“…fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have thee crown’d.” —William Shakespeare MacBeth
This week’s installment of the adventures of Jamie and Claire Fraser was a fantastical story told in lush colors, exotic climes, and preternatural coincidence. As much as I lamented the improbable story told in “Uncharted”, I rejoiced in this week’s improbable events and coincidences because there was a substantial metaphysical theme, a thread of supernatural commonality that held the whole thing together and kept me wondering what new surprise fate had in store. Outlander does not often focus on its fantasy aspects. The standing stones and Claire’s ability to time travel have almost always been in the background. This week in “The Bakra”, the show wisely decides it is time to deal with its fantasy roots. Claire told us in “To Ransom a Man’s Soul” that the only way she could make sense of all that had happened to her was to believe that it was all for them, she and Jamie belonged together. The universe has conspired to make it happen and this week we saw more evidence that there are powers at work here that surpass our understanding. This episode finally allowed the story to deal with its sci-fi elements and the fact that Jamie and Claire’s story transcends the rules of time and physics. When Jamie wonders out loud, “Maybe it’s because you came back through the stones”, he is leading us all down a path that leads to an intersection of the lives in this story. They are all attracted to each other, pulled together like magnets for a purpose. The story effectively reminded us, at every turn, of its own past and the feelings and meanings associated with those “ghosts”. In “The Bakra” episode 3.12, the ghosts of the past, present, and future all had a role to play in the fate of our couple.
Gellis a ghost from the past and the future
Currently, we know of only two time-travelers in this story and I was struck by the difference between the two. Claire is an accidental traveler. She had no idea she could travel and therefore no plans. She comes back a second time to be with Jamie and for no other reason. She does not purposely try to affect history. We all know how that went when she did try to, I’m fairly sure at this point, she believes that it cannot be done. However, she obviously does make a difference to those around her. She heals and is a woman out of her time with knowledge of the future, but the big events are just too convoluted, too many variables.
I don’t think Claire dwells on thoughts about the “why” of her ability to travel, she has “compartmentalized” it. She has put it away, so that she can live her life. She accepts it as part of her reality and like the practical person she is, she moves on. It is part of her, but certainly not her identity.
The episode starts with letting us know what happened to young Ian. We find out he is being taken to the Bakra because she likes young boys. What followed was worthy of every Grimm’s fairytale ever told. We meet our first ghost, our second time-traveler Gellis, the Bakra, who was not burned at the stake. Ian is no dummy, but he is no match for the witch Gellis who has been practicing her seductive powers for decades and across centuries. I hope we will get to see how this unwanted and forced sexual experience will change Young Ian.
Gellis is a deliberate time-traveller who has completely identified herself with her magical ability. I’m not sure how Gellis discovered she could time-travel or if the knowledge was something passed down to her. I wonder at her back story. Is she the child or grandchild of a traveler from the past? Was she groomed to save Scotland? So many questions. The Gellis we see in this episode is one who has taken on the mantle of “The Bakra” and is using it to her advantage. She believes herself to be different, special, and has cultivated her image, embraced the mystery and expanded her knowledge of and belief in the magic she is so obviously part of. Unlike Claire, Gellis believes she can change the future. It is why she is in the past. She is here to save Scotland.
I once wrote an article about how evil is represented in Outlander. In that article, I talked about the differences between the villainy of Black Jack Randall and Gellis. My conclusion was that Gellis was the more insidious and therefore, the more evil.
There doesn’t seem to be any doubt that both BJR and Gellis are perceived as villains. But, personally, I find Gellis to be the more insidious. I doubt there are very few people who meet BJR who do not recognize the need to be careful in his presence. The man practically drips malevolence. Gellis on the other hand keeps her nature very well hidden under a quirky wit and charm. Claire is fooled by her and as a result so are we, at least for a while…
… In many respects, she appeared to be “normal” even being a friend to Claire. But, on further “interviewing” (when they were kept together before the witch trial) we see the “matter of fact” way she describes killing her husband and her zeal for the Jacobite cause. Not unlike the Nazis, she has bought into an ideal, a belief and given over her thinking to bringing about a free Scotland. What ever she needs to do to make that happen she does. She sees her actions as justifiable and the damage she inflicts collateral. To me, it is this lack of remorse that labels her as evil and…maybe she is mentally ill. She represents the idea that evil can come in many guises including a person who believes their actions are going to right an injustice and make the world a better place.
