Review | Outlander – Not in Scotland Anymore

Our Rating

Outlander S02 EP029
Life in Paris is not without its trials as Jamie struggles to triumph over the traumas of his past. A fortunate meeting with Jacobite leader Prince Charles presents opportunities, while the Duke of Sandringham’s presence brings complications.
9

“ONCE WE KNOW HIS PLANS…

                WE CAN DECIDE THE BEST WAY TO THWART THEM.”

 

On this week’s Outlander – Not in Scotland Anymore, we get an eye full of life in Paris in 1745. The opulence the decadence and the art of being free. Last week the Frasers arrived in Paris and made a new enemy, and this week we learn to make friends.

Such a rough life in Paris Mrs. Fraser is having in Paris, a lovely house, income, luxuries closer to the life she had left behind with Frank, and servants. We see Claire annoyed with the help, as she is heading down the stairs with a servant scurrying not far behind. After trying to explain that she is not used to not doing for herself, such as making her own bed, she gives permission to make the bed as she likes while she is out. The maid is thrilled, almost bouncing up the stairs with delight.

Caitriona Balfe (as Claire Randall Fraser), Dominique Pinon (as Master Raymond) Episode 202Claire is taking in the city. Last time she was there was when World War II was over, and she was then wanting to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, now she is there 100 years before it has even been built. Claire is in search of something as she walks through the city streets. It didn’t take Claire long to find what she was looking for an apothecary. Jamie is having terrible nightmares of Blackjack and unable to fall back to sleep. She meets an interesting character the owner of the shop, Master Raymond (Dominique Pinon) a short fellow with a curious way about him.

Master Raymond looks Claire over, as she knows what she wants. He lets her know that he knew who she was by, association of the Comte St. Germain. Claire quickly finds out that they are not in fact friends which means she is free to be friends with him. The two share a laugh.

Speaking of friends. Claire has a new friend, Louise de Rohan and she doesn’t hold anything back, I mean anything! We meet our new friend, getting of all things, waxed. Barely clothed, Claire is talking as if they are having high tea, all through Louise’s screams as her legs get waxed. Intrigued enough that Claire decides to get waxed all well. And I don’t mean just her legs either. 

We get to meet the very young and impressionable Mary Hawkins at Louise’s home. Mary is staying her with and terrified, as she is about to marry a much older man. Also Claire gets an invite to Versailles where she can meet all the important people and of course she says yes and asks if she can bring Jamie along.

Duncan+Lacroix+(as+Murtagh+Fitzgibbons)+Episode+202Whilst the girls are doing girl things, Jamie and Murtagh are strengthening Jamie’s arm and play fighting for the locals. Murtagh is homesick even misses Rupert and Angus. Murtagh has the brilliant idea, or insane, to kill the prince and the king to prevent the uprising.

So much going on in this episode and so many new people and places. I am trying to cover it all, but so many luscious color of clothing and interesting places, and people.

 

Andrew+Gower+(as+Prince+Charles+Stuart)+Episode+202Jamie’s uncle Jared, sets up a major introduction with none other that the Prince himself, in of all place a brothel. The boys are sitting around just fine and conducting business as usual, over a drink of course. The Prince not being able to represent himself, tells Jamie to do it for him and he will meet with the Minister of Finance. I am not a genius here, but SCORE! While they are talking business the lads tell the Prince what its like in Scotland and you can really hear how sad they are to be in Paris. Suddenly the Prince laughs (he is easily amused) at the sight of dildos. Yes, ladies dildos in France, in 1745. The Prince unfazed even says, “If I was married I’d buy several for my wife, for variety.” Yes I spat out my tea upon hearing this!

Flash forward to the evening of party in Versailles. Claire takes Jamie and Murtagh’s breath away as she comes down the stairs in the most stunning red dress ever. Jamie quickly darts up the stairs to meet his bride, asking where the rest of the dress is. Claire points out that she designed it herself and it’s all there. In true Claire fashion, she smiles, and answer’s Jamie by pulling out a fan to cover her chest.

