most brutal, goriest yet.  Blood spewing,  mud flying,  swords swinging, daggers thrashing, stabbings, shootings, cannon explosions. Dead bodies strewn from kingdom come. Dedicated Scots, a arrogant self-centered Prince, merciful women and one brave young lad.  Death and victory. Defeat and glory. Pride and humanity. A beautifully done realistic depiction of a historical battle and we haven’t even gotten to Culloden yet. Absolutely not  recommended for the squeamish who faint at the sight of blood, blood, and more blood. Great episode worthy of numerous Emmys. And lots of knee porn, too!

Episode 210- Prestonpans

 

1) With the intention of a much needed potty break Claire by accident  comes upon a dead Highlander soldier. I don’t know how Claire felt but I was sickened by the bugs crawling on the pale decaying flesh. (shivers) She begins to doubt if these brave Scots, no matter how hard they may try, will ever change history.  The Jacobite rebellion is doomed to fail anyway.

2) Prince Charlie, dressed head to toe in a red plaid coat adorned in gold trim, and kilt (I guess this is his idea of blending in with the Scots and not looking so British?)  along with the clans leaders, and war dignitaries are gathered to discuss war strategies. Or rather Quartermaster O’Sullivan and Lord General Murray are arguing how, where or if they should even attack. The two are at an impasse. The Prince is like, “Hey I know what. Why don’t I just talk to the British, give them a compromise, tell them if they leave voluntarily there will be no need on our part for confrontation and mark me, all will be peachy keen.” Uh, sure. That plan will only work when pigs sprout wings. Jamie suggested for everyone’s sake they take a breather. Time-out.

And on this time-out Charlie tells Jamie to tell Claire, who is busy preparing a make-shift hospital, it is his wish, since they are his father’s subjects too, and he promised they’d be taken care of that the English be tended to first before the Jacobite wounded. Sorry but in my eyes this shows disregard for the men who are doing his dirty work. Jamie warns him such talk in front of his men will never gain him favor because after all, it doesn’t matter what the Putzy Prince may believe the British have never been a friend to the Scots. Jamie also knows that Claire will never agree to such a request. “Then you make her do it as her lord and master.” I cracked up at that one. I bet Jamie did too. Claire with a lord and master. Or even listening to him. When porkers soar.

3) Poor Angus. Always stirring up trouble. This time by spitting water on an unsuspecting Kincade. Not once. Twice. Well this unappreciated folly sparks a down and out rile between the two that neither Murtagh or Dougal, who just wants a bit of peaceful rest, can not seem to quell. Only Jamie as clan commander has the ability to break the ruckus up. After all is once again calm Jamie has a talk with Dougal. The marshlands between the two opposing camps need surveilling. It’ll be a dangerous undertaking but can be done if you remain out of gunshot range. Dougal, who wants to prove his worth to the Royal Putz, volunteers. “I volunteer as tribute, ye ken.”

Yeah, I bet Dougal’s horse really loved getting stuck in the mirk and mire amid the sound of gunshots. But all is good, the only casualty is Dougal’s tam. Upon his return Dougal is greeted with rousing cheers. PC praises him for his bravery which is what he sought. “Mark me, if I had a hundred men like you this war would be over.” Talk about a moral booster! I loved when Dougal told Jamie, “I must go change me breeches. The hero of the hour shat his pants.”

4) After Dougal’s shining moment we go to the field hospital where Claire is instructing the ladies the duties that will await them. Very fortunate that a doctor absentmindedly left his tools behind. ( I noticed the camera centered on a certain knife. Hmm.) And more fortunate is Claire knows how to use them. So get going ladies, prepare those bandages, sterilize those tools, gather water, mind the honey water and keep the fires burning. Which Claire delegates Fergus to do. “Woman’s work.” he mumbles because he’d rather be with the guys doing guy things like fighting the redcoats. A man, Richard Anderson shows at the hospital with valuable information for Jamie. So Fergus goes to find him. When they return this man tells Jamie how his father owns the land that he’s lived there all his life and he knows of a trail that will lead to the British without having to go through marshlands which thanks to Dougal’s nobel discovery is definitely a no-go. Jamie though isn’t sure whether to trust this stranger or not.  He takes Anderson to the bigwigs to discuss this new-found  convenient info. Well, PC would rather talk to his advisers before persuing with the plan but not all are there and time is precious so his Highness has to grow some backbone and make a decision. Well, mark me, he does. Okay. Lets do this!