She is the proverbial snake in the grass biding her time and waiting to take victims unawares.
The show has taken a slight departure from the book and it is a brilliant one, the Brahan Seer prophecy that predicts a free Scotland. It is obvious that the show is centering everything around this prophecy and it is connected to Jamie and Claire and a two hundred year old child that must die for a Scottish king to rise. Is this the reason for all that has come before? Fate has brought them all to Jamaica, a place ripe for magic, and Jamie and Claire and …Bree are in real danger from a zealot Gellis.
Ghosts of Paris and Culloden
Once again, the costumes told us a story. We see Jamie and Claire dressed in remnants of their past and it calls back memories of their time in Paris. We are reminded that their time at Versailles was about espionage and that these clothes had been part of a disguise and a lie that cost them both dearly. Seeing them dressed in this finery made me uncomfortable. They seem ghosts of themselves and it contributed to the sense of foreboding, everything is familiar and yet, slightly altered. Although the clothes are beautiful and they beautiful in them, they have come to represent an ugly time full of loss and pain. They tried to change history and failed and lost each other.
Ghosts of Jamie’s past
I still miss the conversation between Lord John Grey and Claire on the Porpoise, but felt this adaptation worked. John becomes part of the story and fated to be here in Jamaica with the third sapphire. His reaction to seeing Jamie was perfect, his acceptance that Claire was Jamie’s every heartbeat was quite frankly, heartbreaking. Claire has to be wondering what happened between these two men that Jamie hasn’t shared. I don’t think John’s role is done here and I predict he is fated to free Jamie.
Ghosts of the present
I’m not sure if I’m talking about ghosts now, but rather old souls. I loved the connection between Yi Tien Cho and Margaret. It makes sense to me that he would recognize her rare soul and she his. Fate has once again brought two outsiders together and I’m sure that together they will play their part in stopping Gellis.
The thing between them that they cannot name
In an interview, Caitriona Balfe commented on Claire’s experience of Jamie. She said it was so powerful as to be almost metaphysical, a reality beyond what is perceptible to the senses. They recognize it and feel it, but they cannot name it. I felt the moment between the two in the reception line spoke to that reality. It is always there between them no matter what is going on around them and in that moment they felt it and its strength. What it is between them feels magical and mysterious. Plus, it was sexy as hell.
The ghosts of all our pasts
A few weeks ago, I wrote a reflection on season 3. I did some lite research into what criteria is used to measure quality TV. I discovered that Outlander fit all of the criteria established by TV expert Robert Thompson. I thought about that criteria this week when I watched episode 3.12 “The Bakra”. I found myself mentally checking off the boxes of criteria once again. However, one particular area stood out for me, “It contains sharp social and cultural criticisms with cultural references and allusions to popular culture. It tends toward the controversial. It aspires toward realism. ” I’m amazed how timely these episodes are despite having been filmed for the most part over a year ago. I’m sure I’m not the only fan who is struggling with the political situation in America and both dismayed and grateful that the bigoted, racist underbelly in our country has been brought into the light. When my shivers over the goat blood scene reminiscent of “True Blood” settled, I was impressed by the timeliness of the social commentary in this story and its own timelessness.
We have all seen scenes of slave trade in modern film. I have found it no less disturbing for having seen these types of scenes before. The show did not shy away from showing us the reality of the times, but I did not envy them the difficult task of deciding what they wanted to say about this reality. We see Claire, a modern woman whose best friend was a black man, walking through a slave market. I am not surprised that despite her need to remain under the radar, she could not contain her sense of outrage or her need to do something. We are upset by seeing people of color caged, branded, and treated less than human on our TV, but forget this isn’t just our past, things really haven’t changed, our country remains one of white privilege. People of color are still caged, branded, abused, and treated less than others. Claire becomes the metaphor for what it will take to change this reality. White people need to rush into the fray and confront other whites. I appreciated that Jamie and Claire treated Temeraire with respect and concern. The irony that Claire became a part of history as a slave owner was not lost on me.
