Claire Battles Demons and Superstitions in the Highlands, but Who Comes Out on Top?

This week’s episode of Outlander after being sequestered in Castle Leoch by laird of the castle, Colum Mackenzie, Claire is forced to become accustomed to everyday life in 1743 Scotland and prove her worthiness to the clan. In her efforts to fit in, Claire makes some new friends as well as a new enemy or two. While putting her medical skills to use, she not only impresses everyone, but also is looked up in a different light as a ‘Miracle Worker,’ which may not have been so beneficial as she thought it would be. Additionally, that dashing lad, Jamie, helps her get out of a few scrapes and is as flirty as ever. So, let’s talk about all the new enemies she’s made, because people giving the side eye are way more fun to discuss.

RELATED | Outlander Cast Kiss And Tell About The Series And Love For Their Fans

Woman of Science or Man of Faith?

The dream sequence with Claire confessing to Mrs. Fitz that she’s from the future might have been trivial to those whose read the books (the scene was not in the book); but for viewers who aren’t familiar, writer Anne Kenney rightfully makes the assessment to dispel any notion that Claire’s knowledge of how she came to be at Craigh na Dun in 1743 wouldn’t have any instant impact such as her likely be burned at the stake for witchcraft.

Do ye not believe in demonic possession, Claire?

This episode had a very clear theme of showing the importance of superstition and belief in demons in the Highlands. Claire’s clear dismissal of faith in favor of science, though, turned many heads throughout the castle and town. It wasn’t uncommon in the 1700s of Scotland to believe a boy would be possessed by demons and turn to religion, rather than assume he can be cured by medicine. However, it’s Claire’s disbelief in demons and more of her, “my healing skills were a gift from god” presence that reminds the viewers that Claire remains an outsider who will have continuous challenges, especially when she’s determined to defy the town’s beliefs, particularly that of Father Bain.

Satan may like to make a fool of God, but God will have the last word. I promise you that.” ~ Father Baine

As Claire tries to figure out what’s really wrong with the Tamas who fell ill to what the highlanders call the “working of the spirits,” she’s ousted by the demeaning Father Bain, who is very confident that both Claire is from hell and his exorcism will work on the possesed boy. Father Bain’s overpowering character, played by Tim McInnerny and fervent way in which he approaches this role makes for a compelling performance. Bain was successful in both horrifying audience and Claire along with forcing his strong beliefs on the rest of the household. When Claire returns with an antidote to save Tamas, there’s a distinct moment of tension, hoping it’ll work, lest Father Bain burn her for witchcraft. A pinnacle moment in which the bubbly and lovable Mrs. Fitz stands up to Father Bain, has the audience rooting for Claire and Mrs. Fitz, glad to see the disparaging Father kicked out.

The Village Charmer

We got to see a lot more of Geillis in this episode and it was pretty spot on. Meeting her husband, Arthur Duncan, gave us a better understanding at why Geillis is quite so calculating and desperately in need of some girl talk with Claire. The way Lotte Verbeek says such serious lines like ‘the boy will probably lose a hand’ with nonchalance is a perfect way to set up who Geillis really is and how she relates to this world.

The man has no notion of guile. ~Geillis

Her interest in Claire gives us a slight uneasiness, like she’s trying to pry a bit too far into Claire’s personal life and make us wonder just what is this woman up to? Offering Claire wine in order to hear about her upbringing is the Mackenzie’s move, okay, Geillis? Those who have read the book know what’s coming, but seeing the character come to life on screen is all the more chilling. We want to both get Claire away from Geillis as well as see more of the mysterious woman who gives potions to young girls in town. We’ll definitely keep our eye on her.

