Outlander recap: What news does Roger learn?

Finding settlers for Fraser’s Ridge

Back in the 18th century, Claire and Jamie get their land. There’s a discussion between Jamie and Governor Tryon about being careful who to accept on the Ridge, while Jamie signs the deed to the land.

Meanwhile, Claire sees Marsali, who has certainly popped with the baby. There’s a touching moment between them, as Marsali admits that she misses her mom and would like her to be by her side right now. Claire understands that feeling and actually has some good words to say about Laoghaire. That conversation is quickly brought to an end with Jamie, Young Ian, and Fergus walking into the scene discussing the settlers. Jamie wants other Scots and wants Fergus to look out for people from Ardsmuir Prison. Any foreshadowing for Murtagh here?

With Fergus and Marsali remaining in Wilmington for now, the Frasers and Young Ian head to their new land. As they mark the boundary, they’re interrupted by the Cherokee, who aren’t happy that people are taking over their land. Soon enough, the Cherokee return the boundary posts making it clear that they will attack should the Frasers remain.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a bear in the woods. John Quincy Myers suggests that they stop building their home for now, but he will try to make peace with the Cherokees on the Frasers’ behalf. That doesn’t go to plan when JQM is attacked by the bear. Claire attends to him, while Jamie heads out in search for the animal.

Jamie becomes the Bear Killer

In an adaptation to the book storyline, Jamie comes across the bear only to learn that it wasn’t a bear after all. It’s a man dressed as a bear, with what looks like arrowheads for claws. He’s deadly, nonetheless, and it’s kill or be killed for Jamie. Fortunately, he isn’t afraid to defend his life when he needs to.

Knowing the Cherokee also often talked of this bear, Jamie delivers the dead man to the Cherokee home. It turns out the Cherokee knew the bear was a man. He was a former Cherokee tribe member who had been kicked out for forcing his wife to lay with him. That isn’t their way.

Killing the man/bear has just been what Jamie needed to find common ground with the tribe. Jamie becomes Bear Killer to the tribe and they are all able to live in peace. At least, for now.

In the end, Claire meets with two women, one of whom, Adawehi, played by Tantoo Cardinal. Adawehi explains that Claire has a gift for healing. As her hair grows whiter, Claire will gain more wisdom and power. However, she also shares that Claire isn’t to blame for sickness and death that is to come. Clearly foreshadowing and I know that this is direct from the book.

What did you think of Outlander Season 4, Episode 4? Did you enjoy the change to the Bear Killer scene? What will Roger do next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outlander airs Sundays on STARZ.