Outlander ―“Prestonpans” Review. Bring on the Barbarians!

Season 2, Episode 10

Air Date: Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

“I feared in my heart that history would not be rewritten, but no matter how many battles we might win, victory would remain forever out of reach.” – Claire Randall Fraser

Dougal is both brave and stupid. He has to change his attitude before it’s too late.

This week we finally get what we have been waiting for. War is the main entrée and it is served hot with a side of bravery, blood, and brutality. I enjoy a good battle scene as much as the next person but I feel like I may have missed something. Where was the Highland charge, the warrior Scots rolling over their British counterparts, and the blood and carnage promised? The battle at Prestonpans was more like a scrimmage on the football field. I was expecting a little more gruesomeness, more guts and glory. How will this all play out for the clans? Will the Frasers be able to change the future?

Swords and Muskets

Claire (Caitriona Balfe) does her duty, putting together a well run field hospital and courage in the hearts of the women helping her. I love seeing Claire in her element. She can block out the nonsense that usually plagues her and focus on the task at hand. It also means she can’t meddle and cause more trouble where there is none. What bothers me most about “Prestonpans” is Claire makes a fatal mistake. She overlooks a patient and it leads to his death. Although not clearly shown here in “Prestonpans,” Claire beats herself up over this incident and I wonder why she feels she should be able to save everyone. She’s a nurse for crying out loud, not a doctor. She puts too much pressure on herself to be everything she thinks the people around her need.

Clip: The Flavor of Victory

Jamie (Sam Heughan) leads his soldiers into the fray, coming out victorious in the battle of Prestonpans. But what I’m more interested in is the kiss between him and Claire before he goes off to fight. It is hot enough to feel through the screen and yes, I felt it. I could see the love between Claire and Jamie; they both hold a tiny bit of fear in the back of their minds that they can be parted. It’s what keeps their fire burning, and puts their relationship on another level. Considering they are still in the honeymoon phase, Claire and Jamie are still learning how to be with each other. And knowing there is a separation coming breaks my heart. Claire and Jamie will always be tested as most of the greatest lovers in the history of romantic heroes and heroines tend to be tested.

Of Note

Jamie seems capable of handling himself.

Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) is charged by Claire to “watch over Jamie,” and I’m happy to see that he does. From the very beginning, Murtagh has been Jamie’s second in command, advisor, and extra set of eyes. What would Jamie do without his uncle to ensure he makes it back to Claire? Let’s hope we never have to find out.

Dougal (Graham McTavish) surprises me in “Prestonpans.” I think his desire to serve Scotland is a righteous cause but he takes it too far. He has no remorse for his actions nor does he apologize for his hatred of the “honorable redcoat.” His “bloodthirsty barbarian” ways make Prince Charles (Andrew Gower) question Dougal’s honor but I’m left wondering what Prince Charles expects from his most loyal supporters. Not only that, does Dougal’s feelings toward the British carry over to how he feels about Claire? I’ve always wondered how Dougal could want Claire so much, yet hate who she is at heart. Was Dougal’s plan to wed Claire—upon Jamie’s demise—the only way to have a Brit under his thumb that he could do with as he pleases?

Clip: Men Like You

I must say, as a fan of the Outlander novels, I didn’t feel anywhere near as saddened by Angus’s (Stephen Walters) death as I did watching the events of “Prestonpans.” His death hits me harder because I actually get to know the character better, and I liked his quirks. He wasn’t a bad guy, and watching him and Claire get into a round of friendly banter made for great television. I can’t tell you how deeply I felt for Rupert (Grant O’Rourke) as he mourns his friend. Great writing and acting on all counts.

Quotes

Jamie: “Claire, how long do ye need to take a simple piss?”

This made me laugh even though it is said during a morbid scene. The snippet of humor during a morose moment is much needed.

Angus to Rupert: “Did ya hear that? I’m talking to the prince.”

Oh Angus, you will be missed.

Prince Charles to Dougal: “Mark me, if I had a hundred men like you, this war would be over tomorrow.”

Doesn’t the prince eat these words? Can’t have it both ways, now can we?

Clip: Angus

Overall

How far are these men willing to go for their Prince?

“Prestonpans” is yet another filler episode on the road to the big showdown. Outlander promises a retelling of history from Claire’s point of view, although I’m not so sure what the outcome will be now. I’m over the fighting and political intrigue; I’d like to get back to the romance and love story that Outlander is known for by readers. I’m ready for season three folks, how about you?

Drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss “Prestonpans.”

Outlander airs Saturdays at 9PM ET/PT, only on Starz. For more on the show, visit the official site.

Follow Outlander on Twitter, using #Outlander and don’t forget the cast Sam Heughan – @SamHeughan, Caitriona Balfe – @caitrionambalfe, Tobias Menzies – @TobiasMenzies, Laura Donnelly – @donnellylaura1.

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Elle

Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle