Outlander Season 4 Episode 11 Recap: If Not For Hope

Posted by Ashley Crawley

Want to relive Outlander Season 4 Episode 11? We do a minute-by-minute reaction to “If Not For Hope.”

[8:00 p.m.] While they’re reacquainting you with last week’s walk, walk, walk, fight, fight, fight episode, I’d like to gauge your reaction to something else. A very astute viewer left a comment on last week’s recap that had me do a bit of a Scooby Doo head jerk. MG asked, “Does anyone wonder what Ian and Lizzie thought about Brianna’s comment about how her ‘father’ never would have said that?” Zoinks! Such a valid point. If I’ve missed a discussion about this, please illuminate me. Did they ever say she was raised by another man, even if in the same time period? I don’t believe so, but her blurting out the differences between how each father would have reacted is a bit suspect. After all, it wasn’t Murtagh in the room. He was outside with the ham and biscuits, like I told him to do.

[8:01 p.m.] Cold open this is not. Hot, furry librarian bod it is! Clearly, this is a dream sequence, but can you blame him for it? I know when we go glamping and it’s cold and I’m tired, I fantasize about long, hot showers and products. You guys, it’s just the same.

[8:02 p.m.] Oh look, Roger didn’t go back through the stones. I. Am. So. Shocked. But seriously, who among you thought he truly might? But again, who among you could blame him? Also, I did a double take as I was convinced he was wearing a kilt. It’s not, but I’m just relieved those hokey pants are gone.

[8:04 p.m.] Yes yes, emotions, apologies, regret, honesty – BUT THERE’S A CHEESE PLATE and we just casually panned away from it. I speak fluent charcuterie, so I need some specifics, please.

[8:05 p.m.] I do love that Roger’s life precariously hangs in the balance and our great white hope lies with Ian and his Flavor Flav necklace.

[8:06 p.m.] Claire and Jamie packed horses, a nephew, jerky, furs, casks of whisky and yet the heaviest load they’re carrying on this trip north is their passive aggressive avoidance of talking about what happened, who’s to blame and how to move past it. Ahhhh, marriage. But haven’t we all hit a point in our own relationships that mirrors this? Sometimes we have the best intentions and pride ourselves on “maturity,” but just aren’t ready to be the first to dig in and offer an apology, admit accountability, ask for forgiveness or just have an honest conversation that paves a path to resolution. *POINTS FINGER AT SELF*

[8:07 p.m.] I love when Outlander serves me a “suck it up, Buttercup” moment. Like this one. I’m annoyed when the line at Starbucks takes more than 5 minutes, yet these people find out Roger’s an entire state away – on foot – and are just casually like “200 miles north, eh? Well, aye, let’s take a wee walk then.” #21stCenturyWorldProblems

[8:08 p.m.] Claire’s badass outfit of layers and wraps and satchels and knitted happiness – over here having fellow wanderer apparel and accessory lust. That is all.

[8:09 p.m.] I can understand Ian trying to facilitate peace between his aunt and uncle because he’s burdened with guilt on his role in the whole mess. But have you ever been on a trip with people in a fight or constantly bickering and thought – dear god, this is awkward. Also, make it stop? Because that’s Ian.

[8:10 p.m.] Two things: I love that the “wanted” sketch artist managed to pencil a smile and some laugh lines into his likeness of the always-gruff Murtagh. And two: Google translation of Fergus’ reaction to the photo. (You’re welcome).

[8:11 p.m.] Admission: I’m more sold on the chemistry and love story coupling of Fergus and Marsali than I am Roger and Bree, and this story is aimed at us favoring the latter. I’m not sure whether that says something about me, or………. maybe you feel it, too?

[8:12 p.m.] “We’ve got us a lord coming to visit from Virginia.”

[8:13 p.m.] My heart did flip flops at Phaedra’s reaction to someone taking both notice of her beauty and the time to memorialize this age of it. We live in an era now where 700+ billion photos are taken every single year, so it’s tough to fathom that this woman has likely never seen herself through someone else’s eyes or lens.