Caitriona Balfe (as Claire Randall Fraser), Margaux Chatelier (as Annalise de Marillac), Sam Heughan (as Jamie Fraser) Episode 202The group barely makes it into the party, before Jamie gets grabbed and hugged by a young lady. Jamie’s like a little boy that got his hand stuck in a cookie jar and scrambles to introduce his wife to his friend, Annalise de Marillac. She says she knows Jamie from a different lifetime, even ask Claire if Jamie won a duel to get her hand. Claire laughs as she says no. And funny awkward story time from Jamie, he once won a duel for her, and she ended up married to the man. See awkwardness between couples and old flames goes way back! Jamie and Murtagh leave the group and Claire goes to get a bit of air. Who could blame her after what just happened. 

Claire gets into a bit of a pickle with the Minister of Finance (who will now be referred to as MoF), and Jamie comes to save the day, but he really shouldn’t have. Turns out the MoF had a tad too much to drink, and tried to get fresh with Claire, just as Jamie went to look for her outside. Luckily being a tad drunk, the (MoF) let the misunderstanding slide off of him and now the Fraser’s are owed a favor to keep their mouths shut.

If we are keeping track the Frasers have one enemy in France, and two rather influential and affluent friends on their side. Not counting of course Marie, Louise and we cannot forget Raymond, until now. Who is at this party none other than The Duke of Sandringham. Yep he’s back. 

Lionel Lingelser (as King Louis XV) Kimberley Smart (as the King's Mistress) Episode 202Apologizing for not sending in Jamie’s papers and trying to be friendly in an intimidating way of course. Murtagh has to be stopped from drawing his sword. It’s death if one draws his sword in the presence of the King and it is King Louis XV(Lionel Lingelser) party. Jamie takes Murtagh outside to cool down on the word of his wife. Which naturally leaves time for Claire to have a word or ten with The Duke of Sandringham. The Duke knows the Fraser’s are making lots of important friends, he has his eyes and ears everywhere. Claire gets introduced to a man hacking up a lung allover the Duke, and it’s Blackjack’s younger brother. Claire doesn’t hold it against him, and tells him what to take for his chronic cough. He let’s it slip that he has the cough and his brother has a stronger system.

Claire could’ve got knocked over with a feather as his words sank in. HAS a stronger system. Not in the past tense as she thought. Not dead as in the date she had known from her time in the future. Blackjack Randall is NOT dead. I repeat the sadistic bastard is alive. The news sends Claire’s mind a million miles away. She says her pleasantries to the men and seeks out her husband, ignoring the crowds and the fireworks that the crowds are watching. 

How can she tell Jamie that his tormentor is alive. More importantly, will the Duke of Sandringham tell Blackjack that the Frasers are in France? Will he care? What is his next move? I hope these and many other questions get answered in next week’s all new Outlander episode Useful Occupations and Deceptions.

Notes and Thoughts: 

  • The intro is still so perfect, blending the French in with the last season song and the clips, BRILLIANT! I fall in love more and more I see and hear it.
  • The costumes of season 2 are another character this season as the Highlands were part of season one.
  • The Duke of Sandringham is out for himself, as always.
  • Jamie does a great two step between his present life and his past
  • We need Angus and Angus to come to France and spar words with Murtagh

What did you think of this week’s Outlander – Not in Scotland Anymore? We want to hear from you below in the comments!

Outlander is on Saturday nights 9PM/ET on Starz.

About author(s)

Jenn

Jenn is a Book Lover, Fangirl, Daniel Cudmore's Number one Fan, and Ricky Whittle connoisseur and the "chairwoman" of #TheWhittleExperience. Co-Owner of FANdomConsultants.com. When not found traveling to and from NYC (my home, my heart), reading, or writing on one of the several sites she owns, she's usually on Tumblr stalking Ricky Whittle gifs and scouring the Internet for more goodies on Dan. Jenn is also a budding artist and has her own studio where she creates some fandom made goodies. Follow her on Twitter, & Instagram.