With a renewed sense of hope, Claire puts her plan together to escape Castle Leoch in Outlander Season 1, Episode 4. Here are my top five thoughts while watching.
Outlander Season 1, Episode 4 sees Claire’s plan to get away from Castle Leoch. With a renewed sense of hope to get back home, we instantly see Claire plotting her escape in “The Gathering.”
The first time watching the episode, I watched purely for the story. With each rewatch, I notice something different or see a slightly different meaning to words and looks. That’s what this post is all about; my top five thoughts while rewatching after what seems like the millionth time.
I’ll share good and bad thoughts, with a touch on elements that I’ve enjoyed more with subsequent viewings. This is the episode that features Diana Gabaldon in a Stan Lee/Stephen King-like cameo, although none of my thoughts revolve around that moment.
5. This episode really shows Claire’s forward planning
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In past episodes, Claire has come across a little dumb at times. For the most part, she’s a smart woman. You can see the cogs turning a lot, especially as she’s trying to make up a story, figure out where she is, and learn the full story of the time period. However, there are times that she makes ridiculous decisions.
Now, I will say that her attempt to escape Castle Leoch was a ridiculous decision. As Jamie points out, she hadn’t thought about the extra guards and the excellent trackers. Her anger towards him at that point was clearly a defense as she realized her plan was always doomed to fail.
However, the steps she took to plan were excellent. They showed off how smart she could be. After all, she found a game with the children so that she could mark her exits. She was storing food and had a reason for that, making sure she had provisions along the way.
4. Jamie continues to show his adoration for Claire
We later learn that Jamie has loved Claire from the first moment he saw her. Of course, he could never tell her that. It wasn’t right for the time and she was so determined to escape Castle Leoch. However, Outlander Season 1, Episode 4 sees yet another hint that he loves her.
Despite knowing it was risky business, he escorted her back to the castle. Would he have done this for anyone else? Probably not. If they were truly in a lot of danger, then maybe. However, he would have looked out for himself.
It’s purely the fact that it’s Claire. He knows that she needs protecting.
3. Laoghaire is much better than in the book
I know there’s a lot of hate for Laoghaire, but actually, Outlander Season 1 Laoghaire is far better than the book version of the character. I’m reminded of that every time I’m at this point in the series.
In the novels (and I’m sorry for those who haven’t read them yet) Laoghaire has a friend who goes everywhere with her. The two are as bad as each other and Laoghaire isn’t that worried about offending Claire. In the series, she’s apologetic at the suggestion that Claire is a witch.
Of course, we know now that this will come back to haunt Claire. However, right at this moment, I don’t believe Laoghaire was looking for something to trip Claire up with in the future. She was looking for a way to help move Jamie’s heart forward in their little fling. She was just being a silly girl.
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.