Outlander almost incinerated our roundtable from the Jamie and Claire heat this week
Outlander 3×06 was the episode we’ve all been waiting for! Back in the 18th century, Claire’s just seen Jamie for the first time! When we rejoined Outlander this week we saw that meeting from Jamie’s perspective. And what a reunion it was. We got both sentiment and hesitant joy as they met for the first time in twenty years. There was intimacy and exploration like we haven’t seen since the wedding episode in season 1 (and of course there was the requisite sexy conjugation).
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Claire finally showed Jamie their daughter and Jamie spilled to Claire about his own son. We also saw Fergus and Young Ian all grown up. But Jamie is a smuggler and a printer now, and it’s clear he’s still keeping some secrets from Claire. He also lives in a whorehouse with a pushy madam and has taken a Chinese immigrant under his wing. There was a lot going on this week, so what did our roundtable panel have to say? Let’s find out!
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - Author, researcher, educator who loves history, television, movies & jazz! Also, check out our website!
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – Writer for Outlander TV News, lover of music, traveling, and a good gin and tonic.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – Mom of 3 men, wife, habitual volunteer, WCCUSA Ambassador, JDRF supporter, Medical Office Manager & Outlander Addict books & series.
Dee (@OL_America) - Educator, mother of two sons, and Outlander enthusiast. Just returned from a trip to Scotland to get in touch with my roots.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - Klaudia likes books, burpees, and men of bygone centuries.
1) You’ve been waiting over a year for this reunion episode! In a throwback to the wedding episode, how did you feel about the perspective flip that was re-watching the initial meeting from Jamie’s perspective?
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - As I mentioned during live tweeting, this episode was very reminiscent of the wedding episode. Only this time Claire had to remind Jamie they should start by getting familiar with their touch. When Claire came downstairs to get something to eat, it reminded me of the wedding episode also. Afterwards I rewatched it through that lens and saw more parallels.
Just like when Jamie had to rescue Claire from Wentworth, I appreciate the changed point of view of this episode to show Jamie’s day before he encountered Claire. I love these changes the most because it provides a different perspective and gives a complete story; it is not just from Claire’s point of view. It also showed Jamie’s life that he created without Claire.
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – It was the wedding episode all over again wasn’t it. I LOVED having the beginning of the episode from Jamie’s point of view.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – I loved seeing the morning according to Jaime, I hadn’t ever considered what his day would have consisted of prior to Claire’s reappearance. I was also happy that it wasn’t long, because I wanted the reunion as soon as possible.
Dee (@OL_America) - Showing the initial meeting from both Jamie’s and Claire’s perspectives was genius. It allowed us to feel both of their reactions as if witnessing the event first hand. It was a perfect way to present the epic scene. Thank you, Matt Roberts.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - I loved seeing things from Jamie’s side. It gives a depth to his character that we don’t see when everything is done from Claire’s point of view.
2) Oh, Jamie. Still managing to involve himself with treason. You think he’d be better at hiding his seditious printing! And are these two guys the new Angus and Rupert? What’s the deal with Jamie’s extracurricular activities?
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - Jamie can’t help himself. He is a papist, as he told Willie - a stinking papist - and eternally loyal to his country. Yeah, they reminded me of Angus and Rupert. They added comic relief with Geordie that was needed for an epic, emotional episode. As for Jamie’s extracurricular activities, I just see it as a survival mechanism. He has to do whatever is necessary to survive and make money in the world in which he lives.
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – Jamie just can’t handle normal, that or he really likes the finer things in life so he needs the extra cash. Oh I hope they aren’t replacements for Angus and Rupert, that isn’t a duo that can or should be replaced.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – I thought the printshop set was amazing. It appeared to me that the seditious materials were pretty well hidden in a secret cabinet. I did get the feeling the Ardsmuir men were an attempt to fill the shoes of our lost Angus and Rupert, although I’m not sure they will be able to pull that off. Jamie always has multiple irons in the fire I don’t think that will ever change.
