Outlander – S05 E01 – The Fiery Cross
The first episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “The Fiery Cross,” revolves around the preparations and celebrations for the wedding of Brianna (Sophie Skelton) and Roger (Richard Rankin).
Set in Fraser’s Ridge, North Carolina, Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) prepare for their daughter’s wedding. The episode starts with a flashback of Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) promising to always be there for a young Jamie after the death of his mother, showing the depth of their relationship. Back in the present day, Roger, Brianna, and their son Jemmy are living together, and despite the lingering trauma of Brianna’s past assault, the couple is eager to be married.
The wedding day brings joy and celebration, with attendees from various communities. Jamie conducts the ceremony, and Roger sings a Scottish song. Claire, as the settlement’s doctor, provides medical aid to those in need, and we see her continuing to use future medical knowledge to treat people.
Jamie is, however, under the pressure of his obligation to the British Crown. He is asked by Governor Tryon (Tim Downie) to gather a militia to quell the impending Regulator uprising, led by Murtagh, his godfather, and close friend. Jamie is torn between his duty and his loyalty to Murtagh.
After the wedding, Jamie takes Roger aside to ensure that he’ll be a worthy husband to Brianna and father to Jemmy. He also dons the kilt and tartan of his Scottish clan for the first time in years, lights a cross on fire, and addresses the gathering of men, asking them to join him in fighting the Regulators if need be.
The episode concludes with Jamie freeing Murtagh from his oath to protect him, letting him go while also warning him about the upcoming conflict. It’s a momentous decision that sets the tone for the rest of the season.
“The Fiery Cross” sets the stage for the trials and tribulations to come, with the looming conflict with the Regulators and the family’s attempts to navigate life in the New World. It is a blend of intimate moments of joy and looming threats.
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Outlander – S05 E02 – Between Two Fires
The second episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Between Two Fires,” centers on Jamie’s struggle to protect his people, dealing with the brewing conflict between the Regulators and the Crown while still protecting his godfather Murtagh, who is leading the Regulator rebellion.
Jamie (Sam Heughan), accompanied by Lieutenant Knox, starts recruiting for the militia, but his task is complicated by the fact that he needs to keep Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) safe. He subtly warns the Regulators, led by Brown brothers, about the upcoming conflict without revealing Murtagh’s location. Jamie also spares one of the Regulators in a fight, allowing him to return to his camp with a message for Murtagh to lay low.
Meanwhile, Claire (Caitriona Balfe) continues to blur the lines between the 20th and 18th centuries, leveraging her medical knowledge to try and improve health conditions in the 18th century. Claire, who has taken Marsali on as an apprentice, starts conducting autopsies and making penicillin, trying to keep her methods a secret from the suspicious townspeople. She learns that the Beardsley twins have tonsillitis and decides to perform a tonsillectomy using her homemade penicillin.
Roger (Richard Rankin) and Brianna (Sophie Skelton) are back at Fraser’s Ridge, struggling with the challenges of colonial life. Brianna continues to be haunted by Bonnet and reveals to Marsali that Bonnet is still alive, a secret she’s been keeping from Roger. When she discovers a coin Bonnet had given her amongst her son’s toys, her fear grows.
Finally, Jamie, upon his return to Fraser’s Ridge, goes on a hunting trip with Claire. He assures her that he’s not leading the militia out of loyalty to the British but to protect the people of Fraser’s Ridge. He also reveals that he’s sent Murtagh away for his own safety.
“Between Two Fires” aptly represents Jamie’s difficult position between his obligation to the Crown and his loyalty to his godfather and the settlers. Claire’s innovative medical treatments bring a slice of the 20th century to the 18th, while Roger and Brianna try to adjust to their new life. The episode skillfully combines political tension, emotional challenges, and the looming threat of Stephen Bonnet.
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Outlander – S05 E03 – Free Will
In the third episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Free Will,” Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) find themselves in a chilling situation when they set out to find settlers for Fraser’s Ridge, while Roger (Richard Rankin) and Brianna (Sophie Skelton) deal with a threat back home.
The episode begins with Jamie and Claire heading out to collect the rent from their tenants and to recruit men for their militia. They encounter Josiah and Keziah Beardsley, twin brothers who were indentured to Aaron Beardsley, a cruel and abusive man. Upon learning that the Beardsleys have run away from their master, Jamie decides to buy their indenture papers and free them.
