GVN Recap & Review: Starz ‘Outlander’ Season 7 Episode 1 – “A Life Well Lost” [Spoilers]

Finally, the patience of Outlander fans is rewarded as Season 7 is now underway. After the pandemic and life got in the way and shortened the 6th Season, we have a whole 16 episodes to enjoy. Albeit 8 at a time, as the Starz production decided to split the season into two halves. Regardless, the “Droughtlander” has ended, and we can see what happen with Claire. Who you remember, had been taken to Wilmington to stand “trial” for the death of Malva Christie. A verdict that the Richard Brown led “Committee of Safety” had basically already decided. Jamie, being freed from some of Brown’s men by Ian and his Indian brethren, is hot on Claire’s trail. Trying to get there in time. So, let’s see what happened in A Life Well Lost.

Worst-Case Scenario

The show starts with Jamie imagining the worst-case scenario. Claire on the Gallows at Wilmington, as she scans the crowd, hoping for a glimpse of Jamie. But all she sees beside the crowd is Richard Brown toward the front of the gathering. With a hint of a smile on his face. It’s the last thing she sees as she is pushed off the platform, her legs freely swinging.

On the Way to Wilmington

But this was just Jamie’s imagination. He was sure that Claire was still alive. He knows he would have felt it otherwise. In the meantime, Jamie had sent John Quincy and the rest of Ian’s Cherokee allies to return to the Ridge to be sure all was well. Besides, it would be less conspicuous if Jamie and Ian came into Wilmington without a large entourage. But the time for planning was over. It was time for Jamie to rescue his wife.

Making “Friends”

Just as Jamie suspected, Claire was alive and in her cell. Tom Christie had given Claire a bag with some coinage before he had left. Which apparently didn’t escape the notice of the woman who shared the cell with her. Her name was Sadie and she suggested since Claire had some money, they purchase some gin to warm them and pass the night. With that in mind, she called for the matron who looked after the prisoners.

Mrs. Tolliver came over to introduce herself to Claire and give her the standard orientation speech. But Sadie interrupted her and asked for the gin to be brought. (Since Claire had the funds for it). Claire gave her the coin and the lady also offered to bring Claire some food (since she had missed their normal mealtime). After Mrs. Tolliver left, Sadie repeated Claire’s last name. Recognizing Claire as the “Murderess.” They had heard about her even in their cells.

Tribulations but No Trials

While they waited, Sadie invited Claire to sit and play some cards with her. Considering, Claire inquired if cheating at cards was what put Sadie in her present predicament. She scoffed at that idea. Actually, it was for forgery. But she had been in her cell for almost a month and still no trial. In fact, there hasn’t been any trials for months. It has been said that all those who handle such things have gone into hiding. With the conflict between the British and the Rebels approaching, anyone who is loyal to the crown faces retribution.

Spreading God’s Word

Meanwhile, Roger and Bree have arrived where Roger will begin his clergy training. In this case, he will be offering god’s graces to soldiers. Soldier’s that he knows are on the opposite side of what he believes. But it is not his place to judge. At least that is what his faith would tell him. But the soldiers wanted no part of God’s word. Unless it taught them how to use a knife and or improving their hand-to-hand combat skills.

A Fellow Traveler

The Reverend looked to Roger, expecting him to say something that would answer the men’s doubts. Roger contemplated and decided to quote from that learned man of God, Muhammad Ali. “Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee…and God will surely go with thee.” But to his surprise, another man recognizes the line and says, Ali. Roger excuses himself from the Reverend and immediately goes to the man. He bends down to quietly converse with him. What did he say? He repeated that Muhammad Ali had said that. He inquired if Roger was a traveler… like himself?

The Return of Wendigo Donner

Still stunned, Roger asked the man who he was. Wendigo Donner was the reply. Roger knew the name. He was one of Lionel Brown’s men. The men who had raped Claire. But Wendigo quickly stated that he had nothing to do with that. He told Roger he was going to help her get away. That wasn’t entirely true. Claire asked for his assistance, but he told her he couldn’t at the time. Because of Lionel and his men. However, now he needed Roger’s help. Considering he was chained to a tree, Roger understood. Wendigo had come back through time to help the Indian nations. But as his present circumstance has shown, things didn’t go as planned.

