Outlander review: Jamie learns the truth about Lord John Grey and Claire in Episode 712

As a die-hard Outlander fan who has been following this gripping tale since its inception, I must say last night’s episode was nothing short of exhilarating! The intricate web of emotions and plot twists left me on the edge of my seat, gasping for breath.

In the latest episode of Outlander, we found ourselves on tenterhooks when it became clear that Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan, is not only alive but thriving. Yet, his triumphant return was fraught with an unexpected awkwardness, as Claire, his wife portrayed by Caitriona Balfe, and their mutual friend Lord John Grey (David Berry) had shared a moment while it was believed Jamie was deceased, that they slept together.

Instead of labeling their encounter as a passionate night, it seemed more like a night of sorrow, as their intimate moments were not shared between each other, but with Jamie. That night was certainly peculiar and strange, and Jamie’s return only added to the strangeness. Oh, and they ended up getting married as well.

This week’s captivating installment is titled “Carnal Knowledge,” and without any more preamble, let’s dive straight into the excitement and secrets! Proceed with caution as you may encounter SPOILERS below.

Lord John Grey reveals he has “carnal knowledge” of Claire

The narrative resumes from last week’s cliffhanger, with Jamie managing an escape accompanied by Lord John Grey, who serves as his unwilling guide. While they aren’t physically capturing him, it’s the best means of evasion available. Their journey leads them to the outskirts of Philadelphia, where a discussion transpires.

While Jamie is expressing gratitude towards Lord John Grey for looking after Claire and apologizing for Charles Vandevaart discovering the truth about Jamie’s connection to him, Lord John Grey finds it impossible to conceal the truth any longer. Instead, he candidly admits, “I have intimate relations with Claire.

Jamie dismisses what he thinks is absurd, since he’s aware that John has a preference for males, and moreover, it seems unlikely that Claire would do so with him.

Following an intense appeal by John that his statement was truthful, Jamie becomes enraged and strikes him, continuing to pummel him brutally. It’s a gruesome scene. As Jamie fights with John, a group of men arrive who recognize Jamie as Colonel Fraser. They start questioning John about his past as a British soldier. One of them recalls seeing him before and realizes he is with the British. Given Jamie’s emotional state, he allows John to be taken away by these men.

It appears that Lord John has been summoned back to duty, a development that these individuals are clearly displeased with…

The chronicles of William

Currently, William is deeply upset and enraged upon discovering that Jamie is his true father, a truth that had been concealed from him for so long. All these years, Lord John Grey, the man who brought him up, deceived him. Both father and son are filled with anger over this revelation.

One day, William drops by Claire’s house, only to discover some surprising truth about his parents’ relationship. Claire shares with him that there was something between them, although it wasn’t deep love. However, she emphasizes that their encounters were not compelled or forced, but rather a mutual agreement. Later events surrounding William’s upbringing were decided upon, and while he might not be pleased about it, Claire reminds him that these decisions were made out of care for him and his well-being.

This doesn’t suit William at all, and in response, he spirals out of control with heavy drinking, leading him to a seedy part of town, a brothel to be exact. There, an altercation ensues between him and one of the workers due to his intoxicated state. However, it’s this instance that exposes the profound pain William is enduring.

Jamie Fraser is now Brigadier General Fraser

In regard to Jamie, he encounters General George Washington once more. Given that he bravely put his life on the line and delivered crucial letters from Scotland, Washington recognizes Jamie’s unwavering commitment to this cause. Immediately, he appoints him as Brigadier General and assigns him to lead a battalion, subject to approval by Congress. Despite having had a challenging day, this is a significant milestone for Jamie.

Jamies grateful for receiving this recognition, yet as a spectator, I cant help but fret about his return to the battlefield. Isnt the Battle of Culloden sufficient distress?

Ian is captured

In a rather disgruntled state, William encounters Ian (John Bell) and Rachel (Izzy Meikle-Small), who appear to be engaged. It’s evident that William had feelings for Rachel, making this arrangement another wound in his already hurting heart. To add insult to injury, not only does he learn that Ian is involved, but also that Rachel knows about Jamie’s significance to William. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable if William feels enraged; after all, it seems the entire world was privy to this secret, leaving him with a valid reason to be upset.

Essentially, it’s clear that Ian deserves blame for striking Ian and engaging in a brawl, followed by letting the soldiers apprehend Ian for attacking an officer – such behavior isn’t acceptable, especially given the current circumstances, as it could endanger Ian’s life. Fortunately, as Jamie appears to be on his way back to Claire, he encounters Ian being escorted away by the soldiers. In this instance, we momentarily overlook the fact that Ian and Rachel were unaware that Jamie is still alive. The reunion between them is both joyful and bittersweet due to Ian’s predicament.

As a passionate cinephile, I swiftly approach Uncle William with an urgent plea. I implore him to release Ian, and if he refuses, I vow to reveal the truth behind the fight and its origins. Miraculously, my persistence pays off, much to his displeasure, and thanks to me, dear Uncle Jamie, Ian finally gains his freedom.

Ending of Outlander Season 7, Episode 12 explained

At the close of the story, an intriguing sequence unfolds, keeping us utterly engaged. It transpires that Lord John Grey is instructed to flee, as it becomes clear his captors intend to deliver him to the British for desertion from his post. Let me elaborate further momentarily…

Claire and Jamie eventually meet again, initially causing excitement in Claire until she discovers that Jamie knows about her encounter with Lord John Grey. She endeavors to clarify the intricacies of that night, explaining how she was on the verge of ending her life. The event was confusing, but what made sense was their and Lord John Grey’s affection for Jamie. Essentially, they expressed their love for Jamie, not for each other.

It’s not an easy pill to swallow, but Claire and Jamie have always had this insane level of understanding and love. They just seem to forgive one another despite whatever’s happened and to understand why things transpired the way they did. They find space and love for another (we love this couple!) through this weird situation, and end up making love. They’re essentially right back to where they wanted to be, but there is just one slight problem…Their love-making scene is intercut with Lord John Grey trying to escape. He ends up fighting someone, and a gun shot goes off.

Is he still living or has he passed away? If it’s the latter, will Claire hold Jamie responsible? What impact might this have on their relationship? These thoughts are swirling in my head, and I’m absolutely terrified to discover what happens next. Guess we’ll find out in a week!

Episode Grade: A

2024-12-13 18:42