In last week’s episode, Captain Charles Cunningham is exposed as a British spy who’s assembling a Loyalist militia at Fraser’s Ridge. In episode 4, fully aware of Jamie’s Patriot leanings, Cunningham still extends an invitation for him to join. Jamie, however, only pretends to entertain the offer, using the gesture to buy time.
Lord John Grey plays once again a pivotal role. He invites Brianna to Savannah to paint a portrait of Amaranthus and her child, which gives her and Roger the opportunity to secretly acquire weapons for Jamie’s militia in response to Cunningham.
At the same time, Lord John helps arrange a meeting between his former lover, Percy Beauchamp, and Fergus, which leads to the revelation of his true parentage. Let’s dive right into our favorite moments from season 8, episode 4, "Muskets, Liberty, and Sauerkraut."
1. Brianna and William reunite
It had been years since Brianna last crossed paths with Lord John, making their reunion in Savannah a genuinely touching moment. Even so, the episode’s most significant emotional encounter belongs to Brianna and William. The last time they met, William was completely unaware that he was speaking to his older sister. Brianna understood then that it wasn’t her place to reveal that Jamie was his true father. This time, however, they are both aware of their connection.
They both know the true meaning behind their meeting: Lord John wants to help William find himself, and what better way to do that than talking with the only other person who has experienced the same thing? It’s heartwarming to see how quickly William and Brianna connect. While he says he still doesn’t know how to think of this situation, it’s clear that he’s starting to slowly get used to it.
Amaranthus also notices how naturally they connect. William quickly picks up on her jealousy, and he openly admits the truth about his parentage. Rather than pulling away, Amaranthus is reassured by his honesty.
She points out that she herself lacks noble lineage and then goes a step further, proposing that William marry her and relinquish his title in favor of their future child. The suggestion clearly catches William off guard – as well as the viewers. Once again, Amaranthus’ true intentions remain a mystery for now.
2. The Fraser siblings together again
In the days before the siege of Savannah, the Fraser siblings are reunited in Fergus’ printshop. Brianna and Roger bring some of the Frenchman’s gold to buy weapons and conceal it in casks of sauerkraut. When Brianna and Roger arrive in Savannah and reveal their rather pungent cargo, they fill Fergus and Marsali in on the plan.
Later, as the group relaxes together over a whiskey, they talk about Percy Beauchamp and his request for a meeting. Brianna suggests that he might be related to them, as Calire’s maiden name is the English version of his.
Yes, we did melt a little when Bree said “OUR mother.” It’s nice to have a reminder that Claire is mother to not just Brianna but also to Fergus and Marsali.
The calm is abruptly shattered when a rock crashes through the window and the sign outside is torn down. Marsali takes a more cynical view, remarking that their attempt at neutrality only ensures that everyone resents them. "Just the life of a news printer in these troubled times," Fergus adds.
3. Fergus’ true parentage is revealed
The most startling twist of the episode unfolds during Percy Beauchamp’s conversation with Fergus. Percy claims that Fergus is actually the biological son of Le Comte St. Germain, the very man Claire indirectly killed in season 2.
Percy goes on to explain the tangled family connections. Fergus’ mother was Amelie Beauchamp, a sister of Percy’s wife. She vanished after fleeing with the Comte. The two had been legally married, but the relationship ended when the Comte sold Amelie to a brothel, where Fergus was eventually born.
Faced with this information, Fergus is understandably wary of Percy’s intentions, particularly regarding the land in America that comes with his inheritance. But more importantly, Fergus resists the idea of acknowledging the Comte as his father.
In his eyes, that role has already been filled by Jamie. As Fergus says to Marsali, “Monsieur Beauchamp told me what every orphan wants to hear, that I'm the son of a great man – but I'm already the son of a great man.”
4. Buck Mackenzie arrives at the Ridge
Early in the episode, Jamie departs Fraser’s Ridge with the goal of gathering men for his militia. The effort proves largely successful. Among the recruits is a man who mentions that he knows Brianna and Roger from Scotland. When Jamie hears this, he briefly fears the worst: that the man might be Rob Cameron, looking for the Frenchman’s gold.
Instead, the stranger turns out to be William Buccleigh “Buck” Mackenzie, the son of Dougal Mackenzie and Geillis Duncan, who in season 7 mistakenly time-travelled to Lallybroch in the 20th century.
Buck reveals that he has taken steps to ensure Rob Cameron will no longer trouble Brianna and Roger. Jamie ultimately brings him back to Fraser’s Ridge, where Jemmy and Mandy are overjoyed by his return. Jemmy even introduces him as “Cousin Buck!” Another heartfelt reunion is likely on the horizon once Brianna and Roger make their way back from Savannah.