‘Outlander’ Recap: ‘A Hundredweight of Stones’

12/7/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

David Berry and Caitríona Balfe as Lord John Grey and Claire Fraser in Episode 711 of ‘Outlander’ – ‘A Hundredweight of Stones’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 711 of ‘Outlander’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particularly sobering lesson that we will all learn in this life, is that grief… makes one do wild and outlandish things. Simply because Grief will devastate us in ways we never thought possible, for the void of losing a loved one is very real and supremely shocking and not being able to quickly process our emotions over this, is what sends us into a tailspin. One where we make rash decisions or take part in acts that end up being foolish in nature and well… that particular lesson is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Outlander on STARZ put that on display. For everyone was dealing with some form of grief in ‘A Hundredweight of Stones’.

For instance, Roger was basically grieving for his lost child and over the revelations regarding his father, and because of that… he immersed himself deeper and deeper into the past. To the point where he searched less for Jemmy and more for his father, to process that grief as well and that led to minimal progress on both fronts and a move toward the lesson, the long way round. Because what none of us ever took into consideration, was the possibility that Jem never moved into the past. That instead, Rob would use the power of grief to break Roger and Brianna, to get what he wanted and that was indeed the case. Since we learned he and Jem were still in 1980 so he could try and demand that Brianna do his bidding, a move that he paid dearly for.

But what mattered more, was that grief played a part in this mess and made Roger and Brianna illogical enough to be played. But there were more explorations to be found here, one of which came forth via Young Ian. Who in the wake of losing his dad and his uncle, cozied up closer and closer to Rachel. In part by opening his heart and soul to her even more than he already has, but also by just making it clear that he learned something powerful through grief. Specifically, the precious nature of the moment, and to cherish every last one because of how quickly they can fade. Which was a positive lesson for certain, one that solidified his relationship with Rachel since he lived her and breathed her, and every moment they shared. To the point where he was ready to travel home with her and enjoy those precious seconds.

Sophie Skelton as Brianna Fraser MacKenzie in Episode 711 of ‘Outlander’ – ‘A Hundredweight of Stones’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

However, while those were fascinating moments in their own right, they were grossly overshadowed by Claire’s battle with grief here. For her pain showcased how low it can sink us and how it can break us. Because despite garnering safety with Lord John Grey through marriage, she was lost. To the point where there was wailing and even thoughts of self-harm in the name of finding peace to the pain went through her mind. Which she did not go through with thankfully, since Jamie’s words hung in her head. But she did consummate her marriage to feel something other than pain and she also experienced great regret in being with John when all was said and done. Thanks in large part to the fact… that she was able to learn more about him.

Such as how he projected his own negative thoughts about himself upon others, specifically his own family. Which was toxic for certain and made him appear to be a bit of a monster. Which left Claire feeling nothing but regret for joining him in matrimony. Which only grew when she learned that the rebellion was working to keep her safe and that perhaps hiding in this direct manner through marriage might have been all for naught. Since the British Army was preparing to abandon the City of Brotherly Love, and she could have been free with a fake marriage. All of which showcased how grief just rips our minds to shreds and makes us do impulsive and foolhardy things, because that pain is so strong.

But alas, we would be remiss to not point out… that this story did have some measure of joy in it. For in the closing moments of this tale we learned… that Jamie was alive and well, and a mix-up and a missed boat ride led to the misunderstanding of a lifetime. Which will of course, keep Jaime and Claire’s love alive. Provided of course, they can survive the emotional ravages of the Revolutionary War, which is now in full swing and demanding more of both of them. But in the meantime, we can applaud one smart tale. One that truly explored the power of grief and how it sends us down unique paths and that’s an important lesson to learn. Since self-forgiveness for our actions is part of healing as well, and it will be interesting to see how quickly all can find that and solve their current problems as this season continues along. Until next time.

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