Outlander Season 2, Episode 2 recap: Jamie struggles with PTSD

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room

We’re Not in Scotland Anymore took fans completely back to the past, as Jamie struggled with PTSD and Claire searched for something to do in France.

After the jump to the future in Outlander Season 1, Episode 1, the second episode was set entirely in the past. The Frasers attempted to stop the Jacobite rising ever happening, while dealing with their own emotions and feelings. As Jamie struggled with PTSD, Claire attempted to make nice with the local debutants of Paris.

Jamie suffers with his nightmares

The “Outlander” novels didn’t focus too much on Jamie’s PTSD. For some fans, this was a good thing. For others, the show delving into it more was refreshing and intriguing. It wasn’t likely easy for Sam Heughan, but it was realistic and heartbreaking to watch.

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In the aftermath of Wentworth Prison, Jamie is haunted by the man who raped, beat and tortured him. Just the idea of making love to his wife sets him on edge.

Claire wants to help, but is finding it hard. Is she even sure that Jamie can fight off the thoughts of Black Jack, even if he is supposedly dead? To help, she decides to go into the town (where she muses over the French Revolution to come) to an apothecary, where she meets Master Raymond. Master Raymond instantly realizes that Claire knows plenty and learns the Comte St. Germain is a mutual rival. That means they should be friends, leading to Claire getting a remedy that should help Jamie sleep.

Murtagh helps Jamie fight again

While Claire gets on with her business, Jamie and Murtagh get on with theirs. Jamie’s hand is healing and it’s time to train again. Of course, duelling is outlawed in France, so the training is drawing attention, but there’s no sign of anyone coming to arrest then.

During training, the two discuss their options for Bonnie Prince Charlie. Jamie isn’t an assassin, so isn’t going to kill him. He just needs a way in. That comes when Jamie gets a letter from Charles about wanting to meet. Of course, it’s in a brothel, because where else would secret meetings happen?

At the first meeting, Charles wants to know about the clans of Scotland. Remaining as honest as they come, Jamie makes it clear that the clans will never unite. He’s not wrong! It was the lack of uniting and problems with clan rivalries that led to the failure at Culloden. Charles really should have just listened!

Fortunately for Jamie, Charles likes his honesty. This is a man Charles can trust, so Charles gives him a job: to petition the French Minister of Finance for funds for the war. This is perfect for Jamie to make sure Charles doesn’t secure those funds and can’t declare war.

Claire meets her husband’s ancestor

While Jamie discusses Scotland with Charles, Claire spends time with a French aristocrat, Louise. It turns out there’s a young English girl in Paris, Mary Hawkins. Claire is certain she recognizes the name, but can’t think of why. That’s nothing to worry about, as Claire and Mary will have plenty of time to talk at Court, where Louise invites them.

Of course, this whole time Louise is being waxed everywhere in the nether regions of her body. Claire gets an idea of a way to help lure Jamie back into her bed. He’s shocked at the loss of her “lovely forest,” but delves in for a look. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to rid the thoughts of Black Jack and the PTSD rears its ugly head again.

It’s off to Versailles

After two weeks of being in France, Claire and Jamie head to the Palace of Versailles. Claire had a very special dress made for the occasion, but Jamie is certainly not impressed. Not only does it show off her ankles, but “every inch of down to third rib.” Claire has no intention of changing and off they go to the party.

There’s a quick appearance of a woman name Annalise. Her story is told in much more detail in the books, but Claire certainly realizes that the two were more than just friends the last time Jamie was in Paris. As Claire remains with the women, Jamie and Murtagh attend the king to watch him relieve his bowels.

Yes, the king needs an audience to use the chamberpot, and he’s severely constipated! Although it does give Jamie a chance to introduce himself to the king and suggest eating porridge. It may be considered the food of the commoners, but nobody in Scotland has bowel movement problems.

After losing her patience with the French women, Claire goes off to find her own entertainment, where she meets Monsieur Duverney, the Minister of Finance. He instantly starts kissing her feet and working his way up, when Jamie finds them and throws him into the water. Fortunately, Duverney sees the error of his ways and apologizes for his actions. Duverney and Jamie agree to a game of chess, but the arrival of the Duke of Sandringham puts them off.

Sure enough, the duke is there with a mystery man who likes Mary Hawkins. This mystery man? Only Black Jack’s brother, Alex Randal, and it turns out that Black Jack wasn’t killed after all. The look on the duke’s face is one of pleasure and scheming. This isn’t a man you want to get on the wrong side of, regardless of how weak he seems.

Next: Outlander Season 2 premiere recap

Were you shocked at the events in the end? Did you guess Mary Hawkins’ true identity in this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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