In the process of saving lives on the Porpoise, Claire learns that Jamie is in danger. Meanwhile, on the Artemis, Jamie and Fergus conflict about the next moves. Full recap of “Heaven & Earth,” including new clips (first aired Sunday, November 19 at 8pm ET|PT on STARZ).
“Heaven & Earth” starts with a cold open and takes us to the final events of “The Doldrums,” this time from Jamie’s POV. Claire has gone over to the Porpoise, and Jamie watches the man-o-war, a little ways in the distance. Time passes, as other sailors relax and carry out various tasks. Jamie observes Fergus having some exchange with the cook. Apparently, Fergus is putting together a surprise for Marsali–some potpourri in order to freshen up their room. Fergus notices something and calls for Milord to look at the Porpoise. The ship is taking off! Jamie runs up the stairs to the next level and snatches the spyglass from another sailor. Jamie can see Claire arguing with Captain Leonard and being forced away. Jamie starts calling out orders for the sailors to get the Artemis moving so they can catch up and save Claire. However, Captain Raines revokes those orders. What’s going on?
Raines tells Jamie that he’s received word that Captain Leonard will keep Claire to help with the disease on the Porpoise and make a beeline for Jamaica as fast as possible. Claire will be waiting for them safely when the Artemis arrives in Jamaica too. Jamie is livid. How could Raines make this agreement without tell him? As far as Raines is concerned, he doesn’t have a choice. He has to think of the other men on board, and when a British naval officer asks for your surgeon, you give them your surgeon. Jamie becomes even more incensed and grabs Raines by his collar. Raines’ men pull out their pistols and Jamie’s men pull out their daggers. The situation is tense! Raines demands that Jamie tell his men to sheath their weapons, and eventually Jamie does. Jamie asks if at least the Artemis can pick up speed to stay on pace with the Porpoise, but Raines says no. To travel at those speeds would be dangerous. Instead, they will travel apace, as they were. Then Raines orders Jamie to be restrained and locked up belowdecks. As the sailors lead him below, Jamie gets one last look of the Porpoise sailing away.
Cue the Calypso version of the “Skye Boat Song”!
On the Porpoise, Claire gets to work trying to organize those who are sick. It’s important to keep the area where the sick are as clean as possible. She explains that typhoid is spread by hands or food contaminated by urine/feces. Keeping oneself and area as clean as possible will be critical to stopping the spread of the disease. It;’ really hard work, but Claire receives support from Mr. Pound. He won’t allow any of the men to give Claire back-talk. As they move around, we see that Claire has set up a separate area for those who are recuperating. Before anyone can enter, they have to dip their hands in “grog”, the alcoholic drink they have on board. (Though the preference would be for pure alcohol.) Claire dips her hands and then Mr. Pound does too. However, Mr. Pound starts sucking on his fingers… he doesn’t want to grog to go to waste. Claire explains again that by putting his fingers in his mouth, Mr. Pound has dirtied them again. He must be more mindful. Claire tells Mr. Pound to dip his hands again.
Claire reflects that she’s been on the Porpoise for less than a day, and only 50 miles probably separates her from Jamie. But she feels even more removed from him than their 200 year separation. At the same time, Claire is glad Jamie isn’t there because he’d be susceptible to the disease too. She’s interrupted from her musings when Mr. Pound brings her a hat for protection from the sun. He also has news. Apparently two of the men on board have experience distilling alcohol. Mr. Pound suggests this would be helpful to Claire, to which she readily agrees.
Some of the ship’s leadership, including a Mr. Overholt, don’t think the men would like having their rations of grog cut so Claire can have it distilled into pure alcohol. However, Claire is adamant that there isn’t any choice. If they want her to save these men, then the sacrifice must be made. Her next concern is food. Claire is able to have a pap made from goat’s milk and pounded biscuit. The sick should be able to keep this down, along with other liquids. Claire and Mr. Pound work together to give the sick sailors food and drink. She cautions him about not touching his face or hair again until he’s washed his hands in the alcohol. As they work, Claire and Mr. Pound talk. His name is Elias and he’s 14. He’s been at sea since he was seven years old, though he sailed with his uncle, a commander on the Triton. Elias actually only joined the Porpoise for this one voyage. Claire tells Elias that he’s a very impressive young man, which makes him smile. Unfortunately, Elias then sees Jim Quigley, as friend from the same town, who has just passed away. Elias stays with Jim and closes his unseeing eyes. When Claire is called away to deal with three new cases of typhoid, you can tell she’s increasingly frustrated. She has to figure out who the initial carrier of the typhoid is.
Claire goes to Leonard and asks to see the previous surgeon’s journals. She notices that the first cases of the typhoid were contracted by the same set of men who messed together. Claire then sees that all those who messed with the Carpenter’s crew are now dead, except for one: Joe Howard. Since Joe Howard never reported as sick, he’s been reassigned to work in the galley with the cook, Mr. Cosworth. Joe Howard is the carrier! When Claire demands that Joe be removed from his duties as the assistant to the cook, Mr. Cosworth is angry. He’s already having to accommodate Claire and now she wants to take away the one assistant he has left? Besides, Joe isn’t even sick! Claire tries to explain that it can be possible for a person to carry the disease without exhibiting symptoms. The other men have no chance if the carrier or the disease is the person serving the food. Leonard eventually agrees and has Joe taken into custody.
