Outlander – Temperance Roundtable Review
Outlander – Temperance has to be hands down one of the heaviest episodes since season one. Finally, we are seeing more of the cast and not just the main. This episode features, arguably, one of the best performances by César Domboy and Lauren Lyle.
Outlander – Temperance Synopsis
Fergus (César Domboy) worries for his new son’s quality of life when the baby is bullied by superstitious Protestants. Claire (Caitriona Balfe) performs surgery on Tom’s (Mark Lewis Jones) hand.
We decided that this episode requires a few opinions, so I sat down with Brina to talk about episode 3 Outlander Temperance to talk about the drama, and what it all may mean for the future of the MacKenzies and the Frasers.
Ok, so B can we talk about Fergus and his drinking and coping? With his upbringing did you ever think he would be abusing Marsali (Lauren Lyle) or even drinking the way he is?
PB: I never thought he would be that way at all. He has always been so sweet and loving to Marsali. But we all know that booze changes your personality. Some of us it makes a happier drunk but for others, who are fighting inner demons, not so much. I do believe Fergus could stop but I am kinda worried he has gone too far and may not recover.
Continuing with this line of thinking. Umm, Claire and her creation of ether? Was it created for personal use or for her surgeries? I mean she knows what PTSD is doesn’t she? How can she, of all people, fall into this dark, dark world of self-medicating?
PB: I honestly was shocked that Claire would do this. But I get it. As a rape survivor myself, you have to find a way to cope. But Claire is very strong and if she would just talk to Jamie or even her daughter she will be able to get through this. I am sure she made it for surgeries but it has a double use.
Speaking of surgery, Tom Christie only wants the surgery so he can beat his daughter Malva (Jessica Reynolds) better? And the creepy factor in the way she “observes” the Frasers. Was she attempting to flirt with Ian (John Bell)?
PB: That whole family is off their rocker! Seriously Tom has some deep hate for women and since he sucks as a man and a father, he takes it out on his daughter. As for Malva, watching this it is creepy a little bit but I also wonder if she watches because the Frasers are the most “normal” family she has ever really seen. I honestly think she is attracted to him cause she know he is everything her father hates.
Speaking of Ian… What do you think he is going to do? Will he get with Malva? Will we ever learn about the life he had with the Indians? What did you think about his truth-telling about being married and having a child?
J: I have to be honest you could have blown me over with a feather at this revelation to Marsali. Kudos to his uncle Jamie (Sam Heughan) for, so far, not saying anything to Ian.
PB: I knew the story about his time with the Indians would come out eventually. I would love to see him happy with someone but I am not sure Malva is the right one. Him having a baby and wife did shock me a little bit.
I’ve been putting off this particular line of questioning (because of my bias) but can we talk about Roger (Richard Rankin)? The sermons, the running into the river to save Henri Christian, his firm talking to the kids. All of it! Was it just me or was it as swoon-worthy as I thought?
J: I am thrilled to see Richard on screen more. His acting ability is off the charts this season. To see him become more of a lead and with such amazing storylines, my head is exploding.
PB: I am shocked it took you this long to talk about Roger. He definitely needs more screen time. I like how they are showing his character growth.
J: Do you think they will have another baby? Please and thank you!
Fersali, or rather Fergus and Marsali. FINALLY. They are getting the much-deserved screen time and they are killing it. In this episode of Outlander Temperance, these two shined and took my breath away. I know we spoke of Fergus and his drinking already, but it was sudden and shocking and I feel it’s worth exploring more and again.
J: Firstly, can we talk about Fergus being a drunk(again)?
PB: We all cope in different ways and booze numbs the pain and thoughts sometimes, but like I said it can bring out the demons.
J: If being a drunk wasn’t bad enough, the one-handed boy wonder is abusive to Marsali? I mean I didn’t see this coming, did you?
PB: He is grabbing her, I don’t see him hitting her. I really wonder if it is because she is trying to take his flask or something from him.
J: In the previous episode watching Roger yell at him as Marsali was having his baby, I thought perhaps that was his waking moment. But kudos to Marsali for putting her foot down and kicking his ass out till he gets better. That scene was intense!
PB: That scene needed to happen. Fergus needs his rock bottom and I think it will get worse before it gets better.
J: What did you think about Fergus’ guilt and PTSD for being “helpless” (my ass), and guilty for being the father of a dwarf? How do you think this will play out (his being a sober father) for the rest of this season and beyond?
PB: I don’t think he is going to be sober anytime soon. I think this storyline is going to drag out a little bit more.
Can we talk about the scene with Jaimie and the boys, I loved how he made them choose between the hot poker and the baby. Such a smart way to teach a lesson to kids.
What do you think? Best parenting, err grandparenting move. I was only shocked Claire was as shocked as she was that he did it his way.
Some scenes of note from Outlander – Temperance
What were some of your fave moments from Temperance? We would love to hear your thoughts on it below.
