War finally descends of the Highlands and Jamie and Claire endeavor to make sure history swings to the Jacobites’ side. Get a sneak peek of this week’s Outlander (“Prestonpans”), airing Saturday, June 11 at 9:00pm ET|PT on STARZ.
As a lover of the book series, last week’s Outlander seemed to be a bit of a deviation from the original story. However, I thought “Je Suis Prest” was a necessary transition into the coming Jacobite war. As the writer of the episode, Matthew B. Roberts, said in his post-episode breakdown, it was important for us to realize that the men going into battle were ordinary farmers with no military training. And it was up to Jamie to make sure the Fraser men were ready to go up against facing off against the British Redcoats, a modern military force. At the same time, there were several dynamics going on in the background that indicated the continued growth of these characters, as well as the forthcoming conflicts in the final episodes of the season.
First, one of the best parts of “Je Suis Prest” was getting to see Jamie act so JAMMF-y. He emerged as a leader among men… someone knowledgeable, charismatic, and able to galvanize people to rally behind him. Of course, this brought him into direct conflict with Dougal several times. However, notice that every time they disagreed, Dougal backed down. Yes, Dougal might have been older, but in this instance, it was Jamie who had the necessary experience to prepare his men and the authority to make things happen. I definitely anticipate seeing more of General Jamie, especially since he holds Price Charles’ trust.
Second, though it pained me, I thought it was so important to see Claire dealing with PTSD. I mean, can you imagine? Claire was a nurse in World War II, worked alongside American soldiers, witnessed atrocities, and faced just as much danger. Then to have her travel back in time to go through a similar process in the Jacobite war… it had to be bewildering. I really have to hand it to production as well, because Claire’s flashbacks were so vivid and well-placed. I 100% understood her reticence to go to war again; she’d just gotten out of another one!
But here’s where the strength of the Claire/Jamie bond came into play. Claire completely confided in Jamie, telling him about her fears. He instantly wanted to protect her and shield her from that pain. But Claire refused to leave Jamie’s side. They would always be stronger together, and they would get through this war by each other’s side. Besides, Jamie knows that Claire is a huge asset, and not only her medical knowledge, but also her ability to diffuse situations (e.g. when William Grey came to camp).
Jamie: “No turning back now, Sassenach.”
Claire: “I would say not. Je suis prest.”
Yes, together, they would be ready.
Finally, was anyone else creeped out by Dougal’s zeal about joining the Jacobites? He was TOO excited about getting to Prince Charles and going to battle. At first, I was like Claire, believing that this was a function of Dougal’s own narcissism… he stood to gain a lot with a Stuart on the British throne, especially if he was instrumental in putting King James there. But I also believed Dougal when he said he loved Scotland and would give everything for his country. I don’t know… I just think Dougal’s fervor is something to be concerned about, especially since Claire and Jamie already know the outcome of the Jacobite rebellion. (Go HERE for the FULL recap of “Je Suis Prest”.)
Well, this week, the battle officially begins in the Highlands. In “Prestonpans” (written by Ira Steven Behr, directed by Philip John):
Trusting in Claire’s knowledge of “history,” Jamie leads the Jacobite army into a critical battle with British opposition near the town of Preston. Meanwhile, Claire attends to the dead and dying, a reminder of the truest costs of war. (via STARZ)
In this sneak peek (via an Esquire exclusive), Jamie and Dougal are at Prince Charles’ camp, across from the British encampment. They discuss strategies for deciphering the distance between them and the redcoats:
Vanity Fair has another exclusive clip when Prince Charles tells Jamie about how he wants to start uniting the British and Scots by showing goodwill to the redcoats. The article also includes some graphic images of the Battle of Prestonpans:
Finally, in this last clip Fergus has some ideas for how to join the coming battle; however, Jamie and Claire insist that he would be of better service with Claire at the field hospital:
Claire will definitely need her rest because, judging from the episode stills, maintaining the hospital keeps her busy! P.S. MARK ME, I’m NOT looking forward to being in Prince Charles’ presence again…
Check out the images below and remember to watch “Prestonpans” when when it airs this Saturday, June 11 at 9:00pm ET|PT on STARZ. Come live tweet with us at @WeSoNerdy, too!
The moment they've been training for is here. Watch #Outlander this Saturday to see if history is rewritten.https://t.co/hRBypViTQl
— Outlander (@Outlander_STARZ) June 8, 2016