Later, Claire watches as the sailors are preparing the dead bodies to be buried at sea. Elias is there as Jim Quigley’s body is being sewn in a shroud. He tells Claire that the last stitch must go through the nose, just to confirm that the person is dead. A friend should be the one to do this, and Elias does it for Jim. On the deck, Captain Leonard leads the crew in a the burial services and prayers. Then the bodies are committed to the sea.
That night, while Claire is having a moment to herself, Cosworth comes to remind her that 11 people died that day, more than the days before. He doesn’t believe the washing hands and boiling water are doing much of anything. Elias arrives and tells Cosworth to return to his duties. He also tells Claire that the cook has always been disagreeable. Elias then asks Claire how she keeps calm around so much death. She says that she compartmentalizes to prevent herself from being affected by every death. But Jim Quigley wasn’t her friend, so of course Elias would be affected. However, this won’t be the last burial at sea for their voyage. With luck they’ll get through it. Elias disagrees. He’s seen Claire’s hard work these last few days, so it’s more than luck. But to add to their chances, Elias gives Claire his rabbit’s foot, a gift from his mother (now deceased) when he left in the Triton, for luck and health.
The two are interrupted with news that another man has taken ill. Mistress Johansen, the lady to tends to the goats and provides milk for the men, is distraught that her husband is sick. When Claire does an examination, she realizes that Corporal Johansen is just drunk from the distilled alcohol. Claire is so angry and curses up a storm. Elias is a little shocked to hear that language from a gentlewoman. But Claire is no gentlewoman. She asks Elias to watch Corporal Johansen so he doesn’t choke on his vomit. Claire then speaks to Mistress Johansen, Annekje. She doesn’t speak much English, but Claire is able to convey her thanks for the goat’s milk. Before Claire leaves, she notices a Portuguese flag on the ground. Why is it there? Apparently two weeks ago, as they searched for a surgeon, the Porpoise came across a Portuguese frigate. Claire must find out if it was the Bruja. She sneaks into Leonard’s office and searches through his papers. Unfortunately, the ship was the Cacador, not the Bruja. But Claire notices something else in the Captain’s journal, Jamie’s name. One of the sailors, a Harry Tompkins, has told Leonard that Jamie Fraser is a wanted man for sedition. Claire is caught by Cosworth, who is suspicious about why she is trespassing. Cosworth demands to know why Claire is in the office, but she turns things on him. If he doesn’t let her pass, Claire will scream and accuse Cosworth of trying to assault her. And Leonard will believe her. Cosworth moves out of her way, but reiterates that he doesn’t like Claire. Claire has bigger concerns. She has to find Harry Tompkins!
The next time Claire sees Elias, he’s very tired. She suggest he gets some rest. As Elias is sitting down, Claire asks if he can help her find Harry Tompkins. He could possibly be a second carrier of the typhoid. Elias agrees to put out word with the crew, but keep things discreet, as to not stir up trouble. Later, Elias and some crewmen force Tompkins into Claire’s surgery. It’s the man with the blind eye from A. Malcolm printshop! Tompkins certainly recognizes Claire too. But what should she do now? Would she kill Tompkins to protect Jamie? It seems that Tomkins wouldn’t mind death. Apparently, he’s had a terrible month. After discovering Jamie’s seditious papers and expecting a promotion from Sir Percival, he’s pressed into service on a ship full of disease. Maybe Claire should put him out of his misery. At least there won’t be a witness to speak against Jamie. However, Tompkins confirms that they have warrants out for Jamie’s arrest for murder and high treason. Murder??!!! When Sir Percival seized A. Malcolm’s warehouse and broke open the casks, they found a dead body in the creme de menthe. YIKES, it’s John Barton. Claire argues that Jamie didn’t kill Barton, but what does Tompkins care. He’s already told Leonard. And since Leonard is trying to get command of a ship of his own from the admiral, he’ll leverage Jamie’s capture (a wanted seditioner) to do it. The authorities will be waiting when Jamie comes to get Claire in Jamaica. He will be arrested and hanged. NO!
Claire doesn’t kill Tompkins, but she has him locked up below as the second source of the fever. She quietly warns Tompkins to stay away from Joe Howard, who really is a carrier of typhoid.
But what can Claire do now? She goes to see Annekje to talk. Annekje gives Claire some goat cheese as a gift. She notices Claire is sad, and asks why. Claire spills everything and Annekje offers to help, “my goats need grass.” Claire isn’t sure what that means, but is appreciative of a listening ear.