Outlander, 210 “Prestonpans” – Trailer ©2016 Sony Pictures Television

5) Before battle and the men are in a somber mood. Some like Ross and Kincaid are making    agreements if one of them should not make it back alive. “What’s mine is yours.” Well, this get’s Angus thinking. He’d like the same agreement with Rupert. Rupert though refuses his pessimistic friend’s offer.”Now shut your gab before ye bring the Devil’s own eye upon us.” He alway has a way with words.

6) Continuing the somber note, Murtagh, while sharpen his dirk, has a word with Jamie over death and life’s meaning and  failed choices to which Jamie is no stranger to.”In Paris I almost lost my marriage trying to stop all this from happening. I failed.” Murtagh  like any faithful friend will not let him shoulder the blame. “We. We failed.”

7) It’s time. Saying goodbye is difficult for all. Angus, uncertain whether he’ll be returning  and if so in a breathing state asks Claire for a kiss. She complies to this incorrigible man’s request.  Rupert believes a goodbye is too final; probably a bad omen because he doesn’t want to ruin his positivity. Murtagh confirms with Claire that this upcoming battle is a winner. “…for history’s sake.”  She nods then insists he watch over Jamie. “Always.” Though she knows the outcome is victorious she has no clue of soldier mortality. Who will live and who will die. She hopes Jamie will return among the living and in one piece. That is why their farewell is a touching one. Neither wants to let the other go. Alas…  “On your way, soldier.” You can just see the angst of uncertainty in her eyes.

8) Down the hidden path through the dense fog our heroes, lead by Anderson, quietly sneak up on the British. Unbeknownst to Jamie Fergus, even told not to, has joined in the raid too holding tightly to that certain knife.  Though PC wishes to lead his men into victory because it his calling, Jamie persuades I’m to stay behind because if he gets killed the Jacobite cause will crumble, and he’ll get blood and mud on that pretty attire, and what will his father say? He admits, “I don’t think my father is all that fond of me.” Believe me, he’s not the only one. Question: if the prince dies in battle, the rebellion will be over and there will be no Culloden. Wouldn’t it have been beneficial then if the guy fights then?

And here we go. They come upon a redcoat guard using his gun as balance because I assume he’s asleep. Well, little does he know that his worse nightmare is about to happen. Here’s comes the battle cry and thousands of angry Highlanders appear ready to attack your unsuspecting padres. Swords swing, daggers slice, bullets shot, cannons explode, blood and mud fly through the air and cover the ground. Soldiers on both sides fall either wounded or dead. One little boy is scared shitless.  This battle scene is magnificent to watch and I bet was certainly a bitch to film!

9) While that spectacular battle is happening, Claire and the women have been setting up the hospital and waiting  nervously to see if their husbands come back alive, or wounded but certainly not ready for a body-bag. The wounded start to arrive in droves.  Claire does what Claire does best: tend to them.

Claire notices Ross carrying Kincaid over his shoulders. Although Ross insists Claire saves him there is nothing she can do. Kincaid is already dead. The Wounded British arrive seeking aid nothing else.  Among the group is Angus carrying a wound Rupert. Though Claire is busy with another patient Angus is insistent she stop everything for him.

Turns out Rupert has been slashed deep with a sword but hopefully able to be saved. Claire goes to work sewing him up like she was hemming a skirt.

Jamie walks in head to toe covered in blood and mud all grinning with pride. The battle had been victorious. Only took fifteen minutes. The  wounded Brits in attendance cringe.

My first reaction when I saw all the blood was I’m sure glad I don’t have to wash their clothes!

Claire is frantic about Fergus. Asked Jamie where the scoundrel is and if he’s alive or dead. He’s alive and sitting outside traumatized because he killed a soldier. Mama Frasier cuddles him close then takes the tired boy to get food and rest.

10) Hyped up on victory, Dougal is having a blast stabbing fallen soldiers. He comes across a wounded Lieutenant Jeremy Foster, the same one who escorted both him and Claire To be questioned back in season 1. He asked if Dougal will be so kind as to escort him to the hospital. Seriously dude? You’re the enemy! Why in heaven’s name would a Highlander especially one crazed with killing every redcoat he sees take pity on you? And he makes the matter even worse by telling Dougal  they may have won this battle but they never win the war against the British. With a twist of his dirk Dougal makes sure  Jeremy will never see another war. Or anything!