Gellis zealotry feels timely to me as well. She would not be the first person to give over her thinking and ability to make rational choices to an idea and a belief. I currently see a lot of people with power unconcerned for anyone standing in the way of their goals. The poor, marginalized, and sick are blamed for their circumstances and become collateral damage in the name of “the greater good”. This episode focused on Jamie and Claire’s ghosts, but I couldn’t help but feel the episode spoke to ghosts of all our pasts that continue to haunt us today, racism, sexism, bigotry, and abuse of privilege and power.
My Outlander Blog! 
You always seem to be able to bring out some aspect of the episode that I had not thought about, at least not consciously. This time, the way in which their experiences in Jamaica bring back to the foreground the supernatural elements of the story. The coincidences (or are they?) of Geillis and Lord John showing up again in their lives, and of Claire and Jamie being there when the prophecy is revealed to the roomful of people at the party they almost didn’t attend, are made more plausible because of the sci-fi element in this tale.
I enjoyed seeing Lord John and Geillis in this story again, both great characters. And I almost laughed out loud at Claire’s bemused expression as Jamie and Lord John beamed at each other. I half expected her to say, ‘Okay, guys, is there something you want to tell me?! Do you two need to get a room?’
thanks! I thought it was really well done!
I had not thought about a metaphysical power to Jamie and Claire’s attraction but it makes sense. The Geillis scene with the goat’s blood was amazing – WOW. What strong performances all around – Lord John, Geillis, Ian. The depiction of the slave trade was done perfectly to fit in with Outlander and to serve as a powerful reminder. I agree completely with your comments about this episode speaking to the issues we are dealing with today on many levels. We also see it with Capt. Leonard’s pursuit of glory by bringing Jamie in. I can’t wait to see how everything plays out in the finale. I don’t know why but I have had a feeling for awhile that Yi Tien Cho is going to sacrifice himself in some way for Jamie and Claire. Great commentary, Beth! Can’t wait for next week.
Thanks Claudia!
I think you might be on to something. Makes sense that Yi Tien Cho might sacrifice himself for Jamie and Claire. Can’t wait to see how it plays out.
You are so insightful and raise my thinking…thank you! The connections to today were spot on.
Thanks Judy!
I found the scenes of slavery distresssing. I am glad that Jamie and Claire were true to themselves and their beliefs and did their bit for freedom. This season has had its highs and lows but, all in all, the writing has been phenomenal!
Agree!
Thank you, Beth. Another insightful and thought-provoking review. So appreciated.
Thanks!
So very well said! All I could do was now and agree with everything written! Again, VERY well said! Thank You!
Thanks Donna!
Beth, you ALWAYS hit the nail on the head with your comments, thanks again….
Very insightful. Your post brings me back to when this story started with the ghost of Jamie looking up at Claire through the window.
YES!
Thanks, Beth, for another wonderful commentary.
I am in awe (again) at how much these actors can convey without speaking a word: Sam in the first part of The Battle Joined – an incredible performance – and while lying on his back. Caitronia in last week’s solo journey through the jungle – stripping down to her essential self. And in this week’s episode, all the subtle connections – Claire, Jamie, Lord John, Gellis, Margaret, Yi Tien Cho – the ‘looks’ that spoke volumes. Can’t wait to see what happens next week!
It’s been a great journey!
Beth thank you for your wonderful commentary. Once again you have delved into this week’s episode with remarkable insight. I’m completely in agreement with the metaphysical aspect you identified. There is a sense of the outerworldly which permeates throughout most of the scenes. This is made all the more real when Gellis is revealed as the “Bakra”. I eagerly await the season finale and your take on it.
Thanks!
“Currently, we know of only two time-travelers in this story (book readers know there are more)”. Unfortunately, now we non-readers know too. I read the first two books after seeing the first two seasons of the show, as I only discovered it a few months ago.
I really enjoy your reviews, but always find that even on non-spoiler allowed FB pages, hints are given as to what will be happening in the next episode or further on. Book readers will probably tell me not to read reviews in case of spoilers, but when the reviews are of the TV show and I enjoy reading them it is a great shame that I shouldn’t be.
It is kind of tough. The books have been out for 25 years. I try to not give too much away
I loved your commentary. I, too, was struck by the relevance of the slave market scenes to the undercurrent of what is happening today. I find it the insidious underbelly of ‘Meruca.’ When reading the books, especially this part of Voyager, I found the writing somehow apologizing for Claire’s actions as being out of place and time. Seeing her actions on the screen was bracing and refreshing. I felt the same way in the books about the portrayal of Yi Tien Cho, while on the screen a more direct and respectful representation is made, which I applaud. In this way, the television series is way superior to the books.
And to think that pundits had this story pegged as a “bodice ripper” !
Gellis ” represents the idea that evil can come in many guides including a person who believes their actions are going … to make the world a better place” but who has bought into their own reality where collateral damage is the norm, the marginalized are expendable, the abuse of power is rampant, and nothing will get in the way of achieving the goals. Yes, that aspect of this episode is certainly timely. Which is just one of the many layers in this amazing episode and amazing story.
Outlander is no ” bodice ripper “! As you have so brilliantly pointed out. Thanks. I think this episode did an incredible job of shining a light on those layers.
thanks for adding your thoughts Anne!
In order to truly understand and obviously appreciate the show I cannot wait to read your thoughts, Beth! You always focus on the real parts of the tale that demand multiple viewings in order to catch the between-the-lines impact. My first time is always to soak up the glorious costumes and scenery and generally the story as well but each time I see it again and again I notice tiny hints towards the bigger message. One thing I noticed was the editing this time out did a poor job of maintaining Gellis’ hair style. Was that on purpose? At first her lengths are in front and in the next shot they are behind her. I hardly recognized Gellis with her wig at first. My golly, what a body to appear covered in blood and then walk around and accentuate her curves; even then she looked so different from her Crainsmur scenes. She is definitely the villian and I’m not certain why Claire would place any trust in her. All too soon all trust dissolves.
I suppose every age has its power hungry demigods or those who want us to believe they are for the common man when in fact they could care less about anyone but themselves. Gellis is a vivid example of someone with a fake news identity who tries to pull the wool over our eyes in the guise of caring about Scotland’s true king. Lotte has done a glorious job of acting the part of virtual insanity. She’s not meek or mild in her methods so I hope in the finale of season 3 we get to see her comeuppance in full blown finality.
Thanks, Beth, again for your amazing insights and clarity. You’d be shocked to know of your fandom and how much I cherish that you are a writer with such sensitivity.
Thank you so much! I’m grateful.
Thank you so much for your insight on the relevance to the current climate. I totally agree. Your writing and analysis make me stop, think, and ponder.
Thanks Sue!
What a truly great read, Beth; another insightful take. Episode 11 has really become one of my favorites, and for many of the reasons you’ve covered. Seeing Jamie & Claire in their Paris dress made me uncomfortable as well, but I couldn’t figure out why until reading your take. I have been picking the metaphysical element of their relationship this whole season and their eye-play really knocked the breathe out of me as much as any of their physical play. Sam & Caitriona are absurdly gifted; their use of expression in really unmatched.
But what I like best about your piece was your turning the camera from the show to directly face back at me (The ghosts of all our pasts). You are most definitely NOT the only fan struggling with the political situation in America and, in my opinion, Outlander has done an excellent job of throwing light on that shade while putting themselves squarely beside me to then face it with them. You always take your readers deeper than we thought we’d go. Thank you.
Thank you!
Brilliant commentary-I look forward to your insights every Monday
Thanks Joan!
Thank you Beth. This was a wonderful, thoughtful commentary.
I thought Jamie’s treatment of 1) the reality of “helping” a slave and 2) his question about how long the slave trade lasted, brought a stark reminder to us all, of the difference in saying “do something” and “we must free him” and how difficult that can be. We must put action to our convictions and those actions have to be accomplished without endangering further. There are no easy fixes, but it can be done, and we need to.
