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Outlander Season 5 Episode 3 Recap: Free Will

Posted by Ashley Crawley

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Want to relive Outlander Season 5 Episode 3? We do a minute-by-minute reaction to “Free Will.”

[9:00 p.m.] I will never grow tired of these sweeping vistas and glimpses of Fraser’s Ridge purposefully tucked inside unspoiled country. Meanwhile, in 2020, developers would have thrust a country club and an 18-hole par 3 into that spot by now.

[9:01 p.m.] I love how Claire is leaning into the Socratic method of teaching to avoid directly answering Marsali’s pointed questions of her own. Early favorite for this week’s clever girl award.

[9:02 p.m.] Did Claire hit up a Williams-Sonoma sale? Color me jealous of her suddenly endless collection of wooden serving platters with glass domes. Also, I haven’t seen a time lapse video of the molding process look so glorious and cinematic since Burger King released their latest commercial touting a preservatives-free Whopper. Behold.

[9:03 p.m.] “Damn.” Dr. Claire… and coincidentally, also me all through AP Biology class as a high school freshman when visions of becoming a doctor swam through my head. Spoiler alert: I hold a journalism degree, so I’ll just continue to live vicariously through Claire.

[9:05 p.m.] The blurry title card imagery is creeping me out — either we’re prepping another pig for a roast or possibly still working on Mr. Parrish’s innards. Neither bode well for my digestive system.

[9:06 p.m.] Home. Sigh. I feel immense relief and peace whenever I or my husband make it home safely from a work trip made possible through 21st century transportation and technology, so I can’t fathom the degree to which Jamie feels this each time he crests that hill unscathed to see their homefront all aglow, warm and welcoming. Like tiny bubbles fluttering all through the veins. If it’s doing that for you, just wait until you see what your homecoming does to your adoring wife, Colonel Fraser.

[9:07 p.m.] Deo gratias indeed. Above comment, on repeat.

[9:08 p.m.] “Right now Murtagh’s safe and you’re home…” — Claire, you know as well as we do there’s only so long any of us can nestle into that comforting sentiment. As it turns out, about 10 seconds thanks to Jamie announcing he’ll back out soon with more men in tow.

[9:09 p.m.] Well actually, our intrepid blogger Anne Gavin offered a history lesson on the War of Regulation we published just this weekend. Have a quick read, get smart, then carry on…

But also, let’s all acknowledge Jamie’s statement about the impact of tragedy, even if it’s only one life. One is still one too many — on any side of a war or social issue claiming lives.

[9:10 p.m.] “I always have, and I always will.” I’ll toast to that, too, Frasers. Also, please note that between this loving exchange and Granpiere and his coffee on the front porch looking quasi-Mufasa, my eyes have officially leaked onto my keyboard. 10 minutes in. Don’t judge.

[9:11 p.m.] Oof Fergus, this can’t lead anywhere good. *face palm* Also, that’s a stunt my 7-year old might pull — grabbing any sheet of paper he can find to scribble or practice sketching Harry Potter, showing zero regard for the professional, personal or high-priority nature of the “available” supplies. But Fergus, you’re a grown ass man.

[9:12 p.m.] Is it possible that I miss Ridge Murtagh so much that my brain is doing tricks on my heart… and vision? I spy with my little eye a Silver Fox making bricks, another climbing a ladder while being spotted by his twin, one pushing a wheelbarrow. You guys, I SEE MURTAGHS EVERYWHERE.

[9:13 p.m.] Nothing to see here, just preparing for tonight’s roasted pork loin…… and also logging a little extra credit for Prof. Claire’s Anatomy 101 class. At this rate, the swine population of Fraser’s Ridge has never been more at risk.

[9:14 p.m.] I liked it far better when Jamie summoned the villagers for The Gathering to end all gatherings, and I’m certain he did too. But my word is this telling of their loyalty to this man (and the cause) — they come in droves whether it’s to fete his daughter or line up in battle behind him. Not to get all Stars Hollow on you, but where he leads, they will follow… anywhere that he tells them to.

