Outlander ―“Vengeance is Mine” Review. Murtagh is the Man.

Season 2, Episode 11

Air Date: Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

“I’ve kept my word. I lay your vengeance at your feet.” ― Murtagh Fitzgibbons

“Vengeance is Mine” is not the episode I was expecting to see. It is much more entertaining, interesting, and fulfilling than the episodes of the past few weeks. Why? Oh, because someone loses their head, literally. You can’t unsee something like that although I’m not too traumatized as the arsehole had it coming. But what I will say is I don’t like that Outlander keeps permanently removing the villains. I enjoy the bad guys wreaking havoc because it makes the hour of television worth watching. The series is winding down to its endgame where the proverbial shit hits the fan. The writers have left me wondering how these events will come to pass with the Jacobite rebellion falling apart at its seams.

Clip: Murtagh Keeps His Promise

The Mistakes We Make

The Prince has some say in this war he’s started, doesn’t he?

Well, well, well … someone’s grown a pair, hasn’t he? Never thought I’d see the day Prince Charles Stuart (Andrew Gower) stands up like the boss he should be. Even though only for a moment, I like seeing the man who’s leading men to the slaughter want to be with them all the way. Too bad he doesn’t get what he wants. The redcoats are on the hunt and the Scots are not quick to give in. Man, do I love historical dramas. The standout characteristic of these shows is they are based on some snippet from the past, so you know what to expect.

Jamie (Sam Heughan) is a man of honor; I will give him that. My concern is his bravery makes him a bit stupid. Thinking the Scots can win the war ahead of them, in order to change history, is beyond their reach. I can’t help consider how Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) knowledge of what the future holds doesn’t change anything because her recall of upcoming events doesn’t change. It’s that damn space-time continuum a 1940s Claire doesn’t know anything about. That’s a nugget you might want to hold onto as Outlander progresses. All of Claire’s interference has to have some effect on the past, doesn’t it?

Of Note

How does Claire get herself into these crazy situation?

Jaime prays over Claire while she’s sleeping. How romantic is it that he thinks of her always, and shows how much he loves her in every way? Makes a girl swoon. I am in awe of their romance and more than excited to see Outlander veering back to that main plot point. As a fan of the novels, the Claire/Jamie love story is what I live for. To see Jamie go ape-shit at the thought of being separated from Claire is great drama. I haven’t forgotten I’m watching a drama series, steeped in romance, rolled in glitter and rainbows. Well, maybe not the glitter. My point is, the writers are heading in a direction I’m in agreement with. I want to see more of the romance to rival all romances. Heughan embodies Jamie like a man on fire, when it comes to the emotional turmoil Jamie experiences. It’s a difficult aspect to get right because Jamie isn’t your typical character. I love seeing Heughan fall into his character giving him exuberant life and substance.

Since when does being a nurse also encompass being a dentist and a surgeon? The knowledge provided to military nurses in the 1940s must have been superb. The same goes for the word of a gentleman. A man gives his word and it is bond. What a different world we live in now.

Clip: Hostage

I ask for blood and gore, and Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) delivers. He says he’ll provide vengeance, he damn well means it. I’m no longer impressed with the Duke of Sandringham’s (Simon Callow) entrances. He sure can bring down the mood in a room, can’t he? I don’t quite understand his ploy in the story though. What is the basis behind his being involved in the Jacobite rebellion, and with Jamie?

Dougal (Graham McTavish) presents himself as a man unshaken by firearms aimed at his head. How he’s able to face down challenging odds with no way of knowing the outcome astounds me. He’s still the man you love to hate but I find I like him just a little bit more each episode.

Memorable Quote

“Is there no one among you who will stand with your prince, your rightful king, your God?” – Prince Charles to his generals and soldiers.

Overall

Murtagh’s word is truly his bond.

So, what is “Vengeance is Mine” all about? I don’t really know. What I do know is I was highly entertained during the episode because there was always something going on. Whether there is a chase, a fake hostage situation, or a beheading, not a dull moment could be found. Now, if only we can get to Culloden and discover the outcome of the ill-fated battle. We have to learn how Claire is transported back to her time, right?

Drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss “Vengeance is Mine.”

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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Elle

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