Outlander Season 2, Episode 5 recap: Claire asks for one year
When Black Jack Randall appears in Paris, Jamie gets the instant need to kill him in Outlander Season 2.
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The start of Outlander Season 2 was difficult. Jamie Fraser was struggling with PTSD and it wasn’t until he learned that Black Jack Randall hadn’t been killed in the stampede that he was able to recover a little. However, that led to another problem. Jamie was adamant that he would end Black Jack’s life; getting revenge for everything he had done.
Before that can happen, there’s the aftermath of the fight at the Fraser household and Bonnie Prince Charlie has a business proposition for Jamie. Luckily, it didn’t take too long to get everything else out of the way.
Jamie imprisoned again
The start of the episode finds Jamie and many others from the episode before imprisoned. Fortunately, it takes just minutes for Duverney to vouch for Jamie and get him released. The issue now is Alex Randall, who is being held in the Bastille for attempted rape.
Before that can be settled, Claire wants to know about the term La Dame Blanche and how she earned it. Jamie shares that it was his fault. He wanted to give reasons for not being with the prostitutes, so decided on pretending his wife was some sort of witch. This does help Claire figure out that the men who attacked her and Mary before the party must have been at the establishment at some point, since they knew that gossip.
Claire believes the Comte set the men on her, so hope the identities of the men will help lead her back to the source. Murtagh offers more information, knowing that the men were from an aristocratic secret society that takes maidenheads for entry.
Now Claire decides to talk to Mary, who is being forced to leave Paris. However, she does write a letter to the Bastille to get Alex out, since he had nothing to do with it. Mary does fear that she’s pregnant, but Claire is certain that won’t be the case, so Mary goes on to dream about marrying Alex. Knowing Black Jack is alive, Claire has to make sure Mary and him end up together to secure Frank’s lineage. Since Mary won’t listen, she convinces Alex to leave because of his illness.
Charles secures money
Since the French are dragging their heels, Charles has gone elsewhere for the money. The Comte wants to purchase shipments of wine and needs a business partner; Charles is that man and he’s secured a bank loan for £10,000. That’s great, except it’s not enough for a war. It’s only enough for ships, arms and men to fight.
Where does Jamie come into this? Charles wants Jamie to be the wine merchant, since he’s already in the business. That leads to Jamie and the Comte meeting at the brothel to discuss an agreement. Neither really wants to work with one another, but they attempt to go through with it. When the Comte says he wants to keep hold of the shipment until there’s a buyer, Jamie realizes that there’s an opportunity. Jamie and Claire can get a herb that mimics smallpox and poison the wine, getting rid of Charles’ profit.
Black Jack Randall returns
The moment everyone has been waiting for made it to the screens. While walking in Versailles’ grounds, Black Jack Randall returns and meets with Claire and Jamie. You see, Black Jack wanted to help his brother. It’s Claire who meets him first and Black Jack is happy to hear that Jamie is around somewhere.
Of course, King Louis turns up too and makes his dislike for Black Jack instantly clear. The French and English are still not friends and Louis has no interest in making friends with a captain. Louis is thankful for Jamie’s suggestion of porridge though for his bowel movements!
In the end, Jamie decides that he wants to duel with Black Jack Randall. This is illegal, but that’s not the only reason Claire wants to stop Jamie. She needs Frank to be born. All she asks for is one year. Jamie isn’t happy since he owes Frank nothing (we won’t get into the time travel loop and Claire not being there if Frank was never born), but eventually concedes.
One year and one year only.
Next: Outlander Season 2, Episode 4 recap: Who is La Dame Blanche?
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