Not actually featured within the episode, our musical accompaniment takes the form of a delightful twist on our cherished theme song—an iteration reminiscent of the old, yet enlivened with a subtle Blue Ridge flavor. Though I haven't warmed to it just yet, I have no doubt it will eventually win me over. But let me impart to you, in a more profound sense: The lads have returned to our midst. Thus far, all is well!
"America the Beautiful" stands as a highly commendable episode, albeit slightly predictable in its narrative cues: The amiable figure destined to betray Claire and Jamie does indeed betray them, and despite the collective aspiration to return to Scotland, no one does. Additionally, an 18th-century Highlander, upon hearing tales of the American Dream, utters, "It sounds like a nightmare for some." Yet, we tune into Outlander not for its surprises but for its rich tapestry of emotions and stories, so this predictability is perfectly acceptable. The episode is visually stunning, meticulously crafted, and paced impeccably. Its climax was so expertly handled that it left me more emotionally raw than I had anticipated.
The opening sequence, transporting us back to 2000 BCE, features an oddly whimsical narration by Claire, pondering humanity's enduring fascination with circles—a meditation that abruptly segues into the grim imagery of a hangman's noose in 1767 North Carolina. Prestige dramas have exposed me to more graphic hangings than my grandmother likely witnessed in her entire lifetime.
Tragically, the recipient of this noose is Gavin Hayes, a character I scarcely recall and whose absence I won't mourn. Nonetheless, rest in peace, dear soul. With captions off, much of his final speech was an unintelligible murmur, but it seemed that he would be sorely missed by all!
Hayes' demise paves the way for the introduction of what I suspect will be this season's primary antagonist: Steven Bonnet (perhaps recognizable from Downton Abbey as the footman Jimmy Kent). I loathe him. He exudes insincerity and, in my estimation, overt malice. Throughout Jamie and Claire's ill-fated assistance to him, I couldn't shake the feeling that nothing good could come of it!
I was deeply impressed by a scene that stood out not only due to the powerful acting performances but also because it's a rare gem on television—the heartfelt conversation between Jamie and Young Ian as Ian embarked on the arduous journey of grappling with what seemed like a profound case of PTSD stemming from his sexual assault at the hands of Geillis. Men, baring their souls and navigating through emotional, physical, and sexual trauma, offering words of solace, solidarity, and guidance! It touched me profoundly!
Now, let's delve briefly into a matter of utmost importance: the enduring sexual charm of our protagonists. Recall the half-hearted attempt at "aging" Claire and Jamie during their literal decades of excruciating separation? Even that semblance of aging was evidently too much for the production team to embrace, for Claire's ten silvery strands have dwindled to a mere two, and the fine lines etched around her eyes and mouth have seemingly vanished into thin air. Jamie, too, has reverted to his fiery dark red hues (complete with bangs and a tiny ponytail), and his bifocals are but a distant memory. They are now indistinguishable from their first-season selves, and I must admit, I adore this transformation. What's more, I commend this show for being more overt about the breathtaking beauty of its star, unlike most. Whenever Claire crosses paths with a newcomer, they react like cartoon wolves, awestruck and exclaiming, "What celestial realm did you descend from, angel?"—precisely how I'd envision anyone reacting upon encountering Caitriona Balfe in real life.
Jamie, never one to shy away from the spotlight, strips down to his bare chest at the 29-minute mark, and he and Claire engage in a vigorous, sweat-drenched, athletic lovemaking session outdoors, rewarding us for our patience through these long months. Afterwards, Claire attempts to briefly elucidate the laws of thermodynamics to him, and I can't help but think, Claire, he's perfect just the way he is! Don't complicate things for him!
We've been bracing ourselves since the closing chapters of the last season for the question, "How will the show tackle racial issues?" And so far, it's been more like, "Claire repeatedly strives to innovate equality but stumbles frequently." We also witness her mansplaining slavery to a free black man, which is...endearingly cringe-worthy. I'm certain we'll delve deeper into this complex terrain soon enough, but this episode serves as a bit of a reprieve. Additionally, we see Jamie pondering, "But as America expands to the Pacific, what becomes of the indigenous peoples already residing here?" It feels somewhat tacked on, but hey, it's a legitimate question, Jamie!
Alright, let's unravel the lingering narrative threads with vigor. Our brave team discreetly inters their dear friend Hayes in hallowed ground, unbeknownst to others, and in a moment of misplaced chivalry, they extend kindness to Stephen Bonnet—a gross error in judgment! Proceeding onward, they embark on a journey to Riverrun, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and situated near the treacherous Cape Fear. My geographical acumen leaves much to be desired, as I hail from distant shores.
Throughout the dinner gathering where Jamie regaled the British officers with tales of his aunt, I naively presumed she was a figment of his imagination, a clever ruse to outwit them. Hence, when Claire, approximately twenty minutes before the episode's climax, inquired, "What is Aunt Jocasta like?" I was nearly ejected from my couch in astonishment. The anticipation to encounter Aunt Jocasta is almost unbearable! Additionally, Fergus and Marsali are expecting a bundle of joy.
In a fleeting moment of utopia, everyone is immersed in bliss, love abounds, their pockets are lined with wealth, and their heads are free of bounties. This idyllic state persists for but a quarter of an hour before Stephen Bonnet, accompanied by a band of ruthless pirates, bursts in with a malevolent laugh, declaring, "Ha! I am a madman!" He brutally slits the throat of a minor character, rips Claire's wedding rings from her fingers (though she manages to retain Frank's), plunders all their wealth, and leaves them shattered and bleeding. My emotions are in tatters, and we've scarcely scratched the surface of this tumultuous tale.
