'The Outlander' season 2 episode 9 spoilers: The Frasers return to Scotland
It would probably be an understatement to say that "The Outlander" audiences heaved a mighty sigh of relief at Claire's (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie's (Sam Heughan) return to Scotland. The last episode, "The Fox's Lair," reminded everyone of why "home" would always refer to the highlands. Paris was an exciting adventure, the show's viewers may agree. Still, home is where the heart is, for "The Outlander" characters as well as the fans.
Despite their seeming failure to put a stop to the war, as well as the tragedy of Claire's stillborn daughter, among other disasters, the Frasers' homecoming was for the chance to heal from so much pain that their tour de France had inflicted upon them.
In an interview with TV Line, Balfe talked about the importance of Scotland to the show's characters.
"Scotland's a very healing place for them. That is their home, and that's why we've been fighting so hard in these first seven episodes to change the political landscape of Scotland so that they can go home," the actress shared.
Right away fans are treated to a heart-squeezing scene of Jamie speaking quietly to his sister Jenny's new baby in a sad and soulful way, but also full of hope and longing it seemed. Although he and Claire have been getting better splendidly — with the time jump and all —Jamie continues to have some sleepless nights which he spends rocking the baby back to sleep. The scene is definite proof of the healing that they had both gone home for, as well as the joyous moments with family and friends at Lallybroch.
However, what is a cause when it does not steal away the peace and quiet gained? Even though it was a homecoming, it was also a time to meet up with the more undesirable faces from the past. Loaghaire (Nell Hudson) is one of those, still unredeemed from her deadly obsession with Jamie.
Claire had given her a piece of her mind without being less of a lady, with just enough of a gibe at Loaghaire by her declaration that Jamie would never be the latter's. Of course it puts everyone on high alert when Loaghaire makes a promise to win Simon to their side as well as work to get over Jamie.
After the calm at homecoming, Jamie receives a missive from himself, one that Bonnie Prince Charlie had sent affixed with Jamie's name. It was a declaration of loyalty and support for the Jacobites. This signified that Jamie would have to fight for the latter.
This would also have Jamie looking toward Lord Lovat (Clive Russell), his grandfather — much to Jenny's displeasure — for troops to stand and fight for Charles. After much manipulation, Jamie and Claire get what they need from Lovat.
Judging from the direction the events are turning, the next episode will probably see the Frasers preparing for a war. The upcoming episode, "Je Suis Prest," shall see Jamie putting together an army and combining forces with Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) in anticipation of the Jacobite rebellion.
Some happy and not-so-happy reunions will also take place in the ninth episode, as Dougal (Graham McTavish), Angus (Stephen Walters), and Rupert (Grant O'Rourke) make reappearances on the show. Jamie works to inspire his untrained troops as Claire struggles with the realities of the looming war, as she gets flashbacks of her time as a nurse during World War II, making her all the more worried about Jamie and their friends as she is reminded of the gore and tragedy she witnessed in the past.
"The Outlander" season 2 episode 9 will air Saturday, June 4 at 9 p.m. on Starz.