Way Back When
Two hundred years ago…at least that’s what it seems like since we last saw Starz hit series Outlander. Although, in truth, the series is set back in time 200 years ago. So, I wasn’t totally wrong. Anyways, when we last left Outlander, Claire had gone through a traumatic attack that involved beatings and rape. Jamie (as always) came to her rescue and had killed almost all the men involved. All but one, Lionel Brown who led Claire’s attackers. He was brought back to their homestead. That is where Claire’s medical apprentice Marsali injected the man in the neck with hemlock and killed him. Although Marsali knew she shouldn’t have done it, she felt no real remorse for having done so. Especially after what he and his men and done to Claire, her adoptive Mom.
Jamie took the man back to his brother John Brown for proper burial, telling him what his brother Lionel had done. John thanked Jamie for bringing Lionel back home. He acknowledged that Lionel no doubt deserved what he got. And Jamie had done what he thought he must. However, in time, John would do the same. As for Claire, she was doing better than anyone had a right to, considering her trauma. But knowing Claire, it was a brave front. In the meantime, the days were growing shorter and the fight for American Independence was approaching, like storm clouds blowing in. What would that bring for the residents of Fraser’s Ridge?
Season 6: Episode 1, “Echoes”
The new season started with a flashback to 1753, 20 years before. Jamie was in Ardsmuir prison following the Jacobite uprising. Claire had returned to her own time and Jamie had been chosen by the other Scottish prisoners as their DeFacto leader. The British Governor ran the prison and had an understanding with one of the prisoners, whose name was Thomas Christie. He was a devout Protestant while many of the prisoners were Catholics. This proved a matter of contention between the men. While the Governor favored Christie, he realized that it was Jamie that the men respected. He tried to use this to his advantage and get Jamie to agree to keep the men in check. But all Jamie wanted was to be left alone.
Becoming Freemasons
Eventually, an uprising between the Catholics and Protestants in the prison results in the death of a man. To honor the fallen, one of the prisoners left a piece of Scottish Tartan on his body. But after the failure of the Jacobites, the wearing of Tartan or even its presence was strictly forbidden. The guards asked who left the Tartan patch on the body. Jmaie, looking after the men, took responsibility and was flogged for the discretion…again. One only looked at Jamie’s back to see that he has had his share of beatings. After that, Jamie met with the Governor and asked if they could declare themselves freemasons and change the prison into a lodge. Most of the prisoners agreed to this, although Christie did not. However, the religious conflicts ceased.
The Creation of Ether
Moving forward to 1773, Claire is still using her knowledge from the future to try to help people now. In this case, she has concocted a way to make Ether as an antiesthetic. She tried it on herself, and Jame found her on her bed unconscious. It scared him that he couldn’t rouse her, and it scared her when he did. She explained what she had been up to, and it relieved him to a point. Claire was always creating something new. The fear was that her futuristic ideas might be perceived as witchcraft by others. It wouldn’t have been the first time. As it is however, considering the things that Claire is still working through trauma wise, it might be something to keep an eye on.
The return of Thomas Christie
Speaking of keeping an eye on, ever since that time, Jamie has been pretty much chaperoning Claire everywhere she goes. It is totally understandable as far as Jamie goes. He is VERY protective of Claire and he no doubt feels like he failed her in that instance. So, while they are out and about, the Ridge has a visitor. Thomas Christie has appeared, answering Jaime’s flyer about seeking homesteaders for his property. Not much has changed with Christie. He is still a devout Protestant and lives his life that way. In fact, one of the first things he wants to construct for him, and his small “congregation” is a church. Followed by a school as that is his chosen profession these days. Christie is a single Father with two children. A teenage daughter and an older son. Jaime’s son-in-law Roger greets Christie, and believing that he and Jamie were friends, welcomes him and his company to the Ridge.
A Job Offering
Upon Jamie’s return, he is surprised to see Christie, but he also welcomes him. Although Jaime will have to indoctrinate Christie to the ways of life on the Ridge and what is expected from each homesteader. Meanwhile, British Major McDonald, representing the new Governor, has offered Jamie the job of being an Indian Agent for the Crown. It is hoped that he will help to improve relations with the Mohawk tribe. At first, Jamie refuses the offer as he is busy taking care of Fraser’s Ridge. McDonald is disappointed but not swayed. He will attend to other business and return after to ask Jamie again.
