Welcome once again to the Ridge, where whispers of homemade ether still linger secretly in the surgical chambers, casting a pall over the morale of its inhabitants. Yes, you heard it right; even Bree's groundbreaking invention of matches fails to ignite excitement among the populace. Imagine choosing such a wildcard for your maiden invention after journeying back in time solely to forewarn your parents of their fiery demise! The air at Fraser’s Ridge feels increasingly oppressive, as if burdened by unseen weights.
Jamie finds himself ensnared in two precarious predicaments, each teetering on the brink of eruption into full-blown conflicts. Let’s delve into his fraught interactions with the Cherokee first. Last week, he accepted the role of "Indian Agent," tasked with bridging the gap between the local tribes and King George, solely to thwart the appointment of Richard Brown, a man devoid of redeeming qualities. Yet, embracing a position that tethers him to the crown, amidst his foreknowledge of the impending Revolutionary War and his pledge to side with the rebels, is akin to dancing on a volcano. Awkward, indeed! Predictably, Jamie encounters a formidable obstacle almost immediately.
He convenes with Cherokee chiefs who implore England to arm them. The settlers, flagrantly disregarding treaty boundaries (hardly a shock), are encroaching upon their lands and hunting grounds, leaving them vulnerable. Their plea for self-defense seems justified. Nevertheless, Jamie hesitates even to consider broaching this request to England, a stance that deeply troubles Young Ian, Jamie’s loyal second-in-command. Yet, Jamie harbors valid concerns.
Prior to unveiling his rationale, however, his libido interjects with a tale as wild as it is unnecessary. Two Cherokee women, viewing intimacy with Jamie as an honor bestowed, attempt to seduce him, but he gracefully declines their advances. This rejection, paradoxically, ignites his passion, propelling him homeward with an urgent desire for conjugal bliss. Claire, ever the enthusiast, embraces his fervor with equal ardor. These golden-year lovebirds are as fiery as ever.
Post-coital pillow talk veers into strategic discussions about the Revolutionary War. Jamie seeks Claire’s insights: Does she possess any historical knowledge regarding the Cherokee's allegiance? He fears that arming them with English weapons would likely pit them against him during the war, thereby fortifying his adversaries. Refusing their request, while safeguarding them from immediate peril, might incline them towards rebellion against England when the hour strikes, ultimately benefiting them. Regrettably, Claire’s grasp on American history is clouded, rendering her unable to offer guidance.
Jamie makes a conscious decision to withhold the Cherokee's request from Major MacDonald, but Young Ian's silence proves untenable. Compelled to speak, Jamie finds himself elucidating the fundamentals of the Revolutionary War and his rationale behind his actions, while cautioning Ian that, in the realm of time travel, foreknowledge is a double-edged sword—a blessing and a curse wrapped in one. Jamie believes he's laid the matter to rest, or so he thinks.
While Claire may lack intricate details about the Revolutionary War, one would expect Jamie to consult the two other time travelers in his acquaintance—Roger, a former history professor, and Bree, who has studied history extensively and exhibited a keen understanding of historical events like the Battle of Alamance in the previous season. Perhaps they could have offered valuable insights. Yet, Jamie stands firm in his conviction, unbothered by the lack of a second opinion. Ian, however, is less convinced.
The Big House bustles with activity this week, but the most urgent concern is Marsali's labor—a perilous situation that has Claire on edge. She fears the necessity of performing a C-section, a procedure that would save the baby but jeopardize the life of her surrogate daughter. In a moment of desperation, Roger rouses Fergus from his alcohol-induced slumber and rushes him to Marsali's side. Drawing upon unorthodox methods acquired during his brothel days, Fergus assists Marsali in her delivery. The house echoes with Marsali's ecstatic screams, prompting everyone but Claire to discreetly excuse themselves.
Elsewhere, Bree encounters Ian, her demeanor clearly distressed. Unlike his uncle, Ian is haunted by questions regarding the role of the Cherokee and other tribes in the impending conflict. Bree provides some answers, yet they offer little solace: she reveals that, despite promises of inclusion in the new nation forged post-war, Native tribes will be marginalized, forced from their ancestral lands, and suffer immensely. Ian is overwhelmed with guilt—a tangible manifestation of the curse Jamie warned about. This guilt, coupled with his knowledge of the future, fuels Ian's determination to keep pressing the issue with Jamie. He argues that, knowing the injustices awaiting the Cherokee and other tribes, they have a moral obligation to afford them every chance to defend themselves. Ian vows to lend them his aid, regardless of Jamie's continued refusal.
Back at the Big House, Marsali safely brings forth a bouncing baby boy, a glimmer of hope suggesting that perhaps Marsali and Fergus had finally navigated their tumultuous path. However, this reprieve is fleeting. Their son is born with dwarfism, and upon realizing this harsh truth, Fergus bolts from the room, unable to bear witness to the child's form. His reaction is deeply distressing. In stark contrast, Marsali envelops her tiny bundle of joy in an ocean of love and affection, her heart brimming with unconditional devotion. And she won't be alone in her love; a few days hence, Jamie stumbles upon an poignant scene in Marsali and Fergus's cabin. Overhearing Ian inside, he discovers that Ian has come to bestow a blessing upon the baby, Henri-Christian. Ian confides in Marsali, revealing that he too fathered a child during his time with the Mohawk, though he says no more. This confession serves as a poignant reminder for Jamie, altering his perspective entirely.
Soon after, Claire catches sight of Jamie penning a letter to the governor, advocating for the provision of firearms to the Cherokee, a request they have made. Jamie now realizes that his fierce advocacy on their behalf stems from the fact that they are Ian's family, and Ian is his. "Come what may," he mutters, acknowledging the limits of his control over his destiny.
Jamie is also grappling with the delicate situation involving Tom Christie. While he may believe he wields greater influence over this matter than he does over the Cherokee situation, the verdict is still out. Control is equally an issue for Tom Christie, who lacks sufficient authority at Fraser's Ridge. He constructs a grand church, but Jamie warns him that it must become a Freemason meeting house, a sanctuary open to all. Jamie further threatens Tom after learning of a sinister rumor circulating among his people, claiming that Claire might be a witch—a rumor sparked by a funeral where the deceased was miraculously not deceased. Tom harbors numerous grievances against Claire, chief among them her unwavering defiance of his absurd notions regarding healthcare and women's roles. Stripped of authority in this land, he clings desperately to whatever semblance of power he retains elsewhere—chiefly through his daughter, Malva.
Malva has become Claire's devoted follower, eager to soak up as much knowledge about healing as possible. Tom detests this arrangement. One day, after a stern rebuke from Jamie, he unleashes his frustration on Malva, who he catches perusing papers instead of attending to her chores. He reaches for his belt to whip her, but his lame hand hinders his attempt. It is this impairment that ultimately compels him to allow Claire to operate on it. Claire explains that she must wait for his other wounded hand to heal first, but when the surgery does take place, it promises to unfold into a fascinating dynamic. While Claire trembles at the thought of the ghosts that haunt her and the fear of losing Marsali, she remains unintimidated by someone like Tom Christie.