[9:15 p.m.] “No amount of studying can prepare you for what’s to come…” Very sound logic in any time period indeed. All the books in the world can only teach you so much, but experiencing life — the highest of highs and the lowest of lows — will take you the rest of the way.

Also, Claire never looks better than when she’s at the helm with Jamie, side by side.

[9:16 p.m.] What a serene ride to be left with your thoughts. Nowadays, we drown out long (and even short) journeys readily with phone calls, music, podcasts, any distraction from our inner thoughts we can get. So for their sake, I’m glad they’re braving this in the 18th century to benefit from this peaceful calm before the storm of what’s to come.

[9:17 p.m.] Claire’s mama brain is all sorts of conflicted, contemplating how to clone herself to both stay on this medical mission to support Jamie and the men and castrate Bonnet herself. Whether she’s showing it or not, you know she’s got to be thinking, “Dammit, you men had one job. Should have sent a woman to do it.”

[9:18 p.m.] We all recall with far-too-crystal clarity how it unraveled Jamie completely to learn of Black Jack Randall’s survival when he’d only just stepped onto the road to healing from his assault. To know your daughter will inevitably face the same gut-punching interruption you felt (or watched your husband feel) has to double the punch.

[9:19 p.m.] Highlanders gathered around a campfire drinking and carrying on, referencing body parts at risk of snapping off thanks to frigid temps. I mentioned it in the premiere but it bears repeating… god I miss the good ‘ol days of Rupert and Angus.

[9:20 p.m.] Dun dun dun, the plot thickens. There are two of them. And tattoos to either clear it up or confuse us further. I’m trying to keep up, too. Josiah and Keziah. They sound like they might belong to the Duggars, but they don’t. At least I don’t think so. ¯\_(“/)_/¯

[9:21 p.m.] Jamie and Claire are at their best when they’re fostering or caring for a child who isn’t their own. It’s one of my most favorite sides of Team Fraser.

[9:22 p.m.] Once in my life I had a ruptured eardrum and the pain was so nauseating, it took everything in me not to throw up. One time. But this poor lad has been beaten repeatedly, suffered immense trauma and still manages to have enough compassion to give what little he has to accommodate another creature in need. This kid has more resilience and character in his pinky than many will have in an entire lifetime.

[9:23 p.m.] 30 years a slave — please keep this in mind the next time you feel weighed down by and bemoan your home mortgage with the same term length.

[9:24 p.m.] I know on the inside he’s questioning every moment with a, “what the hell am I doing? Please don’t die. Please don’t muck this up.” But on the outside, Roger is shaping up to be quite the captain.

[9:25 p.m.] The twin took the cheese, the twin took the cheese. Hi-ho, the derry-o, the twin took the cheese. Quite frankly I can’t fault him. When I’m hangry, I lunge for cheese too.

[9:26 p.m.] “Ho! The House!” The exact way I boldly alert my family that I’ve rolled into the driveway after my nightly commute from work. And I seem to get the same crickets response. Glad to know it’s not me.

[9:27 p.m.] It might be my ‘90s Scream-hating brain talking, but everything in me says, walk away, Jamie. Nothing about this feels sane. Turn and run, soldier.

[9:28 p.m.] Oh gee, that worked out well. In fairness to Mrs. Beardsley, I typically have the same reaction to door-to-door solicitors on my porch. Unless they’re sporting pigtails and a uniform and selling delicious cookies.

[9:29 p.m.] Intellectually, I get why Jamie needs to square things up legally to add the twins to his clan, but all this talk of getting their papers… he knows they’re not puppies, right?

[9:30 p.m.] Well, it’s taken 57 hours of air time with Claire the healer, but we finally found something she can’t handle. In a game of “Would You Rather,” Claire picks fresh entrails and festering mold in the room across from her kitchen over this fresh hell every day of the week.

