Critic’s Ranking: 2.85 / 5.0
2.85
Did Outlander Season 7 Episode 9 scratch that Droughtlander itch we get in between seasons?
Not a lot, and there’s a motive for that.
Though it’s been over a yr since Outlander Season 7 Episode 8 aired, this isn’t the start of a brand new season however a continuation of 1 in progress. The results of this timing is underwhelming at finest and disappointing at worst.
Outlander isn’t alone on this phenomenon.
Yellowstone Season 5 Episode 9 confronted comparable challenges. Nevertheless, after two years of hypothesis, followers have been extremely anticipating Kevin Costner’s potential departure.
For Outlander, the setup is acquainted: Jemmy went lacking, and Jamie and Claire returned to Lallybroch. Kidnappings and journeys are merely the norm on this collection.
The aptly titled “Unfinished Enterprise” each closes out previous storylines and jumpstarts new ones.
On Outlander Season 7 Episode 8, Jamie’s cousin died in battle, and Jamie vowed to convey him again to Scotland, which led Jamie and Claire again to Lallybroch and a reunion with Jenny and her ailing husband, Ian.
Jamie had a quick second to replicate on how a lot he missed Scotland, however he didn’t dwell on it.
A very overdramatic letter to Bree — a part of a group she’s discovered and is studying — foreshadowed a storm “not of this earth however considered one of his personal making.”
But, if we have been alleged to see these shifting winds by the tip of the episode, I missed the indicators.
Different factors missed the mark as properly.
When Claire lastly revealed her time-traveling secret to the Frasers, some moments solely made sense later.
The household has been scattered for thus lengthy that they’re shocked by the information that Ian has been affected by consumption (tuberculosis). Ian’s love for his kids is well-known, and although he’s nearing the tip, his household tries to take it in stride.
The Frasers present a touching acceptance of Younger Ian’s distinctive life selections.
They’ve saved up along with his adventures by means of household letters and even positioned a gravestone for his departed daughter, Iseabail, so he’d have a spot to grieve when he visited.
But Jenny, particularly, appears fast to guage Claire when she reveals the reality about her previous. Claire felt compelled to warn them in regards to the coming French Revolution, hoping to avoid wasting Michael.
The phrase “witch” was tossed round, and Younger Ian known as Claire an “previous one,” whereas Jamie acknowledged that there’s no time period to explain her — although “time traveler” would do properly. Hadn’t they ever mentioned that earlier than?
The timing wasn’t ideally suited. If Claire had insights into the longer term, why couldn’t she save Ian?
Jenny’s accusation — that Claire held a grudge over her half in Jamie’s marriage to Laoghaire — felt as if it got here out of nowhere. Did it, although?
Coincidentally, a few of Jamie’s unfinished enterprise concerned Laoghaire, nevertheless it didn’t add a lot to the episode besides a reminder of her function as Marsali’s mom.
Would anybody have minded if Jamie by no means tried to set issues proper along with her?
Maybe followers of the books know if she or her daughter, Joan (who’s now in search of Jamie’s assist to hitch a convent), have a future function, however I hadn’t considered both character in years.
Because the episode continued, Claire obtained a letter from Lord John informing her that his nephew Henry had sustained a musket harm that required her surgical experience again in Philadelphia.
By this time, Jenny’s anger had light, however the setup for Claire’s journey felt contrived. Contemplating how lengthy an Atlantic crossing took (upwards of seven weeks) and the truth that Lord John had written to a number of places earlier than reaching her, the timing stretched believability.
Claire should sail again to the colonies, which may take months — by then, the surgical procedure could also be too late. And whereas Outlander has a unfastened sense of time, often, it’s stretched too far.
It appeared that Jamie, Claire, and Younger Ian had barely settled into Lallybroch earlier than receiving this information.
In the meantime, Younger Ian was caught between his love for Rachel and his obligation to his father, feeling torn over whether or not to stick with Ian till the tip or pursue Rachel as he (and Ian) wished.
The episode’s most poignant second was a young hug between Younger Ian and his father, conscious it could be their final. It’s uncommon to know whenever you’re saying goodbye for the ultimate time. Having skilled loss myself, I ponder if I’d keep by my father’s aspect or let the love of my life slip away.
The episode additionally reveals Roger and Buc journeying by means of the stones in pursuit of Rob and Jemmy. Upon arrival, their complications ought to have been a clue that one thing had gone improper.
Regardless of the vastly completely different plotlines, the episode discovered a few methods to hyperlink them.
At one level, a knock on the Lallybroch door was cleverly edited to make it appear as if Roger could be reunited along with his in-laws. As an alternative, Roger discovered himself face-to-face with Brian Fraser, Jamie’s father, again in time even additional than anticipated.
Jenny was simply falling in love with Ian, giving Roger a glimpse of her firstly of her marriage, whereas Jamie and Claire stayed by her aspect as Ian neared the tip of his life.
Roger didn’t encounter Jamie, although it’s attainable he might sooner or later. That may be a enjoyable twist of their relationship.
His journey additionally introduced him to Geillis Duncan’s door. Seeing Lotte Verbeek again within the function holds thrilling potential — however solely these acquainted with the novels know if that may come to fruition.
Wanting forward, Jamie and Claire are separated but once more, and Roger and Bree stay aside as properly.
With 4 plotlines now unfolding throughout three time durations, Outlander faces the problem of protecting all these threads participating. Is it an excessive amount of? Time will inform.
There simply wasn’t a lot to sink our tooth into right here. It was extra plot than character-driven, which isn’t my favourite.
Because the episode wrapped up, I questioned if the lengthy wait had dulled my pleasure or if it could be one thing extra.
Has an excessive amount of modified in our world to maintain the story’s attract, or is it merely that we are able to guess what’s coming and it’s not that thrilling?
Let me know what you considered the midseason premiere by sharing your ideas in a remark under!
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