Outlander –“The Reckoning” Review. Welcome Back.

Season 1, Episode 9

Air Date: Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 9PM ET/PT on Starz

Rating: ★★★★★

“You are my home now.” – Jamie Fraser

With the midseason premiere now behind us, I wait with bated breath for what’s to come. I know where the story will lead, and folks, it isn’t pretty. That said, “The Reckoning” gives you a sneak peek into the mind of our hero. He doesn’t quite know why he feels the way he does for his new bride, because he’s never been in love before. Once the realization hits James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser (Sam Heughan), or Jamie as he’s better known, that he is in fact in love, his world changes. Oh, the things we do for love. There’s a reason they say love is a drug.

(Un)Familiar Territory

I will never tire of seeing these two together.

The narrator changes for the return of the second half of the first season of Outlander. I happen to like the switch up as readers of the Outlander novel will understand the second half of this story is not simply Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) to tell. Jamie is by far the better story teller anyway, and we get to hear his thoughts, see his ruminations, and understand his journey into love. It is with this new point of view we travel along with Jamie and Claire, experiencing their growing adoration for one another, and coming to grips with the consequences this world holds for people in their position. They just want to be together, basking in the afterglow of wedded bliss. But no; on the run from the villainous Black Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies), floundering without a true home to call their own, Jamie and Claire stumble and fall through the first stages of love and marriage. Cue in their first fight.

I felt more passion and fear watching “The Reckoning” than I have with other Outlander episodes. Why, you ask? Well, the acting is so on point you can’t help but react to what the actors are expressing. The devotion pouring forth from Jamie and Claire radiates on screen, creating a sense of romanticism that overwhelms me. The drawing in of breath on a shallow gasp, the close proximity of lips, the gentleness of a touch—it all plays a part in the way the relationship comes across on screen. I’ve never seen chemistry quite the likes of what Heughan and Balfe have. They figuratively have tapped into their characters and embody them mind, heart, and soul.

Random Tidbits

The most villainous villain in the history of villainy. Black Jack is a thorn in the Frasers side.

I might have Black Jack Randall figured out. He’s surfing along the dark side, yes, but he’s also looking for redemption. He’s ashamed of the man he’s become so he punishes himself by punishing others. Jonathan Randall is not in his right mind when he morphs into the “Black Jack” persona. Jonathan is still there; he can be seen in more lucid moments. Menzies does an excellent job portraying this with an almost imperceptible change in his eyes. You can see the transformation from decorated captain to feared commander in his gaze. It is quite fascinating. Watch carefully or you just might miss it. I had my reservations about Menzies playing this part and I take them back. I cannot see anyone else portraying this character with such passion and veracity as Menzies. There has to be numerous accolades awaiting him once award season hits.

Dougal (Graham McTavish) is on my radar, once again. He is so clever it astounds me. His ability to flip the switch from asshole to gentleman in a heartbeat, coupled with his charm makes you forget why you were pissed at him in the first place. It took me watching the marathon before the premiere to realize how vindictive Dougal can be. Not only that, he’s not afraid to challenge anyone who thinks he’s in the wrong. His brand of arrogance can be considered dangerous but it works with him. His unflinching loyalty to his brother Colum (Gary Lewis) proves how much Dougal thinks his poop doesn’t stink. Dougal needs to be careful. He can slip and fall from his rise to the top just as easily as he climbed.

I can’t forget about Laoghaire (Nell Hudson) and her overflowing bosom. What tricks little girls pull while trying to sink their claws into another woman’s man. Ugh, this chick does not know when to quit or who she’s messing with. What pains me is Laoghaire (pronounced Leery, get it?) has no idea what she’s up against. From the outside, she sees Jamie as attached to a woman he barely knows. And why ever would he want to do that when he knows Laoghaire so intimately, right? Gag. She clearly doesn’t understand the connection Claire and Jamie have. It will be interesting to see how intricate a part Laoghaire’s antics will play in Jamie and Claire’s relationship. I see trouble a brewing.

Memorable Lines

Jamie to Claire: “What does ‘fucking’ mean?”

Oh Jamie, the things Claire can teach you.

Overall

These guys will give their life for Claire but is she worthy of their sacrifice?

Not quite the Three Musketeers but they’ll do. Claire has a great support system here.

I can’t complain so I won’t. I’m more than excited to see the return of Outlander. “The Reckoning” does its job of continuing the tale of Mr. and Mrs. Fraser and their journey across Scotland. There are a few dangers and obstacles barring their way, but they will persevere. I have to give kudos to the writers and director for handling a touchy subject with humor. I didn’t like Claire being spanked in the novel and I prayed as I watched “The Reckoning” it wouldn’t come to pass. Needless to say, that’s a side of Jamie I don’t ever want to see again. He almost lost me as a fan. Almost. Drop me a line in the comments section or tweet me @ellemoe to discuss. Outlander airs Saturdays at 9PM ET/PT, only on Starz. For more on the show, visit the official site.

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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