I loved Yi Tein Cho and Margaret’s story line. Two marginalized individuals due to their differences from the perceived societal norm. Yet Yi Tein Cho walks with dignity and kindness for others. I think his relationship with Claire and Jamie and his men have helped him. Margaret longs for that.
I truly hope the critics can look beyond the bodice ripper label that Outlander can not seem to shake, and see that it is a show of depth and complexity that provides valid, thoughtful social commentary pertinent to today.
Thank you again. I look forward to the finale and your commentary.
Thank you so much1
Your insight into these episodes always help me to look at them in a different light. The glaring reality of slavery was treated with the seriousness it deserved, but it didn’t take over the episode. It is a part of the story, not the whole story.
It would be interesting to find out if the writers DID intend to provide this week’s ‘ghost’ theme. Maybe we need YOU to join them!
oh! I would love that!
Insightful and incredibly well-said. Thank you…for something to think about…to ponder throughout the day~
Thanks for reading Doris!
I just found this blog and I wanted compliment you on your insightful analysis of the shows. I think of the novels as onions–every time I read one I find another layer and more to think about. Your work has made me understand things that I didn’t notice before, even having read (and listened) to the books multiple times. The point that this episode brings forth the sci-fi and fantasy elements of the show is a brilliant one.
I also want to give a shout out to the show writers for giving Jamie that line about ghosts and all these people from their pasts converging in Jamaica. One of the things I struggled with reading the books is how conveniently the same dozen or so people keep popping up across centuries, continents and events. That it is more than a convenient mechanism to move the plot forward allows me to suspend my disbelief. In the books neither he nor Claire ever seem to roll their eyes and wonder why Lord John and even Willie roll through every so often.
Glad you found me and I agree! Making the coincidences supernatural allows me to suspend my disbelief!
My goodness but you really went into deep deep thought this episode. I think I only caught the’ in your face’ stuff. I was struck by a real feeling of horror Claire felt as she walked thru the Slave Market. Men Women and Children ( even!) in cages, bound and branded . I’d also be curious as to how the Actors felt portraying a really ugly part of the Human History. That was a powerful scene to put on TV in this current age of veiled troubles with Minorities . Overall there were other “shocker scenes” you shone the light of your expertise upon that I will think on when I watch the episode for the 3 rd time today. You really are quite thought provoking and I tank God I am “privileged” to have found your Blog.God Bless !
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Reblogged this on healthy bodies happy life and commented:
Outlander is a fabulous book. The setting in one of these clips is just as I imagined it at Rose Hall.
I always rewatch the episode after reading your commentary. Just wow, Beth.
😉
Beth I agree with you, I felt sad about the Porpoise episode that wasn’t included. I think Lord John and Claire’s interesting and fraught relationship will lack some fundamentals because of it. I wondered why they excluded a very soft connection between the two given what is to come. It prepares so many future scenes. It made me sad. People have said elsewhere they don’t think David Berry plays it well but I feel he nails it. Rose Hall was incredible. I also cringed when I saw them in their Paris clothes. Weird.
I think David plays Lord John as the noble man he is!
Everyone post about LJG says that they think David did an excellent job. Both he and Sam are able to convey so much through small movements and stillness of their faces. Both are different in real life. I was privileged to spend a few hours in David’s company in October, and he is very outgoing and has a very mobile face. It certainly shows what good acting is.
Lucky you Frances. I think David is doing a stellar job
I always appreciate your insights and analysis but this one even more than normal. Yesterday, I was reading through some viewer comments on one of the Outlander fan sites. Someone wrote that they were disgusted with the ‘politics’ of the episode. All I could think was “Politics??!!?? What??” Now, I think I can see what she meant. As a descendent of slaves, I was of course saddened to see the trauma my ancestors survived but I know we did survive. Plus I know the suffering and problems did not stop with the end of the slave trade. Claire’s actions to help one slave and Jamie’s questions about how long the slave trade continued did not strike me as ‘political’ but understandable from people who did not buy into the stereotypes and justifications for discrimination now or then. Maybe to some viewers it is ‘too political’ to show a fairly realistic portrayal of the slave trade but that’s too bad for them.