Dee (@OL_America) - One thing we can all pretty much agree on about Jamie Fraser is that he will not take the easy way. He prefers the road less traveled, which is surely fraught with adventure, risk, and often a significant amount of danger. Jamie’s experiences with the British have had a deeply profound and horrific impact on his life. It is no wonder he still harbors certain resentments, even though he may not be inclined to singled-handedly jump start another rebellion. That said, how would the plot be advanced if Jamie and Claire led a sedate, uneventful lifestyle? Neither would probably be happy with that. As for Rupert and Angus Version 2.0, only time will tell.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - The road to hell is paved with good intentions, right? I think Jamie sets out to be respectable, but trouble just seems to find him. Being noble-and pragmatic tends to get him in hot water a lot. There can only be one Rupert and Angus!
3) The kiss, guys. That first kiss! Sometimes book dialogue placed directly into episodes felt clunky. In this episode it felt like everything we dreamed of. What did you think?
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - The initial meeting was so authentic. Jamie thinking Claire was not real. Him being shy about taking his trousers off. The apprehension and the look he gave Claire. Then looking away and him being the gentleman asking if he could kiss her. *Totally fireworks.* I could feel the emotions of what they were going through in that moment. I also loved the dialogue from the book that was used. Seemed totally appropriate and fitting.
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – Such a sweet kiss. ❤️ It was nice for book dialogue to be included in this episode since this is one of the more iconic scenes of the book series. It had fit and flow.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – Claire & Jamie’s first kiss was amazing. Caitriona and Sam were absolutely brilliant, they did not disappoint. Caitriona was absolutely radiant.
Dee (@OL_America) - The first kiss was everything I hoped to see… the perfect combination of awkwardness, nervousness, excitement, and passion. Both were teary-eyed, along with a few million others.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - That kiss made me feel things. Actually, right before they kissed, when their longing, their trepidation, their lust was palpable. The still picture of it is one of the sexiest I’ve seen.
4) Slight book change here. Jamie tells Claire about Willy right after he looks at the photos of Brianna. And he didn’t linger over them particularly long either. So give us your thoughts.
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - Well, that was a bit off for me. But, I trust Ron, Matt, Maril and the writers with their handling of the show to believe there was a reason. I’ve read where some people thought Jamie rushed through talking about Brianna to get to Willie. But, I don’t see it that way. In TV land, you can’t spend a whole lot of time on one subject. Here, they spent over 40 minutes with Jamie and Claire reuniting, which was the most important part of the episode. I believe they will address things when need be later in the season. People just have to be mindful that adaptations are different from a book. The mediums are different and what’s in the books can’t be translated exactly to a TV screen.
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – I didn’t like it. I was thinking, “What’s he doing?!” He also handed the photos BACK to Claire. It would have been sweet if he put the photos somewhere safe before moving straight on to Willy.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – This was the one issue I had with the episode. It felt very uncharacteristic of Jamie to me. We are talking about a man who sent the love of his life away to protect their child, to protect Brianna. I felt like the Willie reveal at that particular moment stole Brianna’s thunder. Jamie handing Claire back the photographs of Brianna so quickly and then sharing the obviously very precious portrait of Willie just shocked me. I expected Jamie to be much more emotional seeing those photographs of Brianna and to cherish them, instead it appeared to me that Willie was more important to him.
I’m really hoping that the photos are revisited and that Claire will deliver the kiss Brianna sent her father.
Dee (@OL_America) - This is where I stubbed my toe a little. Although I loved the episode in general, it was a little disappointing not to see Jamie’s meltdown while looking at Bree’s pictures. That actually bothered me more than his bringing up Willie. Maybe Jamie thought being honest with Claire about that right off the bat while they were already discussing children would be the best thing to do, especially considering that big secret he’s still keeping from her.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - The Willie admission was my least favorite change. I think it took away from his getting to know Bree and was unkind to Claire. It was the wrong moment to tell her.
5) New character time. Fergus is all grown up and Cesar Domboy is adorable, isn’t he? We also met John Bell as Young Ian for the first time as well, and a slightly revamped Mr. Willoughby (thank the lord). Did you have a favorite? We’re ready to hear it all.
