This week’s Outlander proves you can’t always go home again as Jamie’s family throws shade in all directions and “second wife” causes a heck of a lot of trouble!
Can you go home again? Outlander takes us back to Lallybroch with Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and it isn’t exactly smooth sailing when they get there. Jenny (Laura Donnelly) and Ian (Steven Cree) are justifiable furious with Jamie for lying about Young Ian’s (John Bell) whereabouts and Jenny is even more angry with Claire for disappearing for twenty years. To complicate things further, Jamie’s big secret? His “other wife”? Yeah, it’s Laoghaire (Nell Hudson).
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Seems Jamie was lonely and longing to be a father. Claire is rightfully furious and she’s actually about to leave. Too bad Laoghaire shows up and shoots him with grapeshot first. But Claire is there to save him and they talk things through before Ned Gowan (Bill Patterson) comes to counsel them through getting rid of Laoghaire. She wants money, and the only place Jamie has it is in jewels on the selkie’s island. Since he’s hurt they send Young Ian and in true Outlander fashion he’s kidnapped in the final moments!
This was a pretty stellar episode. Let’s hear what the roundtable had to say!!
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – I’m Jamie. The book and show should stand on their own. If one more person tells me I should read the book, which I have, I might just burn my copy of Voyager.
KJ (@purpleiris13) - KJ is a theatre and film teacher and admits to spending too much time on Twitter. She is also addicted to movies, books, theatre, and TV, especially Outlander and, recently, Stranger Things. Past addictions include Downton Abbey, Poldark, Grantchester ….you can see where this is going. Karen is the writing half of the team producing Outlander Poptoons on Twitter and Facebook.
Stephanie (@twingles321) - Stephanie hosts outlanderprintshop.org. She’s a recently retired teacher who has more time now to devote to her favortie book/show: Outlander. An avid book reader, she also enjoys This is Us and A Place To Call Home (which ironically stars Outlander’s Lord John Grey David Berry) She’s also in a book/wine club and just started enjoying whisky.
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - By day, Jenny is a “bookkeeper to the stars” but at night, she enjoys singing, seeing Broadway shows, taking spin classes at New York Sports Club, and traveling the world. She is one of the Administrators for New York Outlander - 5 Boroughs.
Nancy (@Nanci712) - Nancy is an amateur photographer, a huge Outlander fan (book and tv show) and a Jersey girl who doesn’t take herself very seriously. For 10 years she was the only female vol. firefighter in her hometown.
1) Well sometimes you really can’t go home again! Claire & Jamie received a pretty chilly reception from everyone at Lallybroch. Do you feel they deserved it?
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – I don’t know about you, but I always feel super welcome when someone calls me a “stray.” Haha! I felt bad for Claire, but I can also understand Jenny being guarded and not all warm and fuzzy right away, not sure can be warm and fuzzy anyway. 😉 To think someone is dead and then have them show up after 20 years is a lot to take in. As far as Jamie’s chilly reception, he had it coming. But Ian and Jenny seemed to get over their issues with him pretty quickly considering they were willing to take parenting advice from Jamie a minute after yelling at him.
KJ ( @purpleiris13) - This is one of the many aspects of episode 308 I loved—Claire’s 20-year absence profoundly affected everyone who knew and loved her, not just Jamie. At Lallybroch, there is universal shock and there are deep, deep wounds. They don’t fall joyfully into each other’s arms at first sight. I find this tense homecoming terribly authentic and moving. And entertaining!
Stephanie (@twingles321) - Jenny is one tough cookie! She has an outer shell and tries to protect herself by showing those she mistrusts they need to earn her love and respect. Claire just appears after 20 yrs. Jamie is married to Laoghaire. From Jenny’s perspective they did deserve it, that’s how she rolls!! I totally get it, understanding Jenny. So yeah they did deserve it.
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - I honestly think Jenny and Ian were still in shock. For twenty years, Claire was dead in their minds, and then she shows up and wants to be welcomed back with open arms. Jenny had every right to be protective of her family and home.
Nancy (@Nanci712) - The chilly reception Claire & Jamie received wasn’t too surprising to me. Jenny and Ian are pissed at Jamie when they find out their son was in Edinburgh all along. In addition, they’re hurt because they come to find out that Claire is alive!! But why in 20 yrs no word from her? Of course, Claire had no way to contact them. I feel bad for Claire because it was out of her control. I liked Jamie’s explanation to Jenny as to why Claire disappeared without any word.