A few days later, Claire realizes the situation is much better. There are no new cases and the sick seem to be recovering. But then Claire recognizes a familiar face in one of the cots. It’s Elias and he’s very sick. He’s hallucinating and calling for his mother. Claire answers him, as mother, and tells Elias to come home. He passes away, the only sailor to die that day. As they prepare to bury Elias at sea, Claire returns the rabbit’s food to him, “your mother would be so proud.” Then Claire sews the last stitch through Elias’ nose. RIP Elias.
That night, Claire mourns Elias. Leonard comes to see her and thank her for her efforts in containing the disease. Claire is still dejected. She missed the signs with Elias and now they’re almost out of drinking water. Leonard knows that Claire will do her best and he will too. Soon, Annekje and her husband come to Claire to report that they’ll soon be upon land, “you can always smell it before you see it.” They’ll reach Grand Turk the next day, so they’ll have fresh water for the men and grass for Annekje’s goats. Annekje gives Claire a little wink.
Meanwhile, on the Artemis, Jamie is still locked up. His seasickness has returned (since Yi Tien Cho can’t perform the acupuncture). Fergus brings Jamie some food, and asks how he is. Jamie isn’t concerned about being in a cell, he needs to get to Claire. No, she can’t catch the disease, but there are 300 strange men she must contend with too. Jamie is devastated. How can he be separated from Claire again? He can’t lose her. Jamie asks Fergus to use his pickpocket skills to get the keys to cell and free him. They’ll take the ship and rush to Claire. Fergus is very hesitant. There’s no way they can convince enough men to mutiny, plus the Porpoise is a full day ahead of them. Jamie suggests abandoning Jared’s wine. The Artemis will be lighter and can move faster. When Fergus declines again, Jamie loses it.
“What good are you, you damn fool? I see I was right to withhold my blessing from you. Proves ye dinna ken what love is.”
“You do not mean that, Milord. How could you say that?”
“Because if you did, ye would move Heaven and Earth. You would risk arrest and death. Even hell… Until ye risk all, ye canna speak of love.”
Then Jamie tries another path–he promises to give Fergus and Marsali his blessing for them to get married if Fergus would free him from the cell. Fergus shares this with Marsali as she cleans his arm before putting on his metal hand. Marsali likes the idea of having Jamie’s blessing, but what happens if the attempt at mutiny fails? Who will protect her when Fergus is chained up next to Jamie? They share a kiss that starts to get heated. But Fergus puts a stop to it. He wants to do the honorable thing and wait until they’re married. Fergus promised Milord. Marsali observes that this is a Jamie-thing to do. Once he’s given his word, he won’t break it.
Fergus does a little eavesdropping and overhears Raines with his men. Convincing them to mutiny isn’t a possibility. Then one of the men actually references Marsali and wanting to sleep with her. Fergus can’t take the risk of leaving Marsali alone. That night, he tells Jamie exactly this. He won’t leave Marsali alone or lead Milord to his death. “I know you won’t give us your blessing now. You asked me if I would move heaven and earth for the woman I love. And I will, even if it means I cannot marry her. I do this for you as well, Milord.” Fergus leaves, as Jamie yells for him.
Later, as Jamie is looking at the photos of Bree (with his sexy spectacles), Raines come to him. They’ll soon be in sight of land and Raines needs every able-bodied man to help navigate through the islands. Marsali is with Raines and it seems she’s the one who has persuaded the Captain to let Jamie out. Once Jamie gives his word not to rebel, he won’t break it. Marsali talks to Jamie, admonishing him for not seeing what Fergus has done for him. Jamie is freed and immediately gives his blessing. Fergus and Marsali can be married in Jamaica.
“You’ll need to prove yourself to her, as much as to me. And then–”
“First, let us get to Jamaica.”
“Thank you, mon fils.”
On Grand Turk, Claire joins Annekje to feed her goats. When the sailors turn their back, Annekje tells Claire to run. Claire takes off, but doesn’t make it far before she’s stopped by Leonard and two guards. He’s making rounds to make sure the men don’t wander to the brothel near by. Leonard acknowledges being grateful to Claire and in her debt; but he is duty-bound to capture Jamie Fraser, even if it means using Claire as bait. Leonard has Claire escorted back to the ship.
That night, Annekje leads Claire to the side of the ship and tells her to jump. They’re near another island (Co-Burn?) and if Claire uses a makeshift raft, she should be able to make it to land. Claire is really frightened, but Annekje says there isn’t another choice. This is Claire’s only chance to save Jamie. You know Claire will do anything for Jamie. She takes money from Annekje and strips off her skirts to wrap up her belongings. Annekje drops the raft into the water and then Claire jumps… Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!
If you missed tonight’s episode, you can watch (or rewatch) “Heaven & Earth” on STARZ Play online HERE or via the STARZ Play app.
Sassenachs, our Jamie and Claire can never catch a break. These British are forever trying to imprison and hang Jamie! But we know Claire will do her damnedest to prevent that from happening. Here’s hoping Claire survives her jump and that she can find Jamie before the authorities do! What did you think of the episode? Share your thoughts and feels with us in comments!