[9:31 p.m.] I guess the ‘ol “were you raised in a barn” barb isn’t quite so piercing for Mrs. Beardsley, eh? I mean, I often feel like I’m running a petting zoo inside my house (#BoyMom), but she is quite literally maintaining a stable of farm animals INSIDE HER HOUSE. Gentle, helpful goat lady, she is not.

[9:32 p.m.] Let me play doctor for a moment and give you a break, Claire — I’m going to recommend a Neti nasal rinse for you both after you exit this house of hoarders and horror. Rampant sinus and upper respiratory infections feel imminent after spending more than 12 seconds in the Beardsley Barn & Breakfast.

[9:33 p.m] Ma’am, I’d urge you to step aside. Hell hath no fury like a determined and headstrong Claire on a mission.

[9:34 p.m.] Anyone else ever watch the early ‘90s HBO series, Tales from the Crypt? Because Mr. Beardsley’s putting up a mighty fine claim of “who wore it better.”

[9:35 p.m.] Closed caption says [ominous music]. And the award for greatest understatement of the episode goes to…

[9:36 p.m.] Also, quick request before we move this body downstairs — gloves, Claire. I know you didn’t care for them last week while playing bob for toxic organs inside Mr. Farrish’s gut. But for the love of all things self-preserving, PLEASE FIND SOME GLOVES.

[9:37 p.m.] Promising to return two teenage boys unscathed from the uncertain-yet-certain perils of war. Wow. Geez. Um, no pressure, Capt. Mackenzie. Even still, and considering 9:24, our Roger Mac infused confidence and clarity into this moment, and to this mother, like a seasoned officer with a lifetime of battle behind him.

[9:38 p.m.] Anyone else relieved Marsali isn’t on board this little side jaunt? She’d either go straight to the head of the advanced class, or second guess then immediately resign from her new vocation. Knowing Marsali, it’s the former. Ergo, reason #1288 why Marsali is a badass.

[9:39 p.m.] And apparently hell also hath no fury like an abused and hellbent-on-revenge Mrs. Beardsley. Time for a little “Cell Block Tango”musical interlude because this horrid excuse for a man most certainly had it coming, he had it coming… he only had himself to blame.

[9:40 p.m.] Ear exams, gangrene near-corpses, unplanned labor and delivery… Claire’s expending alllll her doctor skills in the first two days away from home and they have yet to make it into battle.

[9:41 p.m.] Is there anything these two can’t do together? I’m loving how much airtime we’re getting with the Power of Fraser this episode. I can’t readily recall if this is the first baby they’ve delivered. But first or fifth, it’s warming my heart all the same.

[9:42 p.m.] “She isn’t yours.” Yes, she’s yelling that with spiteful fury hoping with what little function her husband has left, he hears it. But I’m also wondering whether she feels any amount of relief to learn her baby was potentially conceived in love (or pleasurable lust) rather than anger and brutality.

[9:43 p.m.] Reasonable plea from the peanut gallery: Can we get the newborn lungs into a more sterile environment? Even outside exposed to the elements feels a better option given it was all of 10 minutes ago they had their faces masked unable to breathe in the stench of this airborne dumpster fire.

[9:44 p.m.] “Who is the father, if you don’t mind me asking?” I love how Claire chooses to delicately exhibit social graces here and now, after she’s already stormed into their house uninvited like a bull in Pamplona and snooped into every crevice of that house — and these people.

[9:45 p.m.] “Having a baby doesn’t make me a mother anymore than sleeping in a stable makes someone a horse.” Ma’am, you win for quote of the episode.

[9:46 p.m.] You’re free now, Fanny. And I thank you fine friends in advance for indulging me as I work in one of my favorite songs of all time that fits this moment too damn perfectly not to. High praise, The Band:
Take a load off, Fanny
Take a load for free
Take a load off, Fanny
And (and) (and) you put the load right on me
(You put the load right on me)

[9:47 p.m.] She has to stay there in squalor another day or two. From here on out, I vow to never again complain about having to conquer the fifth circle of Hell, otherwise known as Costco on a Saturday.

