Claire and Jamie experience the rising tensions in the colonies first-hand when they attend a Loyalist event in Wilmington in honor of the Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald.
My honest first reaction to this episode is it was really good and boy is it opening up a lot of interesting story-lines. There were some interesting changes and additions. Additions aren’t always bad when they are implied in the book or even talked about. Sometimes those little side notes in a book are fun to see on the screen.
Give Me Liberty opens on the coast of Scotland where Flora MacDonald is helping Charles Stuart escape to Skye after Culloden. The very fact that this is referencing the song seems like an inside joke when, in fact, the song is actually playing out on screen for us because this is what the song is about.
Stuart is dressed as a maid and doesn’t seem to like the garb of women very much. Neither do they buddy. They are stopped by a British soldier who inquires after their papers of “safe conduct.” Flora says her mother is very ill. When the solider inquires after “Mistress Burke” Flora distracts the soldier with her feigned grief. The soldier let’s them go and Flora nearly forgets her papers.
Of course, Charles Stuart has to say, “Mark me.” He assures her she will not go unremembered which is true. Flora MacDonald is a folk hero to this day including an Academy named after her in North Carolina.
I loved the change in theme song and the flag flying at the beginning of the episode.
The Letter
“My dear sir,
This is to notify you of my Resignation as Indian Agent, as I find that my personal Convictions will no longer allow me to perform my Office on behalf of the Crown in good Conscience.
In thanks for your kind Attention and many Favors, and wishing you well in future, I remain Your most humble Servant,
J. Fraser“
Governor Martin is reading Jamie’s letter to none other than Lord John Grey. He can’t tell if Jamie is a traitor or only resigning the post. John assures Martin Jamie is just resigning but Martin is still worried because Jamie has a militia. Martin wants John to find out exactly where Jamie’s loyalties lie.
Just so you know John doesn’t appear here but this is a logical addition because Lord John is always involved in the machinations of the fight and political intrigue in the Outlander and Lord John series’. So this change makes sense and gives us a character we were missing.
Wilmington
Jamie and Claire are at and inn. Claire is putting there things away while Jamie reads a letter from Cornelius Harnett who is an historic Patriot and Founding Father of the United States. The letter is to invite Jamie to share a drink with him below in the tavern. His letter mentions, “raise a toast to King and country,” which is a joke and likely a way to hide his intentions should his letter be intercepted or seen by someone less sympathetic.
The two talk about Flora MacDonald who Jamie knows from childhood and Claire thinks he has something of a crush. Jamie is sad Fergus couldn’t be there as he’s a fan of the woman. Apparently, Fergus took over the print shop of someone who left in a hurry. Jamie wants words with Jocasta.
I love this moment when Claire leans into him and reminds Jamie the day is a celebration. It seems very much like a married couple and the wife telling him to behave himself.
Claire and Jamie give us some exposition. Flora is there to support the King and Claire finds it odd former Jacobites would support the King. Jamie explains those Jacobites have finally forged new live and they learned the hard way about losing it and have no intention of doing it again. I remember this bit of history. The Jacobites were so thoroughly striped of everything they held dear they were very reluctant to rebel again.
Even Jamie thinks if he had not known the future, he’s have stood by the Crown as well.
Jamie goes downstairs and finds Harnett with his friend who can’t hide his disgust when they toast to the King. Harnett and Jamie sit for a drink and Harnett praises his resignation at Alamance. Jamie lets him know there were other reasons behind what happened that day. Harrnett is impressed with Jamie. Jamie notices the man is wearing a Mason’s ring and the two shake hand (Mason secret handshake). Harnett tells him they’ll be meeting at this tavern the next night so the Sons of Liberty can meet. Jamie agrees to meet and goes to leave.
He comes back to the mantle where we see “The Bollocks of the Notorious Pirate Stephen Bonnet.” Yikes. And nice touch. Love it. In the book, Brianna shoots off one of Bonnets boys which wasn’t done in the show. This is just a nice nod to it.
None of this bit with Harnett is in the book but it makes sense yet again. In the book, Jamie is corresponding with Rebels which seem much more dangerous than some chance meetings. It makes sense if he were to be in town he would attend these meetings.