[8:14 p.m.] “There’s comfort to be found in the company of others.” You’re depressed, you’re sick, you’re heartbroken, you’re exhausted with life, you name it. And you know what happens? Those who care about you just show up anyway because they sometimes know what could help you better than you know it yourself.

[8:15 p.m.] Annnnnnnnnd sometimes, you’re like, “Yes, thank you… BUT I’M STILL NOT GOING TO ANY DAMN PARTY.” Bree’s trying to take a note straight out of her dad’s playbook.

[8:16 p.m.] You know what any new mom loves? Being kept awake by someone or something that isn’t a crying baby. For the love. I also love that Murtagh’s become that gruff, but loved uncle that couch surfs from one family member’s house to another.

[8:17 p.m.] “He doesn’t put his boots on my blankets.” I adore everything about Lauren Lyle’s feisty portrayal of Marsali and it pairs so enjoyably with Duncan Lacroix’s Murtagh. As Murtagh never lived to this point in the books, every time I get to see him interact with a character we’ve yet to see him with, it’s like Christmas morning all over again. Also, see 8:11 again.

[8:19 p.m.] Just what every pregnant, heartsick, worried gal feeling discombobulated in a strange place wants – a cotillion!

[8:20 p.m.] Ulysses, please summarize this entire sequence for Auntie J as “Mistress – horny, wigged bachelors one, two and three are now throwing purvey, tongue-wagging looks at your niece.”

[8:21 p.m.] Correction: just what every pregnant, heartsick, worried gal feeling discombobulated in a strange place WHO WAS ALSO RAPED wants – a gaggle of strange men offering to take you off privately to see “magnificent sights” and something else nondescript but super creepy they wish to show you. And your aunt says, go on… GO WITH THEM, DEARIE.

[8:22 p.m.] Final thought on this mess…I think… I feel like I’m watching an episode of The Bachelor/The Bachelorette and poor Bree didn’t even realize she sent in a submission tape. (Side note: I encourage you to watch the entire parody clip.)

[8:23 p.m.] One lord a leaping, look who it is! Splendid evening indeed! Unless you’re one of those other less handsome dudes, then you’re like…

[8:24 p.m.] As it turns out, Fergus was already as whole as can be. Sometimes we don’t even want to be on the trip, we just want the opportunity and the honor to decide for ourselves whether we go or stay.

[8:26 p.m.] “Must I close my eyes when you are before me.” Yes.
“Can you picture the person?” HARD YES.

[8:27 p.m.] Big ole eye roll from me that we’re playing a parlor game that involves visualizing walking through a forest with a companion when the bulk of the main characters of this show are currently on the longest damn walk ever through a forest.

[8:28 p.m.] Explain your way out of this one, Lord John. I guess I should be glad Bree’s found comfort in the distraction as her aunt promised, but her helium-filled voice here needs to go down a notch. Please and thank you.

[8:30 p.m.] Quick well-being check: Roger. Has anyone seen Roger?

[8:31 p.m.] “…and in yer condition.” – Lizzie, clearly having learned nothing from saying too much. Total side note – can you imagine Lizzie’s letters home to her dad? “Oh hey, dad – sorry it’s taken me so long to catch up. We were on that boat, then shacked up in a bar, then up in the mountains in a tent and now we’re at some rich, old blind lady’s mansion. TTYL!”

[8:32 p.m.] As strange as this encounter is, I’m into it. And I imagine it’s a welcome one for Bree. As mad as she might be, she has got to take some comfort and confidence in her dad sending a trusted friend to look in on her. In a new world that’s been flipped off its axis all to hell, you take tiny pieces of dependability anywhere you can.

[8:33 p.m.] So many bed chambers undergoing preparations… how the heck does one get in on that? Y’all, feel free to come to my house. I don’t require much, just little dark chocolate mints on the pillow.