2) So not only is Jamie married but he’s married to Laoghaire! She tried to kill Claire! He explained to her how that came about but how did you feel about his explanation?
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – I wish Jamie had been man enough to tell Claire about Laoghaire before all the sh*t hit the fan.
KJ ( @purpleiris13) - It worked for me. Big time. In fact, it resolved some questions I had after reading the book version of this reveal. Jamie yearns for a home, family, children…he’s carried a torch for Claire for almost 20 years when he attends that gorgeous Hogmanay party at Lallybroch. He wants finally wants to return to the land of the living. It’s very easy to see why he would turn to Laoghaire and her girls to fill a part of the hole inside him.
Stephanie (@twingles321) - I totally get where Jamie is coming from. He’s a dad to 2 kids he can’t raise. Being a dad to Laoghaire‘s kids makes him feel a little better. It’s only opportunity (and Jenny) that got him married to her. He’s an honorable man that’s been broken. He’s doing what he can to survive emotionally. I feel his explanation is plausible but, ultimately he screwed up!
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - I wish he could’ve been honest with her from that moment in the print shop that he told her about Willie. It makes sense for him to be nervous to not lose her again, but the truth was going to come out eventually. Man up and take responsibility for your actions, Fraser!
Nancy (@Nanci712) - I HATED that he married Laoghaire. Why herrrrrrrrr?? Why couldn’t he marry good ol’ Mary McNab??? Laoghaire tried to kill the love of his life, his sole mate!!! Christ, Jamie! What you were you thinking, man???
3) Sometimes the kind of all consuming passion Claire and Jamie have for each other can be destructive and boy is there a fine line between love and hate. Talk to us about that crazy fight scene!
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – The fight scene was pretty good right up until that started playing that campy, playful music. It didn’t fit the moment at all, there was no humor in that moment, at least for me there wasn’t any. Jamie did give off a little bit of a rape-y vibe for a split second but there are a few things that seem out of character for him lately so I wasn’t that surprised. And thanks for the cold shower no one was asking for, Jenny! Hahaha!
KJ ( @purpleiris13) - I only wish it had go on longer. I love Fraser fights. Sam and Caitriona are fantastic at tearing into each other.
Stephanie (@twingles321) - Well let’s be honest, who doesn’t understand the passion these two have for each other. They have missed out on 20 years. There is so much turmoil but so much happiness. They vacillate between love and anger but the only cure is make up sex as I see it….and damn Jenny from keeping us from seeing it!!!
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - I honestly don’t think it was long enough! Claire was in shock for longer than they fought. But I’m Italian, and we fight HARD, so it seemed too short of a scene for me. I wanted more fighting!
Nancy (@Nanci712) - The fight scene was no holds barred anger and frustration for them both. They needed to get all their anger out after 20 years of separation, the jealousy, all the hurt. I hated that Jamie threw at Claire the ‘you told me to be nice to her’ and ‘you left me’! The hurt on Claire’s face from his words and hearing Laoghaire stating Jamie is her husband! Utter shock on her face was spectacular. (God, Cait is amazing in that scene) I loved when they got in each other’s face - nose to nose, almost mirroring the fight they had after Claire was rescued in season one. Loved emotional Jamie trashing the pitcher on the table, all his anger was placed in that one large arm swing. I’m glad they included the scene where Jenny’s throws water on them. Rutting animals, indeed!
4) Well even Ian can see Jenny doesn’t know when to stop and she certainly was stirring the pot this episode. What do you think about what Jenny did, and was any part of it justified?
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – I f*cking loved it when Ian called Jenny a shiite stirrer, haha! Loved it!! That’s exactly what she is too. Sending for Laoghaire without telling or I don’t know asking Jamie was a pretty shady move on her part. What did she expect to happen?! She’s not an idiot, she was just trying to cause problems for Claire and try to control Jamie’s life yet again.
