S02.E09: Je Suis Prest

[Athena]

Quote

Claire and Jamie reunite with the Lallybroch and MacKenzie men as they take part in training. Jamie and Claire have personal battles to deal with.

Note: This is the Book Talk episode topic. It includes spoilers and information from ALL the books. Please leave if you are unspoiled.

[ElsieH]

Ok this one was much better. Loved everything but wonder where they are going with Claire having PTSD from WWII.

[Dust Bunny]

This is the episode I have been waiting for. Not only do I recognize these characters (not one moment was out-of-character), I feel like this was Himself's coming of age.

In this episode, Sam fully became BookJamie to me.

First, the WWII parts were great. In both WWII and in Scotland times, I felt like I was watching "Band of Brothers", just two centuries apart. That was really effective. And we got the origin story of "Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ". We also see in the books that Claire has flashbacks from her various experiences. This episode provides a good foundation for that. Seeing how aware Jamie was with her and still balancing his role as leader was so on point. That is SOOO BookJamie.

The discipline speech – Jamie opens his mouth, and he immediately has people’s ears, minds, and hearts. It doesn’t even take words – it’s just Jamie’s presence in their midst. A quiet, determined, and unapologetic confidence - with compassion. The men knew that Jamie really cared - not just for Scotland, but for them and their families. Sam nailed that throughout this episode.

It was an inspired idea to have Dougal, Angus, and Rupert come on their own volition, without Colum's support. That gives Jamie a chance to truly be Laird of Lallybroch to Clan Fraser and closer to being Himself. It also forces Dougal to come to terms with not being in charge. Through it all, Dougal sees Jamie in a new light. That might not have happened if Dougal came in a more official MacKenzie capacity. 

There’s the scene by the campfire with Dougal that is such a contrast from “Rent”. In “Rent”, Jamie wants Dougal to stop objectifying his back. Still, as he tells Claire, “he’s [his] uncle”, and so he submits. Here, Jamie recognizes his uncle, but he has clearly taken the mantle of leadership and won’t abdicate one thing. At the same time, he leads Dougal without needing to show off. I really loved how Matthew B. Roberts adapted the scene with Jamie being lashed. Jamie took the punishment for Dougal and the MacKenzies, and showed his already-scarred back to all the men. By doing that, he earns Dougal’s respect and obedience. Not only does it show Dougal that Jamie holds himself to the same discipline Jamie requires (true leadership), it also shows Dougal that humility can exist in leadership and also that discipline works – those men would now follow Jamie anywhere. And then Jamie really demonstrates his confidence by giving Dougal the honor to present them to BPC.

Sam is sooo now BookJamie!

Now, the William John Grey scene. I LOVED how Matthew B. Roberts adapted that scene. First, the urination made me think about another scene like that coming up, between a certain father-daughter. Maybe that’s just because I was thinking about seasons 3 and 4. Second, Claire has more agency in this version. She’s the one that thinks of the idea of being the captive, and then Jamie joins in (just like in the last episode with the “vision”). Sam and Cait were fantastic. That might be my favorite “Sassenach” so far. I’m guessing there were some good gag reel moments in that scene. I love Jamie-Claire tag-teaming. Third, I really liked the interaction between Sam and Oscar Kennedy. You could tell these two people aren’t done with each other. I think Oscar, in his short screen time, really brought the sense of John’s honor and courage. It’s a nice first look at such a central character. And considering how many camera shots were on that knife, I'm sure we'll be seeing it again in season 3.

Such a sweet family reunion when the "children", Fergus and Murtagh, greeted Jamie and Claire. Little moments build deep relationships.

It’s a delight to watch Sam completely embody BookJamie. Thanks to Matthew B. Roberts for wonderful material to help make that happen.

Edited June 2, 2016 by Dust Bunny

[theschnauzers]

Dust Bunny, you covered just about everything I could have said except for Bear's music and our Gaelic singer friend from season one's "Castle Leoch." Claire's WWII flashbacks (or were they "flash-forwards"?) were also quite interesting What pulls this all together is Jaime using his understanding Claire's past wartime experiences as a nurse in the future were not really different from what 18th century fighters went through. He's a smart man, that Jaime! And yes Claire and Jaime read each other so well in the scene last week with the Old Fox, and this week with young William John Gray. It was fun watching the other Highlanders in the tent catching on to what they were doing, and thus realizing that Claie and Jaime were a matched set and no one should trifle with either of them.

