Outlander Season 3, Episode 5 recap: Roger has information about Jamie
A run-in with the other woman
Before Claire, Brianna, and Roger can discuss anything, there are a few matters at hand. One is a set of bones. An anthropologist sent them to Joe. The minute Claire touches them she feels something and we know for a fact that they’ll come up. All the information we have right now is that the bones belong to a woman in her 40s (at least) and were found in a cave in Jamaica.
Oh, as the woman had been killed by a knock to the skull. Someone had murdered her.
The second thing in Outlander Season 3, Episode 5 is a memorial for Frank, where his other woman is also saying her goodbyes. Rather than take the high road and walk away, this woman–Candy? Sandy? Who knows?–decides to face off against Claire. It’s clear that Frank told Sandy that Claire was the one refusing to grant him the divorce. Oh, if only she knew.
Regardless, Claire did manage to keep the moral high ground. She refused to dignify Sandy with a response.
Brianna shares her fears
After the memorial, Brianna’s thoughts about Jamie, Frank, and the whole situation come out to Claire. It’s natural things that she’s worried about, such as whether Frank hated her or whether Claire resented her. Claire does an excellent job making it very clear that Brianna was wanted and loved by both her and Frank.
This leads to Claire handing the pamphlet that Roger found. Brianna knows that it means her biological father is alive and Claire can go back in time. The problem is Claire would be leaving her behind. While many are likely wondering why Claire wouldn’t take Brianna with her, it’s a very simple discussion: time travel is dangerous and Claire wouldn’t risk her daughter’s life.
During this moment, Claire also shares her fears: that Jamie has forgotten here. Later we get an awesome moment between Claire and Joe, as Claire questions whether anyone could be attracted to her sexually. Poor, Joe! But he did handle this situation brilliantly, as we realized that Claire was very worried about her appearance.
So, with all the emotions out of the way, it’s time for Claire to get ready to go back to the past. Cue the awesome Batman theme song as Claire stitched her dress (although she certainly wouldn’t have fit in if it was really made out of raincoats!) and Roger and Brianna collect everything they can.
Now it’s time for Claire and Brianna to say their goodbyes. Brianna makes it very clear that Claire can’t stay in the 1960s. It’s time for Brianna to give up her mom so Jamie can have her back. After all, Jamie gave it all up for Brianna’s sake. This is just returning the favor now Brianna is old enough to look after herself. There’s a beautiful, touching moment in the episode and it’s back onto including Roger in it all.
Claire heads back to the past, while Roger remains with Brianna in Boston. The two share an American Christmas together while reading “A Christmas Carol.”
We close off with Claire stepping into a puddle in 1968 Scotland and emerging in 1766 Scotland. Obviously, she went through the stones, but this was just a beautiful transition that saved time. She then heads to A. Malcolm’s print shop, whereupon seeing her and hearing her voice, Jamie faints.
Next: Outlander Season 3, Episode recap: Of Lost Things
What did you think about “Freedom and Whiskey?” Did you enjoy the buildup to Claire finally returning to the past in Outlander Season 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Like Claire and Jamie on Facebook for more updates about Outlander straight to your feed.