[8:34 p.m.] I know Jamie and Claire felt this was the safest place for Bree, but it’s baffling to me that they couldn’t have seen foreseen this push from Aunt Jocasta – a woman of high society who, even though she will care for your daughter as her own, will never share the same modernist beliefs you do in guiding that care.

[8:35 p.m.] Fergus flicking that coin, LIKE THE ONE-HANDED BOSS HE IS.

[8:36 p.m.] Murtagh – 1, Bonnet, 0. Wait, that can’t be it. That was too easy, and we have 25 minutes of show left.

[8:37 p.m.] Gee, what’s on your mind interrupting your sleep, Bree? Also, new bedroom goals – a plate full of shortbread cookies just within arm’s reach for those middle-of-the-night nibbles.

[8:38 p.m.] Speaking of middle-of-the-night nibbles… I’m all for Lord John Grey getting some pleasure, but is the hallway in earshot of the bedchambers the best spot for a discreet romp?

[8:38 p.m.] Stephen Bonnet –yes, the murderer who escaped the gallows but has been since been floating about, hiding in plain sight at the harbor, tavern and everywhere in between but you’re just now piecing it together?

[8:39 p.m.] “And Lizzie, be discreet.” Given her track record, suuuuper likely.

[8:40 p.m.] “Oh dear God in heaven.” Me too, John. That’s the second wonky proposal involving Bree in less than a week. And, while you’re keeping score at home, that’s twice now Lord John Grey has been offered a Fraser hand or – err – body part of some sort in exchange for his weighted help to sort out their complicated family affairs.

[8:42 p.m.] Last week I saw and fielded plenty of comments about how immature Bree was acting and her unfair treatment of all. Spoiled brat, I heard many of you cry. I was a bit, now there, there… can you imagine being in her shoes? And now I’m in your camp. Threatening to out the poor man unless he marries you? I don’t care how dire straits your situation is. ENOUGH, LASSIE.

[8:43 p.m.] Yes, please. Let’s all sit down. My feet are weary from zig-zagging all over the “wait, what?’ curves in this episode. I’m exhausted.

[8:45 p.m.] Forget what she’s intending to do for a second and just focus on her words. Understanding and promising to do what you must for the sake of your child is Bree wearing more shades of grown up than I’ve seen her yet. Because as I often tell my husband – there’s a difference between an adult and a grown-up.

[8:46 p.m.] Lord John, heading off Mister Forbes’ proposal at the pass. Also, this is happening? Oy. Jamie’s going to LOVE this. Oh, and then there’s Claire…

[8:47 p.m.] Knick knack, paddy whack, give that dog a bone. Roger’s old pal ain’t rolling home. But Claire’s head wrap rocks, so that’s something.

[8:48 p.m.] “What a world to bring a child into.” – said every parent who ever brought a child into the world.

[8:49 p.m.] Hope, hope, hope. Alternate titles included “If Not for Secrets,” “Indecent Proposal” and “Dude, Where’s My Roger?”

[8:51 p.m.] RIP, guy whose name we didn’t know but who said himself he was going to die by week’s end. However, I’m not a complete heartless arse – Jamie’s right. He was someone’s baby who somehow grew up and found himself on the path to uncertain demise. If not for that…

[8:53 p.m.] I’m listening, but can’t hear over the noise of Caitriona Balfe’s off-kilter wig screaming at us, “HEY. LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT ME.”

[8:55 p.m.] I love everything about this. Forget last week, this is the deep heart’s core. Shared honesty, vulnerabilities and anxiety matched with transparency, reassurance and compassion – all topped off with apologies and forgiveness. This, folks, is relationship adulting at its finest.

[8:56 p.m.] And because I can only be mature for so long… I love that Cowgirl Claire maintains a default configuration for makeup sex. Tee hee.

[8:57 p.m.] Oh now, come on – if a man walks hundreds of miles but we don’t burn a whole episode watching him do it, DID IT EVEN HAPPEN? As it turns out, yes, yes it did.

[8:58 p.m.] Dear god, this poor lad can’t catch a break to save his face. Worst fraternity hazing ever. On the bright side, his hair looks uh-mazing, so that’s something.

Closing Thoughts:

I’m a former track athlete – a miler, to be specific. It’s four laps around the track, or quarters as we’d call them, and each one had their own particular feel, drumbeat and personality. On the first, you’d experience the adrenaline of the starting gun propelling you forward, leading you to sprint the whole thing before you realized it, excitement at full tilt. That second one was the sweet spot where you’d find your pacing, connect to your breath, get into a rhythm, settle in. The third was always the toughest because exhaustion was starting to set in and you knew there was still enough race left to tip the scales one way or the other as to the outcome, so you struggled with how to keep the comfortable glory of the second one alive. And then there’s the last one – oy – the “barnstorming” one. The one that sometimes ain’t pretty, but you’ve got to empty the tank, get it all out and sprint to the finish.

You see where I’m headed with this, right? This episode, for me, felt like that odd place somewhere between the third and final laps. We’ve put in the work, we know where we need to get next to be done with this, but by god our legs might give out and we might display some pained ugly-sweat faces before we find a final wind to get us to the finish line.

In short, after the high of the past few weeks, I’m about as enamored with this episode as Bree was her creepy old men suitors. To be fair, there were certainly some bright spots – Marsali and Fergus and all their adorableness, David Berry’s acting, Jamie and Claire’s coming together on the same page again and Murtagh because… Murtagh. I’m willing to give it another go or two to see if it grows on me more, or just hope (THERE IT IS AGAIN) that next week picks the baton back up from the glory of the lap-two episodes. Speaking of those, If Not For Rewatches…

Until next week, friends!

If you’ve missed any of our Season 4 episode recaps, you can catch up with them here:

Episode 4.01: “God Bless America”

Episode 4.02: “Do No Harm”

Episode 4.03: “The False Bride”

Episode 4.04: “Common Ground”

Episode 4.05: “Savages”

Episode 4.06: “Blood of My Blood”

Episode 4.07: “Down the Rabbit Hole”

Episode 4.08: “Wilmington”

Episode 4.09: “The Birds & The Bees”

Episode 4.10: “The Deep Heart’s Core”

A complete library of recaps from Seasons 2-3 is also available here.

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33 Comments

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Lauren
· Reply

January 14, 2019 at 7:25 AM

Ashley,
As always I enjoyed reading your witty recap.
You pretty much felt the same way I did about this episode (I think).
First, interesting question about Bree in previous episode talking about the other father in front of Ian and Lizzie. My thought is that Claire has told several relatives about being married when she thought Jamie dead and that Ian would have heard from his father or mother after the episode “First Wife?.” Still, a child wasn’t mentioned, so confusing for him I imagine.
The mention of “hope” I think a half dozen times at least was hitting the hammer over the head in an irritating way. After the last one, it was, stop already!
When Bree threatens John Grey with outing him, that was the nail in the already nearly nailed shut coffin for me on Bree. And then threatening to tell Jamie (I loved Grey’s response to this). That to me truly showed her awful character. Later saying she didn’t mean it, didn’t magically absolve her (as the writers, I think, hoped). She is insufferable in this episode. The delivery of her lines were stilted, wooden and I couldn’t wait to get back to Jamie, Claire, and Murtagh.
I thought too how Marceli and Fergus feel like a couple whereas Bree and Roger do not. They have zero chemistry and just aren’t interesting. Claire, Jamie, and Bree (the lines they are given) often reference the Bree and Roger relationship as if to legitimize it. To me that only highlights that it’s not. We knew Jamie and Claire had a rare and passionate love long before the two of them acknowledged it out loud to one another. And those surrounding Claire and Jamie–Murtagh, etc. (half of castle Leoch) knew something was cooking between them without once verbalizing it. But that’s because Jamie and Claire’s love is so real it shouts from the rooftops in the smallest moments.