Loved your blog and truly appreciate the comments from other readers. Thank you.
Jenny thank you for this. I value your perspective. And appreciate you taking the time to write!
You already know how I feel about you and your spot-on insights of our Outlander. I’m devastated that there will be only one more episode. Well, devastated is a strong word. Let’s say extraordinarily saddened. I was very satisfied how they handled the slavery aspect of the episode. It certainly well described the times, the hardship, the cruelty and the disgust of slave trade. It sickens me.
Let me say this, and this is no spoiler that I’m aware of – Gellis is portrayed in the book as chubbier. How much did we love that slinky body working her way out of her blood bath? She looked amazing, and her face looked so youthful. Kind of thinking of goat’s blood myself. No, it’s far too late for that kind of treatment. Poor wee Ian.
I loved that Marsali got to recycle one of Claire’s Paris frocks. I loved that Mr. Willoughby connected with Margaret. Not sure how they’ll progress with that, but I’m on board.
Whole lot of love with this episode! Thanks again, Beth, for being an integral part of each season of Outlander. Part and parcel!❤️
TY!
Thoughtful. Just one modification…they do or don’t affect history, beforehand. Effect is the result of what happens after the fact.
gotcha
Thank you, Beth for such an insightful blog. I found your perspective on the magical in The Bakra so interesting. I’m getting the impression from your blog, the coming together of key figures, and the sexy staring scene with J and C that something interesting is coming and all the key players have a role. Perhaps RDM knows where he’s going with the story in future seasons. When J and C were staring at each other time seemed to stop and why did it happen just then. I sense for telling the future. It could be an omen of things to come somehow bc there was something so odd about it but in an interesting way. The way it just came out of nowhere. In the past these omens have not turned out to be for the better. Hope this time is different.
Beth, once again you have travelled through the show and brought interesting elements forward. The horrid reality of slavery in the past was presented in a way to make us think of what is happening today in the US. Geillis’s adherence to her cause is unfortunately on display in the country as we speak. People lacking morality are accepted if they can help move closer to the goal.
Jamie, while technically not a slave had years of his life controlled by others.
David did a wonderful job, once again as LJG. Jamie and John have great chemistry and say so much without a word. Claire is good at reading body language. It will be interesting to see the triangle evolve.
yes! It was subtle, but not too subtle!
Thank you, Beth. And we’ll said!
TY!
lol
Great new phone sand auto correct….WELL said not we’ll
Enjoyed your article: I believe we also know that Master Raymond, the apothecary, is a time traveler. Additionally, I noted two minor typos: “witch trail” instead of “witch trial” and “privlege” instead of “privilege.”
thanks
I think book readers do, but it wasn’t made clear in the show.
Your critique beautifully put into words for me all my thoughts on watching the episode … with the addition of your insight into how the writers moved the story forward in this adaptation and brought the characters together. The process of making this series is a wonder to behold!
PS: And the rabbit was there.
It was?! I missed it!
Did anyone figure out the part where it as mentioned about a child 200yrs in the future that angered Gellis? I think I have…it’s Brianna…she’s a Frazer..the last of Lord Lovet’s line…for book readers, you’ll remember that part…it’s why she stole that picture of Bree from Jamie’s coat pocket…that part wasn’t in the adaptation…
I have to watch again…where is the rabbit’s foot? I totally missed it!
EXCELLENT BLOG!!!!! Right on Target. Barbara King
Thanks Barbara
While I love your comments about the actual show itself, I was disappointed that you got political on your blog. Not all Outlander fans feel the way you do about our current situation and when you throw your personal opinion in it takes away from the previous statements made by offending others. Everyone has a right to their opinion. I just like my Outlander stuff to be “current politics free”. I know, I can scroll on by. Which I may do from now on. But, I thought you might want to know that throwing current politics in Left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
Not me! I felt Beth’s comments were far from political and her gracious way of “putting it” alluded to the fact she has opinions about SOME current events that poison our political landscape at the present. I applaud her efforts to weave a story’s impact like Outlander with MANY current events and say it in a way that was most suggestive but not offensive at all. We should all be ashamed about the history of our country’s slavery and the present & systemic prejudice against all minorities. That you would be left with a sour taste considering Beth’s considerate remarks, I’d question your conscience’s take on right or wrong.