Jamie and Claire then visit the Beardsley’s home to claim the papers, only to find a derelict cabin where Fanny Beardsley, Aaron’s fifth wife, lives in horrifying conditions with a nearly dead Aaron. They soon discover that Fanny has given birth, and Aaron is not the father. Claire, being a doctor, attempts to help the ailing Aaron, but he dies in the midst of a seizure.
Fanny, unstable and unpredictable, flees, leaving her newborn child behind. Jamie and Claire, feeling responsible, decide to take the baby girl back to Fraser’s Ridge, along with the twins.
Meanwhile, at Fraser’s Ridge, Roger and Brianna’s peaceful life is disturbed when they discover a group of Regulators camped nearby. Roger, inexperienced in leadership, struggles with the decision of whether to warn the men off or let them stay. The situation escalates when one of the men, Morton, is discovered to be a thief. Roger decides to give him a chance to leave peacefully, a decision that is not well received by everyone, but he manages to maintain peace.
The episode “Free Will” throws light on Jamie and Claire’s resolve to do right by their settlers and tenants while navigating through the tough and often horrifying situations. Back at Fraser’s Ridge, Roger struggles with the responsibilities of being a leader, signaling his growth as a character. The eerie Beardsley cabin and Fanny’s departure also add an element of suspense to the story.
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Outlander – S05 E04 – The Company We Keep
The fourth episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “The Company We Keep,” sees Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) dealing with the aftermath of their encounter with the Beardsley family, while Roger (Richard Rankin) faces challenges as the acting Captain of Fraser’s Ridge.
Jamie and Claire arrive at the town of Brownsville with Fanny Beardsley’s baby, intending to drop off the child at a loving home. They find themselves in the middle of a conflict when they learn that Isaiah Morton, one of their militiamen, has been romantically involved with Alicia Brown, the daughter of Lionel Brown, the town’s leader, causing an uproar. Lionel’s men start shooting at Jamie’s group in retaliation, demanding justice.
Jamie and Claire navigate the situation tactfully, diffusing the conflict by assuring the Brown family of Morton’s imminent departure. Meanwhile, Claire checks on Alicia and finds out she’s pregnant. She also encounters a case of tonsillitis in the town and uses her secret stash of penicillin to treat it.
Roger, who has been left in charge of the Ridge, faces challenges when a group of the Regulator supporters on the Ridge refuses to swear fealty to the Crown, a requirement imposed by Governor Tryon. Roger attempts to appease them by singing, using his talents to create unity.
Back at Brownsville, Morton is found to have escaped, leading the Browns to believe Jamie and his men helped him. However, the tension is eased when Jamie offers to compensate them, and the men of Brownsville join the militia.
Meanwhile, Brianna (Sophie Skelton) continues to be haunted by Stephen Bonnet and his potential threat. She confides in Marsali about her fears, and Marsali reassures her.
The episode concludes with Claire and Jamie discussing the high price of their loyalty to the Crown, as it often puts them in difficult situations. They resolve to protect their loved ones, no matter the cost.
“The Company We Keep” delves into the difficulties of leadership and negotiation as both Jamie and Roger deal with their separate conflicts. Claire’s usage of penicillin further illustrates her attempts to bring 20th-century medical advancements to the 18th century. Brianna’s continued struggle with the trauma inflicted by Bonnet adds a deeper emotional layer to the episode.
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Outlander – S05 E05 – Perpetual Adoration
In the fifth episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Perpetual Adoration,” Claire (Caitriona Balfe) reflects on the series of events that led her back to Jamie (Sam Heughan) in the 18th century, revealing a profound connection between the past and the present.
The episode starts with Claire in the 1960s, while working as a doctor at a hospital in Boston. She begins a friendship with a patient named Graham Menzies, who eventually dies due to a complication from a surgical procedure. Claire, feeling responsible, begins to question her path and it’s this event that ultimately leads her to reconsider the possibility of traveling back in time to find Jamie.
Back in the 18th century, Claire is treating Keziah Beardsley for tonsillitis with penicillin, despite the Beardsleys’ fears and superstitions about her medical practices. Meanwhile, Jamie has returned from the militia to Fraser’s Ridge with young William, who goes by the name “Willie.” This visit causes a stir because only Jamie, Claire, and Lord John Grey know that Willie is Jamie’s biological son.
Willie and Jamie’s bond is evident, and they share a heartwarming hunting trip where Jamie teaches Willie about the Cherokee’s respectful approach to killing for food. However, the trip takes a dangerous turn when Willie is attacked by a buffalo. Jamie bravely fights off the animal, saving Willie’s life.
At the same time, Roger (Richard Rankin) has a hard time fitting into the 18th-century life. He struggles to learn how to hunt and provide for his family, causing tension with Brianna (Sophie Skelton). However, they reconcile and reaffirm their love for each other.
As the episode closes, Claire, reflecting on her experiences, realizes that a small act – her decision to make a batch of penicillin in Boston – ended up changing her life and those around her, perpetuating her adoration for Jamie. She recognizes that her love for Jamie is what guided her back to him, transcending time and space.
“Perpetual Adoration” underlines the strong connection between Claire and Jamie and shows the depth of their bond. It demonstrates how actions, even small ones, can have massive effects on one’s life and the lives of those around them.
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Outlander – S05 E06 – Better to Marry Than Burn
In the sixth episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Better to Marry Than Burn,” tensions rise at Jocasta’s (Maria Doyle Kennedy) wedding, while Roger (Richard Rankin) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) attempt to deal with looming threats at Fraser’s Ridge.
The episode begins with Jocasta preparing to marry Duncan Innes, a man she doesn’t love. She’s visited by her former lover, Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix), who proposes they run away together, but Jocasta refuses, reasoning that she needs the security of a marriage.
At Jocasta’s wedding, Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie are present to pay their respects. They find themselves dealing with Edmund Fanning, Governor Tryon’s aide, who makes inappropriate comments to Claire. Jamie, always protective, warns Fanning off.
Simultaneously, Jamie tries to strike a deal with a wealthy man, Mr. Forbes, to sell him the gemstones they discovered earlier. They need the money to secure Fraser’s Ridge from potential future threats.
In a shocking twist, it’s revealed that Forbes and Stephen Bonnet (Ed Speleers) are in league, planning to cheat Jocasta out of her fortune. Bonnet, disguised as a gentleman, even attends the wedding, and there’s a tense moment where he almost crosses paths with Claire.
Back at Fraser’s Ridge, Roger is left in charge and faces a new crisis when locusts threaten the settlement’s crops. Inspired by a story from his childhood, Roger devises a plan to lead the locusts away from the crops by creating smoky fires, a strategy that ultimately saves the harvest.
The episode ends on an ominous note with the revelation of Bonnet’s plans to claim Jemmy, believing him to be his biological son.
“Better to Marry Than Burn” brings tensions and threats to the forefront, both at the wedding and back at Fraser’s Ridge. The episode delves into the theme of security, whether it’s Jocasta’s financial security through her marriage or the settlers’ livelihoods at Fraser’s Ridge. The revelation of Bonnet’s plans adds a sinister element to the story.
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Outlander – S05 E07 – The Ballad of Roger Mac
In the seventh episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “The Ballad of Roger Mac,” the tensions between the Regulators and the British escalate to a full-blown battle, and the Fraser family suffers a tragic loss.
The episode starts with Jamie (Sam Heughan) celebrating his 50th birthday with Claire (Caitriona Balfe) giving him a gift: a beautiful new spectacles. However, the celebration is cut short when Governor Tryon (Tim Downie) orders the militia to prepare for battle against the Regulators. Jamie dons the red coat reluctantly as a symbol of his alliance with the British, despite his personal sympathies for the Regulators and his godfather Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) being on their side.
Meanwhile, Roger (Richard Rankin) is sent as a messenger to the Regulators, hoping to broker peace and prevent a bloody battle. He finds Murtagh and tries to convince him to stand down and avoid needless violence. Murtagh, however, is adamant about his stand against the British rule and rejects the offer.
The conflict erupts into the Battle of Alamance, with Roger being caught on the wrong side due to unfortunate circumstances. Despite Jamie’s attempts to keep the battle bloodless, the conflict turns violent, and Murtagh ends up killed in the skirmish. He dies in Jamie’s arms, marking a significant and heartbreaking loss for Jamie and the Fraser family.
On another note, Claire finds her medical chest missing, stolen by one of the militia men. This leaves her ill-equipped to deal with the injuries from the battle. With limited resources, she is forced to improvise to treat the wounded.
In a twist of events, Roger is mistaken for a Regulator and hanged by Governor Tryon’s men. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with his fate unknown.
“The Ballad of Roger Mac” is a turning point in Season 5, marking a significant shift in the story with the loss of Murtagh and Roger’s uncertain fate. This episode explores the painful consequences of political unrest and the tragic cost of war.
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Outlander – S05 E08 – Famous Last Words
In the eighth episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Famous Last Words,” Roger (Richard Rankin) struggles to cope with his traumatic experience, while Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) deal with the aftermath of the Battle of Alamance.