There was a disconcerting tension between Jamie and Claire in their scenes. I thought Jamie would be angry at Claire but instead they were both upset about different things. That was unexpected and felt real to me. I was glad Claire apologized and explained. I was also glad they included the love scene after, though I wish it had continued a bit longer.
I felt they spent way too much time with Bree. I thought we would spend more time with Jamie, Claire, and Ian.
Ha! That’s so true about Ian. I loved when he wanted Claire to talk to Jamie and that he hated to see them sad and distant from one another (as well all do–thank you Ian!)
Side note, I see you are a trained journalist. Me, as well. I was a reporter for several years. I liked your running metaphor. I’m a runner as well.
Thanks again for the wonderful recap!

Lauren
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 14, 2019 at 7:56 PM
  
  Lauren – did you know this latest episode was about hope? Hehehehe. I loved your comments so much, and especially in learning of our shared background and love of running. There’s something so special to me about both, and I hope (THERE IT IS AGAIN) you feel the same. And I suspect that, based on your comments, we very much felt the same about this episode. I’ve seen some “really? I liked it!” coming through in the comments on various social platforms. All I can say is there are 13 episodes. They can’t all tie for the number one spot, right? There have to be a few that fall at the bottom. It is what it is. What a problem to have – when you love a show so much that you put some episodes on a pedestal that make it an uber challenge for all others to compare. I’ll keep that problem, as long as there are clear front runners at the top of the episode rankings. Thanks again!
Donna
· Reply

January 14, 2019 at 8:44 AM

Hey Ashely,

As always love your recaps.

I am sure you noticed but Roger turned in his hobbit pants for a breechcloths and full-length leggings only to have a real hobbit turn up at Cross Creek in the form of Mr Fobes (he was Pippin in LOTR).

I have to say I was pretty disappointed with the episode. What was with that stupid psychology game? SMH. I was so looking forward to the Bree asking LJG to marry her .. as a ruse .. I don’t think the writers did this scene justice, it is where I fell in love with both of these characters, Diana wrote such great lines and a little humor … I just don’t understand why they have ignored the humor. I digress . I happen to have a little more sympathy for Brianna trying to stop her willful Aunt Jocasta from marrying her off when she wants to give her parents a chance to find Roger. No I am not a Jocasta fan .. I find her a high and might bossy PITA. i also thought the LJG kitchen scene was a cheap shot as to how Brianna finds out about him .. LJG has a little more discretion than that.

Thank for letting me rant and time to,step off my soapbox . Donna
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 14, 2019 at 7:58 PM
  
  Donna, so great to see your name on here! No, I was never a LOTR fan but do love that the hobbit pants finally went away, so I’ll take the hobbit suitor in their place. Good riddance. Aunt Jocasta makes me shudder with fear, so there’s that.
Marlo
· Reply

January 14, 2019 at 11:09 AM

Claire did tell Jenny last season that she had married another man after she left Jamie. I think it was in First Wife. So it was not a secret. Makes sense then that Brianna would have another “father.”
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 14, 2019 at 1:24 PM
  
  Marlo, yes! That I remember. But as someone in the Clan Gathering just pointed out, we recall that she specifically said “we didn’t have any children.” So the plot thickens.
  - Michelle
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    January 16, 2019 at 3:45 PM
    
    She was being VERY literal with that statement. She and Frank did not have any children – that was true. At that time, it would have been silly to mention Brianna as she thought she would never see Bree again. And all it would have done was open a whole new can of worms about where is she ? why is she not with you? does she know about her father ? surely, she would want to know her family ? For Claire, it was better to tell a misleading truth than the actual truth in this instance.
    - Ashley Crawley
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      Author
      
