Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in ‘Outlander’ season 7 episode 7 (Photo Credit: Starz)
Last Time
When we last left Outlander, Roger had taught his first class in Gaelic to a rounding success. One of those fans was one of Bree’s coworkers at the dam, Rob Cameron. He extolled the class and somehow wrangled an invitation from Roger to dinner. Later on, Roger would discover the secret of the Nuckelavee, in the form of William “Buck” McKenzie. Another time traveler and one whom Roger had a history with.
Meanwhile in the past, Jamie agreed to join Colonel Daniel Morgan’s Rifle company. Much to the dismay of Claire but not to her surprise. But if Jamie insisted on fighting, she much preferred him in the roll of sniper, where he would be at a distance from the skirmish. Which is good, because the Battle of Saratoga was approaching. So, let’s see what transpired in “A Practical Guide for Time Travelers.”
Another Letter
We started with Claire writing to Bree, explaining where they were and sharing Jamie’s decision to accept a commission in Morgan’s Rifle Company as a Colonel. She expressed her feelings of optimism, knowing the outcome but fearing the details that she didn’t know. Who lived, who died. Regardless, she also shared her meeting with Bree’s half-brother William. But as the scene transposed to Bree reading the letter, Roger called to her.
Meet William Buccleigh McKenzie
It was there that she too met William Buccleigh McKenzie. The man who was responsible for Roger being hanged after turning him in to the British at Alamance. He told his story about coming across the stones as he and his wife Morag journeyed to Inverness. He heard the sound the stones made to those who could hear it. Before he realized it, he had journeyed through the stones to the present. Leaving his wife and children behind.
Not knowing what to do, he made his way to Inverness and had stumbled upon Roger. He followed him to Lollybroch and stayed hidden, getting food from the children as he told them he was a Nucklevee. He was afraid to approach Roger. One because he knew he would face Roger’s wrath due to the unfortunate “hanging incident.” And two, because Roger had survived a hanging. He had no way to know what kind of power Roger had to still be alive.
The British Army Near Stillwater, NY
Back at the British encampment, the officers were meeting to discuss their future engagement with the Continental Army. They were confident in their victory but did have a problem with desertion. Not only with their Hessian allies but in their own ranks. While somewhat troubling, Generals Burgoyne and Fraser dismissed this as a minor issue. The Continental Army was reluctant to face them on open ground. When they did, they would suffer great casualties due to the British artillery and superior fighting forces. To their way of thinking, victory was just a matter of time. Especially with General Howe’s army marching to meet them. Hence the drinking of champagne. William, who was honored to attend this meeting agreed. A great victory would soon be at hand. He would do what he could to contribute and garner honor for himself and his family.
A Change of Plans
But as their optimism flowed, a message was received from General Howe. Those who were not a part of the commanding staff were excused. William and his friend Sandy made their exit, but not before liberating a bottle of champagne and an apple. Being an officer has its advantages. As they talked outside the command tent, musing about victory and meals, Captain Richardson approached to talk to William. It turns out General Howe will not be meeting the main army at Albany but instead intends to take Philadelphia.
A Delivery Boy Again
This change required that messages be sent to General Clinton in New York City. It is their wish for him to mount a distraction to the Continental Army so that the main army can reach Albany. General Fraser has given Captain Richardson permission to use William as his second. Once again, William is poised to be a mail deliverer. He internally resists this assignment as he wants to be involved in the war, not as a delivery boy. But orders are orders. Captain Richardson sees this as a way for William to redeem himself for his previous delivery failure.
Buck’s Story about Alamance
Back at Lollybroch, “Buck” tells the story of when he first saw Roger near Alamance and why he turned him over to the British. It all stemmed from jealousy. He saw Roger being “friendly” with his wife Morag. Regardless of how Roger had saved his wife’s life back on Bonnet’s ship. Roger then explained their family connection. His son Jeremiah was named after his Da, who was named after HIS Da, and so forth and so on, leading to being named after Buck’s son Jeremiah. This shocking news led to Buck asking for a drink stronger than coffee.