KJ ( @purpleiris13) - Poor Jenny. She is the moral center of Lallybroch….and maybe the larger universe as well. Everything is black and white to her, and she’s the tiger mother of her family. She let Claire-a sassenach- into that family. From her perspective Claire hurt her family-especially Jamie- quite badly. I think she wants to punish Claire. She is also angry with Jamie, who has been aiding and abetting Young Ian’s wanderlust and has not told Claire the truth about his second marriage. Sending for Laoghaire is a way of punishing Jamie as well.
Stephanie (@twingles321) - Jenny is righteous. She wants the mess straightened out. Obviously she felt it wouldn’t without her interceding. It’s also her way of controlling an uncontrollable situation. It wasn’t justified but I can understand it because I understand her.
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - I don’t think Jenny was right to tell Janet to tell Laoghaire, BUT - if she did not - was Jamie EVER going to tell Claire? I guess we may never know that answer.
Nancy (@Nanci712) - Jenny, you ignorant slut! Jenny from the Broch is badass but also a big pain in the ass. It think it was harsh that she sent her daughter for Laoghaire. Love that Ian called her out. She could have let Jamie work out his issues himself, but because SHE was hurt by Claire’s disappearance without sending word, she wanted to reciprocate. She certainly didn’t think it through that her actions would hurt more than just Claire.
5) We got another glimpse of “dad Jamie” with young Joan whom he seems to love very much. What did you think of this little added scene?
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – I did think Jamie had bigger and more important issues to deal with than trying to make Joan feel better, but it was a sweet scene. Joan is freaking adorable!! Her and Marsali look so much like Laoghaire, they did a great job with casting.
KJ (@purpleiris13) - I love it too much to dissect it. That as simply a brilliant add, and so touchingly played by the actors.
Stephanie (@twingles321) - This scene was showing the audience all the love Jamie has for children, his own children, but being unable to express it until he was legitimately able to being a father to Marsali and Joan. It was a poignant moment that I loved seeing.
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - I wish he could’ve been this honest with Laoghaire or even with Claire. He knew he could pour his heart out to Joan and not receive the emotional repercussions (or verbal abuse) like Claire or Laoghaire would have given him. She’s so young and innocent that she doesn’t understand the history of this situation.
Nancy (@Nanci712) - Daddy Jamie is a sight to behold. The young girl was precious and to see how he handled her questions was truly a beautiful thing to watch. (Sam is so wonderful in that scene, as well as in the Hogmanay scene when interacting with the two girls. He has been amazing throughout this season).
6) There were a lot of heart to hearts this episode between a lot of different characters. Which was your favorite and why?
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – It was brief, but I liked the moment with Claire and Young Ian while she’s tending to Jamie’s wounds. Ian is just so sweet and I love how he calls Claire “Auntie.” He has definitely grown on me and become one of my favorites this season.
KJ ( @purpleiris13) - I adore any scene where Jenny and Jamie talk one on one. Laura and Sam are stunning together—they interact authentically and with such nuanced emotion. The front stairstep scene with Claire and Jenny (“All I’m asking is for a second chance”) is a close second for its tearful subtext.
Stephanie (@twingles321) - I truly melted when Jamie told Claire she was the only woman he ever truly loved. They’re soulmates for life, I get it because I also am married to my soulmate for life. So I could personally relate to his honesty to Claire.
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - Honestly - I absolutely LOVE the relationship of Ian and Jenny. These two characters don’t receive enough in the books or on screen, but I have always wanted to know more about their romance and their life together. I LOVE how Jenny “wears the pants” in the relationship, but in this particular scene, Ian finally stands up to her and puts her in her place.
Nancy (@Nanci712) - Favorite heart to heart? Jeez I’m all gooey over a few. One scene I absolutely loved, but it wasn’t so much as a heart to heart but a beautiful bonding moment - Claire and young Ian while she was removing the bird-shot from Jamie’s arm. These two have a wonder presence together. (John Bell is my favorite new character this season. I <3 him.) Jamie and Jenny’s first conversation out in the yard was great. I loved Jamie and Claire’s moment in the bedroom before “Leghair” blew in like a hurricane. The story about the two birds mating for life was exceptionally beautiful. Then the Claire/Jenny scene on the front stoop of Lallybroch. These two woman are sistas through and through. They need to have a girls night out and get matching tattoos.
7) Claire’s clifftop conversation with Jamie about her being unsure about whether they belong together and extolling the virtues of her not-so-bad modern life was notable because of something she didn’t mention: Brianna. Why do you think she didn’t play this card?