The Return of The Committee of Safety
The one thing that is true about the Ridge, is that food doesn’t gather or hunt itself. That is where Jamie’s nephew Ian comes in. As a young man who was indoctrinated into the Mohawk tribe, Ian is a skilled hunter with a bow. It is his job to kill deer, rabbits and other meat for the Ridge. On this hunt, he takes Christie’s son Allan along with him. As they walk along, Ian notices the ornate powder horn that Allan carries. He is impressed but doesn’t get much past that when a shot rings out. John Brown and his “committee of safety” has appeared. He tells Ian that he should be careful. They almost suspected he was a “real” Indian. Brown is bad news for a number of reasons. One, of course, that as far as HE is concerned, Jamie killed his brother Lionel. Two, they had invited Jamie to join their little “group” before then, but he had refused. The fact that they are roaming about is not good for anyone. This proves true soon enough.
The Punishment for Stealing
Back on the Ridge, as the whole community is gathering for a feast, the Committee returns. This time, they are looking for Christie’s son Allan. It appears that the aforementioned powder horn that Allan carried he had stolen. They had come to arrest him. Christie asked his son if this was true, and he could not deny it. Christie made Allan apologize to Brown and promised him that HE would see to his punishment. An arrest was not necessary. Brown thought about it for a moment and told Christie that 10 lashes across Alan’s back were required. But as head of Fraser’s Ridge, it should be Jamie that punishes him, offering him a whip. While Jamie was reluctant to do it, he took the responsibility, but he used his own belt to administer it. After finishing, he ordered Brown and his men off of his land.
Before Brown and his men had arrived, Major McDonald had returned. He told Jamie since he had refused the appointment as Indian Agent, the Governor was offering it to John Brown. But after this latest incident, Jamie was forced to change his mind. Rather than let John Brown take the job, he accepted the position. The Major was pleased that Jamie had accepted the offer. While Jamie felt like he didn’t have any choice.
Oh, But to Sleep…
Later that night, Claire awakes from a nightmare about her trauma. She is shaken and her abrupt stirrings awakens Jamie. Claire assures him she is fine and tells him to go back asleep. She will get some tea to soothe her nerves. However, after going to the kitchen, she instead goes to her doctor’s office where she makes a batch of Ether. She administers it to herself and falls quickly asleep on the cot in her office. Just as suspected, this might be an issue.
Thoughts
It is good to see the folks at Fraser’s Ridge once again. But it wouldn’t be Outlander if there wasn’t some drama going on. Some of which I didn’t even cover above. For instance, Marsali is pregnant once again, but this time is dealing with her husband Fergus. Whose work on the community still has apparently caused an alcohol problem. The bruise on Marsali’s wrist might also indicate an abuse problem as well. This is very sad as I have always liked Fergus as a character. He and Marsali have up until now, been a perfect couple. While it should prove to be a stretch of César Domboy’s acting legs as Fergus, it is still kind of depressing. Not to mention the possibility of something being wrong with Marsali’s pregnancy as she told Claire the baby hadn’t moved in a while. DOH!!
Is it me, or does Tom Christie’s daughter have a fascination with Claire? She seems to be quite enamored with her and her medical abilities. While it may be nothing and Claire’s abilities are certainly impressive, with Malva’s strict religious upbringing, it might start-up another Witchcraft issue. Just thinking out loud.
Finally, with Jaime taking on the Indian Agent gig, perhaps we might find out what happened with Ian, the Mohawk, and his mystery wife? One can only hope. As per usual, Outlander does not disappoint. Full of drama, hidden agendas and of course, a mild (for them) sex scene between Jaime (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe). Welcome back Outlanders. We missed you.
You can see Outlander on the Starz Streaming App with new Episodes on Sunday Nights. Also, you can watch Outlander Seasons 1-4 on NetFlix and Season 5 on Amazon Prime Video. So, you have options for your Outlander fix.
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Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