The episode begins with a leap forward in time, three months after the Battle of Alamance. It is revealed that Roger, who was hanged at the end of the previous episode, was saved by Claire and Jamie, but he has been left mute, presumably due to the trauma.
The narrative is interspersed with Roger’s silent movie-style dream sequences, reflecting his internal struggles to come to terms with his near-death experience. He has difficulty reconnecting with his wife, Brianna (Sophie Skelton), and son, Jemmy, which strains their relationship.
In the meantime, Young Ian (John Bell) returns to Fraser’s Ridge after spending some time with the Mohawk tribe. He seems to be dealing with personal issues of his own and displays signs of depression. It becomes evident that he has experienced a deep personal loss while he was away, though the details remain unknown.
Meanwhile, Jamie and Claire discover a group of settlers illegally living on their land. These settlers, the Brown family, present a problem as they disregard the Frasers’ rules and show a lack of respect for their boundaries. This poses potential future conflicts for Fraser’s Ridge.
The episode concludes with Roger finally breaking his silence. After a heartfelt conversation with Young Ian, who also shares his experience of feeling suicidal, Roger realizes that he needs to fight his inner demons for his family. He sings to Jemmy, indicating a significant step forward in his recovery.
“Famous Last Words” focuses heavily on the personal struggles of characters, highlighting how they each deal with their traumatic experiences. The reintroduction of Young Ian adds another layer to the narrative, hinting at an unseen storyline. The episode deals with heavy themes of trauma, depression, and recovery.
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Outlander – S05 E09 – Monsters and Heroes
In the ninth episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Monsters and Heroes,” unexpected dangers threaten Fraser’s Ridge, and bonds are tested as the family confronts various challenges.
The episode begins with an outing to collect buffalo meat going awry when Jamie (Sam Heughan) is bitten by a venomous snake. The injury is severe and, with the venom spreading, Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and the others race against time to save him.
Despite the grave situation, Jamie requests Roger (Richard Rankin) to fulfill a promise: if Jamie dies, Roger is to kill Stephen Bonnet (Ed Speleers) to ensure the safety of Brianna (Sophie Skelton) and Jemmy. However, the notion of violence doesn’t sit well with Roger.
Claire struggles to treat Jamie’s bite due to limited medical supplies. She must innovate to keep Jamie alive, enlisting Brianna’s engineering knowledge to create a syringe from a snake’s fang. Meanwhile, Young Ian (John Bell) races to find the medicinal herbs Claire needs.
Throughout the ordeal, Jamie, between bouts of fever and pain, shares intimate moments with Claire. He expresses his fears and regrets, preparing for the possibility that he might not survive. These scenes underscore the depth of their relationship and mutual reliance.
In an unexpected twist, it’s discovered that the venomous snake’s body, which Young Ian had killed and kept, has the potential to treat Jamie. The snake’s meat and venom are used to counteract the bite’s effects, thereby saving Jamie’s life.
As Jamie recovers, he releases Roger from the vow to kill Bonnet, recognizing Roger’s pacifist nature. The episode ends with the family stronger and more united after facing the life-threatening situation together.
“Monsters and Heroes” tests the bonds within the Fraser family and highlights their individual strengths and weaknesses. It further delves into the characters’ morality and commitment to each other in the face of adversity. The specter of Stephen Bonnet continues to loom, presenting an ongoing threat that remains to be addressed.
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Outlander – S05 E10 – Mercy Shall Follow Me
In the tenth episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Mercy Shall Follow Me,” the long-dreaded confrontation with Stephen Bonnet (Ed Speleers) finally takes place.
The episode starts with Stephen Bonnet in Wilmington, where he learns about Jemmy’s inheritance of River Run from Forbes, his lawyer. This ignites Bonnet’s interest in claiming Jemmy as his son and securing the estate for himself. Meanwhile, Forbes is revealed to be in league with Bonnet, planning to swindle the property from under Jemmy’s name.
Brianna (Sophie Skelton) becomes the bait when she is tricked into a meeting with Bonnet, who kidnaps her. He reveals his plan to make her his wife and Jemmy his heir. Brianna, using her wits, plays along to buy some time, all the while trying to alert others to her predicament.
Back at Fraser’s Ridge, Claire (Caitriona Balfe), Jamie (Sam Heughan), and Roger (Richard Rankin) realize that Brianna is missing and quickly deduce that Bonnet is behind her disappearance. They mount a rescue mission to save her.