[morgan]

I agree with so much of what dustbunny and theschnauzers said.   I just finished and liked the episode very much!  Loved the WWII bits and showing how it affected Claire.  Loved the music and loves Jamie coming into his own.  I'm not 100% sold on the change to the lord John bit...I wish he had had a bit more time and asked how he would know that Claire went free, etc. It all seemed so fast to me.  And part of me thinks they keep giving Claire things that should have been Jamie's (a la the executioners warning being about Claire/witchcraft instead of about Jamie/traitor).  But I was up with a sick kid all night and am exhausted so my second viewing tonight might change that for me.  I do love seeing them work together.  And loved when Jamie came back after the pins...but wish he had gone for a quickie before they had to head out.  BookJamie respected his lust more than ShowJamie!

i think the biggest surprise was the line about Willy going to America!  I really expected him to the be the bookWilly that witnesses Jamie kill Dougal.  Now I wonder if we will get him in season 4.  The door is certainly open for it.

[AheadofStraight]

I'll probably revise this after actually *watching* the episode. I listened to it during my awful commute to work with glances only at stopped traffic (and most of it appeared so dark anyway, especially in the morning sun so I couldn't see if I tried, lol)...I completely agree with the comments about seeing Book!Jamie. Sam was fabulous and from the glimpses, he looked ridiculously good as well. /shallow

 However, UO, I did spend most of the episode wondering why we've completely made up almost the entire episode when all we complain about is having too much and get shortchanged at places like Lallybroch.

ETA: If I take my "book reader" hat off, not much to complain about! Good stuff!

Edited June 2, 2016 by AheadofStraight

[Clawdette]

I love when I watch and think, "That's exactly right."  I think that is precisely how training a bunch of citizen farmers would have transpired. How do you organize a group that doesn't want to be there but feels an obligation to join in?  Jamie shows us how and we can see him seizing the mantle of leadership as well as the mantle of "Jamie."  

Sam and Cait continue to nail their performances. What fortuitous casting. 

[morgan]

I do understand why they go off book sometimes and if done well I appreciate it.  Garrison Commander and Rent last year were two examples that I thought really added to the story as a whole.  I even liked the Frank stuff.  i think sometimes it just works and gives the feel they are going for.  Listening to Ron's podcast and the Scot and the Sassanach have also helped me understand about weekly story arcs as well as the seasonal one, so sometimes because of these considerations it makes more sense.  

Doesn't mean I don't wish they would have given a full epsidode to lallybroch this season.  Or abbreviated Wentworth into one episode so we could have had a longer healing episode and then been able to start off Season 2 with them closer.  But much like Bill Belichick doesn't come looking for my husband's input, Ron is probably not all that interested in mine.  Lol

[morgan]

Wanted to add I liked Claire's confrontation with Dougal at first, especially when she said she had told Jamie about Dougal's offer last season.  But I didn't like that she went to "narcissist" and then defined it.  I didn't see where or why that came in and I guess felt like it felt off a bit?  But I liked it until then and the first part I actually thought would have been a far better response to Laoghaire when we first saw her last week.  

[toolazy]

People on Diana's Facebook page were up in arms about the John Grey scene.  They are tired of the showrunners giving Claire all of Jamie's ideas but in this case, I think it's smart.   The internet would lose its collective shit if there was any sort of sexual exploitation going on, so making it Claire's idea lets Jamie still be a good guy.

That said, I haven't seen the episode yet. 

[morgan]

I can see that, toolazy.  But I did miss her bandaging LJG's arm and his insistence on making sure she was really ok.  I love this scene in the book for different reasons and I just felt a little disappointed in it here.  Again, might feel different after my second viewing tonight.  Sometimes that happens for me.  I'm so excited to see a particular scene and when it plays differently sometimes I just need to readjust my attitude about it.  

[lianau]

1 hour ago, toolazy said:

People on Diana's Facebook page were up in arms about the John Grey scene.  They are tired of the showrunners giving Claire all of Jamie's ideas but in this case, I think it's smart.   The internet would lose its collective shit if there was any sort of sexual exploitation going on, so making it Claire's idea lets Jamie still be a good guy.

That said, I haven't seen the episode yet. 