      January 17, 2019 at 11:59 AM
      
      SO literal. I like how the woman thinks through it all, even on the fly.
Jane Wagner
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January 14, 2019 at 2:55 PM

Funny and insightful as always Ashley. I’m trying hard not to blame the actor for the writer’s shortcomings. Bree started out flinty and lots of folks hated her for it. Unfortunately I fear she’s returning to that place. She lost me at “savage” – as in Jamie was nothing but. Huh? I’m curious to see how she reconciles the feelings and respect she’s developing for Murtagh and Lord John – two people who love Jamie as much as her mother. And how is Lizzie constantly stepping in it, only to be forgiven? Way too little Claire/Jamie time for my taste. Some of what they’re spending time on – characters included – are not lending anything to the storytelling. Something’s off with the writing. It’s one thing to step away from the events/feeling of the book, it’s another to take a different tack mid-way through the tv version. Who’s in charge here? I hate to be critical – boiling 1000 pages down to 13 hours of television can’t be easy. I still love the story, but I feel like it’s a bit off course.
- Ashley Crawley
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  Author
  
  January 14, 2019 at 7:59 PM
  
  Jane, thanks for reading and commenting. Such a valid point about the difference between the actors’ performance and the writers’ material. I think Sophie’s doing a competent job with what she’s been given, but therein lies the problem. Perhaps?
Dawn
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January 14, 2019 at 5:35 PM

Hi Ashley:

Thanks for the giggle. Boy am I with you on this episode.

I was so excited when I saw that “strong sexual content” advisory. Here I thought. “Yes, finally Jamie and Claire, it’s about time!”

Instead we got Lord John and some stupid, boring guy with mommy issues!

Lord John deserves better if you ask me.

So do the viewers: Jamie and Claire of past seasons would have christened those mountains one hundred times over by now, and all that they’ve done so far this season was to build Frazier’s Ridge and feed goats!

Okay, rant over. This season–Loved, loved, loved Fergus and Marsaili.

I am beginning to see the lovely bonding of Murtaugh and Fergus of old, and I wish they could explore it more in the show. It’s too bad, it mostly took place off screen.

We’ve barely seen Marsaili this season, and she’s such a sassy, awesome, take charge gal, I wish I’d see more of her than Bree at this point. Marsalili truly loves Fergus, inside and out.

It was totally sweet to see how both of them sacrificed their own happiness for the other.

That dinner party scene was way too long, and I wanted to slap Jocasta and both of those stupid men. Yuck.

The only thing that saved it was Lord John–I just love David Berry.

Bree!! That was totally mean of her to blackmail the poor guy to get him to marry her. She went so low–she could have easily gotten John to marry her simply by telling him how much Jamie was concerned about Bree being unmarried.

She could have told John about her rape, or her feelings for Roger (read a marriage without sex) and I think John would have been more receptive.

But she chose the blackmail option: Badly done, Bree!

All in all, I think it was sweet of John to rescue Bree from her “marriage” to either one of those idiots.

I know I’m forgetting so much
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 14, 2019 at 8:01 PM
  
  You might be forgetting so much, but you still tackled a lot. Love it! More Marsali, that’s where my head is at.
Celeste
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January 14, 2019 at 7:30 PM

Love to catch up with your comments on Monday mornings! Agree with Donna about Lord John – he definitely would have too much class to “do it” in the pantry.
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 14, 2019 at 8:04 PM
  
  I agree! But then I think… times were different. And I just have no idea how society morals and shaming would have caused a suppressed population to behave. If they’re the only comfort the other has had. If you think about it… Claire and Jamie have snuck off in random places plenty of times in a lustful moment. I guess this might be no different in some ways.
Teresa
· Reply

January 14, 2019 at 7:46 PM

Ashley,

I am finally caught up on your witty recaps. I have to thank you. I’m down sick as a dog with a stomach virus & your funny cleaver recaps have boosted my spirits & made me laugh! Oh & I love when I see one those blue highlighted words that link to some nugget of goodness. Those lead to more giggling or me say YES EXACTLY. Keep them coming! ?

