10. Episode 10: The Deep Heart’s Core
This is one of those episodes that I enjoyed while watching but an episode that I forgot about afterwards. There were some much better episodes throughout the season, delivering better storylines and interesting tidbits.
I know this is an episode that leaves fans divided. To be honest, it was Jamie’s attitude that I disliked the most throughout this episode and it left a bad taste in my mouth. This is also at the point in the book that I start to dislike Book Jamie, too.
For one thing, he pushes his own time on Brianna — something I’ve hated about Claire doing to people in the 18th century. But the worst part was him insinuating that Brianna was lying about being raped. I would find it hard to forgive a man who said that to me, so I never blamed Brianna for her actions.
And it’s a shame, because up to that point, the episode was okay. I really enjoyed seeing Roger show his devotion to Brianna, as he tried to figure out what had happened to him. When he escaped, I was desperate to see him go through the stones to recover and then go back, to put himself first.
I was also annoyed about the writings keeping the fact that Claire had told Brianna about Wentworth prison in. This was one moment from the book I hoped the writers would change.
9. Episode 4: Common Ground
Jumping back to the start of the season and it’s time for “Common Ground.” This was another episode that took place in two timelines and was the first to receive a B- grading.
It certainly helped to pick up the pace a little in Outlander Season 4. We got a glimpse of the 20th century to see what they were learning over time and their next movies. It was a push to both Roger and Brianna heading through the stones. I enjoyed seeing Fiona make it clear that she knew the truth and pass on the information she had for Roger.
The past is, again, where some of the weakness was for me. While I adored the man-bear twist (far more realistic than the bear!), the struggles between the Cherokee and the Frasers just felt forced. I think, for me, it was the ending that felt off.
Jamie takes this man-bear back and finally hears the story about who he is. Adawehi shares her dream about Claire. Everything was rushed and didn’t quite feel like it fit properly.