11) And back at the hospital, Claire has just noticed that Jamie has been stepped on by a horse. He doesn’t think it’s anything to worry about but Claire knows better; hands him a jar to pee in so see can make sure there’s no urine in it a clear test to tell if there are internal injuries. So Jamie obliges especially when it’s to win a bet with a British soldier on distance!

In the middle of his peeing who should enter but the Bonny Prince himself ready to congratulate Claire on her hard work. Dougal who has yet come down from his high, barges in oblivious of the prince’s presence, see’s redcoats and goes berserk  wanting to gut every one of them. Dougal’s actions don’t  sit well with his Highness and demands Dougal be discharge from service for lack of compassion toward his fellow man. Jamie argues on his uncle’s defence  claiming he’s a good soldier  and he will need every good soldier so the best solution is to promote him to Captain of the newly formed Highlander Dragoons. This idea pleases Bonny Chuck and so it is.

12) Dougal is every grateful to Jamie for standing up for him; championed him and at the same time exiling him and plan worthy of his brother, Colum. He sees Angus, sitting by Rupert’s body, about to fall over. He catches him before he can. Turned out because of bomb injuries  he’s bleeding internally. Angus ends up choking on his own blood and dies. I cried at that part. Weird that as soon as his buddy dies Rupert awakes. He grieves dearly  the loss of his friend.

13) Later here’s to cerebrate a glorious victory. And mourn losses. Ross and Rupert get drunk and sing a tribute to life and death. Slainte.

Rest in peace, Angus.

There you have it. My recap of episode 210.

 

It’s Outlander Time! Recaps 209

Oh, my, God! This episode was fantastic! I loved every minute. Especially the score. So powerful and inspiring. The scenery was breathtaking. Seeing Jamie rise to become confident determined take-charge James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser, King of Men was outstanding. Claire’s flash-forwards to her time in world war 2 left me at awe. Told me more about the strength of this woman. I even managed to admired Dougal’s ability to  leave his war-chief pride behind and not argue Jamie’s leadership.  So one with my recap.

Episode 209- Je Suis Prest 

1) The scene opens with Jamie and Claire  on horseback and the Lovet men who hadn’t decided to desert because of one reason or another, heading to Crieff to meet with Murtagh and the Lallybroch men. Simon left to retrieve the deserters with the offering of land if they’d comply. (wow, desertion does have its benefits!) Here the men will get training before joining Prince Charles in Perth and boy do they need it! Fergus pops his head out a door and couldn’t be happier to welcome milady and milord. He’s the first to give an honest opinion of the place: it leaves much to be desired.

2) The next morning. Jamie and Claire exit into the bright sunlight of a clear Scottish morning. She is quick to see about breakfast knowing that the first meal of the day is so important to a soldier’s stamina even untrained ones. Surprise! Who should arrive? Two long overdue faces: Rupert and Angus. Claire asks about Willie and they get all morose. Seems the young man got married to an Irish lass and is headed to America. God, for a minute there, from their behavior I thought the guy had met his maker!  Along comes Dougal making his grand appearance. Of course, after the events of their last meeting, Claire acts impassive; unfriendly as hell. “It wouldn’t be Scotland without you, Dougal.” While Rupert, Angus and Murtagh argue about the amount of redcoats they encountered at Wentworth, Dougal acts so sickening molasses sweet to Jamie professing how proud he is of him for joining the Jacobite cause. As proud as Jamie were his own son. Well, Jamie isn’t falling for his uncle’s crap. In fact when it comes to training and command of his men Jamie tells his uncle to take a backseat. Dougal doesn’t like that very well.

3) First training day. Murtagh the drill sergeant. As Claire watches him  work the men into shape it sparks the first of many flash-forwards of World War 2. When she spots Fergus learning shinty from one of the other men it triggers another ff of American soldiers playing baseball. She may be able to shake it off this time but little-by-little these brief recollections will finally get to her.

4) Another training day. Time for Murtagh, Jamie, and Dougal to show this green group the fine art of hand-to-hand combat using real swords and knives. The scene plays like a swift choreographed dance ending with Dougal demonstrating how to stab the hell out of a straw man.