The Need for a Healer

Back at Wilmington, Claire was helping the other female prisoners with their chores. Miss Tolliver was keeping watch through closed eyes and snoring. This work detail was interrupted when a soldier and a guard entered the cell area. They were looking for which one of the prisoners was a healer. Claire stood and told them she was. But when the soldier asked the guard for the crimes that were committed. He was unsure of which prisoner was accused of what. He just knew there was a forger, a couple of thieves and a murderess. For some reason, Sadie admitted to being the murderess. That left the soldier free to take Claire. As to where they were going, the soldier didn’t say. Just that she was needed quickly.

Looking for Claire

Just outside of Wilmington, Jamie and Ian arrived and headed straight to the jail. There they met Tom Christie who told Jamie that Claire had been taken from the jail. It had happened while he was gone. Where she had been taken, he was not sure. Jamie and Ian went inside to try to learn of Claire’s whereabouts. But none of the ladies inside knew where she had gone. Although Sadie had tried to help her by taking claim of the murderess charge. Finally, they asked Mrs. Tolliver, who was the Sheriff’s wife. The Sheriff had gone to quell some unrest between the Crown’s soldiers and the rebels near Fort Johnson. That was all she could tell them.

The Governor’s Wife Midwife

Claire was already on a ship. It appeared that the Governor Martin had been forced to flee by his own citizen’s. The Governor and his wife had taken refuge on the ship they were on. But his wife was pregnant, and the ship’s surgeon was in Fort Johnson treating their wounded. It was the Govenor who had sent for Claire. The wife had thought that there were no midwives in the entire county. She had assumed if they had plucked Claire, she had to have come from a workhouse or the local jail. Good guess. Regardless, Claire was her only choice at the moment.

Word Travels Fast

However, even in the wilderness, word travels fast. She asks Claire if she is the Murderess they have heard about. The one who killed her husband’s mistress and then cut out their unborn baby. Claire assures her that Malva was NOT Jamie’s mistress, and she did not kill her. As for the rest… Claire told her that the tonics she had been taking were not good for her. She would recommend others. But the Governor’s wife demanded that Claire swore that she would do no harm to her baby. Claire didn’t hesitate. She was a healer. To do anything else would run at cross-purposes to her oath. The woman relaxed at this and told Claire she would not mention the charge to her husband, if Claire didn’t. That was fair.

Discussing Wendigo

Back with Roger, he was leaving for another day of tending to souls and handing out theological pamphlets. But as Bree kissed him goodby, she couldn’t help but notice Roger’s bag was full of food. At least three days’ worth. along with a Farrier’s hammer. What was Roger up to? Apparently, Roger had told Bree about Wendigo. She was incredulous. Surely, he didn’t plan to try to break him free. By himself? She reminded him he was not Steve McQueen in The Great Escape. Plus, Wendigo may have not taken part in the attack on Claire, but he didn’t do anything to stop it either. And then he ran off and hid, like a coward. Opinionated much, Bree? She’s Claire and Jamie’s daughter. Of course, she is.

Impossible Decisions

Roger knew what she was saying was true. But he also knew that in some circumstances, there is nothing you can do. He watched a child thrown overboard due to illness while on Bonnet’s ship. The Child’s mother jumped overboard after him. Roger knew it was wrong. But he stood by and did nothing. Because he KNEW, Bonnet and his men would have killed him had he intervened. And he wanted desperately to find Bree. It was the same for Wendigo. If he had stood up to Lionel Brown and his men, he would have been killed. Roger had a hard time condemning him for that. As a man or as a minister.  Bree wasn’t so sure. She needed some time to think. Later, Roger would tell Bree he decided to confine his help to prayer for Wendigo. God helps those who help themselves. He hopes Wendigo will be able to do so.