On the Ridge
Roger is fixing the Amy McCallum’s chimney with Aiden’s help. Amy comes out to shuck (is that the right word) peas. Roger begins singing to himself and Amy is interested in the song thinking she’s heard it before. He is singing “The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen” which is from the 1950s. Clearly Amy has never heard it.
This scene actually bothered me because after Roger’s hanging he can’t sing anymore (or for a very long time – we are talking books and years). Apparently the magic of television is that a major injury such as hanging would inflict has healed perfectly. Notice Roger clears his throat a lot which is supposed to be because of his injury. I’m disappointed they just skipped over Roger’s injury which plays into the story later on.
The point here is Roger is spending way too much time with Amy.
Then we see Brianna, Marsali, Lizzie and Malva looking for the best location for Bree’s water wheel. The group comes across a burned circle with bones in it. Marsali apparently knows a lot about charms because she declares it is a love charm called Venom o’ the Wind. Their attention is pulled away from this by Lizzie nearly fainting. She’s burning up which means her malaria is rearing it’s ugly head again.
We do get a mention of an Ute McGillvray and her daughter Senga who we’ve yet to meet but who appears in the books a lot. We’ll have to see if they show up.
Wilmington
Back in Wilmington, Jamie and Claire arrive and what seems like a mansion for the event with Flora MacDonald. When they enter they encounter Lord John and everyone is happy to see each other. Claire asks after William and John tells them how accomplished and smart William has become. It really sounds like he’s describing Jamie.
Jocasta and Duncan enter. Jamie and Claire go to greet them and it is obvious to all Jocasta is blind. This actually annoys me a little. First, all this took place at River Run and does because Jocasta can move around pretty freely without help and it conceals her blindness to a degree. Also, I like Duncan Innes in the books. He was a sweet man for the most part and I loved his interactions with Jamie. He was and Ardsmuir man. This version of him in the show makes me sad.
Jocasta chides them on never coming to River Run and Jamie makes the comment that the last time he sent someone to River Run she bought him a print shop and he lost his son. She can’t imagine Jamie would begrudge him the happiness. She also thinks the family will be safer from those who think ill of Henri-Christian though I have to wonder if there will be the same sentiment in New Bern.
Claire greets Mary, Jocasta’s slave, who is barely in the book. Here Mary says the last time she wasn’t around because her mother died and Jocasta gave her time off. In the book, there is this big intrigue which Claire ends up involved in (all at River Run) which involves Mary and her mother. Guess that won’t be happening but this is a nod to it all.
On the Ridge
Brianna is giving an ointment to the Beardsley twins for Lizzie which seems odd. She wants them to find more gallberries for the ointment but it seems like she’s having them take the existing ointment to Lizzie. Who is caring for Lizzie? I’m unsure why Brianna is involved at all. Lizzie manages to get the ointment through the Beardsley’s herself. They are the ones caring for her. It seems Brianna is here only because there was someone around when Lizzie had her attack unlike in the book.
Wilmington
Lord John introduces Flora and her husband to Jamie and Claire. Flora appears to know Jamie and he reminds her he’s “formerly of Broch Tuarach” which shocks her. They have a moment of remembering being children teasing one another which surprise Major MacDonald. Flora is impressed by Claire. She’s heard the story of the operation at the theatre.
Flora tells us that they were delayed because thief was ransacking her rooms and stole her necklace. The mans was arrested and she got her necklace back but clearly one of the emeralds is missing. Gem stones have played a big role in this show so that is definitely a red flag right there.
Jocasta cries out in pain brought on by her glaucoma but part of me wondered at her timely reaction and the look on her face. Is there are reason Jocasta felt “pained” at that exact moment. Flora is stunned that Claire knows what is wrong with Jocasta just by looking at her. Claire diagnoses Flora with nerves though the woman looks pale.
The trio goes off to smoke hemp flower? I don’t know what this is thought it is related to marijuana. It doesn’t seem to impair them and when I looked it up they are low in THC which is what causes you to get high… I guess.
They all have a nice discussion which brings up Culloden and Versailles causing Claire to remember being with Louis XV. Jocasta and Flora return to the party while Claire makes up a pouch for Jocasta. Really Claire is sampling her ether again because of her bad memories. So is everything starting to compound on Claire or is this just spinning out of control with the writers?
I liked that Jocasta brings up Murtagh just so we know she’s still mourning and because I loved them together even if that wasn’t much of a thing in the books. Duncan Lacroix is so missed.
