Outlander – “La Dame Blanche” Review. What’s Going on with the Plot?

Season 2, Episode 4

Air Date: Saturday, May 1, 2016 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

“I am fascinated by things not of this time.” — Master Raymond

Master Raymond is a fascinating character. He knows something is different about Claire.

Master Raymond knows something is different about Claire.

I’m fond of the way television writers take an idea or words written in a novel, and turn them into scenes that I have inadequately played out in my mind. Outlander takes on this challenge as it tries to bring to life a voluminous tome in a way that keeps your attention, while dispersing learned facts of note. There is no detail ignored with each episode of this historical drama that is laced with intrigue, comedy, and romance. The amount of story that goes into a single episode of Outlander is sometimes a tough pill to swallow because of the in-depth nature of the history we’re given. I’ll be quite blunt and say it can be boring. With the main plot being pushed to the background to bring unnecessary plot arcs to the forefront, the most standout portion of excellence I have to mention every week is the costuming. I’m blown away by each beautifully crafted piece because they are original and beyond anything I’ve ever seen before. And yes, I want every gown that crosses my screen. So why is this the most prevalent detail I recall after watching “La Dame Blanche” above all else? Good question.

Of Note

If you pay close attention to the opening sequence of “La Dame Blanche,” you will notice a small nugget of what’s to come in there. This time it isn’t something so small. I find myself wondering if future episodes will be as blatant in their exposure of elements to come. I like not knowing what to expect in an episode. These little snippets don’t reveal much other than we should pay attention to what’s happening, and to remember what we’ve seen as it might show up again. Like the birthmark on the hand of a mysterious brigand…

Clip: When Poison Is Near

Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) can’t seem to escape the vendetta the Comte St. Germain (Gaia Weiss) has against them, yet he seems to have a serious hard-on for Claire. Pun totally intended. The sexual tension between them is thicker than tapioca pudding. But I digress. His obvious disdain for the couple will play out the entire season and I’m worried it will be nothing short of more poisonings and sabotage. Was the Comte the cause of Claire’s sickness; did he have someone damage the carriage wheel? Do you think Claire was being reckless in suggesting they walk instead of hiring a carriage? You must remember she is a natural born adventurer. Had she been raised by someone other than her traveling uncle, she might be a different woman. But I like this Claire. She makes stupid decisions at times but she’s more brave than reckless. Let’s hope she’ll be a little more mindful of where and when she is.

Honorable Mentions

While not sure how Louise (Claire Sermonne) and Claire’s friendship has come about, I like seeing the two together. I would love to see more background on how the women found a kinship and confidence in one another. I find it odd that sweet, little Mary Hawkins (Rosie Day) is thrown into the mix. Why is she there? What does she bring to their scenes? I feel like she’s the third wheel no one can bare to turn away because she has no other friends. I understand Mary’s role in Claire’s future but what does Claire believe she can do by keeping an eye on the young girl? There’s a sinister feel to their relationship because I never know if Claire is trying to ensure Mary meets Captain “Black Jack” Randall (Tobias Menzies) so Frank (Menzies) is born, or if Claire is trying to prevent their coming together. Guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens. If I were poor Mary, I’d stay clear of Claire since nothing good has befallen her since making Claire’s acquaintance.

Clip: He Is a Dreamer

Fergus (Romann Berrux) is such an interesting character. He knows more about women at his young age than most of the men in this series. He brings a fresh perspective to the goings on between women and men. With bright blue eyes and a bounce in his step, Fergus will be a force to be reckoned with—at least among petty criminals.

Quote

Louise questions Claire’s advice on how to convince her husband she’s carrying his child: “You mean sleep with my husband? But my lover will be furious.”

Do I really need to spell out what’s wrong with Louise’s exclamation?

Overall

There is no mystery as to who poisoned Claire. The question is, what are the Frasers going to do about it?

Not an overwhelming show of what it could have been, “La Dame Blanche” proves to hold more folly than fortuity. One overcomes a horrible violation only for another to be faced with the same pain. Why? How are we to move on emotionally from such sadness when there should be hope on the horizon? The dinner party is a bust; the resulting closing scenes are far from what I expected. The tone is less than serious and I am left wondering what the hell just happened. Am I the only one who feels this way? Drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss “La Dame Blanche.”

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