On this occasion I'm with the people on the facebook page . I'm a bit tired of the showrunners pandering to the people whose favourite word is "problematic" and who cry rape every time there isn't a 3 page consent contract signed before sex. By now I'm really afraid how they will deal with William's conception down the line  . The world isn't a fluffy safe space  so please grow a thicker skin .

[Dust Bunny]

2 hours ago, toolazy said:

People on Diana's Facebook page were up in arms about the John Grey scene.  They are tired of the showrunners giving Claire all of Jamie's ideas but in this case, I think it's smart.   The internet would lose its collective shit if there was any sort of sexual exploitation going on, so making it Claire's idea lets Jamie still be a good guy.

That said, I haven't seen the episode yet. 

I understand where they're coming from. Yet, this whole episode was full of Himself moments of leadership. I think giving this to Claire worked great. It shows that Jamie and Claire are truly equals in initiative, cunning, courage, and strength. In the book, the John Grey scene is less of an equal partnership. On the show, Claire does get annoyed when Jamie starts getting carried away, but she's still on board. She grunts at one point to motivate John to tell more information. I think I prefer the show version, because it's just a wee bit more equal in execution. And it's a bit more playful; Claire isn't pissed when Jamie returns from the commando raid. It all plays a little better for me. But, as always, YMMV.

[morgan]

Just finished my second watch, this time with mr.morgan.  I would say the only thing that really bothered me was the same thing that bothered me in my earlier watch.  Ross and Kincaid.  Not them per se, but their prevalence.  I'm sure they just didn't want to give any other extras lines, or maybe wanted to have a couple of newbies show throughout the episode, but it really started to bug.  Couldn't a different pair play shinty with Fergus, or be punished for poor sentry, or whatever.  Maybe it would make for a great Ross and Kincaid drinking game. 

Can't believe there are only 4 episodes left!  

Edited June 3, 2016 by morgan

[Hybiscus]

I was wondering what to watch tonight, what with all the mainstream programs having had their season finales.  Then I read about Outlander's renewal notice, World Outlander Day (hee!), and that Starz had episode 209 OnDemand. 

Wow!  Just, wow!  From beginning to end, it was filled with happy moments, sad moments, beautiful moments, and heart-breaking moments.  Such great writing, directing, acting, and haunting music.  I would have loved the episode even if (Lord John) William Grey hadn't made his first appearance.  He is my absolutely favorite character.  Well, maybe not more than Jamie, but more than Claire (in the books). 

I like the change of Claire taking the initiative during Jamie's interrogation.  In the book, I really hated the way Jamie treated her during this scene, stripping her top off.  This worked much better from the teamwork aspect.  I don't think the writers were pandering at all  to the fans with this change.  This episode was written long, long ago, at least 1 year ago, and probably even much earlier than that.  Let's face it, where Outlander is concerned, the internet will lose its collective shit regardless.

The first scene of Jamie & Claire in the "cabin" really punched me in the gut.  The complete and total love these characters have for each other is so strong, and the foreshadowing of them being apart just squeezed my poor little heart to pieces.

Edited June 3, 2016 by Hybiscus

[Keeta]

1 hour ago, Hybiscus said:

I like the change of Claire taking the initiative during Jamie's interrogation.  In the book, I really hated the way Jamie treated her during this scene, stripping her top off.  This worked much better from the teamwork aspect.  I don't think the writers were pandering at all  to the fans with this change.  This episode was written long, long ago, at least 1 year ago, and probably even much earlier than that.  Let's face it, where Outlander is concerned, the internet will lose its collective shit regardless.

The first scene of Jamie & Claire in the "cabin" really punched me in the gut.  The complete and total love these characters have for each other is so strong, and the foreshadowing of them being apart just squeezed my poor little heat to pieces.

I completely, 100% agree with you about the John Grey scene. It bothered me in the book as well, so I was thrilled that they improved upon it for the show.

The foreshadowing too was so intense... the separation is going to HURT.

This episode was a fantastic showcase for Sam/Jamie, and yet more great performances from Caitriona (not a huge fan of her speech to Dougal, but that's a writing complaint, and is a small nitpick among so many good things).

The writing and performances are doing a wonderful job of conveying Claire and Jamie's bond in the last couple episodes, so hopefully that will keep going through the finale. 

(And on a shallower note, I have to say, I loved that dark makeup look on Jamie. ;) And even his hair is looking somewhat improved!)

[Nidratime]

A couple of thoughts:

Now we know where Claire gets all her American slang. She was obviously stationed with or near American troops since most of her 1940's interactions that we saw seemed to be with American soldiers.

As for Willie getting married and immigrating, since Willie is not in the books that I can recall (or is he?) this is one way of "disposing" of a character they no longer need while giving him a happy ending. Maybe they'll introduce him again once Claire and Jamie get to America, but they certainly don't need to.

[Dust Bunny]

25 minutes ago, Nidratime said:

As for Willie getting married and immigrating, since Willie is not in the books that I can recall (or is he?) this is one way of "disposing" of a character they no longer need while giving him a happy ending. Maybe they'll introduce him again once Claire and Jamie get to America, but they certainly don't need to.

There's a Willie Coulter MacKenzie who witnesses Jamie stab Dougal. I can't remember ShowWillie's last name. That's why I was surprised he was written out of this season. Maybe it'll be Angus who sees it?

I am intrigued at the idea of Willie showing up in the Colonies. That'd be a fun surprise. Maybe at the Gathering in "Fiery Cross", i.e. season 5?

Edited June 3, 2016 by Dust Bunny

[morgan]

Yes!  I have really expected ShowWilly to slide into BookWilly's place, so that is my surprise.  I wonder if they will completely change Dougal's ending, or if they just won't have a witness? Or wonder who else will.  Seems like Angus/Rupert wouldn't be young enough/diff personality in my eyes to just let Jamie see Claire safe.  Maybe I'm wrong...we will know soon enough!

i do love the idea of them meeting Willy in America!

Edited June 3, 2016 by morgan

[AheadofStraight]

14 hours ago, morgan said:

I can see that, toolazy.  But I did miss her bandaging LJG's arm and his insistence on making sure she was really ok.  I love this scene in the book for different reasons and I just felt a little disappointed in it here.  Again, might feel different after my second viewing tonight.  Sometimes that happens for me.  I'm so excited to see a particular scene and when it plays differently sometimes I just need to readjust my attitude about it.  

I'm exactly the same way. I might hate it at first then by 2nd or 3rd viewing it's one of my favorites.  Though there are still some that irk me (talking to you, Claire's choice at the stones from season 1).

[Nidratime]

Oh, forgot about a Willie character witnessing Jamie stabbing Dougal. Hmm, don't know what they're going to do unless they're not going to have a witness.

[Petunia846]

Holy hell that was an amazing episode. Could the music or the lighting or the costumes or the scenery or the acting be any more beautiful? I just...the only words I can think of to express myself are curse words, so I should just leave it at that.

I loved how they did the music with the singing and this was our first real look at Jamie Fraser, King of Men. I mean. That's Jamie, right? He's come around to what people remember him for. He's reached that stage in his character development. This is the man who he will be in the rest of the books/seasons. I got shivers seeing him lead those men, commanding Dougal even. Geez.

And Claire's PTSD arc was also great. Totally new, right? That wasn't in the books? It worked perfectly. One thing I loved, right off the bat, was them settling into camp and Jamie tells Murtaugh to "set a watch" and Claire in the background, without thinking, looked at her wrist, like someone who used to wear a wrist watch, and then kind of rubs it for a moment when she remembers she doesn't have one. I have no idea if that was intentional, but I thought that was a great little Time Traveler beat, and looking back on things, it's actually a great set up for the flashbacks to her time in WWII.

(Sorry if I'm repeating anything. I'll go back and read the other posts now. I was just too bursting with enthusiasm after watching the episode.)

Edited June 3, 2016 by Petunia846

[Keeta]

Can I just say how much I love this photo from this episode? Sam's posture and look are picture-perfect Jamie. 

I couldn't resist watching last night, but in one way I wish it hadn't been made available early: normally I like to read reviews and recaps after watching, but of course nothing has been posted yet!

Edited June 3, 2016 by Keeta

[AheadofStraight]

30 minutes ago, Petunia846 said:

This is the man who he will be in the rest of the books/seasons. I got shivers seeing him lead those men, commanding Dougal even. Geez.

And Claire's PTSD arc was also great. Totally new, right? That wasn't in the books? It worked perfectly. One thing I loved, right off the bat, was them settling into camp and Jamie tells Murtaugh to "set a watch" and Claire in the background, without thinking, looked at her wrist, like someone who used to wear a wrist watch, and then kind of rubs it for a moment when she remembers she doesn't have one. I have no idea if that was intentional, but I thought that was a great little Time Traveler beat, and looking back on things, it's actually a great set up for the flashbacks to her time in WWII.

(Sorry if I'm repeating anything. I'll go back and read the other posts now. I was just too bursting with enthusiasm after watching the episode.)

Well, we can hope. Might depend upon the writer. ;)

Good catch on the watch - I need to go view it again because I didn't see that!

[morgan]

I hadn't noticed that either bit just looked now.  Great catch!

[maraleia]

While I loved the costumes and scenery of the Paris section of this season, I'm glad we're back in Scotland where we can see Claire/Caitriona's more natural looking face. She's so beautiful against the Scottish Highlands backdrop.

Those PTSD flashbacks/flashforwards were so well done.

[Atlanta]

On 6/2/2016 at 8:41 AM, morgan said:

I agree with so much of what dustbunny and theschnauzers said.   I just finished and liked the episode very much!  Loved the WWII bits and showing how it affected Claire.  Loved the music and loves Jamie coming into his own.  I'm not 100% sold on the change to the lord John bit...I wish he had had a bit more time and asked how he would know that Claire went free, etc. It all seemed so fast to me.  And part of me thinks they keep giving Claire things that should have been Jamie's (a la the executioners warning being about Claire/witchcraft instead of about Jamie/traitor).  But I was up with a sick kid all night and am exhausted so my second viewing tonight might change that for me.  I do love seeing them work together.  And loved when Jamie came back after the pins...but wish he had gone for a quickie before they had to head out.  BookJamie respected his lust more than ShowJamie!

i think the biggest surprise was the line about Willy going to America!  I really expected him to the be the bookWilly that witnesses Jamie kill Dougal.  Now I wonder if we will get him in season 4.  The door is certainly open for it.

I want to see Willie in America!!

[morgan]

29 minutes ago, Atlanta said:

I want to see Willie in America!!

Is it wrong that my first thought reading this was spring break in Florida is a good start?  Lol

[theschnauzers]

One other mention in these two episodes that plays a significant role in the future -- Aunt Jocasta. I don't recall her letter to Lallybroch being in DoA, and IIRC, Claire mentioning "dragonflies in amber" was in the the first book originally.

Ron and the writers were dropping in important tip-offs all over these two episodes. It was fun picking up on them as each episode played out.  And Bear did confirm that it is the Gaelic singer in this episode that we originally heard in "Castle Leoch". i can't wait for him to post his next blog entry inasmuch as he's really gone heads over heels for authentic music for the French and Scots episodes before this,

Edited June 4, 2016 by theschnauzers

[toolazy]

4 hours ago, Atlanta said:

I want to see Willie in America!!

I really hope he winds up being one their tenants on the Ridge. 

[Atlanta]

That would be a fab twist of things. Willie wasn't in the books, but he was good actor and good character. Wouldn't mind seeing him again. I assume they may have had scheduling conflicts with the actor. As a devoted book reader, I'm not as strict as some.

[IntrovertGal]

Wow what a gorgeous episode! It may actually be one of my favourites of the season so far. As you guys have mentioned above, everyone was so in character. I didn't even mind the changes from the book, especially when it comes to the John Grey scene. Just like Hybiscus, I hated how Jamie treated Claire in the book in this scene, so I was glad that they changed it on the show and gave Claire more agency and presented Claire and Jamie as equals.

You guys have already covered everything there is to say about this great episode. I just wanted to add that the scenes of Claire's PTSD and especially the conversation she had with Jamie when she told him about what happened to her in WWII (including the "dragonfly in amber" mention) were the highlights of this fantastic episode to me.

[Andorra]

Oh, what a fantastic episode. That was really wonderful, the music, the writing, the acting everything!

A special shoutout to Sam Heughan, who I thought was incredible in this episode. This is JAMMF as I see him!

I loved the change to the LJG scene, because I didn't like how Jamie treated Claire there. Knowing that she was in the scheme and agreeing with it, was so much better. I can't wait to see LJG again! I hope they'll cast a great actor for him as well.

Willi in America could be a way to have a familar face in a future series. I still hope Murtagh will be the other one!

[metaphor]

Great episode. The music was especially lush and fitting. Jamie was great, and so was Claire's PTSD storyline. Lord John Grey was intriguing. I'm really enjoying the build-up to the war. 