Once more Beth, your thoughts reflected my own and you put them into words in such a brilliant way!
TY!
Great write up as always Beth. I can honestly say I really enjoyed “The Bakra” – It was very different from the book but for once I didn’t care. Lotte was amazing and the blood bath was sensational. Poor Wee Ian’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Loved how they handled the meeting between J&C and LJG. Sam and Cait are so good at saying everything when saying nothing. Just loved the mental lovemaking whist they were in line.
Dave was just amazing, thought he was going to hug Jamie at one point.
I just love Mr Willoughby. I suspect he and Margaret Campbell will fade off into the sunset together – after Mr Willoughby bumps evil Archie off. I know book Margaret is mentally delicate (severe PTSD) but I have no recollection of Margaret telling fortunes when she was in Scotland….another re-read is required.
I didn’t considered your reference to current events troublesome – this is your blog after all and you can say what you like. I could see the correlations – it is what it is!!!
Thanks Kate. I don’t think Margret did any seer stuff in Scotland in the books. She was catatonic for the most part. I thought they tied it all together beautifully
I’m glad you said that Beth. I read an article (don’t ask where I have no idea) where they mentioned Margaret doing “readings” when she was not catatonic and the Rev charging people. I didn’t recall that so if you don’t either I’m not going nuts 😀 😀
Beth, this is the first chance I have had to just sit quietly and visit with your writing. Always like to be able to absorb your thoughts Undisturbed.
The Bakra was fascinating. Always enjoy your insight of each episode. It is a welcome addition to my thoughts and enriches the Outlander experience many times over.
Thank you for YOU!
PS. Just found out through Ancestry search my ancestors left England and went right by the Colonies and settled in the West Indies-Kingston, Jamaica in the late 1700s. So, this episode kind of hit home.
wow! that would hit home!
Great job, as always.
Yes, the slave market scenes were horrendous, but it does us all good to see. (‘show, not tell’) It is useful to educate our 21st century eyes to show us the ghosts of present day ills, such as slavery as a precursor to current over-incarceration of minorities, colonization as a descendant to corporate greed, witch trials as the mother of exploitation and diminution of women, etc. Thanks Beth for pointing out that there are cultural seeds to modern issues. We just don’t have the luxury of ignoring history. It is good to have an open discussion, and I am grateful to you, and Outlander, for starting me thinking more deeply about “ghosts of all our pasts”
TY!
Beth, I so look forward to your blog each episode. Once again you said volumes. Every word was perfect and made me aware of some things I hadn’t thought of the first time I saw it. I rewatched it through your thoughts and enjoyed it even more, seeing layers than I hadn’t noticed. Thank you so much for this. One thing which really moved me in this episode was Jamie’s voice and face filled with so much love as he asked LJG about Willie. And when LJG said,” He still remembers you– from time to time”, the hurt on Jamie’s face was so profoundly sad as he realized Willie was forgetting him. Yet, as is so true to Jamie’s total unselfishness, total giving his all to those he loves, he say’s, “It’s not important as long as he’s happy.” This small dialogue so filled with love, affected me very deeply.
I loved that scene too Barbara!
This has to be one of my favorite episodes. I really love Geillis-she’s one of those antiheros you’re not sure if you like her or really can’t stand her sneakiness. Hard not to appreciate Lotte Verbeek in all her glory! And it’s also relieving in this episode that Mr. Willoughby finds a woman who appreciates him. Oh and that look that Claire gives Jamie when she realizes that him and Lord Grey obviously have a connection that she wasn’t aware of. Great episode. Can’t wait to compare it to the book. Right now I’m still on Book 1. Glad to have found your blog! I’m a huge fan!