‘Outlander’ Recap: ‘A Most Uncomfortable Woman’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(L-R) Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe as Jamie Fraser and Claire Fraser in Episode 704 of ‘Outlander’ – ‘A Most Uncomfortable Woman’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 704 of ‘Outlander’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that season seven of the hit STARZ series, Outlander, has featured a great deal of closure and follow up. After all, a grand cliffhanger was resolved in a smooth and quick manner, old haunts and old monsters have returned only to receive their comeuppance and one could even say… we’ve said some fascinating goodbyes. All of which, seems to be setting the stage for the eighth and final season of this show, and in some ways, it likely is. Because by cleaning up hanging threads now, whatever is planned for the farewell year, can take the center stage without any concerns from the loyal fans regarding unfinished business. But as this week’s episode took the time to educate us, it’s more than just preparations for the end, this ‘housecleaning’ from a plot standpoint if you will… is also setting the stage for some big moments in season seven, and helping some characters move into new chapters in their lives, such as Brianna and Roger.
​
For ‘A Most Uncomfortable Woman’ took the time to swing by 1980, so we could see how Roger and Bree were settling into family life at Lallybroch and well… they were definitely coming to understand the difficulties of being on their own. Since the restoration of this lovely place was costing a small fortune, to the point where Bree felt it best to get a job again to complete the estate and make it the home they wanted and well… this was a plot that spoke to how hard it can be to adjust to a new life. Since Roger was indeed unsure of what comes next for him at this point in his life and Bree once again had to fight to remind people of her worth and her intelligence, thanks to the misogynistic buffoon she interviewed with for a job and in the end, this was just fascinating. Since it really did allow for us to see these two start from scratch and do their best to make a new future happen of their own accord, without family finances behind them.

Plus, this is a story that also explored what William Ransom’s new chapter is going to look like. Since he was given his deployment orders to New York in this tale, and a special mission. One born out of kindness really, since he took the time to stand up to his fellow officers when they abused and murdered a woman just because they could, and it was comforting to see a character stand against such actions. Since it spoke to the show not being good with women being abused on screen without consequences anymore, and that is a welcome change. But, this writer digresses, because that which led him deep into the swamps… led to tough times for William. For he was wounded out there and nearly died and had it not been for Young Ian, who was on a mission of his own, he would not have met the Hunters and been nursed back to health and on the road with ‘rebels’. A move that may teach him a great deal about the war and what it really stood for.

---

(L-R) Charles Vandervaart and Izzy Meikle-Small in Episode 704 of ‘Outlander’ – ‘A Most Uncomfortable Woman’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Speaking of Young Ian, well his mission was of note as well since it related to the new chapter that was coming to life for the Fraser family. Because while the trio were on their way to the docks and in town, Jamie received some tough news from old friends. In that, the United States Army was in dire need of good men and since Jamie called North Carolina his home, he was being drafted into the Army, per the order of some lad named General George Washington. Wherein he either had to consign someone to fight in his place or choose a side and fight the war, and well… since Jamie is as noble as they come and understands the importance of standing tall instead of running… he opted to fight. Which meant, Young Ian was off into the woods to bring more indigenous fighters into the fold, courtesy of their own disdain for the English and that also meant… everyone had to handle the reality that Scotland would have to wait, for a different journey now awaited them.
​
For General Washington needed Jamie to be posted at Fort Ticonderoga and oddly… while Jamie and Claire made preparations to leave… a surprise arrived. Specifically… Tom. Because he was tasked with being the secretary for the Governor after his confession since he knew how to read and write and the Governor was in need of a literate secretary, and well… once the Gov fell out of favor, Tom basically went free and of course, kissed Claire against her will and once more declared his undying love for her. Perhaps making this also, a closing chapter of sorts for their interactions. Since once their meeting was done, one that explained that obituary that Bree and Roger were aware of… which adds new wrinkles to the fold about possibly changing history… our favorite couple were off into the world and eventually made their way to Fort Ticonderoga and their new chapter. One that will indeed involve blood and sorrow as America fights for her independence. 

But while we wait for the battle to begin and ponder upon whether or not father and son will fight since the Hunters and dear William are also heading Jamie’s way… we can revel in a fantastic transitional episode. For this story really did set the stage for the season ahead and informed us along the way that one of America’s bloodiest early chapters is about to unfold in front of us. Which will be incredible and intriguing to watch play out, since it should feature some fine drama and some challenging moments for these incredible characters as they deal with the spoils of war, and well, the show deserves a round of applause for flawlessly setting the stage for big moments ahead and for seamlessly moving us into this next chapter of the tale. One where history comes to life for a woman out of time and where the future is forged by a man that is exactly where he belongs, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful, since we simply must know… what comes next. 

---

Powered by JustWatch