Searching the Genealogy
As Bree talked to Buck, Roger went through his genealogy research and found William Buccleigh McKenzie. He was shown dying in 1778. The year that Buck went through the stones. It should come as no surprise that was the date listed. But does that mean that William never made it back? Or did some other fate befall him? Such are the paradoxes of time travel. As Roger returned to Bree and Buck, Rob Cameron arrived for his “dinner date.” Roger had forgotten all about it with the whole Nucklevee thing. Still, they thought it best to hide Buck for now. Especially since the children would also be coming home soon. Not good to see the “Nucklevee” in their house.
Rob Cameron
As they talked pleasantries in the kitchen, Rob asked if he could see some of Roger’s old hymnals. Roger led him to the study as Bree prepared dinner. Rob looked through the books, asking if he could copy some of them down. Roger, always looking to keep their history alive, agreed. He left Rob alone in the study as he returned to the kitchen. Just in time to greet the children.
Later they all sat down for dinner. The conversation was lively as Rob told stories of work with Bree. Jeremiah especially was interested in the tunnels and the heavy machinery that was used. All the while, Buck listened to the conversation from his hiding place. Soon the children were sent to their Caravan (their RV) where the family still slept as renovations were still going on in Lollybroch. The dinner wound down and Rob asked for another drink before he left. Much to Roger’s chagrin as he was wanting to deal with Buck before the children found him.
Making a “Spectacle” of herself
Back with the Continental Army, Jamie brought Claire a gift, as she was still writing to Bree. A book he had found at the creek. As she examined it, Jamie realized that Claire was having difficulty seeing the words. She needed glasses. She scoffed at the suggestion telling him her eyesight was just fine, thank you very much. He held the book aways from her and asked her to read it. She explained that the type was too small to read at that distance. Bzzzzz. Wrong answer to a man who was a printer. He told her the type was 12-point Caslon. The leading was terrible and the gutters were half of what they should be. Regardless, she should have been able to see them. Hence, she needed spectacles. If Claire were the sort to stick out her tongue at Jamie, she would have.
She quipped that both of them might be blind as bats by the time the war was over. But as long as he could see well enough to shoot straight, he would be ok. He assured her would. He could shoot straight with his eyes closed. Which would be a good thing because they were preparing to go to battle in 3 days’ time. So, a “wee prayer” might not hurt. She told him she knew he would come back to her after the battle. He always did. And if not, she would go to find him. Of that, he had no doubt.
Keeping Spirits Up and Preparing for Battle
Returning to the British Army, William and Sandy are eating in the mess tent. General Fraser walks in as the officers stand to pay their respect. He tells them to sit back down as he knows they have not had an opportunity to eat for some time. He reminds them that the soldiers must find ways to keep their spirits up during war. His are uplifted by spending time with his men. Just as in battle. Side by side with stout-hearted men, fighting for the crown.
As he walks away, William realizes this would be an opportunity to convince General Fraser that he would be of more worth at the battlefield than in ferrying dispatches. He wanted to fight with the men…with General Fraser. While General Fraser couldn’t help but admire William’s courage, he did find him foolhardy to want to stay for the battle. Nonetheless, if that is what William desired, he would tell Captain Richardson to find another to deliver his messages. William would be staying to fight.
Dismissing Rob
Meanwhile back at Lollybroch, they are STILL trying to get rid of Rob Cameron. He thanks them for their hospitality and then explains about his family situation. Once married, divorced…yada yada yada. Although Bree certainly understood the difficulty of being separated from family. So, she sympathized with him there. Right before he left, he asked if Jemmy would want to go to the movies with him and Bobby the next night. Perhaps even spend the night with Bobby. Roger and Bree thought that Jemmy would enjoy that, so they agreed straightaway. Seemed innocent enough, right?
