Outlander Season 3 Episode 6: A. Malcolm Review

The rekindling passion of an old romance relationship. That’s what the basic premise of this episode. It didn’t have a lot of narrative and / or plot points to further this season’s story but it did showcase the reconnection between Jamie and Claire, despite their twenty years apart from each other as husband and wife. There really wasn’t much of strong narrative thread in this episode, so this review might be a little bit shorter than the other ones.

Synopsis: After decades apart, Jamie and Claire finally reunite and rekindle their emotional and physical bonds. But Jamie’s new business dealings jeopardize the couples’ hopes for a simple life together. (IMDB)

Writer: Matthew B. Roberts

Director:Norma Bailey

Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 64mins

The episode opens up with a little bit of introduction of Jamie (under the guise of A. Malcolm) as a printer and conversing with some of his colleague, including the man known as Geordie. This is followed by the final scene of the last episode with Claire reappearing, shown from a slightly different perspective from Jamie’s. Still, Jamie faints from the sudden appearance of Claire and (from there) events follow as Jamie and Claire slowly reconnect with one another. After sharing a passionate kiss, Claire tells Jamie of Brianna, showing him pictures of her as well as telling him about Frank and how he cared for her (growing up) but has since passed away some time ago. Jaime, in turn, tells Claire that he has a son (Willie from several episodes ago) but he tells Claire that he never truly loved his mother.

In Jamie’s printing shop, Jamie and Claire go to visit a tavern where Jamie must conduct some business. It is here that we see two characters (one old and one new). The old one is Fergus, who was originally played by Romann Berrux and who is now played by Caesar Domboy, and is happy that Claire is alive and well (Claire had to lie to Fergus and tell him that she left and went to the America after Culloden). The other new character is Mr. Willoughby, an Asian man played by Gary Young, who is one of Jamie’s “associates”. After dealing with a shady man about his business, Jamie and Claire retire for the night, taking up a lodging in a room at brothel, with the headmistress Madame Jeanne a bit miffed about Claire’s presence there.

The majority of the remainder of the episode takes place within their room, finding Claire and Jamie emotionally and physically reconnecting, with each one telling about their twenty-year journey apart from one another (triumphs, struggles, etc.) as well their sexual attraction towards each other, with the pair making love and both finding elation in it. It’s hot, it’s steamy, it’s passionate, and it’s definitely better (and more believable than anything that the Fifty Shades of Grey movies can pull off. The on-screen chemistry between Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan is what makes the show work, believing in the struggle and passion of both Claire and Jaime and this episode definitely shows that. Anyway, the episode ends with Jamie leaving Claire alone (he has work elsewhere) and with Claire walking upon a stranger that is rummaging through Jamie’s personal belongings in search of something, with Claire caught in the middle. What will happen to Claire? Will Jamie save her? Who is the main working for?

Love is definitely in the air and the reunion between Outlander’s two star-crossed lover from two time periods rekindle their passion for each other in this episode. This was quite the romantic episode, but it really didn’t progress the show’s narrative forward. However, that was okay as the focus of this episode was all about Jamie and Claire and that’s all that matters. With the pair reunited, it will be interesting to see where their show will go from here. Secrets will surely come out and will try their love for another. Only time will tell,..

8.0 Out of 10

If interested, check out my movie blog @ Jason’s Movie Blog for my reviews of current movies.

Jason