[areca]

On 6/2/2016 at 6:55 PM, lianau said:

On this occasion I'm with the people on the facebook page. I'm a bit tired of the showrunners pandering to the people whose favourite word is "problematic" and who cry rape every time there isn't a 3 page consent contract signed before sex. By now I'm really afraid how they will deal with William's conception down the line. The world isn't a fluffy safe space so please grow a thicker skin .

This.  I am SO tired of it.  It's happening Game of Thrones too and it's really insulting to the viewers, IMHO, especially those of us who read the books.  We understand the grit and, frankly, the relationship developments aren't going the way they should be because we don't see some of the more strife inducing moments.

[CatMack]

I'm perfectly happy any time the writers want to show Jamie and Claire as equals working together (their silent communication in front of other people has been on point this season, in France and now back in Scotland), even if that means changing some of Diana's writing, which is not flawless by any means.  I get that people have attachments to how they pictured things, but really people?  They give Claire more agency and remove a completely unnecessary scene of exposed boobs and it leads to insults about people needing thicker skin?  Because in an episode full of Jamie showing what a competent commander he is and the respect he commands it's just beyond the pale that he doesn't get to have the idea to make John believe Claire is in danger.  I mean, they devoted an entire episode to graphically showing every detail of Jamie's torture and rape and have never once backed down from that decision even when faced with some criticism about it, but yeah, I'm sure they decided not to show Claire's boobs against her will because they were afraid people would complain, and not because they thought it was a good chance to show Claire and Jamie being able to think on their feet together.  Maybe book purists need to get thicker skins too.  

This was one of my favorite episodes of the show so far.  It shows just how good an adaptation can be when it takes the best parts of its source material and fleshes out what wasn't explored as much the first time around.  There was no part of this episode that didn't work, writing, acting, music, costumes, it all fit perfectly.  

Edited June 4, 2016 by CatMack

[GHScorpiosRule]

"I am James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser."

Me: SWOOON.

This was my FAVORITE episode of the season thus far. I don't have the words to say how much I loved this with the eloquence others have already stated.

I was verra happy with how they dealt with the John Grey scene. For a second though, I thought it was young Simon who tried to stab Jamie, the two actors look so similar.

And oh yeah, this is Buik!Jamie come to life.

And if they had gone the route the way it played out in the buik, it wouldn't have gone over well, considering they added Claire's PTSD from WWII, which wasn't shown in the buik. How would that have made Jamie look? Like a cold hearted, unfeeling, selfish, bastard. And he's not that.

I also loved how Jamie was training these men, most of whom were farmers and didn't know how to fight like soldiers.  And I wilna lie, I LOVED Jamie taking Dougal down a peg and two.

And I teared up as Claire flashed between her past and her present, with the American soldiers calling her name, to making it seem like one was calling her Mo Neeghan Down and it turned into Jamie. That scene was just bootiful Sam has never looked so bootiful this season. The hair, the unshaven cheeks, to me equals the SEXAY. And I grinned like a tween when he and Claire cuddled and did the kissy after he and his men burned the wheels and removed the thingamajigs, while he still had the "war paint/powder/soot" on his face.

Edited June 4, 2016 by GHScorpiosRule

[TaurusRose]

This episode kicked ass.  I loved everything about it--the music, the action, the quiet moments, the sad moments, the C&J moments.  

Jamie always makes me smile:  "They walk, they stroll.  They caper about."

LOL  I must start using that word.  Good to see Angus, Rupert and Dougal again.  

Jamie is quite poetic in his description of battle.  And my gosh!  In certain scenes he is the most gorgeous man ever.  Dougal, the highland charge is great when your enemy is armed with similar weapons, but with muskets?  Uh, not so much.  That said, I liked seeing half-naked men rushing the field; although, they weren't that hot looking close up.  LOL

James Alexander Malcom Mackenzie Fraser.  Loved Jamie taking command and him laying down the law to Dougal, proving that he is dealing with a man now, not a boy.  Still, that doesn't stop Dougal from trying to undermine Jamie by going to Claire.  And boy didn't that backfire?  Claire chewed his ass up and spit him out.  Don't ever try to divide M/M Fraser.  I loved it!