The rescue operation leads them to Bonnet’s hideout on an island where he is holding Brianna. In a tense confrontation, Bonnet is overpowered and captured. They bring Bonnet to Wilmington, where he is sentenced to death by drowning for piracy.
Before his execution, Brianna faces Bonnet one last time. She fires a mercy shot to kill him before the tide comes in, giving him a quicker death than he deserves.
“Mercy Shall Follow Me” focuses on the long-awaited showdown with Stephen Bonnet, a character who has cast a long shadow over the Fraser family’s life in America. Brianna’s strength and resilience are highlighted in this episode as she faces her worst nightmare and ultimately ensures justice is served. The episode ties up a significant plot thread, bringing closure to the traumatic chapter in the Frasers’ lives.
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Outlander – S05 E11 – Journeycake
The eleventh episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Journeycake,” sees the Frasers face unexpected challenges and shifts in their family dynamic.
The episode opens with a surprising revelation – Jemmy, Brianna (Sophie Skelton) and Roger’s (Richard Rankin) son, has the ability to travel through the stones, just like his mother and grandmother. This news, combined with the escalating threat of the Revolutionary War and the recent threat from Stephen Bonnet, lead Brianna and Roger to decide to go back to the 20th century, where they believe they’ll be safer.
In the meantime, Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) discover a mysterious package from Jamie’s late Aunt Jocasta (Maria Doyle Kennedy). It contains a cache of precious gems, which Jamie decides to use to secure Fraser’s Ridge’s future should he and Claire also decide – or need – to return to the future.
Jamie and Claire leave Brianna and Roger to prepare for their journey and embark on a trip to track down Young Ian (John Bell). On their journey, they come across a burnt-out cabin with two dead bodies and an undernourished, orphaned child. This grim discovery highlights the growing lawlessness in the colonies as the war approaches.
In a deeply emotional moment, the family bids farewell to Brianna, Roger, and Jemmy as they journey back to the stones. However, when they return, they find themselves still in the 18th century but in an unfamiliar location, hinting that their journey did not go as expected.
The episode concludes on a chilling note as Claire, returning to the surgery cabin after the farewell, is met by Lionel Brown (Ned Dennehy) and his gang. They’ve found out about her anonymous medical advice columns and, believing them to be witchcraft, they kidnap her, leaving Marsali (Lauren Lyle) injured.
“Journeycake” sets in motion significant changes for the characters and story, marking a turning point in the season. The episode balances heartwarming family moments with escalating threats, resulting in a dramatic cliffhanger.
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Outlander – S05 E12 – Never My Love
The twelfth and final episode of “Outlander” Season 5, titled “Never My Love,” brings a dark and challenging ordeal for Claire (Caitriona Balfe) as she endures captivity and brutality.
The episode begins with Claire’s traumatic experience at the hands of Lionel Brown (Ned Dennehy) and his men. They’ve abducted her because of her medical advice columns, which they see as acts of witchcraft. Throughout her ordeal, Claire tries to stay strong, utilizing her medical knowledge to try and manipulate the situation.
Simultaneously, Claire escapes mentally into a dreamlike state, visualizing a modern, 1960s era setting where her family is safe and together. This “dream” serves as a coping mechanism, providing respite from the horrors she is experiencing.
Back at Fraser’s Ridge, Jamie (Sam Heughan) is horrified to discover that Claire has been taken. He, along with Roger (Richard Rankin), Young Ian (John Bell), and Fergus (Cesar Domboy), immediately set out to find and rescue her.
Upon locating Claire’s captors, a brutal fight ensues, ending with most of the abductors dead, including Lionel. They bring a battered and traumatized Claire home, along with the injured Lionel, intending to hand him over to the authorities. However, after hearing of his deeds, Marsali (Lauren Lyle) poisons Lionel, ensuring he’ll never harm anyone else again.
The season concludes with Claire grappling with the aftermath of her trauma. In a poignant moment, Jamie reassures her that they will face it together, and the Frasers find strength in their shared love and resilience.
“Never My Love” is a tough episode to watch due to its graphic content. However, it’s integral to the storyline, demonstrating the extreme danger the Frasers face in the New World. The episode ends on a hopeful note, hinting towards recovery, resilience, and the family’s unyielding determination to face any challenge together.
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OUTLANDER SEASON RECAPS
Season 1Â |Â Season 2Â |Â Season 3Â |Â Season 4Â |Â Season 5Â |Â Season 6Â |Â Season 7