Things are heating up for Jamie

The clever preview clips that Starz promoted of Jamie’s kiss with Laoghaire (pronounced Leery) may have frighten viewers’ certainty in Jamie and Claire’s growing relationship. Those who haven’t read the books were rightfully worried their new favorite ship would already be sinking with this young blonde girl getting in the way. Fortunately, the episode focused a lot of Jamie’s interest to help Claire, do her favors, and show her far more attention than he does Laoghaire. We were happy to see Laoghaire ignored and rejected by Jamie in favor of whispering in Claire’s ear, it almost felt a bit harsh when he handed her his empty glass like she was a servant. The poor girl was trying so hard, Jamie had just taken a beating for her, and he barely glanced at her before whisking Claire away to her surgery for some alone time and drunk flirting. We didn’t feel sorry for Laoghaire for long, because a few scenes later, Claire catches them making out in a corner, but even then Laoghaire wasn’t in the spotlight, because Sam Heughan played up Jamie’s interest in Claire by delivering a knowing smirk at her before continuing on with Laoghaire. Heughan certainly knows how to play that subtle charming side of Jamie that makes us all swoon. Claire’s subsequent teasing of Jamie over the kiss was the most hilarious scene and should have been longer! Would have loved to have seen more footsie and searing looks between them before Jamie spills his drink and leaves. The scene gave us a good glimpse into the comedic sides of both Heughan and Balfe, and it would be lovely to see more of that in upcoming episodes. The switch of making Murtagh (instead of Old Alec) tell Claire about Jamie needing to marry a woman not a girl, gave off the implication that Jamie should be marrying Claire and it felt a bit strange.

“Your lip looks a little swollen, Jamie. Did you get thumped by a horse?” ~ Claire

Claire asking Jamie to take a few risks with her, is a sympathetic hero-type characteristic trait that Jamie displays even when helping the tanner’s lad get the unpinned from the pillory for stealing to taking her to Black Kirk in search of the true cause of Tamas’s illness. Claire knows Jamie’s an outlaw, so the fact that he risked helping the tanner’s boy just because Claire was concerned, showed just how much he takes Claire’s feelings into account. Jamie’s understanding that Claire wanted to leave Geillis’ house just from a look she gave him showed us how strong their connection is. The chemistry between Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe sizzled with the subtle nuances like when Claire checked Jamie’s shoulder wound and the whispered exchange via Gaelic song translations was a nice touch. It’s the sexual tension between the two and we’re only into the third episode but for the audience it’s an indication of just how explosive their future scenes are going to be together as their characters get closer. Their openness and trusting of each other strengthens their bond as the story goes on, that it’s hard to believe Jamie and Claire have only known each other for a week. Seeing how close they already are and how strongly they understand each other, shows not only that the characters are kindred spirits, but is a testament to the casting director, Suzanne M. Smith, in choosing these two leads, Ciatriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. It also makes us incredibly antsy to see the next episode(s)! Every scene between them adds kindling to the fire between them, and the slow burn is going to pay off big time once the two finally get together.

Final Verdict

With a new director for this episode, Brian Kelly, came a different pacing to the episode. The story felt almost too tidy, particularly the demons theme which surprisingly was resolved rather quickly when Claire ends up being the heroine of the day and saves the boy who we’ve now learned had been poisoned. Though audiences might feel the storyline was a bit slow it did bring about certain character elements that stood out such as the dialogue between Claire and Father Bain. It was a neat little story all packed up in this hour and didn’t feel like much of the story moved forward at all. Scenes with Claire and Colum MacKenzie played by Gary Lewis becomes more poignant as the audience begin to understand just how important Claire’s knowledge of medicine is in this era. Yet, it’s Lewis stoic performance when he’s given his tailored coat that implies that he’s unashamed of his disease which gives an insight to what viewers should expect from the actor that plays the highlander king. Colum extends this self-acceptance of his disease, despite his humanistic doubts he even references his suffering to demonic evil doings as he asks Claire to massage him and help ease his suffering but Lewis plays his character also light-hearted with what could be a rather dull scene with, “don’t tell me my arse offends you too?”

It’s even the simplistic way that  writer Anne Kelley and director Brian Kelly takes what can be seen as a trivial scene, but instead lends an authenticity to the series when showing the visual effect of Culum’s disease known as Toulouse-Lautrec Syndrome.  In this episode, ‘The Way Out’ the cinematography and framing shots were more around Claire, so we are more aware that this is her story from her point of view. Most notably, the shots of nailing the boy’s ear to the pillory and Claire watching from Geillis’ window were framed very well and brought us more into the scene. It felt like a standalone episode that was just a bit different, but maybe things will move forward in the next episode ‘The Gathering’ with Claire actually finding a way out of 1743.

Questions, comments and concerns:

• Claire and Mrs. Fitz did the Ice Bucket Challenge in the opening scene. LOL!
• Can we get more of Jamie whispering?
• Also there was no shirtless Jamie in this episode, disappointed.
• Is Dougal gonna stop being such a jerk to Claire, or…?
• More drunk Claire please
• Who actually believes Claire is gonna go back through the stones?
• Still waiting for Roger Wakeifled!!!!! Where is that wee bugger?!
• The tension between them also makes a few of us scream at the television for them to kiss already!!