5) Though the men are not nearly trained  antsy Dougal thinks they should move on. Both Murtagh and Jamie nix that suggestion claiming he would never risk the life of any man by sending them into battle without proper training and discipline. Though Dougal hates the idea he must accept it after all these are not his men and he is not in control. Jamie is. That must really burn him, too.

6) Meal time. Seems like the chow ain’t that pleasant or tasty at least to Angus it isn’t. He disgustingly spits out his food which triggers another ff for Claire. She’s sitting in a mess tent with two ‘Yanks’, Corp. Calem Grant and Private Max Lucas. They had become separated from their troop. I think I know where Claire got the phrase JHRC. From Corp. Grant. He whispered it while the three of them where chatting about things like food, home (Grant’s from New York, Lucas from Nebraska and Claire, well, she’s from everywhere. Thank you, Uncle Lamb.) and the differences between the English language.

7)Back at the room, Claire sits in front of the fireplace with face buried in her hands visibly upset. And why shouldn’t she be. These images she’s experiencing have got to be disturbing.  Jamie walks in, sees her and is very concerned.  She picks up the clan pin he had dropped and for a second sees the image of the airborne patch Corp. Grant wore on his sleeve. Jamie can tell from his wife’s pained expression something  awful is bothering her. He apologizes for bringing her there. Claire argues with Jamie she is fine when in reality she is far from it.

8) Another training day. Jamie looks on at the group of bored-looking men Murtagh is trying to train. In an effort to instill enthusiasm in the men he describes his experiences of  being a cocky soldier in France. He gives a great monologue of the war. Suddenly, Dougal and his (4) men, topless and dirty, crash in. The startled men flee. Dougal, acting all war-chief proud, exclaims “That’s how you fight redcoats! With a Highland charge!”  Jamie is able to bring his men back to attention. He agrees, the element of surprise can be very beneficial but you can’t always depend on it. After the men are dismissed Jamie has a word with Dougal who is trying to pull rank. Jamie reminds him they are his men, his clan and they listen to no one but him. And as long as his uncle is part of the group that means him too.  God, I love this assertive side of Jamie! Begrudgingly, the soldier in Dougal agrees.The arrogant man, not so much.

9) So hoping to get his nephew to see his point, that he is to his opinion training the men wrongly,  Dougal approaches Claire. He walks in to find her standing over a pot mixing  I guess a soup, or brew or…. potion? (LOL) When she refuses  to talk to Jamie on Dougal’s behalf, he tries to blackmail her assuming she hasn’t mentioned a thing to Jamie regarding the agreement she made about marriage to him incase Jamie dies. Well the jokes on him because Jamie does know. He knows everything, every little detail and why she made it. Because she and her husband share everything they don’t keep secrets from one another.A red-faced Dougal then admits Jamie a better man than he to which Claire replies “Truer words were never said.” Also calls him a narcissist, a person in love with himself. Also uses her potty mouth, tells him to “fuck  yourself!”  Dougal agrees he does love his large ego but proclaims his love of Scotland and King Stuart more. End of story.

10)Another training day. The men are practicing and seriously need more work but they are getting there. Jamie notices Claire sitting by the fire stirring a pot and knows Claire is not herself. Murtagh agrees she looks troubled. Jamie also knows that prying the reason out of her is easier said than done.

A troubled Claire

11) Tsk, tsk, tsk. Angus’ feet are a mess. Dirty and smelly and an invitation for trench foot. Which, as Claire points out can lead to gangrene and amputation. She should know because she’s seen it! Stupid Angus ignores the advice Claire is telling him, says he’ll just bear it. This brings about another ff  for Claire. This time she’s in a tent giving hygiene advice to a group of soldiers. There is a smug one in the front mocking her, similar to Angus. She pulls herself out of the memory then for the second time throws an f-bomb. Right to Angus.