[9:48 p.m.] Not to get political, and I promise I’m not, but since the daunting prospect of bringing a baby into this world has now been muttered twice in the span of two minutes…
Doesn’t that fear ring true in today’s environment, too? But yet, we still bring babies into this world because we allow ourselves the grace to experience joy in greater quantity than fear. And when those babies do make their grand entrance, we never stop trying to insulate them from the dangers around them — no matter the time period. Something to consider as we continue to all ponder when Roger and Bree should raise their family.

[9:49 p.m.] For a man generally asleep with one eye open, on guard and at the ready, I’m shocked they slept deeply enough in those conditions to not hear her escaping. Then again, this fireside spooning proves once again that these two truly can make a home no matter where they land… as long as they’re together.

[9:50 p.m.] That baby is the smartest of them all. She’s lived less than 12 hours in that hellhole and knows it’s time to let the screen door hit them on the way out. WHINE AWAY, BABY GENIUS.

[9:51 p.m.] Yesterday, she had no clue where in that hoarding mess the papers were. But at the chance to escape, suddenly she’s got those, the deed to the cabin, grandma’s hot milk cake recipe, a how-to manual for torturing your deadbeat husband, her 401K portfolio, you name it.

[9:52 p.m.] We’re fostering another kid?! And Sweet Home Alabama, WE’RE TAKING THE BABY ON THE ROAD TO WAR?! Side note: Claire with that baby slung up cozily against her is making my uterus throb. Too much?

[9:53 p.m.] BLINKING TWICE FOR NO AT WHATEVER WE’RE ABOUT TO WATCH YOU DO, JAMIE. I get it, he’s doing the humane thing but I still don’t have to witness it. Free will, y’all. It’s come full circle.

[9:54 p.m.] “My foot is putrid” is the overdone excuse I often employ to escape my house for a weekend pedicure. So now I just feel insensitive.

[9:55 p.m.] I love he we started this episode with Jamie expressing gratitude and thanks to God for coming home to find his family alive. Now we’re closing it with his begging the same God for forgiveness at taking another man’s life. Biblical bookending.

[9:57 p.m.] Imagine the conflicted emotions and thoughts firing through Jamie’s head as he exits this house… now compound that exponentially by factoring in the eerily similar nature of the stroke that took his father too soon. I can’t rub enough calming essential oils on you to ease your pain, lad.

[9:58 p.m.] Well this just got super real. Here’s our King of Men, who has escaped what we all felt was certain death too many times to count. But it’s this entire ordeal at the Beardsleys’ house that rattled him enough to ponder his own end. Albeit sad and morbid, this conversation expressing care wishes and final arrangements he’s having is one everyone should have with their parents, spouses, children, etc. And much like here, that conversation is usually initiated from the weirdest and most uncomfortable of places and timing. Because while necessary, no one wants to steal from simple, enjoyable moments to have it.

Closing Thoughts:

YASSSSSSS, Outlander! In case that was too subtle, let me be clear — big fan of this episode. I referenced it a few times, but it’s worth including in my closing thoughts: Jamie and Claire being Jamie and Claire and doing as Jamie and Claire do make this show’s heart beat fully. And this episode showed that in strides. No matter the task, we got to see them operating as equal partners — complementing each other, challenging each other, completing each other. So often, these episodes (and past seasons) have been comprised of a patchwork of moments where we watch them individually move forward while separated from each other physically. He’s off doing his thing, she’s somewhere else doing her thing. Then they come together. It’s probably not unlike any of our own daily, busy balancer lives, so it’s relatable.

