Ian’s struggle with his mental health beautifully mirrors Roger’s silent torment. This is a strong episode but it is not one I would like to revisit before the end of this season. To bring him back several episodes later would only dredge up all the emotions this episode brings to the surface. Ian is in a bad place for reasons he’s yet to fully disclose and that makes him the perfect addition to this gloomy installment. The reintroduction of Ian is not only great if you’re a fan (and how could you not be?) but it is also great timing on Outlander’s part. Mohawk Tribe, John Bell (Young Ian) – Outlander Episode 413 Between the grim faces and looming omens, are brilliant uses of character and dialogue to tell a better story - an important story.
This episode does an excellent job of introducing new elements to Fraser’s Ridge to keep the subject matter interesting even when it feels like everything has been standing still a little too long.
These are loses that shape the story going forward and the series does a great job of demonstrating the potential that story has to shine, even in the face of grief. Jamie has lost a parent, Brianna lost a part of her husband, Roger lost his gift, and Claire lost a friend. Outlander is smart in letting this episode be one entirely of mourning.Īfter the devastating loses the Frasers faced, it is expected that these characters would struggle with their new reality.
Related Vote for Your Favorites! The 2021 Tell-Tale TV Awards (Round 2) Outlander Season 5 Episode 8 – Maria Doyle Kennedy (Jocasta) Outlander‘s storytelling could have benefitted more from an artistic choice in its wheelhouse - similar to the silent episode Mr. One could also argue that the choice in formatting is jarring and desensitizing as the short films stall the momentum of these emotional inner struggles. The choice to show this episode’s most horrifying images of Roger’s hanging with subtitle cards instead of verbal dialogue is, from an artistic standpoint, a brilliant way of depicting trauma in a format that is specific to his situation. However, I’m not entirely sure it’s one that pays off. It’s very unusual to see shows set strictly in a historical setting shake up the aesthetic with a black and white silent film - but that is exactly what Outlander does to accurately depict the long-term effects of Roger’s PTSD (or shellshock as Claire refers to it). It may be hard to believe with how quietly this latest installment trudges, but this episode takes some big swings in terms of formatting. Outlander Season 5 Episode 8 – Caitriona Balfe (Claire Randall Fraser) In mourning, the episode clings to the dark veil of sorrow that lingers from the incredibly devastating events of “The Ballad of Roger Mac” and uses its success to test the waters before diving into the last of this season.įrom Roger’s rise from the dead to Graham McTavish’s name reappearing in the open sequence to Ian’s sombre return, Outlander is looking to shake the very foundation Fraser’s Ridge stands on. So while Jamie is no longer narrating the story, we are privy to some Claire-less scenes that wouldn't have happened in the first half of the season), I'd like to suspect Claire is once again having second thoughts about sticking around the 18 century.Outlander Season 5 Episode 8, “Famous Last Words,” tackles the aftermath of tragedy through new lenses of storytelling. Moore has mentioned, the story is about both of them going forward. So the likelihood of Claire getting ahold of quill and parchment right now to actually write this plea for help is basically nil, but that pretty much sums up her predicament by the closing credits of this week's " Outlander" episode, "By the Pricking of My Thumbs." Now that we've switched back from Jamie's perspective to Claire's (well, sort of, as "Outlander" creator Ronald D. If all goes according to plan, you'll never have to see the brown-haired lass again (can't speak for the redhead, her husband just died and her lover has been exiled, so she's lonely), just as long as you play dumb when her ginger-haired husband comes looking for her.
Woman in question is currently being held prisoner on the charge of witchcraft, but if you get her out of this mess safely she'll gladly tend to any wound you may sustain – she's a healer, like a Beaton! – and if you get her friend and fellow accused witch out as well, she'll dance naked for you by the light of the full moon. Hear, ye! Hear, ye! Clever, resourceful woman with intimate secrets pertaining to English nobility and the Jacobite Rebellion is seeking safe passage to Craigh na Dun.