#outlander 02x11

Jamie brings Claire a bottle of liquor...

...as they discuss a last-minute wedding.

The 25 Days of Outlander has returned! 

Day 6: Mary and/or Alex

Mary, for her epic closing line in 02x11 “Vengeance is Mine” -

“I think we better go.”

The 13 Days of Outlander has returned!

Some of you may remember that for each Season 2 episode, I wrote a companion ficlet. So I’ll be “celebrating” the 13 Days of Season 2 by re-posting a link to the ficlet, as well as providing some backstory about what inspired the story and how I wrote it.

I was intrigued by the camping scenes we saw throughout “Vengeance is Mine.” That, and the growing sense of dread and inevitability hanging over Jamie and Claire. And the fact that physically they are growing exhausted, and haggard.

At this point, does Jamie privately believe that the cause is lost?

There are so many parallels between this episode and their time in Paris - so focused on politics (Jamie) or healing (Claire) that they don’t have a lot of time with each other.

So I gave them some time - time to reconnect, and reflect, and privately admit their deepest fears, even if they say nothing at all.

The 25 Days of Outlander has returned!

Oh, how can I pick just *one* favorite Murtagh scene? Duncan Lacroix’s delightful, nuanced portrayal of Murtagh has brought him to life - and given me as a long-time Book reader a fresh and new appreciation of Murtagh and the depth of his love for Jamie and Claire.

And if there’s one scene that absolutely defines Murtagh’s love for Jamie - as his foster son, his clansman, his chief - it’s this scene right at the end of 02x11 “Vengeance Is Mine.”

For when Jamie is in need, all he has to do is look up -

- because Murtagh is there, by his side, ready and waiting to help. To avenge the terrible wrong that was done to Mary Hawkins, and to Claire.

Look at him here. He’s fierce. Cold. Calculated. Ready to do literally whatever it takes to aid Jamie - and right a wrong.

That during this scene Jamie and Murtagh don’t use words to communicate tells you everything you need to know about their bond. For Murtagh just feels what Jamie needs, and steps in to serve that need.

Like how Jamie remembers in A Breath of Snow and Ashes, when he has a flashback to Culloden:

But the feel of it faded against his skin; he felt the weight of the thing in his hand, but there was no shape of hilt or trigger to remind him, and it was gone again.

Especially when you’ve tried to hurt Claire

Even if you sent someone else to do it

Because just the thought of Claire being hurt is enough to set Jamie off

And he’s verra honest about what he’ll do to those who have dared to hurt his beloved wife

Especially when he has his wingman to help out

Because together, they will see honor avenged, and justice done

And will always do so, gladly -

Claire to Jamie, 02x11 “Vengeance is Mine”