But chalk it up to the strength of Jamie and Claire as a unit (or the power of Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe’s onscreen partnership), and it’s hard not to vehemently prefer an episode like this where we see the best of what Jamie and Claire offer the world…together. They’re thanking God for answered prayers and an emotional homecoming, leading a militia on the journey to battle, building camaraderie with a band of merry men trying their damndest to soothe each other’s anxious brains, assuming care for neglected children, solving horror mysteries, putting their own health at risk to help others, debating what’s best for their own children, making promises to each other for end-of-life care. And through it all, somehow, still finding a way to snuggle into each other amidst the chaos knowing that’s where comfort can be always be found. In our own way, that is also all too relatable.

You Frasers. You just do this to me. In the end, if we’re keeping score — I’m not sure how many soldiers Roger Mac recruited, but the Frasers picked up three additional kids so I’d say they win the day. Per usual. Until next week, friends…

If you’ve missed any of our Season 5 episode recaps, you can catch up with them here:

Episode 5.01: “The Fiery Cross”

Episode 5.02: “Between Two Fires”

A complete library of recaps from Seasons 2-4 is also available here.

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31 Comments

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Moe C.
· Reply

March 2, 2020 at 12:19 AM

Ashley…you really knocked it out of the park with this recap! Awesome!! This week, I chose to read your episode recap first, THEN decide if I would watch the episode. After last week, I needed a little encouragement to continue watching – your recap really helped me to gain some perspective and restore some of my confidence in the series.

Thrilled to have company in the “Claire really needs to get some gloves” corner!!
- Ashley Crawley
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 2, 2020 at 10:36 AM
  
  So in your corner on this one! Thank you for your kind feedback, Moe. I hope you did watch the episode. It was creepy and it was kooky, it was all together spooky… The Fraser Family. But worth a watch!
  - Moe C
    · Reply
    
    March 2, 2020 at 10:58 AM
    
    Ashley…I did watch it…it was a gut wrenching 4.8 out of 5 kilts!! Whomever did the makeup on Beardsley’s face did a phenomenal job!! Wow!
    - Ashley Crawley
      · Reply
      
      Author
      
      March 3, 2020 at 9:58 AM
      
      Moe, right? For a moment, I didn’t think it was an actor so much as CGI!
      - Moe C
        
        March 3, 2020 at 8:21 PM
        
        Hi Ashley! You made me look! 🙂 You know…research! No CGI. The Xray for the episode tells us the actor is Christopher Fairbank. 66 years old in real life…yikes, my age!! Like I said…they did a cracker jack job at making this guy look like he was in his 80’s and on death’s doorstep (otherwise known as “the look”). Moe
      - Ashley Crawley
        
        Author
        
        March 5, 2020 at 4:38 PM
        
        Yes! Someone on FB shared that he is a well-known British actor… but I’m still baffled. He did fantastic, but then again some did the makeup design team!
  - Cathie
    · Reply
    
    March 2, 2020 at 5:35 PM
    
    Ashley, You make me LOL so many times. [Adams/Fraser Family?]
    It feels like I am on the couch watching with you, including our snarky, funny asides. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    - Ashley Crawley
      · Reply
      
      Author
      
      March 3, 2020 at 9:59 AM
      
      Cathie, thank you from the bottom of mine to devote any time to reading these recaps. Much appreciated! PS – we just got a new, bigger couch. Plenty of room. Come on over.
Linda Hide
· Reply

March 2, 2020 at 9:47 AM

Ashley, loved your closing thoughts. It was exactly what I kept thinking while watching this episode. A note to anyone who thought this episode was slow: Outlander ALWAYS does best when they put Jamie and Claire together and take their time to tell the story. This episode had that in spades. Would also add that Luke Schelhaas is now officially my favorite writer.
- Ashley Crawley
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 2, 2020 at 10:36 AM
  
  I’ve had enough Outlander racing to last a lifetime. I’m with you, slow and purposeful character building and story telling is a welcome pace change here and there. Thanks, Linda!
broughps
· Reply

March 2, 2020 at 1:08 PM

The blurry scene was Marsali practicing sewing a cut closed.