Thanks!
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 14, 2019 at 8:05 PM
  
  Teresa, I hate that you’re sick as a Rollo! But I’m glad my humble ramblings provided some sort of medicine for you. And I LOVE your comment about the blue hyperlinks – too funny! Feel better, and see you well and rested next week!
Donna G
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January 14, 2019 at 7:51 PM

Bree threatening to “out” Lord John is right from the book. Chapter 59.
- Charlotte Marks
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  January 16, 2019 at 1:24 PM
  
  Exactly. And of course Brianna would never do such a thing. Lord John understands relatively quickly that she’s honorable (like her parents) and, most importantly, desperate.
  
  I’m sorry, but I get impatient with people slamming Brianna. She’s in a terrible, terrifying situation, plus suffering from PTSD. If I were in her shoes I’d be freaking out 24/7. I wish some people would have a little more empathy and a little less self-righteousness.
  - Ashley Crawley
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    Author
    
    January 17, 2019 at 11:59 AM
    
    Here here!
  - Robyn
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    January 18, 2019 at 2:30 AM
    
    I think the problem a lot of people have with Bree is that she’s very unlikable as a character. She’s incredibly self-centered and everything is always about HER feelings. Her trauma, her drama, how shitty situation of being caught 200 years in the past pregnant with no husband to speak of. She acts like a petulant teenager! I totally get it. She was violated and some biological stranger who contributed to her existence beat the ever living snot out of her husband/boyfriend and let him be sold off to the Mohawk and then, add insult to injury, he accused her of making up the rape. I GET THAT.
    
    But her lack of forgiveness, her wanting to hold on to her anger, especially towards Jamie, and her overall sour attitude towards literally everyone around her is getting real tiresome. Sure, she has PTSD. But she’s also coming off as kind of a bitch. (And yes, I also felt this way about her character in the book. I was sick of her by the end of DIA)
Nancy
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January 15, 2019 at 1:22 AM

Wow, Ashley, your recaps keep gettin’ better and I think Outlander gives you great material to work with too. But, non the less, great recap, I LOLed many times and I love the Gina from B99 gif. I really enjoyed this episode and I am starting to see why so many people like LJG (I wasn’t really too impressed with his character until dis episode, dunno why, just the way it is).

Until next week. 🙂
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 17, 2019 at 11:58 AM
  
  Until next week, indeed. And we only get two more weeks to say that – e gads! How did we get to the end of the season so quickly?! Thank you for your continued patronage of these recaps and kind comments.
elizabeth
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January 15, 2019 at 2:39 PM

Regarding the question, daddy’s. Didn’t Claire say she didn’t have any children by her husband? Then who is Claire’s baby daddy? Love the show and comments.
Tina
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January 15, 2019 at 6:25 PM

Thanks Ashley….as always…love your recap.

As I’ve said before, we need more Jamie/Claire energy/passion. I’m still waiting all season!!
Even the love scene in this episode is too short and lacked passion.
Way too much time on Bree…am I the only one who doesn’t love her acting? Or maybe it is the writing that’s dull..?? She’s very pretty, but not an exciting actress. And that game at the dinner table…stupid and boring!!
Love Murtagh, Fergus, Ian…but desperately waiting for the reason why I obsessed over this show from the first episode….the amazing, intoxicating, intense romance between Jamie and Claire!
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 17, 2019 at 12:00 PM
  
  Less Jamie and Claire passion, said no one ever. Right?
Tina
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January 16, 2019 at 1:02 AM

Another thought….didn’t Claire tell Bree that she should go back thru stones before she had the baby?? That it would be dangerous to try after with the child?
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 17, 2019 at 11:58 AM
  
  Yeah but then she found out that her dad beat the ever-loving snot out of her husband and he didn’t just abandon her and I think she changed her mind about next steps.
MG
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January 16, 2019 at 9:46 AM