12)It’s now nighttime. The men are around the campfire, doing what men do around a campfire and as usual, Rupert is telling a dirty joke. Dougal suddenly appears with 10 unfamiliar men, volunteers to the cause he says. Jamie though is apprehensive because the men look like they want to be a part of this cause about as much as they’d want a healthy tooth extracted. So Jamie sets them straight. “Treason, if we fail, all those who support the Stuarts are likely to end up on the scaffold.” Jamie gives the strangers the option to stay or go. Well with such a ‘tempting’ explanation of what they’d be in for the men decide to pass and left. Jamie is very disappointed in his uncle  who’s only intention was to gather more manpower. But even more disappointed in the two current guards, Ross and Kincaid who let the group in without question. So Dougal and his men are stuck  pulling Sentry duty in their place. The two fellows will be punished in the morning with six lashes each. Ouch!

13) It’s training day again, this time with muskets. Claire is carrying a basket up a hill. The sound of gunfire is getting to her. She collapses near a hay wagon and goes into another ff.

The sound of war. 

This time she is in an army vehicle, driving on a bomb laden road with a driver and the two yank soldiers, Grant and Lucas hoping to find their unit. The jeep explodes. She wakes to find she’s in a crater, ears ringing to the sound of a man screaming. The nurse in Claire wants to crawl out of the crater and go help the injured soldier but that would be incredibly stupid as there are German tanks coming. When all is clear the U.S. soldier with her, Corp. Grant, tells her to stay put while he leaves. Unfortunately the soldier is shot while attempting to save another. Claire spends the night wrapped in a fetal position listening to the cries for ‘mama’. The next morning an American soldier finds an incoherent shaky Claire holding her ears wishing the cries would stop.

14) A worried Jamie finds her on the ground as she was there in the crater holding her ears and begging for the screams to stop. Claire snaps out of the ff and is relieved to  find him crouched next to her. He takes her in his arms and as they stand near the hay wagon she tells  Jamie all about the images of war and how they’re plaguing her and now that the battle is nearing she’s not sure she’s ready to go through one again. Jamie insists on sending her back to Lallybroch so she won’t have to but of course Claire argues that if she goes back there she’ll feel like a ‘dragonfly in amber’, alone and powerless like she had felt in the crater. Jamie assures her whatever happens she will never be alone again.

15) Nature’s calling and  while Jamie is relieving himself he is attacked from behind, a knife held to his throat. After defending himself by breaking his assailant’s arm he finds the attacker is but a 16 year old boy carrying a note to a British Officer who claims to have wandered in and recognized from wanted posters the traitor ‘Red Jamie’. So Jamie starts an interrogation. But the  brave young boy, who would rather die for his country, isn’t talking.  But Jamie is not ready to take his life. Even when threatened with a hot blade will the boy share info. like number, direction, location, size of his unit, nothing.

William and Red Jamie

That is until Claire interrupts pretending to be a prisoner of the “Scottish barbarian”. If he lets him go she’ll willing offer the sadist her body. Jamie plays along showing how he’s going to without mercy ravish the woman. Having respect for the female gender the lad snaps and will offer all the info they need if he stop.  Turns out his name is William Grey. After receiving what had been sought he instructs his men to tie him a mile from his camp so the men will find him in the morning. If Grey lied cut his throat. “I give you your life. I hope you use it well.”Grey is grateful for his spared life and considered it a debt. But if they should ever meet again he vows he will kill Red Jamie. The lad is taken away and Jamie enforces punishment on those whose who were on sentry duty: Dougal’s.  Six lashes for carelessness. Including himself. Six lashes for the unguarded fires and twelve for carelessness. Watching Jamie take his punishment instills great respect in the men.

16) Grey’s information proved correct. Jamie and men , their faces painted camouflaged, pull a raid on the British camp, stealing bolts and wheels then burning them from the sixteen canons reducing them pretty useless. Commando Jamie comes back to an awaken Claire and display his prized bolts, tells her the raid would not have been a success without her selflessness. Although feeling amorous Jamie advises her to get dressed because they must be on their way before the British camp wakes up.

17) The brave Fraser men marching in the bright light of morning with their commander and lady riding ahead on horseback. What a glorious sight. They arrive at Stuarts camp. Jamie gives Dougal the honor of announcing their arrival which he gladly does. “There’s no turning back now, Sassenach.” “No. Je Suis Prest.”

So there you have it. A big thank you to Great Scot for the translation of the two songs heard throughout the episode, An Fhideag Airgid and the inspirational Oran Eile Don Phrionsa-Song to the Prince. I adore the Gaelic language and was  going bonkers wondering what the lyrics were.  Onward to episode 210!