Great review.
- Ashley Crawley
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 3, 2020 at 10:00 AM
  
  Thank you! It felt like an interesting choice given the rest of the episode. Her bit in training was so minimal in comparison to any other cryptic examples they could have used to denote “free will.” Thank you for reading and commenting, and for your kind feedback!
Lauren
· Reply

March 2, 2020 at 4:04 PM

I watched this episode again just after finishing it. It felt so different to me, even the Jamie and Claire scenes, and I think it’s because I hadn’t seen Claire and Jamie together, talking intimately, and figuring things out together, for almost an entire episode without distractions. All the seasons have quiet moments with them and you know they are central, but how I love an entire episode that takes time with them. Claire looked devastated when Jamie asked her that question at the end.

I liked the campfire scene too. Did Claire make a bawdy comment to the group when Jamie said he could sleep no matter what position, and Claire said (I think), “we’ll see about that” as if to say, he wouldn’t get to sleep right away because she had other plans.

It struck me as strange that Claire told Brianna that saying goodbye to her was like saying goodbye to Frank at the train station. In that moment I thought she was going to say, “like saying goodbye to Jamie’s family at Lallybroch before going off to Culloden.” I thought Jamie would be in her mind and not a memory of Frank from so long ago. Especially when she said “your father,” which is how she’s been referring to Jamie to Bree.

I liked the foreshadowing with Fergus taking her notes and the possible trouble that will cause. I think the show will make this thread interesting and different than the witch accusations she faced in Season 1.

I loved the feeling of being in nature in this episode, including the sinister feeling of the house in the woods. It felt like it was being taken over by nature. And the passenger pigeon endless flock at the end.
- Ashley Crawley
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 3, 2020 at 10:08 AM
  
  Lauren, I look forward to your comments each week — so sharp and insightful!
  
  The without distractions is what I loved about it too! Felt very season 1 when entire first season-half episodes would be just about the two of them as characters figuring each other out, what makes each tick, how to co-exist, etc. Now 30 years in, we’re due an episode or two to see how that’s only deepened over time. All the juggling distractions sometimes deter from it, but we had time to really feel it this episode. I, for one, have never been more content to stay so long in a house condemned by any modern day health department.
  
  I was curious about the Claire comment at the campfire too, unclear if she was going the route you describe or trying to toss a barb his way to fit in by indicating he shouldn’t count on her to keep him warm. But given her affectionate smile at his banter, I’d say you’re spot on. Clever girl.
  
  Regarding the Frank comment… you know, all I can think is that she’s still trying to find organic moments here and there to keep Frank alive in her daughter’s eyes/mind knowing how important that would be to her. He raised her. This felt like an okay time to remind her that her dad, like her da, has also experienced war and its difficulties.
  
  Fergus. Ugh. We finished the episode and my husband was like, “how long until that unravels the whole thing?” Good question.
  
  Nature, take me away! The lush green trees, forest, wind, even the birds… felt like I was in an electronics store with a display of HDTVs all blasting looping nature videos to give you an idea of the crisp color and sound provided by each.
  - Lauren
    · Reply
    
    March 3, 2020 at 6:01 PM
    
    Hi Ashley, Thank you, that’s kind of you to say.
    I see what you mean about Claire’s comment to Bree. I think that’s what she was doing (bringing Frank up for Bree’s sake and to let her know they faced a war too).
    
    The Title Card: I’m wondering if it was blurry because someone is looking in on Marceli and is suspicious of what she’s doing.
    
    I can see why Jamie wouldn’t have been concerned about leaving Brianna alone with Bonnet still alive. I can imagine he wouldn’t think he’d come after her a second time. It was a crime of opportunity the first time. And Brianna is in the backwoods, far from Wilmington.
    - Ashley Crawley
      · Reply
      
      Author
      
      March 5, 2020 at 4:40 PM
      
      Lauren, you’re so right… except Bonnet seems like a maniacal, unpredictable creature that might not follow a pattern. Especially if he thinks he’s a father now… he’s an egomaniac who might want to catch a glimpse of his son and scare the mother.
      