Did anyone get a sense of whether Roger chose not to go through the stones, or was he “snatched from the jaws” so to speak, by the Mohawk, as Claire was by the Redcoats in season one? I think this was not made clear in the show.
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 17, 2019 at 11:59 AM
  
  MG – right? HUGE difference that they neglected to address. They just skipped over it!
ne-en
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January 18, 2019 at 1:10 AM

love reading the comments but for me im over the jamie/clare sex ‘every’ episode boringness. brie and roger though is a really hard watch. i get the femanist ideal of the 60s but she goes back to a time and place where women were chattel. i was hoping that LJG would stick to his guns and say no but too invested in jamie to say no to daughter. really watching just want to see bonnett found guilty, but like many others love Murtaugh and he is the one character i am really enjoying here. the script is so predictable i can tell you what will happen before it does. really bores me.
Robyn
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January 18, 2019 at 2:18 AM

You bring up a good point about Ian or Lizzie noticing Bree’s comment about her REAL DAD. Ian is smart enough at this point not to ask questions (he even says that in Wilmington when they re/unite with Bree). If Lizzie did pick up on it, maybe, hopefully, she’s learned her lesson about butting into Bree’s business, even if she is well meaning.

Brianna finally realizing she’s going to need to get with the program here and marry someone before she pops out her kid, god forbid Jamie et al are unsuccessful, is the first mature thing I’ve seen her do since she went back in time.

Claire said something that struck me as really interesting. The promise she’d made to Jamie 24 years earlier was now no longer applicable when it came to her daughter. If Bree asks Claire to keep a secret, she will. And Jamie was like cool. As a parent yourself, how do you feel about that?
- Ashley Crawley
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  January 21, 2019 at 10:47 AM
  
  Robyn, that comment from Claire to Jamie caught me off guard too! My son isn’t old enough to lay secrets on me yet, but I still can’t fathom keeping them from his father – especially if it pertains to his safety and well-being.
Laura Botsford
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January 21, 2019 at 7:32 PM

4.9 Kilts
Good: Brilliant performances by Canadian and French actors, Sera lys MacArthur As Johiehon and Yan Tual
As Father Alexandre.
Bad: Really wanted like Roger for Father Alexandre to just baptize the Child and save his own life!!
Great: Roger! Roger!! Oh Richard Rankin your acting shined as bright as your compassion!

Side note on the brilliant choice of music for the final scene.

By LYNETTE RICE

January 20, 2019 at 09:00 PM EST
Something may have felt — or sounded — vaguely familiar at the end of Sunday’s Outlander episode.
When Roger (Richard Rankin) returns to the Mohawk village after attempting to escape, he finds the Jesuit priest he befriended burning at the stake. There are no words spoken between Roger and the Mohawk but words weren’t needed: the tear-inducing tune did all the talking.
It’s called “Adagio for Strings,” a haunting work by Samuel Barber that has become the go-to sad song when any film or TV show wants to convey, well, a super sad scene. Written in the ’30s, the piece has also been used at funerals for real-life dignitaries. But it’s most recognizable use occurred in the 1986 war film Platoon, during Willem DaFoe’s iconic death scene.

The Outlander producers didn’t set out to use the well-worn composition for the end of “Providence.” It was dropped in the first rough cut as a suggestion by director Mairzee Almas to serve as temporary music. In most cases, temp music is replaced with a new or different composition. But when the producers saw the scene, they knew Adagio for Strings had to stay.
“We all just went, whoa,” executive producer Toni Graphia tells EW. “I mean, we were sobbing. We were just sobbing. It was a perfect piece of music. Sometimes you get accused of what’s called temp love, like, ‘Don’t fall in love with that temp music because it’s going to change’ because it’s really meant to be temporary. But this was one of those rare, rare times where we said, ‘You know what? This piece of music is just perfect for this scene.’ We fell in love with it and we didn’t want to let it go.”