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - I don’t necessarily have a favorite. I’m just glad with the addition and how they are moving the story. I did love adult Fergus. Cesar Domboy must have studied Young Fergus because he had him down to every nuance of his character. I am glad they changed Mr. Willoughby not to be the stereotype he was in the book. He is much more an authentic character on the show with some integrity. And John Bell was too adorable for words, with his surprise Claire was still alive and hadn’t gone back to the Fairies. But, he does know a secret Claire doesn’t, as to his astonished look when he realizes who she is, that she is not dead, and what will come when the folks of Lallybroch find out she’s back.
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – I’m holding out judgement on Mr. Willoughby because I didn’t like his character in the book. I’m also reserving judgement on John Bell and Cesar Domboy because we haven’t seen much of them. They are pretty important characters in the future so…. I will say casting in terms of looks, Cesar is spot on as older Fergus.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – I loved adult Fergus. Cesar Domboy nailed it for me. He’s absolutely my favorite new character.
Dee (@OL_America) - Fortunately, Mr. Willoughby was more enjoyable than I anticipated, but I absolutely fell in love with Ian and Fergus. From what we’ve seen so far, John Bell and Cesar Domboy will be wonderful additions to the cast.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - Grown up Fergus is perfectly cast! His ‘milady’ even sounded like his childhood counterpart. And his Gallic conceit-I mean confidence;) is already on display! Young Ian is nothing like I imagined him. I can’t with the receding hairline they keep giving these characters, though his acting is spot on! Willoughby wasn’t as bad as I was fearing (Long Duck Dong/Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany’s), but I still think he’s an expendable character.
6) Did anyone else think Madam Jeanne had a crush on Jamie? And what about that over reaction/non reaction to Claire? Anybody else think she’s going to cause some major problems going forward or are we nuts?
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - Oh I certainly did with her helping him get dressed and sending him out for his day of work. It is also evident when Jamie introduces her to “his wife, Madame Malcolm.” That look she has on her face: Totally devastated now that the possibility that it could be more with them is a moot point. As for causing problems going forward, we will have to see. But, as Jamie explained, their partnership with his business is a win-win.
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – Ummm, yeah. EVERYONE seems to have a crush on Jamie in this show. They either want to be him, be with him, or be his BFF. I don’t think she’s going to cause problems, it would be a fun turn if her and Claire become friendly.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – I don’t know if she’s going to cause any mischief going forward, but I do agree she was looking at Jamie with lustful intentions and was not very happy to meet Mrs. Malcolm.
Dee (@OL_America) - It’s impossible to know yet exactly how far production has wandered from the books, but Madam Jeanne did seem very put out with Claire’s appearance. Sorry Madam. If Jamie hasn’t given you the time of day by now, you don’t stand a snowbird’s chance in hell with him now with Claire being back. He belongs to her. Move on, Jeanne.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - Madame Jeanne definitely liked being the classiest lady in Jamie’s sphere. She reminded me a bit of Belle Watling in Gone with the Wind and her protectiveness/proprietary feelings for Rhett Butler. She did not appreciate a lady coming in and displacing her/judging her.
7) Let’s really talk about what everyone wants to talk about this episode. The intimacy (in more ways than one)! So how’d Matt Roberts do writing it? How did Sam and Caitriona do performing it? We’re ready to hear every thought in your head about the sexy side of the reunion.
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - I appreciated them allowing time and patience with this episode. Yes, we all anticipated the reunion, but reality meant there should be time for them to reconnect, not just have sex. It has been 20 years since they last saw each other. And as Jamie points out, they know each other far less now than they did before they married. It was very intimate, being on one set with burning of candlelight, just the two of them having time to really find out if the spark and passion they held onto for 20 years still existed. The writing was excellent. I believe Matt, Maril and the writers understand the material, what fans expectations are and they deliver for us week after week. Sam and Cait’s performance? What can I say . . . Outstanding. They also clearly understand their characters and bring it full force every week, especially in this episode.