Claire's flashbacks, while witnessing the Highland clans trying to become a coherent army, were traumatic for both of us.  I can't imagine the weight of her knowledge just then.  I so appreciated seeing both Jamie and Murtagh notice her withdrawn behavior and worrying about her.  Damn she brought tears to my eyes when she was telling Jamie about the horror she'd lived through.  I love the honesty, tenderness and love between this couple.  Which brings me to the ruse they played tricking the spy to talk.  Awesome! Jamie showing that he'll take punishment like any of his men and exposing his scarred flesh made a point and I believe deepened the respect and determination of the men following him.  

Again, I can't say enough how much I liked this episode. 

Edited June 4, 2016 by taurusrose
Spelling!

[Wouldofshouldof]

It was so good to see Angus, Rupert and Dougal again!  I'm currently reading book 4, watching S2 as it unfolds, and rewatching S1 when I get too anxious between new episodes.  Therefore I sometimes have to remind myself of where everything fits in the timeline - "Oh yeah, that hasn't happened yet on the show," etc.  I'm so immersed in Drums of Autumn now that even though I know S2 ends heartbreakingly, I also know what lies ahead so it's easier to deal with.  Which isn't to say I'm not going to be bawling at the S2 finale!

[toolazy]

2 hours ago, taurusrose said:

 

Jamie always makes me smile:  "They walk, they stroll.  They caper about."

That line reminded me of a quote from DiA, right before the battle of Prestonpan.  Jamie asks Lord George how preparations are going and Lord George replies (speaking of the Highland Army):

 

Quote

 

How does it go?....Why, I'll tell you. It goes to the east, and then it goes to the west, and then half of it comes downhill to have luncheon, while the other half marches off to devil-knows-where!" That's how it goes. 

 

Edited June 4, 2016 by toolazy

[Petunia846]

2 hours ago, taurusrose said:

Jamie always makes me smile:  "They walk, they stroll.  They caper about."

LOL  I must start using that word. 

It made me smile because he used that word in season 1 too when he was with Claire at the black kirk and talking about what they used to do there as boys. I always loved that line, the way he says it and always wanted to use it in real life. Hearing it from him again made me grin. I still haven't had a chance to pull it out in real life though.

[Archery]

Another great episode.  The training scenes actually reminded me of the scene in the movie Glory, where the officers are trying to teach the recruits how to load and shoot muskets.  The little episode addition explained that they felt it necessary to familiarize the audience with 18th century warfare.  I also loved that they recognized that Claire would have a difficult time going back to battle, and let her show it through facial expressions, snappishness, and flashbacks.  (I was kind of expecting a flash of Claire walking through the modern battlefield in her 18th century clothing.)  

I don't mind the tweaks to the story. If the LJG boob scene had been done like the book, there would need to be at least two additional scenes to resolve the conflict.  The writers are very canny about getting a chunk of story exposition across with just a few scenes.  

I love that the show characters at this point are lined up completely with the book characters.  Jamie has shaken off the last of the victim-ness from Wentworth, to become authoritative Leader of Men.  And Claire is deep in her Just Power Through It persona.  

[GHScorpiosRule]

I know this should probably go in the quote thread, but I meant to mention how much I loved it, and forgot!

First:

Jamie: "Is your arm broken? I thought I heard something snap." Jamie presses down on Grey's arm/hand, whatever.

Me: snort.

Then: "Scottish Barbarian!" from Claire, ending with "...you..pig!"

Jamie turns his head toward Murtaugh: "Pig?" 

The whole scene just made me laugh and giggle. And then Jamie's muttered "Sassenach" before he kisses her. After John confesses.

Then, after the raid...

He explains how he went on a "commando raid" and at Claire's expression, Jamie turns his head over his shoulder and says "Commando's the right word, aye?" And her saying yes...how Claire giggles when Jamie gloats over how the lack of the pin thingamajigs won't make the Brits successful at making new ones because no wheels!

And then all of Jamie's "ayes" and "nos" are just so verra verra SEXY. It's Sam's voice and how he says them. Along with his "Hmphs."

Sigh... I really loved this episode. Have I mentioned how much I loved this episode?

Edited June 5, 2016 by GHScorpiosRule

[Squirrely]

I can't express my thoughts any better than what's already been said. I squealed when Dougal arrived! And again when Angus and Rupert arrived! And more loudly for Lord John! They're setting the scene well for what happens between Jamie and Dougal. It can truly only be one of them in the end. And it's going to be as rough for me personally as Claire leaving. I love me some Dougal. 