The Governor

On the ship, Claire has been successful in making the Governor Martin’s wife feel better. But she needs some more supplies for her. It was her hope that the Govenor would allow her off the ship to retrieve what she needs in Wilmington. Nice try. Instead, he tells her to make a list of the items she needs, and he’ll dispatch someone to retrieve them. As far as he is concerned, Claire will not leave the ship or his wife until she gives birth. That is her duty for God and country.

“A Manipulative Bastard”

In the meantime, British officer Major McDonald had arrived with the news that Fort Johnson had fallen to the Rebels. But he also, having recognized Claire, felt the need to spread all the news that is news about the charges against Claire and that Tom Christie had accompanied her with express wish to see her hanged. Claire refuted that story, saying that Christie had come to ensure her safety and a fair trial. But Major Mcdonald wasn’t done. Apparently still holding a grudge against Jamie for resigning as Indian agent he questioned Jamie’s loyalty to the crown. The Governor excused the Major while Clair fumed. Handing him his hat and exclaiming him a “manipulative bastard.” See where Bree gets it from?

A Request for Tom Christie

In Wilmington, the list that Claire had submitted was brought to the one person Claire said could procure the items, Tom Christie. Tom realized what Claire had done, relaying on the list the ship she was on. After looking over the list, Tom made it clear that he would procure all the items. In service for Mistress Fraser and the Crown, of course. He inquired if the ship was in the harbor, but the messenger told him that he would bring the supplies to the harbor, and they would be taken to the ship by boat. Tom acknowledged this and stood up after the man left to gather what was needed. But he couldn’t help but smile at one of the things on the list, Vir Meus. Translated, “My Husband”… Jamie.

Fears of Treason

On the Clipper, Claire explained that the Sheriff had arranged for her transport to the ship. She assumed that meant that the Governor knew what the charges were and had overlooked them. The same as his wife had chosen to do. Governor Martin replied that he had been far too busy trying to administrate his royal colony from a floating dungeon. He needed a healer and didn’t take the time to inquire about any of the sordid details of the crime involved. But while the charges are disturbing, the idea that Claire and Jamie might be treasonous is even more so.

Reunited

Jamie and Ian have had no luck in discovering the location of Claire. At least until Tom Christie finds him. He tells Jamie he knows where Claire has been taken. And that she needs him as Tom shares Claire’s note. Soon, Claire is on the deck, trying to get more blankets for the Governor’s wife when in the dense fog, a boat approaches. As the boat gets closer, Claire is relieved when she sees Jamie at its bow. He asks for permission to come aboard, under the authority of his former position as an Indian Agent, and his friendship with Lord John Grey.

Supporting the Crown

He climbs aboard and Claire hugs him fiercely. But as good as it was to hold Claire once again, he had to convince Governor Martin to release her to him. The Governor was unmoved by his pleas. Even though Jamie told him that since he had imposed martial law of the North Carolina County, he had the authority to release her into Jamie’s custody. He refused and also allowed no bail. The only way he would see fit to release her was if Jamie gathered 200 of his men and agreed to fight alongside Major McDonald for the Crown. If he did THAT, and he was made aware of it, only THEN would he let Claire go. Jamie reluctantly agreed. Although he really had no intention of doing so.

Tom’s Confession

Back in Wilmington, Tom Christie had come to a decision. He would go to the ship in Jamie’s stead to procure the release of Claire. His reasoning for the decision was unexpected and while Jamie tried to talk him out of it, he refused. Tom would go the ship and make his confession to Claire. About all things. When a boat came to the ship, Claire was surprised that it was Tom and not Jamie. Tom asked for a moment to talk to Claire alone.

More Shocking Revelations

The revelation that Tom revealed was shocking. He told Claire that HE had killed Malva. In addition, he was not Malva’s father. His brother had been her father. Enchanted by his witch wife, Mona. In time, Tom knew that Malva also was a witch. Just like her mother. He had no doubt that Malva had enchanted the man who impregnated her. He also knew that Malva had tried to kill both himself and Claire when the flux had spread across the Ridge. With that in mind, he could not allow another witch brought into the world.

But even more shocking, he admitted that he loved Claire. He would never have allowed any real harm to come to her. He wrote his confession for the Governor and left a copy for the Wilmington paper. Claire did not believe Tom. She could not believe it was in him to kill Malva. But she could not talk him out of his intentions. So, upon hearing Tom’s confession, the Govenor let her go.

Tom’s Decision

After Jamie reunited with Claire, they discussed Tom. Neither Jamie nor Claire believed Tom had killed Malva. But Jamie DID believe that Tom loved Claire. And like Jamie, Tom would do anything to save her. So, he understood that much in Tom’s decision. Because of that, Jamie told Claire to not feel guilty about what Tom was doing. Jamie would consider a scenario where he gave his life for Claire’s, “a life well lost.” Tom obviously feels the same.

Richard Brown

After Claire drifted off to sleep, Jamie left the room. He had someone he needed to talk to. Later, Richard Brown came stumbling into his room. Jamie had been sitting in the corner in the dark waiting for him. Jamie knew Brown had been staying in Wilmington. Most likely with the hope that Claire would be hung. He had recognized his horse tied up earlier. Brown warned Jamie that if he dared do anything to him, his family would seek vengeance. Jamie told him that by now, his nephew and his Cherokee friends were visiting his family as they spoke. No doubt they would not be a problem anymore. As for Richard, he had tried to take Claire from him. He suggested that Brown make his peace with God while he could, as Jamie drew near.

Thoughts

A shocking turn and a variation from the books mark the beginning of Season 7. Of course, this adaptation doesn’t preclude the use of the book’s explanation for Malva’s demise in the future. But it does add an unexpected twist to things. Tom’s explanation of his wife’s activities was not new as it was mentioned when the Christie’s came to the Ridge that Tom believed his wife to be a witch. Although, I thought they had said it was her witchcraft that had led to her death, not the murder of Tom’s brother. But maybe they were tied together. I’ll put in under Creative license.

Clair’s Power Over Men

Speaking of witchcraft, perhaps Claire has a touch of that power considering how willing men are to die for her. Although that sounds like the men’s problem, not Claire’s. She never ASKS them to sacrifice themselves. In fact, she would rather they didn’t. But men are stubborn creatures. Tom and Jamie have that in common.

Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don’t

The argument between Roger and Bree about Wendigo was an interesting one where I can easily see both sides. Mainly because both arguments are true. Wendigo was guilty of the crime of inactivity when he stood by and allowed Lionel Brown and his men to assault Claire. But Roger was also correct. There was absolutely no question that Brown and his cutthroats would have killed Wendigo had he tried to intervene. In addition, had he stayed, I would imagine he would have fallen by Jamie’s men before any chance of explanation had been given.

In the same token, Roger would have been killed by Bonnet for interfering in the death of the baby. I admire Roger’s courage for telling Bree about an incident he no doubt would love to forget. But more than likely, nothing would have changed in either situation except two more people would have been killed. Is that cowardly or self-preservation? Live to fight another day? Tough call. In any event, Roger would have risked much by trying to free Wendigo from a full British encampment. If unsuccessful, he could have been killed or captured. He has his family to consider. Probably a wise move to restrain his activities in this matter to prayer.

The War is Approaching

So, while some things have been resolved, many more haven’t been. The Revolutionary War is still unfolding. Soon Jamie is going to have to make a choice.  Then there’s Claire, Bree and Roger and their children who really shouldn’t be there in the first place. They are all at risk in the coming conflict. This should prove to be an exciting season with sixteen episodes total and eight to get us started. Number 1 was a great opening Salvo. Seven more to go before the mid-season break.

Starz Outlander Season 7 is streaming on Starz with new episodes released every Friday. On the app Thursday Night at Midnight and on Starz Television at 8:00pm on Fridays.