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – I had almost blocked Brianna completely out so I can understand how Claire did as well. ;-P But seriously, how did she not mention Brianna?! Maybe she didn’t play that card because she thought Jamie would throw it back in her face how he hasn’t any time with Brianna and she was lucky enough to have 20 years with her. I don’t know, but it seemed weird that a mother wouldn’t mention her child as one of the main reasons why she wants to return.
KJ ( @purpleiris13) - I don’t know…I certainly would have!
Stephanie (@twingles321) - Claire loves Jamie too much to hurt him so badly. Mentioning it to him, knowing he never had the opportunity to raise Bree, would be like stabbing him in the heart. No matter what Claire feels she definitely doesn’t want to hurt him.
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - I believe she’s trying to leave “the past” (or future) behind. When she came back for Jamie, she chose to leave everything, even Brianna, behind. TO keep mentioning her would be to keep opening a wound that can never be repaired. She made the choice to return to Jamie and she has to be present in this life with him.
Nancy (@Nanci712) - Although Claire is still stinging from the realization that Jamie actually married Leghair, she knows just how sensitive Jamie is regarding Brianna. He just told her how jealous he was of Frank raising HIS daughter during their big fight. If she decided to go back, she would be seeing Brianna again, but Jamie never would. If there is one thing Claire is not, it’s cruel. She could never do that to Jamie.
8) Oh, no, young Ian! Well he wanted adventure. If you’re a book reader you knew it was coming, but what did you think of this scene?
Jamie (@jamiesrule) – Young Ian!!! No!!! Those bastards better not hurt him! 😉 I thought this scene was okay. I think I would have preferred close-up shots of Ian being taken peppered in with the ones of Claire and Jamie running down to the beach.
KJ (@purpleiris13) - My only minor quibble about this absolutely brilliant episode—I wondered why Jamie was not far more upset and guilt-wracked as he watched the pirates steal Ian and the treasure and sail off. Jamie had one job! Get Ian back home…. Perhaps he’s in shock until episode 309.
Stephanie (@twingles321) - I thought that it was missing his actual capture. That wasn’t shown only the boat sailing away. It was the weakest part of the episode. I would’ve like to seen him being captured and some sort of struggle.
Jenny (@curlysuechick19) - Jamie puts Young Ian’s life at risk for making him swim out to the island, knowing fully well how difficult it was for himself to do it. Was the gold really worth risking his nephew’s life? Jamie continues to put Fergus and Young Ian at risk in several situations. I know he cares about them, but it’s hard to tell sometimes, and seeing these situations play out onscreen, it’s just more evident.
Nancy (@Nanci712) - I love young Ian! He is probably very much like his favorite uncle, Jamie, when he was a teen. Young Ian is going to need to keep his wits about him if he going to make it through this adventure. I’m sure being kidnapped by pirates was the last thing on his mind!
Final Verdict: Outlander really impressed us with great conflict and clean storytelling. And we were definitely spoiling for more of that Jamie and Claire fight!
This week’s Outlander was an explosive journey from start to finish. We’re more than halfway through the season and the action seems to be just ramping up. The characters are starting to return to a place where they seem familiar. Even when the show strayed from the novel everything felt familiar. From the moment Claire and Jamie stepped foot onto Lallybroch land we were invested in the conflict that followed.
Laura Donnelly gave a really standout performance as Jenny. Characters that interfere with the happiness of the main characters are always tricky and Donnelly really nailed Jenny’s meddling, selfish side. But there was definitely a humanity to those darker qualities of human nature and she sold quite a few members of our roundtable on that justification of Jenny’s behavior!
Claire’s return has seriously complicated things for Jamie. Even she questions whether or not she made the right decision in returning. Despite Jenny’s contention that this isn’t what happiness looks like Jamie disagrees. Even though some of the situations the main characters find themselves in are a little over the top our roundtable loves the romantic hero it brings out in our leading man.
Seeing some of our favorite scenes from the book brought to life in this eighth episode really hit the high notes for us. Even what was adapted felt natural. We’re hoping that Jamie and Claire are ready to work together as a team to save young Ian as Outlander has set us up for a long sea voyage we’re dying to see play out!