The Ridge
Bree confronts Roger about this time with Amy. It isn’t about her mistrust but about others talking. Roger sees it like a Pastor taking care of his flock but Bree reminds him he’s not a pastor. Bree warns Amy could get ideas seeing as she’s a widow and he keeps coming around. And all I have to say is if Amy gets ideas then she’s a bitch for putting moves on another woman’s husband. Instead, Amy herself should be taking pains to make it all seem above board… Roger too. I mean don’t be that woman who betrays another woman.
It is interesting that Bree of the show has a better handle on that temper of hers. She’s Jamie’s daughter and this scene in the books has Bree blowing up at Roger for the perceived notion there could be something going on. I don’t mind when Bree’s temper goes off but this is a good place to side step that attribute of hers.
Wilmington
Claire returns in the midst of Flora’s speech but we get the idea… fight for the King. Sorry, no. Jamie and Claire know what is going to happen and they want to be on the winning side this time.
Lord John and Jamie go off to talk. John is concerned he has heard Jamie’s name mentioned as a Son of Liberty. Jamie had no time to explain before Mary comes to tell them of a problem brewing in town.
The Print Shop Scene
Jamie and John rush to the print shop to save the printer. Great. Nice scene but this is definitely one of those times I miss the book scene. In the book, Jamie uses humor to defuse the situation while Claire watches from the crowd. John isn’t there at all. I don’t begrudge them for including John as it is a great touch to have him in this episode. Makes total sense but could the scene not play out similarly?
“Come out, Simms!” yelled a voice from the Scottish Lowlands. “Ye canny be hidin’ up Fraser’s backside all day!”
“Better a printer up my arse than a lawyer!” Jamie shouted back, waving his broom at Forbes in illustration. “They’re smaller, aye?”
That made them roar; Forbes was a beefily substantial sort, while Fogarty Simms was a pinched starveling of a man. Forbes went very red in the face, and I saw sly looks being cast in his direction. Forbes was in his forties, never married, and there was talk . . .
“I wouldna have a lawyer up my backside at all,” Jamie was shouting happily, poking at Forbes with his broom. “He’d steal your shite and charge ye for a clyster!”
Forbes’s mouth opened, and his face went purple. He backed up a step, and seemed to be shouting back, but no one could hear his response, drowned as it was by the roar of laughter from the crowd.BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 56, “Flora MacDonald’s Barbecue.”
There are remarks coming from the mob and Jamie matches them with his own humor which helps to defuse the tension. Then he is able to reason with them. I don’t think this would have been a bad addition John or no John. It feels like they are taking the essence of Jamie Fraser and handing it off to other characters.
The Ridge
Tom, Allan and Roger are moving the church bell towards the church (seems Jamie’s promise of a bell was fulfilled). Roger goes into the church to find the rope to pull the bell into position but walks in on Malva and Obadiah Henderson going at in on the floor. Roger calls them out and mentions her brother and father are just outside but rather than pleading not to tell them; Malva threatens to tell everyone she saw Roger kissing Amy McCallum. SNAKE!
Roger must take this to heart as we next see him appearing outside the church telling Tom he found Obadiah in the church who can help raise the bell.
Roger goes over to Amy’s cabin to finish his work but Amy invites him in for lunch and gives him the head of the household position at the table. Roger is starting to get wise to what Bree waved in front of his face. Amy has ideas.
Wilmington
Jamie is discussing the arrangement of Fergus’s print shop with Jocasta and there is mention she paid for Flora’s party as well. Deep pockets Auntie! Where is all this money coming from? Jamie literally tells his Aunt he doesn’t appreciate her interference in his family because now he has to worry Fergus will be tarred and feather for printing whatever views Jocasta wants. She seems offended and I can see why even if you can see Jamie’s point.
My real issue with all of this is it was never Jocasta who set Fergus up in the print shop. In the book, Jamie realizes he didn’t keep his promise to Fergus from way in the second season/book.
“So, we’ve made the bargain.” Jamie said, nodding at his new servant. “Fergus will do his best to get what I need, and I will provide him with clothes and lodging and thirty ecus a year. If he’s caught while doing my service, I’ll do my best to buy him off. If it canna be done, and he loses a hand or an ear, then I maintain him for the rest of his life, as he wilna be able to pursue his profession. And if he’s hanged, then I guarantee to have Masses said for his soul for the space of a year. I think that’s fair, no?”DRAGONFLY IN AMBER by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 12, “L’Hopital des Anges.”
