Believe it or not, we are now halfway through the last season of Outlander. The fifth episode, titled “Send for the Devil,” feels like a midpoint between the tensions established in the earlier episodes and their eventual unraveling in the finale. As a foreshadowing of the final battle, all the characters find themselves in a fight against death — Jamie especially.
Mr. Whittaker — whose twin babies Claire helped deliver in episode 3 — warns Jamie of a dangerous plot against him. Captain Charles Cunningham plans to capture Jamie and hand him over to Captain Ferguson to be tried for treason and executed, giving Cunningham control of Fraser’s Ridge.
Cunningham plots to betray Jamie
Jamie quickly realizes the attempt will likely happen after the Lodge meeting and devises a counter-plan. Part of that strategy involves striking a risky deal with Cleveland (the titular “devil”) to protect both himself and the Ridge by engaging his militia. The problem lies in the numbers: Jamie believes he doesn’t have enough men, as his recruits are still training.
Outlander author Diana Gabaldon has discussed this with Parade: “This is why the Masonic Lodge is important; Masons acknowledge a mutual loyalty, and the gathering brings all the men in Lodge into close contact with each other — things can be spread in a very short time. On the other hand, it also means that Cunningham is betraying the brotherhood of the Lodge, which presumably he would only do if he had a real belief in loyalty to the Crown."
As for Jamie’s deal with Cleveland, Gabaldon confirms it will indeed lead him to King’s Mountain, adding to his growing sense of dread. Meanwhile, Cunningham moves forward confidently because he believes he won’t die for another five years.
Gabaldon explains that Cunningham’s characterization supports this, “The thing is… Cunningham is a sea captain. A man who will take on the sea is a man who will take on anyone else, too. More importantly, a sea-captain is used to making his own decisions in the midst of chaos and danger.” And as Jamie tells Claire, a man who believes he cannot die is especially dangerous.
Cousin Ben is alive… but at what cost?
In episode 4, Roger found himself trapped in the Continental Army camp in preparation for the Siege of Savannah. In episode 5, we see him fight against the British and help the injured as a minister. Brianna, being too worried about Roger’s fate, visits a Patriot camp with William, where the Mackenzies reunite.
While in the camp, William finds his cousin Ben alive and well… but wearing the enemy’s uniform. Ben, heir to the title of Duke of Pardloe, has effectively betrayed the Crown. William reacts with a mix of emotions, first embracing him and then striking him. The situation becomes even more complicated because of William’s recent involvement with Ben’s wife, Amaranthus.
Gabaldon suggests William’s struggles stem from limited experience and emotional strain: “William has had relatively little experience with women. He had sex (and something emotional going on) with Jane, but then failed to save her from death, which would probably dampen anyone’s spirit for a bit… He has rapport with Rachel, but she’s a) in love with, and b) married to Ian. Fanny has a crush on him, but she’s much too young for him to consider.” His involvement with Amaranthus is therefore tangled in both attraction and guilt.
Ben’s actions deepen this internal conflict. From William’s perspective, his cousin has not only faked his death but also dishonored his family by switching sides. Ultimately, William seems compelled to return home and tell Lord John the truth, even if it risks exposing his own actions. It’s another moment where duty, loyalty, and personal feelings collide, leaving him with no easy solution.