Outlander Season 1, Episode 4: 5 thoughts while rewatching The Gathering

2. Colum and Jamie should have come to an agreement for the Gathering

Jamie would have gotten away with not being at the Gathering. Of course, nobody else knew that and they forced him to go there and swear allegiance Giving the oath would have been a death sentence, not giving it would have been a death sentence.

Every time I get to this, I wonder why Colum and Jamie didn’t just come to some sort of agreement for the Gathering. Why not just agree that he would offer fealty but not take the oath.

I also have to wonder about Rupert. Surely he knew who Jamie was. Why didn’t Rupert know that Jamie would have to stay away from the Gathering? Part of this just didn’t make sense and it’s as if it was purely written in for the drama.

1. Dougal is one hard nut to crack

Every time I think I understand Dougal a little better, something happens that makes me realize I don’t. Maybe he’s just one of those guys who is out for himself and that’s it. However, he’s passionate about Scotland and the country’s freedom, which suggests that his actions are more than just for selfish means.

This is one of those episodes that suggests not everything he does is for a selfish reason. He helps Geordie die with some sort of peace. There’s a lump in his throat as Geordie dies and Dougal just tries to make it as easy as possible. He’s also extremely grateful to Claire for helping with that, even though he’s also shocked that she’s seen men die from violence (if only he knew the full truth).

When it comes to his clan, it’s clear that Dougal will protect them and help them. However, he is also willing to look at the bigger picture.

What are your thoughts when it comes to watching Outlander Season 1, Episode 4 again? What do you take away from “The Gathering?” Share your thoughts in the comments below.