In season three, after Fergus loses his hand Jamie and he joke that Fergus is a kept man now. But Jamie does promise to care for Fergus in the future. In the book, Jamie realizes he’s failed to keep this promise when Fergus tries to commit suicide. Jamie sends word to get his printing press from Edinburgh and sets Fergus up as a printer with strict orders to be careful because of the sentiments going around.
All this change has done is lessen Jamie’s character and prevents him from keeping his word.
After Jocasta and Duncan leave, Mary tells Jamie that Jocasta has been dreaming about death of her daughter Morna and French gold. Hm?
On the Ridge
Roger comes home to find Jemmy playing with what is clearly a wood carved airplane, “We can say it is an odd looking bird.” Something tells me the will all be burned at the stake! Maybe not.
Roger tells Bree he’s having Obadiah Henderson look in and help Amy. (I guess Obadiah is replacing the character of Bobby Higgins which makes me sad.) Roger admits to having a weakness for young mothers and Bree understands this because his own mother died young in the Blitz. Roger just wants to be with his family: the three of them. Bree tells him it is actually four which gets a great reaction to Roger learning there is a baby on the way.
Then we see Malva going into the cabin of the Sin-Eater and cutting off his finger which it seems she’s done before. EWWW! Her level of creepy has just skyrocketed.
Wilmington
Jamie confesses to John about being a Rebel and John is clearly saddened. He tries to convince Jamie it is wrong but nothing he says will sway Jamie. However, Jamie now wants John to hold the soldiers back from their raid of the Sons of Liberty meeting at the tavern which he agrees to do.
Jamie heads over to the meeting where he’s less than welcomed because of his intervention in town with the printer. This is where Jamie really shines. “Mr. Simms owns a printing press. It’s his right to print whatever he pleases.” “You call yourselves Sons of Liberty. Is it liberty when men are cowed into silence, or threatened into submission?” So Jamie is trying to convey that these men want freedom but don’t allow it in those they oppose. *cough* 2020+ problems? They are a little nervous he’s not trustworthy and he tells them there are soldiers coming to arrest them. Jamie quickly sends the man off and sets up a ruse of a billiards game.
On the Ridge
Bree is at Marsali’s as she packs and Marsali notices Bree is pregnant but her far off looks and hold her stomach. So then we get all this talk about them being sisters which is fantastic. Marsali agrees not to tell Claire about the pregnancy because Bree wants too.
Wilmington
Jamie and Claire are on their way out, packing up the wagon and both notice the air about town is tense. Jamie mentions war is in the air and men take to the roads. The are about to leave when Claire hears the tune “Colonel Bogey March” whistled. This tune was composed in 1914 and according to Wikipedia “part of the British way of life” at the start of WWII. Claire would be very familiar with it. The sound of it seems to startle her but she shrugs it off.
We see a man in a cell in the local jail who has bushy hair and is holding an emerald. Flora MacDonald’s thief appears to be a time traveler. Did you recognize him?
Thoughts
I do not understand why the writers seem to be diminishing Jamie character and his thoughtfulness when it comes to his family. Yes, in the books, Jamie doesn’t remember his promise to Fergus but when presented with Fergus’s suicide attempt; he realizes his mistake. Jamie take the intuitive to set Fergus up in a printer shop not Jocasta. Why take that from Jamie? Jamie could have done this and Jocasta still could have paid for Flora’s party (like in the book). This would and could bring up Jamie’s curiosity.
Jamie helped run River Run and knows about the financial situation. He could start wondering about Jocasta paying for the party or even just mention that she did and they could still talk about Fergus setting up shop. Hell, Jocasta could be supplying him with odds and ends. She doesn’t have to be his investor.
And the print shop scene. Even one disarming remark would have showed the true Jamie. I just don’t understand why they seem to be lessening Jamie’s own machinations. In the books, Jamie is always planning. It is in his nature. He can’t stop watching out for those around him even if occasionally he overlooks something and it has to be brought to his attention.
Show Watchers: Any question I posed which is explained in the books is purely for the show watcher. I know who, what, when and where about the Outlander series. I just want to get us all discussing.
