Outlander: Where the Waters Meet (7x06)

Lots of good stuff to talk about!

Cons:

I remember this from the books, that Jamie's time fighting for the rebels keeps kind of dragging on and getting addendums added onto it. Like, you think he's done, then he gets pulled in elsewhere, and keeps saying yes again and again... it felt a little messy in the book too, and here I find myself antsy to get to Scotland and all the stuff that happens in the aftermath of that.

Pros:

In the aftermath of fleeing from the fort, Jamie and Claire try and help sneak as many people away as they can. One woman, frantic and sure that the Indians are going to take her, ends up running off and when Claire goes to find her, she watches the woman take her own life, and is then captured by the British. When taken to their camp, she finds her patient Walter Woodcock, and she also finds... William. I loved Claire showing her compassion and strength as a medical professional again, and that William, even upon finding her to be a rebel, wants to help her out as best as he's able.

The scene with Ian is also illuminative of what a good egg William is. He's got his strong principles, but deep at heart he knows the right thing to do doesn't always align with his orders. After thanking Ian graciously for saving his life, he discovers that Ian is here to rescue his aunt, and is in fact a rebel as well. His anger at being lied to is clear, but end of the day, he feels he owes Ian for his own life, and owes Claire for his father's life back when he was sick at the Ridge. (If only William knew how many times Claire had saved the life of his other father...)

The scene where Claire tells Jamie all about William was really heartwarming. It was the most emotional part of the episode for me, even beyond their reunion after Claire had been taken by the British. We also see Ian and Rachel continuing their growing connection. They're pretty adorable, I actually think I'm warming to them more on the show than I ever did in the books.

One more note on William: he's properly shamed by Richardson for failing to deliver the letters he was given. Richardson explains that the messages were for spies among the rebels, and William feels terrible for failing in his mission. Richardson promises he'll get a chance to redeem himself. This is bound to be interesting, given what I know is coming. It's a good way to set up William's core values, and how far he'll go to prove himself.

Meanwhile, the 20th century plotline ended up surprising me by being maybe my favorite stuff in the whole episode? Roger is really working for me as a character here. We see him working on his time travel book to give to the kids someday, and also teaching a class to the community, in Gaelic. He's such a natural with kids, and the moment where they all sing in the Gaelic, call and response, was really touching. And then he's doing so well for himself as a stay at home dad, too. he's really starting to settle into his life here and find his purpose. It strikes me more than it ever did when I read these parts of the books, how much of a tragedy it is that they're not going to be able to keep the life they've been building for themselves here. I also really liked the moment with Rob Cameron forcefully inviting himself over for dinner at Lallybroch. I know where it's all going, of course, but honestly it was just cute to see Roger all flustered, trying to figure this guy out, and determine whether he might be making himself a new friend.

And... we see a hint of exactly how everything might start to unravel, as Roger finally tracks down the mysterious figure who's been lurking around the property, scaring the children and eating their food. It's... William "Buck" MacKenzie! What could he be doing here! Stay tuned to find out more...

I'm really happy with all the stuff we're getting to see in this season. It's maybe the most I've enjoyed this show in several years - I'm sad that season eight will be the end of this show!

8.5/10