Cousin Buck
But unfortunately, in the time they were dealing with Rob, Buck had slipped from his hiding place. They found him in the RV, watching television with Mandy and Jemmy. They were watching a sci-fi show about astronauts. While Roger and Bree were afraid that the children would be frightened, far from it. He was Cousin Buck to them now. Kids are very adaptable. As for Roger, he couldn’t find it in his heart to still be bitter. Buck had suffered quite a bit since then. He was family.
Forgiveness
Bree was not so sure. Still, she conceded to let him sleep in the house since they were still sleeping in the RV. But she didn’t want him to be hanging around the house while they were gone. As for tomorrow, Bree agreed she would take him to work with her. However, on Saturday, Roger said he would take him to the stones and send him back. Bree couldn’t believe Roger had forgiven him so quickly. Considering what he had done. Roger assured her that he HAD forgiven him. Right after he beat him down to the ground when he caught him.
The Want to Go Home
The next day, Bree had taken Buck to work with her. As they surveyed the site, she asked him if he was unsettled about all the changes that had happened since he last saw the area. He was, but he told her that somethings had not changed. The mountains and cliffs themselves were the same. Just the people were gone. All of them. His wife Morag, who was with child. His children…all dead. Bree considered and asked why he didn’t try to go back through, once he realized what had happened. He admitted he hadn’t realized WHAT had happened at first. But he knew it involved the stones. That made him wary of them. But he DID want to go back. If Bree and Roger can help him to make that happen. Bree wasn’t too sure about that.
Suspicious of Rob
As they talked, Rob Cameron approached. Bree introduced Rob to Buck as Roger’s cousin. Buck was put off by Rob. Even more so as Rob touched Bree’s arm when he asked if could pick Jemmy up at 5:00. After Rob left, Buck explained that he thought that Rob had intentions toward Bree. “Smilin’ a bit too much in yer direction, me thinks.” Bree dismissed the notion. Although she shouldn’t be surprised. Buck had turned Roger over to be hanged for a woman. He was a jealous Scot, that one.
Later, Roger found Buck back at Lollybroch inside their RV. He was looking at Jemmy’s airplane. It was one of things he was most amazed at since he had arrived. He asked Roger if he had ever been inside one. He assured him he had. Buck thought his son Jeremiah would love such a toy. Roger replied that the plane was one of Jemmy’s favorites. But if he asked, and it was ok by Jemmy, perhaps he could take it back with him. After pondering that, Buck told Roger of his suspicions about Rob. He was trouble as far as Buck could see.
Truths Revealed
Roger, like Bree scoffed at the notion. Although Roger understood it. Buck was suspicious of most men where women were concerned. But he assured Buck he was wrong when it came to Roger, and he was wrong about Rob. But he appreciated Buck telling him. After a moment, Roger decided to tell Buck what he found out through the genealogy search. About his reported death in 1778. He wasn’t sure what it meant. Especially when it came to Buck’s return. But he felt like he should know.
Back at the war, a British deserter was captured by Ian and the Indians. He admitted under questioning that the British were going to muster 1,500 soldiers to probe the Continental Army’s left flank. The soldiers were getting ready to meet that charge. Jamie included. He asked Claire for a kiss before he marched into battle. Like she had EVER refused that request. She watched as Jamie melded into the men, preparing for the confrontation.
The First Battle of Saratoga
Both armies were lined up across a field, with small house and fence between. William seemed very confident as he stood right on the front line. He conversed with his friend Sandy as they awaited the skirmish to begin. Lt. Hammond asked about the comparison between the General’s wife’s bosom and his mistress. William refused to discuss such things. This meant to Sandy that William had an eye for another woman. William admitted that he did have his eye on one woman. Her name was Rachel. Rachel? As in Rachel Hunter, perhaps? Seems like Ian will have some competition.
The Battle Begins
But before Sandy could comment further, a shot rang out. The young man was shot in the head, fatally. Right next to William. The shock was almost debilitating. It was only after General Fraser yelled at him to get into the fight that he stirred. And fight he did, joining the infantry as they matched to face the Continental Army. He drew his sword and fought with the rage that came with seeing his friend cut down in battle. Before the fight even commenced. The battle was brutal and bloody. Soldiers dropping from cannon, musket, sword and rifle. And William was right in the middle of it all.
