Outlander ―“Je Suis Prest” Review. Jamie's Militia Is Not Ready.

Season 2, Episode 9

Air Date: Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

Claire’s flashbacks make her wonder if she is ready for another war.

While Clan Fraser’s motto is the title of this week’s episode “Je Suis Prest” translated “I am ready,” Claire (Caitriona Balfe) sure isn’t. War and the thought of the fight to come have sent her mind reeling down memory lane. She’s mentally traveling back to 1945 where she knows what war is like firsthand. I’m no doctor but it seems she may be suffering a bit of PTSD. I’m surprised it’s taken her this long to have some response to being thrust back into time; no doubt the recent trauma of losing her baby is still weighing on her as well. But this fight is one that Claire is setting out to change. She can’t do much about the past she has already experienced but she’s determined to see that this war ends differently. “There’s just so much to do; to prepare for.” How different is this time of combat compared to the one Claire has already experienced? No tanks, that’s how. Scottish warriors in the 1700s don’t have access to the heavy artillery of the 1900s. Nor do they know what awaits them.

Clip: Dragonfly in Amber

Jamie (Sam Heughan) is taking on yet another role, making himself a Jack of all trades. He’s a farmer, Laird, and now a commander. What can’t the man do? This is the Jamie I like to see. The one who has a particular job, knows how to accomplish it, and sets about doing it like his life depends on it. Heughan boldly steps into the role of Jamie making the reality of what his character faces come to life with panache. His monologue about going to war for the first time captivated me. I was right there with him, reliving what Jamie saw, experiencing his fear and excitement.

Of Note

Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) is probably not the man I would have chosen as drill sergeant. Oh, he’s got the routine down: the yelling, insults, and drilling, but he doesn’t inspire the men. Murtagh being the enforcer puts him in mind as nothing but a brute. Obviously this band of Scots won’t respond well to Murtagh’s methods. The men he’s commanding need the guidance of Jamie’s passion and experience to put them in the right frame of mind. I’d like to believe this army of soldiers Murtagh is helping to mold will do the Clan Fraser proud.

Best scene of the episode.

A few familiar faces pop up in “Je Suis Prest” that I’m more than happy to see. We have some grievances with Dougal (Graham McTavish) but nevertheless, I am excited to see him, along with Angus (Stephen Walters), and Rupert (Grant O’Rourke). What a big, cheesy smile I had on my face upon seeing those two clowns. They brought back great season one memories I hadn’t thought of in a while. Although, being back in Scotland hasn’t put Outlander where I thought it would be at this point. I’m still bored with where we are in the story and miss the constant action and intrigue that held me sway during the first season. Even Angus, Rupert, and Murtagh’s shenanigans aren’t enough to save an episode from disappointing me. But, “Je Suis Prest” gives me hope … sort of.

Clip: Narcissism

I find myself falling prey to Dougal’s way of thinking. “A Highland charge” might be just what these wanna be soldiers need to shake things up a bit though. Who doesn’t want to see a bunch of wild berserker Scotsmen running with swords held high into battle? I sure do. Dougal’s method for educating the men in the ways of war consists of brutality and giving in to one’s rage. It made for a few laugh out loud moments during the montage of training scenes.

Quotes

Jamie: “I want you to know, whatever happens we’re going to get through this. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

Claire: “I’m fine, Jamie. Really.”

Well, Claire no one’s buying that.

Jamie: “If you choose to fight with Clan Fraser, then you’ll respect my orders without objection. If you canna abide by these terms, then take your men and be on your way.”

Dougal: “As you say.”

Dougal is playing along for now but he wants Jamie to know he has the upper hand as his uncle.

Claire to Dougal: “I’m not sure that you’ll grasp the meaning of this either but I’ll try my damndest—fuck yourself.”

Whoa.

Clip: Red Jamie

Overall

William Grey makes a minor appearance here but just wait.

“Je Suis Prest” leaves me anxious to see what is coming up next. Will Jamie and Dougal find themselves at odds, or will they be able to work together? Will Clan Fraser gain the men they need from Clan MacKenzie? Have we seen the last of Claire’s attacks on her conscience? Her guilt over what she didn’t do during the war still plague her and she won’t be able to outrun those thoughts in the middle of a battle field. Yes, exciting times are ahead and I’m finally getting back into the Outlander spirit.

Drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss “Je Suis Prest.”

Outlander airs Saturdays at 9PM ET/PT, only on Starz. For more on the show, visit the official site.

Follow Outlander on Twitter, using #Outlander and don’t forget the cast Sam Heughan – @SamHeughan, Caitriona Balfe – @caitrionambalfe, Tobias Menzies – @TobiasMenzies, Laura Donnelly – @donnellylaura1.

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Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle