Jamie became Bear Killer in Outlander Season 4, Episode 4. While this moment should be one of his best, it doesn’t make it to this list exactly. Here are my favorite moments for Jamie in Common Ground.
Outlander Season 4, Episode 4 gave us more of a storyline in the 18th century, as Claire and Jamie set roots in North Carolina. While one of Jamie’s standout moments is becoming Bear Killer, that’s not a moment that makes this list. Well, not directly.
It’s time to delve into Jamie’s moments throughout the episode. Here are my favorite three from “Common Ground.”
3. Talk of savages
After signing the deed for the land, Jamie and Governor Tryon talk about savages. There’s a beautiful comment from Jamie that shows everything he has been through over the years. He makes it clear that savages come in multiple forms, from prince to pauper.
We know what he’s speaking of. He thinks back to his time at Wentworth Prison and the treatment of the Scots after Culloden. There are moments with his own Highlanders that he’ll likely think about and then Geillis and what she was willing to do.
However, he was also likely thinking of the Native Americans. While he viewed them with respect and felt for them based on things Claire had said, he also knew they would be dangerous. He was prepared for the worst.
2. Carrying Claire over the threshold
I adored the moment that Jamie picked Claire up and carried her over the threshold. It’s something he’s never had the chance to do and we got this beautiful moment at the end of the episode between the two of them.
There have been mentions from fans that the two haven’t had the chemistry they once had, but I don’t see that. I see they have a different type of love. It’s a more mature love. While they’ve been separated for 20 years, they have been married for 24 years and they were in each other’s hearts throughout that time.
More importantly, they are now starting their new life together. There’s uncertainty and there’s worry. Jamie is constantly on guard while also finding stability for his family. As the man in the time, it’s up to him to do this, even though Claire is an independent woman. This is just about the time period they’re in.
Sometimes, the romance of it all can get lost in the shuffle. But there are some beautiful moments; elements that we can cling onto throughout the series. This is one of those moments, as we see the happiness between them. They’re building their home together and they are clearly still very much in love.
1. Finding respect with and for the Cherokees
When you have someone threatening your home, your life, and your family, you’re not naturally going to be that welcoming to them. However, Jamie gets an immediate sense of honor within the Cherokees. It’s important for everyone to remember that the Cherokees had this land first and they’re, understandably, not happy that the British have come over and stolen it.
However, any good warrior will also honor another warrior. Jamie does that by, initially, finding a way to give the Cherokees something. John Quincy Myers offered to speak for Jamie, but before that could happen the bear attacked.
As I said, the reason for Jamie to become Bear Killer wouldn’t be included directly. It’s what came after that is one of my top moments for Jamie in Outlander Season 4, Episode 4.
After killing the “bear,” he takes the body back to the Cherokees. Knowing they had been hassled by this bear, he wanted to make a point that it was never a real animal they were dealing with. Instead, he (and we) learned more about their ways, their code, and their honor.
It wasn’t clear at first if Jamie would be allowed to live in peace. However, the show of respect and the olive branch, so to speak, was what the tribe needed. Despite being threatened, Jamie was willing to respect them and find a way to live side by side.
What were your favorite Jamie moments in Outlander Season 4, Episode 4? Did the Bear Killer scene stand out the most for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outlander continues on Sundays at 8/7c on STARZ.