      But you are so right about Marsali! I bet someone is spying in on her.
Laurie Olesen
· Reply

March 2, 2020 at 6:20 PM

As an Outlander Fan…and a Girl Scout leader (currently in Cookie Season)…I loved your reference at [9:28 p.m.]

“Oh gee, that worked out well. In fairness to Mrs. Beardsley, I typically have the same reaction to door-to-door solicitors on my porch. Unless they’re sporting pigtails and a uniform and selling delicious cookies. ”

PS: I am loving your posts as much as the episodes themselves! Thank you!
- Ashley Crawley
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 3, 2020 at 10:09 AM
  
  Laurie – THE S’MORES COOKIES! I don’t know if I was more excited this year that February meant new Outlander or the delivery of my annual Girl Scout Cookies. Either one—binge worthy. Thank you for community work, your reading this recap and for your kind feedback!
TL Henderson
· Reply

March 3, 2020 at 3:58 PM

I am SO glad that I was introduced to your recaps, Ashley! I was audibly laughing at your wit & enjoying the recap ride along with you! ?? Keep on keepin’ on, Sassenach! ?
- Ashley Crawley
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  March 5, 2020 at 4:40 PM
  
  Thank you so much! I’m so glad someone introduced you too! I hope they brought a casserole. That’s how all proper introductions take place here in Georgia, or so I’ve learned.
Dawn
· Reply

March 3, 2020 at 4:09 PM

Hi Ashley:

Thanks so much for the laughs. You had me rolling with your posts.

I totally agree. That comment about the only solicitors being welcomed are the ones who sell cookies
made me laugh so hard (and now I want Thin Mints)

I loved this episode too.

Of course, there’s going to be trouble with the way Fergus just grabbed the paper without even reading it!
Just like I foresee trouble with Bree Jemmy, (and Lizzie?) being alone on Frasier’s Ridge with
Bonnet on the loose. (Who thought that was a good idea, anyway?)

But Free Will was all about the closeness between Jamie and Claire with some laughs thrown in.

THANK GOD it did not turn out to be another “Creme De Minthe” episode where Claire argued with Jamie about saving a life. That became old the first time she did it (and the second)

I was thinking that this could make a perfect Halloween episode. I giggled early on with Marsali’s learning about the mold (Did you ever see Murder in Texas by the way? A character who was a doctor killed his wife by growing cultures in the fridge and poisoned her that way. WATCH OUT BONNET.)

Love the way Marsali’s such a champ.

The closeness and risque banter was so cute between Jamie and Claire.

I loved the fact that Claire mentioned Frank to Bree. He was a part of her life too, and I’m glad she
didn’t just develop an attitude of “out of sight out of mind.” (I am reading the book Outlander now, and this is one of the things that annoys me about book Claire)

Fanny had me in stitches in a morbid way. She so reminded me of Kathy Bates in Misery, it was great!
She took so long with those damned papers, I thought she was going to knock out Claire and Jamie to kidnap or kill them.

She was so gleeful about torturing Beardsley.

When she saw her baby, she was so relieved, and when she shouted: “you hear that you old bastard, she isn’t yours!” I almost died laughing. Fanny was so gleeful.

Kudos on the makeup job on Mr. Beardsley

I loved that scene at the end when Claire and the baby were outside and when she hears the gunshot–when Jamie killed Mr. Beardsley. After the shot rang out you saw this swarm of birds flying.

It was worthy of Alfred Hitchcock.

Finally, I loved seeing Roger take charge a little bit. He seemed to have his self-esteem back in this episode. I see him as definitely more mature than Bree, and remember last season how he was underestimated by Bonnet.

Roger needs to get out of his funk

Great episode
- Moe C
  · Reply
  
  March 3, 2020 at 5:37 PM
  
  Dawn – I look forward to reading your thoughtful and well articulated weekly replies! Just wanted to pay you a compliment and express my appreciation. Moe C.
Dawn
· Reply

March 4, 2020 at 11:27 AM

Hi Moe:

Thanks so much for your sweet compliments. I really appreciate them, and thank you so much for doing research on Beardsley. Wow, I thought it was all CGI until you told us about the makeup.

Wow!

I’m with you on the “Claire must wear gloves” too. I read in a book the reason why so many babies and women died years ago was because doctors did not wash their hands in between seeing patients. So they went from delivering babies to handling dead bodies.

The concept of handwashing for doctors came from France.

At that time, doctors made fun of French doctors washing their hands so much.

Just a bit of trivia.

I just love reading everyone’s thoughts and observations!

Thank you.
- Moe C
  · Reply
  
  March 4, 2020 at 2:06 PM
  
  Thanks Dawn! As a nurse, I know the concept of handwashing well…maybe why it (and the barrier method, i.e. gloves) resonates so deeply with me. What you describe above is called puerperal fever. A physician scientist from Hungary named Semmelweis identified it and was the chief implementer of mandatory handwashing between patients. Yes, the other physicians thought that Semmelweis was crazy! However, the nurse midwives did not and as a result, their mortality rate from puerperal fever was much lower. I can assure you, those handwashing principles are still being taught today, with much fervor!!
  
  I read an article today about making your own hand sanitizer from rubbing alcohol and vodka! Did that not conjure up an image of Claire and her “grog hand dips” from season 3…or what?!! 🙂
  
  What we learn along the way, during the journey…thanks for sharing!! Moe
  - Ashley Crawley
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    Author
    
    March 5, 2020 at 4:37 PM
    
    I love all the banter among comments on these recaps — they’re better for me than writing the recaps or reading your comments! Having a community to banter with makes it all worth it.
    - Moe C
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      March 5, 2020 at 6:03 PM
      
      It’s just the best here!! And it’s YOUR recaps Ashley that gets the ball rolling every week…great energy here! I sincerely look forward to it & enjoy it! And that you take the time to reply with thought & substance to all of us and join in – speaks volumes! Thank you!
- Ashley Crawley
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  Author
  
  March 5, 2020 at 4:37 PM
  
  Yes, Dawn, yes! LOVE everyone’s comments and observations and the conversations that flow back and forth as the week unfolds.
S. Aucella
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March 4, 2020 at 7:22 PM

I loved this recap and the many insightful comments as well. I have a question for you: Why did Brianna not say goodbye to Jamie? What was that tense look between them all about? I can’t remember any problems between them in the previous episode … ?
- Ashley Crawley
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  Author
  
  March 5, 2020 at 4:36 PM
  
  Why thank you! You know, I analyzed the look they exchanged a few times and my brain read it a different way each time. I don’t know why she didn’t say goodbye (or maybe she had before they got to the horses and we just didn’t see it), but for the look…
  I saw it first as Jamie thinking she was heading his way, but then realizing her gaze was at her husband and not at her father. And he had to remind himself that she now is squarely focused on Roger as the main man in her life. Then I thought he was smiling then saw her look and realized this would be her first time sending a husband off to battle, remembering that both Roger and Bree are newbies at this. And so his look was a knowing one. But who knows!
Becky
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March 6, 2020 at 7:57 PM

Thanks for another great recap. So much fun to read each one.
Joy
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April 10, 2020 at 6:22 PM

The story line was amazing, the cast was phenomenal especially the main cast, and lastly wardrobe was Flawless!! However, Claire was made to look very weak, in several episodes towards the end. The first being when Black Jack Randall violated Jamie ( she could have been more way aggressive), second when Jamie and Duegal were tussling ( she was just standing there like an idiot), Lastly, when Claire was explaining to Bree the story about her father (Bree was highly disrespectful and she should’ve been slapped). Bree should’ve been slapped. Claire was intelligent, clever, and an all together Super Women, but in the last two episodes she look weak and powerless. I seriously reconsidered watching the rest of the show.