Outlander ―“The Fox’s Lair” Review. War is Coming.

Season 2, Episode 8

Air Date: Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

“It’s all coming to pass, isn’t it? Jacobite rising, Culloden, the clearances, the destruction of all of this. ” — Claire Randall Fraser

This was such a cute scene. I adore Jamie and Claire loving on one another.

Claire (Caitriona Balfe) hits the nail on the head. The problem she and Jamie (Sam Heughan) don’t realize is they might be the cause of what’s coming. “The verdict of history” is known to Claire so she has to realize the future isn’t changed. Jamie makes a point to convince Claire she can change the future with a series of “because of you” statements. But here’s the thing—there are a ton of things that happened because of her that wouldn’t have otherwise. You know, like Jamie being caught by the redcoats, taken as a prisoner, and brutalized. I could go on but it’s not necessary. Outlander is going back to Scotland, filling our screens with deep, rich greens and homespun clothing. Kilts are back in fashion; fingerless gloves are necessary; and then there are the Frasers with their never ending plots.

Clip: Forged Letter

Of Note

“The Fox’s Lair” is full of flair and backstory. We learn about Jamie’s grandsire, Lord Lovat (Clive Russell), and his eccentricities. I don’t care for the man nor do I care to learn more about him. He’s a misogynistic pig and a manipulative bastard. Not quite a villain but mean enough to put you on your guard around him. I’m not sure how Lord Lovat’s character is to be considered important to the episode. Yes, the title of “The Fox’s Lair” relates to Jaime’s grandsire but to what end? The plotting and scheming continue and side characters, such as Laoghaire (Nell Hudson) and Simon (James Parris), fall prey to Claire’s machinations. This is the one thing I do not like about this season of Outlander. Claire tries her hardest to change the outcome of the future but mangles it in the process. So why would she want the woman who almost caused her to be burned at the stake to help her? Oh, the tangled web being weaved here. Laoghaire plays like she isn’t smart enough to understand what Claire needs from her but is only willing to help because of Jamie. I don’t like Claire using Laoghaire’s unrequited love for Jamie for any kind of gain. It always backfires in the end. This is a recurring theme that is getting a bit old. But I know there is something good awaiting us on the other side.

Honorable Mentions

Laoghaire is up to no good no matter what she says.

It’s good to see Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) again. His trip to Portugal couldn’t have come to an end soon enough. I’d love to know his thoughts on what happened while he was away, and what might have gone differently had he been around. Murtagh certainly would have found some humor to pull out of the more dramatic situations. Or at least he would have threatened to pummel someone to death for whatever missteps were taken.

Fergus (Romann Berrux) is as brave as they come. He’s quite the find, I believe. Jamie would be best to always keep Fergus by his side. That kid won’t let Jamie down if he can help it. I laughed watching him trot up to the group on his little donkey.

Getting back to Laoghaire; she’s trouble. A woman like that, with a heart bent on having a man who doesn’t belong to her, won’t stop until she gets what she wants. Her motivations make me worry for Claire’s mental state. “I have changed, ye ken.” Laoghaire may say this, repeatedly, but I don’t believe a word out of her lying mouth. She’s evil to the core and is not sorry for it. I don’t know her game but there has to be more to it than her infatuation (obsession might be the better term) with Jaime. Laoghaire cares too much about what he thinks and how he feels for my taste. Claire might need to lay a smack down on Laoghaire so she’ll understand Claire means it when she tells her to stay away from her man.

Clip: I Pity You

Overall

I’m glad Fergus came home to Scotland with Jamie and Claire. He’ll do them both good.

“The Fox’s Lair” is another look into the inner workings of thwarting a rebellion and politics of old. I can’t say I’m overwhelmed with glee by the episode but I am happy to see we’re back in Scotland. I’ve missed the greens and outdoor shots that yield such incredible beauty. As an aside, does Simon look like a Hobbit to anyone else?

Drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss “The Fox’s Lair.”

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