Air Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz
Rating:
“Where is Jamie?” – Claire Randall Fraser
How about a little action to go with your subterfuge?
As a filler episode, “The Watch” does a fair job of holding my attention when nothing is really happening. It certainly cements the feeling things won’t always be sunshine and rainbows for the Fraser newlyweds. The trip home to Lallybroch was paved in unknowns and that hasn’t changed. Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) reclaiming his status as “Laird of Lallybroch” leaves him open to the usual troubles and strife befitting a person in charge. Makes me wonder if Jamie isn’t longing for the days where he was known as Jamie McTavish, a nobody. Sometimes it pays to be the boss; other times, it just costs ya. The sad thing with this current situation is a man should be safe in his own home. But with the Watch invading the manor, things get more complicated for the Frasers. What will it cost Jamie and his wife Claire (Caitriona Balfe) in the end?
Moment 1 – Ian Shanks a Snitch.
I can never anticipate the moment when a man will meet his demise in these period dramas. The writers make sure it’s never a dull moment, that’s for sure. Did you jump like I did when a blade punctures Horrocks’ (Lochlann O’Mearáin) chest? Ouch! Totally caught me off guard. What I love about this moment is what it means for Jamie. Not only does he not have to worry about being blackmailed for the rest of his natural life but he knows the true depths of Ian’s (Steven Cree) loyalty. Jamie never asked for help or for Ian to stick his neck out for him. Ian takes matters into his own shaking hands, and solidifies his relationship with Jamie. Have you considered what it is Ian does by killing Horrocks? He endangers his family life as well, with the potential for being branded a murderer. I guess he’d have to be caught though for that to stick. Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
Moment 2 – Claire’s Confession.
Horrocks got what was coming to him, or did he?
“It’s me that’s let you down. Truth is, I may never give you a son as beautiful as little Jamie. I don’t think I can have children.” As Jamie listens to Claire’s admission, he doesn’t falter; instead, he delivers a genuine—and romantic as all hell—speech to her about missing out on childbirth. “So many things can go wrong, and I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.” Jamie always does what he can to relieve Claire’s pain even when he’s suffering himself. He talks of bearing her hurt and strength, which makes me fall even more in love with these two. Most husbands want to continue their family name, so you can only assume this news is quite the blow to Jamie. He shoulders it like a champ in front of Claire, not letting down his guard until he’s alone.
Moment 3 – Welcome, Baby Murray.
Jenny (Laura Donnelly) delivers during “The Watch” both literally and metaphorically. She explains to Claire what it feels like to be pregnant, bringing back some memories, I tell you. It always intrigues me how actors handle portraying childbirth. My personal experience wasn’t anywhere near as loud and painful so I always wonder why they yell and moan so much. Are they directed to do that, or is it an artistic decision? It kind of gives the wrong impression and frightens anyone who hasn’t had a child yet, as every experience is different. But I digress. What I love about this moment is how realistic Jenny’s pregnant belly looks. My hat is off to the makeup department. It is so beautifully done, I wonder if Donnelly is really expecting. The silhouette of her body through her nightgown shows the embodied beauty of a woman with child. So much artistry goes into the making of each episode of Outlander and it blows me away every time.
Random Tidbits
The ladies of Lallybroch hold down the fort as only they can.
The kitchens in the 18th century homes are always so dank and depressing. No wonder the mistresses have cooks. I wouldn’t want to cook dinner in what appears to be a cellar either.
Did you count how many times Jamie ends up with a pistol in his face? My goodness, the man can’t stay off people’s bad side, can he? His bravery astounds me. Not many men can look death in the eye and face it without showing some modicum of fear.
Memorable Lines
Claire to Jamie: “I never counted on loving you … much less having children with you.”
What a revelation, not only to Jamie, but Claire.
**
Claire: “You heard your sister, hasty back. Or else.”
Jamie: “Or else what?”
Claire: “Or else I’ll come after you.”
What Jamie doesn’t realize is Claire means what she says.
**
Overall
This half of season one of Outlander is turning out to be a bit of a tug of war. On one hand, I love what I’m seeing, and on the other hand, I’m still waiting for the good stuff to happen. Based on the previews for next week’s episode “The Search,” we’ll finally see what Claire is made of, and just how much she loves her man. What remains may not be pretty but isn’t that how love goes? If this journey Claire and Jamie are on remained smooth and without obstacles, wouldn’t it be boring as all get out? I look forward to the pebbles, rocks, and boulders they’ll have to dodge as they continue to run headfirst into adventure.
Drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss “The Watch.” 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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Photo credit © 2015 Starz Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.
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