Jemmy’s Gone
It was nighttime in Lollybroch. Roger had gotten up and was in his study. As he sat at his desk, he noticed the box that contained Jamie and Claire’s letters. One of them were sticking out the back of the box. Just barely but noticeable. Before he could investigate, he heard a scream. He ran to find Bree holding Mandy. She told them that Jemmy was gone. They tried to explain it was ok. Jemmy was with Rob and Bobby. But she told them that he gone from their connection. They had always had a connection. Almost a mind connection. But he was no longer there.
In her dreams she had seen Jemmy at the stones. Along with the “bad man.” Roger went to talk to Buck while Bree called Bobby’s house. Bree rushed in to say it was Rob. She talked to Bobby’s mother. There was no movie and no sleepover. Not to mention that Rob’s car was gone. Roger then realized why the box had been disturbed. He had left Rob alone in the study. He had read the letters. No doubt he was taking Jemmy to the stones. Not only that, but he had also read Roger’s time travel guide. He pretended it was fiction, but he knew what it was. Roger and Buck drove off after Rob. They arrived at the stones, but it was too late. They found Jemmy’s scarf at the base of a stone. He was gone.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the battle was a bad as you might expect. Bodies littered the field. Both British and American. William was back with Sandy’s body as other soldiers were digging a large makeshift grave. They wanted to stop digging because of the mud and the difficulty of the work. But William would not hear of it. These men had given their lives fighting for the crown. They deserved the respect of a proper burial. Deep enough so wild animals would not be desecrating their bodies. He ordered the men to keep digging. Even removing his jacket to help. This did not go unnoticed by General Fraser.
As General Burgoyne celebrated the victory, William could not join in the celebration. His friend was gone. Many of their men had died. General Fraser joined him for a moment. He acknowledged the death of Lt. Hammond, saying that his was an honorable death. He also quoted a line from Aeschylus: “They send forth men to battle, and no such men return.” That referred to William as well. “He is a different man, now.” William considers this and completes the poem’s stanza: “They send forth men to battle, and no such men return. And home to claim their welcome, come the ashes in an urn.” Then, as the camera pans along the battleground, Jamie is seen laying, not moving on the ground.
Thoughts
This penultimate episode before we reach the first half hiatus spins a complex web on both timelines. The first Battle of Saratoga has been written with the British claiming a hard-fought victory. Although it seems like their command structure would claim victory no matter WHAT had transpired. William had his first taste of real combat and learned right from the start that men, even good men die. There’s nothing that can prevent it. However, William represented himself and his family well. Fighting bravely and with the fierceness that would have made his father’s John Grey and Jamie proud.
Dead? I Think NOT!
While Jamie was last seen lying in the mud, I go into the part one season finale knowing he did not die. Come on. He has survived a lot worse in the season’s past. A single war battle would not be the end of him. Not if they want to make it to their series final in Season 8. Outlander fans have learned to be brutal after watching and waiting all this time. They don’t want none of that.
Rob WAS Trouble
So, it seems that Buck was right, Rob WAS trouble. Just not in the manner he had thought. Looks like a trip back in time is on the horizon for Roger and one would assume Buck. Unless they have plans of making it a family affair. Overall, I have been pleased by the turn of events in Season 7. We have one more episode before the “Droughtlander” begins anew. Then we wait until next year when part 2 of Season 7 comes through the stones to visit. However, we have one more story to tell: “Turning Points.”
One More to Go
Starz Outlander, Season 7 Episode 7 “A Practical Guide for Time Travelers” is available now to stream as are the first 6 episodes. The Season 7 Part One finale will be released on Starz, Friday August 11th at 8:00pm EST and on the Starz Streaming app on Thursday, August 10th after midnight.
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.