**This is not a spoiler-free review of this episode. This review is also from a non-reader, and any comments revealing spoilers from the books will be deleted.**
Where’s Waldo, Claire Fraser edition.
Episode 808: “In the Forest”
Written by Ronald D. Moore, Directed by Tracey Deer
Seriously though. We’ve had about a solid 10 minutes of Claire (Caitriona Balfe) in the past few episodes. Isn’t this supposed to be her story? Color me confused, y’all.
Disclaimer: I am fully aware that Caitriona may have been busy with other projects. Just let me rant!!
There are only two episodes left after this.
How.
Why.
Seriously though.
This episode definitely felt a lot cleaner than episodes past in this season so far. I really loved the moments with Jamie (Sam Heughan) and William (Charles Vandervaart). William definitely tends to dwell on things too much (a relatable king.) I like that Jamie accepted his apology for being harsh early in the episode and moved on quickly. That was the fatherly energy William needed. I really liked the moment where Jamie prayed over the buck (elk?? I don’t know) he shot. There were many nice conversations about faith in this episode that felt organic and relatable.
Speaking of Faith.
Dinna fash Sassenach, our Amazon order has arrived.
There are many instances in this episode where faith is tested. Jamie struggles to trust Frank’s book — until he realizes Frank wrote the book to protect Brianna.
Holy GUACAMOLE.
This was the best reveal of the season, in my opinion. And it makes PERFECT SENSE.
The ONE reason Frank (Tobias Menzies) would bypass his own pride to warn Jamie would be for Brianna’s (Sophie Skelton) sake. I LOVED that Frank’s voice-over changed in Jamie’s head when the latter realized that Claire’s first husband had good intentions. The big reveal gave Jamie and Claire (remember her?) a renewed sense of faith.
Speaking of Brianna, since when was she pregnant?
LIKE WAS I JUST SEEING THINGS OR WAS THAT A BABY BUMP?
This legit had me questioning if I needed glasses. Also, this scene was so cute!
Fanny (Florrie May Wilkinson) struggles when some rude boys tell her that her big sister is burning in hell.
It makes sense why Fanny would worry. I thought her scene with Roger (Richard Rankin) was really cute. But once again, I wish there had been a greater focus on Claire overall this season. No disrespect to the adorable actress playing Fanny, though, she’s doing amazing! I just wanted more Claire.
Marsali (Lauren Lyle) is the ONLY character in this episode whose faith was steadfast. That moment where she initially spoke to Fergus after Jamie left was HILARIOUS. Loved that she was still sassing him a bit before SHE DROPPED THAT HEARTBREAKING LINE ABOUT BEING PREGNANT.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
EPISODE MVP.
Is everyone getting pregnant on Fraser’s Ridge?? Is Claire next?
I’M KIDDING OBVIOUSLY.
ANYWAYS.
Marsali is determined to rebuild Fergus’ print shop to carry on his fight. It’s clear that her new goal has given her a newfound sense of strength. I loved how she compared her desire for freedom to America’s. I half-expected a bald eagle to land on her shoulder in a majestic fashion.
Another thing I really liked about that moment was Marsali noting that Fergus was a PART of her journey to freedom, not the SOLE PART OF IT. He was the love of her life, but her story is still her own. So was Fergus dying a part of the books? I’ve been trying SO hard to avoid internet commentary so I don’t spoil that for myself yet!
Your honor, I miss them.
William also struggles with faith in this episode. He’s a very black-and-white thinker. However, as he quickly learns, if he shuns everyone who makes a mistake, he’s quickly out of friends and family. It’s clear William really struggles with abandonment, so naturally, he keeps seeking people out who repeatedly abandon him.
This is why therapy is so helpful!!
I really like that Claire called him out. William was struggling to let his resentment towards Jamie go until Claire reminded him that their lives weren’t guaranteed. It’s not that William HATED Jamie, he just felt that deep sense of abandonment that can be really hard to heal from, especially in an era like the 1700-FREAKING-HUNDREDS.
So, he’s not actually going to die, right?
OK, but like, why would they drop the whole Fanny hearing the bees moment? THERE’S LITERALLY NO TIME. Are they trying to sow the seeds for a spinoff?
Meanwhile, WHO WAS THAT GUY WHO KNOCKED LORD JOHN (DAVID BERRY) OUT? GUYS, I DON’T REMEMBER WHO THAT WAS!!
I know Jamie was still angry at him about the whole Claire situation, but it was sweet when he defended Lord John to William. I’m assuming they’ll have to rescue Lord John in the next episode, but SERIOUSLY, WHY DID THEY KNOCK HIM OUT? I DON’T UNDERSTAND.
SERIOUSLY, LEAVE LORD JOHN ALONE!!
Lord John just wanted to BE HIMSELF. It makes me so sad. He deserves love, too.
JUSTICE FOR LORD JOHN!!!
I think the award for the BEST LINE DELIVERY IN THE EPISODE GOES TO MR. AARON WHITAKER (Tomisin Ajani).
William politely tells him, “Your humble servant,” and AARON GOES, “I HIGHLY DOUBT THAT.”
WHEN I TELL YOU I PASSED OUT LAUGHING. Aaron gets the award for the best new character!
He tells Jamie that his men would like to join Jamie’s militia. The stage has been set for the final battle. I’m seriously in disbelief that the show is almost over.
IN TWO WEEKS, ON FRIDAY, MAY 8TH, AT 8 PM ET: EPISODE 809: “PHAROS.”
Synopsis: “Political threats come to a head when an old friend of Claire and Jamie’s goes missing.”
