Outlander - The Watch - Review
Last Week on Outlander, Jamie and Claire arrived at Lallybroch where we were introduced to Jenny, Jamie's sister, and her husband Ian. Jamie's past haunted him during his first hours back home, and we saw through flashbacks the events that happened at Lallybroch with Black Jack Randal that made Jamie not return. Also, Jamie took his first steps as Laird of Lallybroch.
"You pay one devil to protect you from another" Jamie
Last week's mouth-watering cliffhanger left Jamie held at gunpoint by an unknown bunch of men. This was surprisingly misleading. It was presented in a way for it to appear that Jamie and everyone else was in imminent danger, except that wasn't the case. These men, whilst thieves, and a dangerous bunch had no intention of harming anyone, but instead were there to protect them; they're known as "The Watch." Whilst they made it sound honorable what they were doing was far from it. They protect people from redcoats and other clans sure, but for a price. They're doing things for their own greed.
Like all men they had a leader, and that man was Taran MacQuarrie, played by the brilliant and the underappreciated talent of Douglas Henshall. Douglas, for me, is an actor I admired growing up, for his many portrayals, most notably his portrayal of Cutter on the UK series Primeval. The knowledge of knowing that an actor I liked was portraying Taran actually made the character more tolerable, but, to be honest, the character wasn't all that bad. His men were downright pigs and were some of the most dislikeable people the show has ever introduced, but Taran was respectable, loyal, and somewhat honorable.
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Horrocks later proved though how much of a coward and untrustworthy man he is when he sets the entire Watch up to die, even though he was currently dead at the time. He told Taran beforehand a good place to hide in preparation for the ambush they were planning, but little did anyone know that it was them who were about to be ambushed. Horrocks allegedly cut a deal with the redcoats, The Watch for a pardon, Jamie and Ian just happened to be there. This scene did not only show how smart Jamie is to figure out what was happening, but it also showed how far Horrocks would have gone for the sake of his own freedom. The slow motion scene was excellent and represented Horrocks murderous betrayal nicely, and I dare say that scene paralleled the red wedding in Game of Thrones.
It was the scene that followed though that really caught my attention. Watching Claire anxiously await her husband's return was painful and in a way heart-breaking as deep down even she knew he wasn't going to return. It also further showed how devoted she is to him, and how much she cares for him. When someone did arrive at Lallybroch, who wasn't Jamie, the look of horror she had in her eyes as her worst fears came true. Although, Jamie hadn't died, he had been captured by the redcoats, most likely about to be taken to Black Jack, which we and she knows is a fate far worse than death. Black Jack is a brute, someone who takes pleasure from harming people, so Jamie's capture could be his downfall, this could ruin him.
"I never counted on Loving you" Claire
Claire, in a heartfelt and emotional speech, told Jamie that she believes she can't have children. She's tried before. This news was shattering to Jamie, and to us, the viewer. Both Claire and Jamie deserve a child, and would make excellent parents, but I'm pleased Jamie remained faithful to Claire by standing by her through a tough revelation. There is still a slight hope for her yet, but even if they can't have children they could always adopt, couldn't they.
This scene was a powerful moment between the pair. We haven't had too many Claire and Jamie moments these past few episodes, a moment where they can speak from their hearts and really connect through an intimate conversation; Claire's revelation was that moment. Caitriona was, as she typically is, fantastic in that scene. She manages to make every scene which requires emotion powerful, yet moving at the same time. It's rare for me to praise someone weekly, but if anyone deserves the praise it's Cait.
Elsewhere, Laura had a big part to play again this episode. Jenny goes into labor. Her baby was typically stubborn like her, and Claire realises the baby is breech, and although she tries she isn't able to move the baby. The episode focused a lot on Claire and Jenny's growing relationship, they can connect on a personal level in many ways, and I felt they did this episode during scenes together talking about their pasts. I'm glad Claire is getting the chance to open up to someone other than Jamie, she needs that. Whilst Jamie is supportive and will always stand by her Claire needs another figure in her life, someone she can talk to about things she may find hard to discuss with Jamie, Jenny can be that person.
Another character that played a key part this episode was Ian. Steven Cree doesn't and won't get too many moments or scenes to shine in, but he managed to this episode in scenes with Sam. Ian is a side character, someone who doesn't matter too much, but he mattered this episode. This was the first time, and perhaps sadly the last, we saw of Jamie and Ian's brotherly bond. Sure, we've heard of their strong relationship and how they grew up together and briefly seen some signs of brotherhood, but this episode was the first time we really saw their connection. They might not be blood brothers, but they're brothers and that got shown a lot this episode. Jamie helping Ian through the pain of killing Horrocks or Ian giving Jamie advice on how to handle Horrocks, both were signs of their strong relationship that had developed ever since they were children. Ian is the brother Jamie deserved.
Summary
Like last week this episode leaves us on another cliffhanger, although it's frustratingly bigger. As we draw closer to the end of the season things are really picking up and the show is entering uncharted territory, and for all non-book readers you're in for some surprises and shocks in the remaining 3 episodes, not all of them being good. This episode though was a vast improvement over last weeks slightly disjointed episode, and was one of the best for character development. Jenny and Claire are growing closer each episode, and I can't wait to see them next episode on the road going after Jamie, who they both love dearly. Overall, it was a fantastic episode that left me eagerly awaiting next weeks. I keep mentioning it, but I feel it needs to be said, if Outlander doesn't get nominated for Emmy's I shall be outraged.
As always, thank you for reading! Let me know in the comments what you thought of "The Watch"
