Outlander –“The Gathering” Review. Where Everyone’s Invited.

Season 1, Episode 4

Air Date: Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

“Sometimes you find yourself on a path that you never expected, but it doesn’t mean it can’t lead you to a bonny place.” – Geillis Duncan

Opening scenes tend to set the tone for an episode. The slow motion shot of running feet belonging to a faceless woman alerts you to someone being chased, or running toward something. Both could be the case where Claire (Caitriona Balfe) is concerned. Not only is she being chased by her desire to return home, she’s running toward a future that may not be the one set in stone (or tea leaves) for her. She plans, yet doesn’t prevail. She runs and trips over a hunk of a man. Claire doesn’t give up though, and that attitude also sets a tone. We’ll see what this lass is made of yet.

Girl Talk

What tangled web are we weaving, Geillis?

Geillis (Lotte Verbeek) is back, nosing around and dishing dirt. She is very suspicious of Claire, and for good reason. But isn’t everyone at Castle Leoch? Geillis wants to tell Claire something personal without actually having to voice the words. She too holds a secret that can give Claire relief. Geillis could very well be a good friend to Claire if she were able to be upfront. The redhead tells us a little about herself, without revealing too much of how she came to be the woman she is today. Yet, you know she isn’t trustworthy. Geillis is a little too wise for her station. I’m surprised Claire doesn’t see their similarities and wonder why Geillis is being so helpful.

I Pledge Allegiance to the Clan

Dougal (Graham McTavish) presents quite the conundrum. You know he has it out for Jamie (Sam Heughan) in one respect. He can also be a bastard when he’s had his fill of the liquor. But in a surprising turn of events, he shows he has a heart. I’d say don’t let him fool you because I know better, but the man has his reasons for being the way he is. In a touching moment (in what feels like a long drawn out scene that mimics the first time we saw Claire in her nursing capacity), Dougal thaws a bit of the ice surrounding his heart. “I wanted to thank you.” Well, that’s better than mauling Claire in a dark hallway, isn’t it? I don’t trust Dougal farther than I can throw him. Scottish Santa or no, he has secrets, and they aren’t presents he’ll be leaving under a tree. McTavish continues to impress me with his quiet, yet in-your-face portrayal of the Mackenzie clansman.

Random Tidbits

Free at last, but at what cost?

I have to hand it to Claire, she’s resourceful. She finally gets what she wants, though not in the way she thought she would. Freedom comes at a price and you have to be careful what you wish for. While she may think Dougal’s offer of release from her dungeon is without a catch, she’d be wise to remember who she’s dealing with.

Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander novels, has a short cameo in this week’s undertaking. While not an unforgettable performance, it’s always nice to see an author partake in the adaptation of their work. But what does her character’s appearance have to do with the plot as it moves forward? Not much, though it gives her a chance to play dress up.

Jamie is missing for half of “The Gathering” but makes his presence known with a show of strength and cunning. Heughan doesn’t take his portrayal of Jamie Fraser lightly. The accent, look, and overall charisma of the character shines through Heughan’s smiling eyes. We haven’t gotten to know too much about Jamie yet, though the best is still to come. He is, by far, the best part of Outlander. But don’t take my word on it. Keep watching and you’ll see.

I love the intermingling 40s music flowing into the scenes where Claire’s mind is wandering. The writers want us to know Claire’s heart is back in the future. She’s never far from home because she’s always thinking about her husband, her life, her reason for being. The music also has an ominous undertone, making Claire appear like the misplaced wanderer she is. A very nice touch, indeed.

Memorable Lines

How many times will Jamie have to save himself from his uncles?

Geillis to Claire, in a most portentous way: “The Highlands are no place for a woman to be alone. You’d do well to remember that.”

Dougal to Claire: “You shouldna be here.”

There’s more truth to Dougal’s words than he realizes.

Claire to Jamie: “I need to leave this place.”

Claire, once she realizes she’s caused Jamie a world of trouble: “Oh God, this is all my fault.”

Murtaugh: “Aye. It is.”

Murtaugh Fitzgibbons (Duncan Lacroix) doesna sugarcoat things, and I canna wait to see if his character is as awesome in the series as he is in the books.

Overall

“The Gathering” does well to throw in a few action shots, dramatic moments, and heartfelt words to catch your attention. I don’t get all of the politics surrounding the pledging and whatnot, but I do enjoy the costumes, music, and set design. It’s almost as if history has come to life on the small screen, pulling me back a few centuries. If you are enjoying the trip back in time, drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss.

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

Follow Outlander on Twitter, using #Outlander.

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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