I am absolutely thrilled to proclaim that we have now stepped into the enchanting realm of Scotland,circa 1968, where we find ourselves in the exhilarating company of Claire, alongside Brianna and Roger, both of whom have finally embraced Claire's extraordinary tale with unwavering belief. It irritates me no end when individuals witness magic yet remain skeptical, and I am profoundly grateful that 'Outlander' seldom succumbs to such narrative clichés. Here, they are harmoniously engaged in research, a sight that fills my heart with joy and admiration.
The enigmatic Dunbonnet has captured their attention, as has the name of James Fraser, listed as a prisoner in the aftermath of Culloden. He lives—well, not anymore, obviously, but his passing is more recent than Claire had feared, igniting a spark of hope within her.
Turning our focus to Jamie, we find him at Helwater in 1756, the grandiose abode of Lord Dunsany. Here, he is the epitome of suave elegance as the hottest groomsman around, adopting the surname Mackenzie to conceal his true identity as Fraser. Lord Dunsany, having lost his only son at Culloden, displays remarkable forbearance towards Jamie's Jacobite past. However, Lady Dunsany harbors no such leniency, viewing him merely as a groom. The Dunsany's possess two daughters—one, a harbinger of malice, the other, a beacon of sweetness, much like the archetypal fairy tale.
Roger and Brianna, meanwhile, are engaging in a whirlwind of flirtatious banter, their shared cuteness and belief in time travel forming the cornerstone of their burgeoning relationship. In an era predating the internet, such common interests sufficed as the bedrock of a functional bond. Claire receives a call from her hospital colleague Joe in Boston, inquiring about her return. Joe, I wouldn't recommend holding your breath; I doubt Claire will be gracing Boston with her presence anytime soon, in this century or the next.
In Scotland, Lady Geneva, the venomous daughter, faces an impending marriage to Lord Ellesmere, a gross and grumpy elder whom her union seems to punish far beyond her bitchiness, in my humble opinion. She seizes this occasion to admire Jamie's rugged charm, igniting a火花 between them. He accompanies her on her daily rides—a task usually shunned by grooms via straw-drawing—and she flirts with him shamelessly, even feigning a fall from her horse. Once he uncovers her deceit, he drops her into the mud, only fueling her insatiable desire for him further.
Lord Grey has arrived to socialize and inquire about Jamie's well-being, while Colonel Melton has likewise paid a visit, exercising remarkable restraint in refraining from exposing Jamie's true identity, mindful of his brother's palpable dread that Jamie's mask might slip in front of the female family members. Meanwhile, Geneva continues to cast lascivious glances at Jamie, as if she's determined to make the most of her remaining moments of freedom. She subtly conveys her disinterest in marrying Ellesmere and, with the audacity of a harlot and the recklessness of a spendthrift, invites Jamie to her bedroom to deflower her. He politely declines, but she reveals that she has extracted his secret from Colonel Melton and threatens the safety of his loved ones. Listen here, you mischievous minx, coercing sexual congress from a subordinate who is entirely dependent on you is utterly despicable.
Upon arriving at Geneva's bedroom, Jamie finds her steaming with anticipation, fully prepared for their encounter. He offers her the intriguing spectacle of him undressing, a scene that many of us have fantasies about witnessing Jamie Fraser offer. For those curious, despite the malnutrition stemming from his years in captivity, Jamie's physique remains in exceptional condition. He possesses an astonishing ability to preserve his muscle mass, our very own Jamie!
(Please note, I do not endorse any of this behavior, yet I cannot fault Geneva for longing to take a ride on such a magnificent steed before settling for an aging nag.)
Unsurprisingly, Geneva too conceals a stunning figure beneath her voluminous nightgown, and Jamie manages to muster the resolve to fulfill his task.
(My husband watched their encounter unfold for what seemed like an extended period, judging by the montage, and later remarked, "After all that time in prison, he would have probably ejaculated by now.")
Geneva is a symphony of "I love you's," while Jamie stands firm, responding with, "That's... not quite what I meant," before delving into a poignant elaboration on the essence of love. As per their arrangement, Geneva dutifully ties the knot with Lord Ellesmere and reappears months later, her visage etched with sorrow and her abdomen swelling with a burgeoning life. Jamie, it seems, has fulfilled his part admirably!
In the year 1968, Brianna's heart is heavy with apprehension about her mother's fate should she venture back to Jamie's era, while Roger's mind is riddled with fears of losing Brianna to Boston once more. Their hearts finally converge in a tender kiss.
Amidst the stillness of the night, Jamie is roused by Lady Isabel, the endearing sibling, as the family hurries away to Ellesmere's manor. There, Geneva lies dying from a postpartum hemorrhage, her newborn son, a picture of health, left behind. Lord Ellesmere descends into a fit of rage, revelations spilling forth: their union was unconsummated, and the Dunsanys had deceived him into marrying a harlot. It bewilders why he kept silent during her pregnancy, but such are the twists of fate. In a heated confrontation, Jamie, with steady aim, dispatches Ellesmere with a single shot to the head, thwarting his lunatic plan to slay the innocent babe. The Dunsanys claim the child, naming him William.
Lady Dunsany, acknowledging Jamie's swift action with gratitude, reveals her astuteness by acknowledging his Jacobite leanings. She harbors no malice and assures him that her husband would willingly arrange for his release and safe passage back to Scotland. Yet, Jamie, a paragon of virtue, refuses to abandon his fledgling son fatherless and elects to stay, vowing to support his family with remittances.
The scene leaps forward in time, painting a vivid picture of Willie, now big enough to astride a pony and curious enough to pepper his father with questions. Remarkably, Jamie remains ageless, his beauty untarnished by the passage of years. Father Time, it seems, has no power over his rugged handsomeness!
Returning to the present era, Claire encounters the disappointing revelation that the manifests of the 18th-century ships are conspicuously absent from the National Archives. This realization marks the turning point for her, deciding that it is high time to resume her life's journey and return to her homeland. Coincidentally, Jamie reaches the same conclusion simultaneously. Lord Grey, on the brink of marrying Lady Isabel (since, admittedly, the dating scene for gays wasn't exactly flourishing in 18th-century England), vows to raise Willie as his own flesh and blood. He gracefully declines Jamie's poignant proposal to exchange his physical services for this solemn pledge, demonstrating that, despite his affection for Jamie, he is not devoid of conscience, unlike certain deceased individuals whose names it is best left unsaid.
In a scene brimming with poignancy, Willie, late one evening, tiptoes into Jamie's chamber to find him illuminating a candle in devotion to Saint Anthony, in memory of all those he has lost. As a practicing Catholic, Jamie complies with Willie's heartfelt request and baptizes him with a single drop of water, bestowing upon him the baptismal name of William James. It's an overwhelming moment, to say the least.
A tender acoustic rendition of "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" plays softly in the background, as we witness Claire and Jamie embarking on their respective paths, each hopeful that their journeys will ultimately converge once more.