Our wee Jamie is a Man with a capital M now, folks.What a beautiful transformation it's been to watch. I adore seeing him and Claire operate as equals and have no issue with how the Lord John scene played out. I also roll my eyes and groan when people cry about the amount of rape in the shows/novels as well, so that's not an issue for me in the least. But I really didn't want to see her kicked when she was already down. Good lord, she was suffering some serious PTSD here, when she wasn't so much in the book. She didn't need to be man-handled and have her breasts bared against her will. I think a lot of book readers live to hate on Claire (not me; I like the realism of how Herself writes flawed characters), and don't want to see any improvements to her character, and/or would rather see her suffer when possible. YMMV of course, and I'm not implying everyone who hated the revision feels that way.

[WatchrTina]

I enjoyed this episode a lot.  It didn't have me hugging myself with glee (or empathetic dismay) the way some have, but I really liked it.  Yeah JAMMF, "King of Men" definitely showed up tonight.  The tension between him and Dougal caused by their role-reversal was an interesting addition to the story.

I was really surprised to hear about Willie going to America.  I'm guessing the actor was unavailable so they just wrote him off the show but that is a pity.  I had always assumed he was the same "Willie" who plays a key role near the end of the book.  But that's not my biggest disappointment.  My boy "Waldo" (the cute, long-haired, horse-wrangler extra and erstwhile member of the Dougal MacKenzie gang) also failed to show up tonight.  Boo. I had expected to see him.  But I guess it was important to the script that Dougal be isolated, with only his two most loyal lieutenants there to support him.

Damn Sam/Jamie looked good in this episode.  Even in commando face paint.  Especially in commando face paint.

I'm going to try not to think too hard about how/why they transported those wagon wheels 3 miles back to the camp to burn them or why none of the British heard them being rolled away through the forest.

[GHScorpiosRule]

I just read an article that was posted in the media thread and the scene of Jamie forcing Lord John's confession, as it appeared in the buik was left out/changed for the reason I posted above. I love it when I'm right! 

[GHScorpiosRule]

3 minutes ago, WatchrTina said:

I'm going to try not to think too hard about how/why they transported those wagon wheels 3 miles back to the camp to burn them or why none of the British heard them being rolled away through the forest.

Well, they did knock them out. And I didn't think they rolled the wheels back to camp, but burned them at the Redcoats' camp. Either way, I didn't pay attention to that. I was enjoying the episode too much.

[Suck It Trebek]

Day-um. Dougal looked smoking hot charging down to the men who were being trained. 

 

That is all. 

[Jodithgrace]

I doubt they would have burned the wheels at the British camp. The British were asleep, not dead. But they just had to wheel them far enough away that the giant bonfire wouldn't attract attention, not the full 3 miles. 

We haven't yet heard the upcoming battle referred to as Prestonpans (sp?), yet, though I assume that is what it is. Claire has yet to warn Jamie and Murtagh that they will win this battle, so that they don't think they have managed to change history, as of yet. In fact, it's interesting to think..Jamie's foreknowledge has caused him to properly train his men, and Claire's presence led to Jamie finding out about the guns, and those two factors probably are what cause them to win the battle. If Claire hadn't come forward in time, this first battle might have been lost.

Ironically, if the Scots had lost at Prestonpans, they might have given up right then and there, thus avoiding the carnage at Culloden. But Prestonpans encouraged BPC and the clans and thus they headed into destruction. That's why it's so hard to change history!

[Haleth]

^ Interesting observations, Jodithgrace.  Messing with time can produce the most unexpected outcomes.

Loved this episode!  Seeing Jamie come into his own as a leader of men was outstanding.  How awful was it (but how effective) when he took the lashes for sloppiness at camp?  At that moment his soldiers found a leader worth fighting for.  Juxtaposing Claire's WWII experiences was brilliant.  Seeing her relive befriending soldiers only to see them die was heartbreaking.  Cate's acting in those few scenes gave us more insight into her feelings about war than anything in the books.  Well done.

Lord John!  Young William Gray!  Another great scene!  I'm anxious to read the non book thread to see if viewers have any clue we will see him again.  I'm sure no one would guess he becomes a member of their extended family.

2 hours ago, Suck It Trebek said:

Day-um. Dougal looked smoking hot charging down to the men who were being trained. 

Day-um is right.  McTavish is 55.