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – They definitely spent enough time on it. I wanted so BAD for Claire to look Jamie in the eyes the first time because of the problems between her and Frank on that issue. I also thought the Jamie/Geneva bed scene was “hotter”, but it was a good performance for Jamie and Claire.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – I thought they hit every note. I loved the inclusion of so many of Diana’s lines. Claire and Jamie’s pillow talk just warms my heart. I love the way they interact with one another with humor, respect and passion.
Dee (@OL_America) - As mentioned above, there was the perfect combination of awkward nervousness and passion as they began to reconnect emotionally and physically. We saw them move through that awkward stage to regaining their physical rhythm. After reading the episode script, it would have been nice to see that stocking removal bit (yes, I’m greedy!), but how can anyone question Sam and Caitriona’s onscreen chemistry? They blow these scenes out of the water.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - I loved the secksy times. I liked how it mirrored the wedding night. They used food and wine and talking to break the ice, the slow undressing- hello cravats! Then the fast and furious initial coupling, followed by more talking and discovery, then a more languid lovemaking. I loved the awkwardness- Sex is a funny act and weird stuff happens. I’m glad they didn’t make it all soft focus pretty. I LOVED Sam’s acting here too. The look in his eyes broke me. His emotion was on full display. And Claire sounding like she was in pain, releasing 20 years of longing and heartbreak through her orgasm. Very powerful. And let’s not forget Jamie’s breakfast! It definitely does a body good!😉🔥
8) Just when you’re ready to bask in the afterglow the last two minutes happens. Claire is back in the 18th century a few days and suddenly she’s threatened with rape again? We gave it side eye, but how did you feel about it?
Vida (@Blacklanderz) - She has only been there a day and now this. Claire is being Claire, I guess. I was annoyed reading the books at times with her because she could not “stay put” as Jamie has asked her. Here again, she ventures out, when he asked her to stay in the room. Also what was very annoying reading the books was Diana’s need to use rape as a plot device. Why was e’rybody threatening to rape Claire and Jamie? It was exhausting that this mechanism was used to move the story along. You want Jamie’s ledgers. His wife has no idea what you’re talking about. So, you threaten to rape her for the information. Yeah, no, that doesn’t work for me.
Ashley (@ashgenfen) – Ummm, eye roll and side eye for DAYS!!! I thought there were two other moments that would have been perfect stopping points for the episode. I was bummed it went there again so quickly after such a happy, emotionally rewarding episode.
Dawn Polk (@7_polk) – I was surprised, and a little disappointed at first because the mood changed so drastically, but I understand they need to move the story forward.
Dee (@OL_America) - Just when we were basking in Jamie and Claire’s afterglow, the last scene abruptly brings us out of our bliss. We are affronted with an act of violence that was almost anticlimactic. I would have preferred something like a shocked Ian Murray Sr. popping into Jamie’s room instead of a potential rapist. However, don’t get me wrong; overall I loved the episode.
Klaudia (@fitserbmomma) - Wouldn’t be Outlander without a rape. Wake me up later.
Final Verdict: Outlander borrows from itself and mirrors the wedding for a total win.
Well the Outlander roundtable agrees on a few things. There was so much to love about Claire and Jamie’s long intimate conversations and the time they took getting to know each other again. Nobody is complaining about the sexy times, either! Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe really blew us away as we got to see all their pent up longing spilling over after all this time. We all totally bought it!
Everyone seemed to feel a little shortchanged that Brianna’s introduction to her father was interrupted by Jamie starting to wax poetic about his son. Will Jamie get to revist the photos of his daughter? Will Claire be able to bring her to life more for him? The jury is out.
The jury has already returned with a hard pass on the final two minutes of the episode. Side eye, disappointment and annoyance ruled the day on that one. If Outlander could avoid spoiling a great emotional episode with a hastily thrown in sexual assault, we’d all be grateful. Thanks in advance.
And who is that new Outlander cutie? Cesar Domboy scores high marks from every panelist! We can’t wait to see adult Fergus in action more. Bring it on, Cesar! We love you!
Now that Jamie and Claire are reunited, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for them next week. And we’re all holding our breaths and waiting for the inevitable fireworks when Jamie’s other big secret is going to be revealed! Join us next week for another Outlander roundtable!
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