‘Outlander’ Recap: ‘Carnal Knowledge’

12/14/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser in Episode 712 of ‘Outlander’ – ‘Carnal Knowledge’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 712 of ‘Outlander’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

When we lose someone, we love dearly in this life, there is one wish we make shortly after they leave us. In that, we wish upon a star or to the God we worship… to bring them back into our lives. Because we know that it will lift our spirits and bring us joy. For that person means that much to us, and we firmly believe that we will sing praises to the sky if they were to return and even hold a party in their honor because to gain back what we’ve lost is no small feat and should be cause for celebration and wonder. But alas, that wish is rarely granted in this life and even when it is… it is not the joyous occasion we always hope that it will be.

Because sometimes, people move on quickly and get on with their lives because they don’t think they will see that person ever again. Not to mention, their return could stir the pot. Simply because death is not something we hold lightly in this world and when we expect someone to be gone, there are a bevy of emotions that accompany it and of course... one must be brought back to life in a world where paperwork declared their end. So their return makes for confusing times and all of that was put on display in the next episode of Outlander on STARZ. Because ‘Carnal Knowledge’ should have been a joyous time in Claire’s life. For Jamie was back in her life and her love would continue. But alas, his ‘resurrection’ brought forth nothing but chaos.

After all, Lord John Grey had no problem leaning into honesty and pointed out the fact that he and Claire were married and that they had been intimate with one another. All because they thought Jamie was dead and that was something that deeply wounded Jamie and prompted him to just beat the living hell out of John. To work out his pain and his frustration over this, and it also led… to a scary time for John. Because in the midst of receiving his beating, he was handed off to American forces. By Jamie no less, who saw it as a fitting revenge of sorts. And those forces planned to just murder him to appease a need for revenge over a slaughter of innocents at the hands of British soldiers, putting his fate in grave jeopardy. All because there was no joy in reuniting with Jamie.

Gillian Kirkpatrick, Silvia Presente, and Charles Vandervaart as Madam, Arabella/Jane, and William Ransom in Episode 712 of ‘Outlander’ – ‘Carnal Knowledge’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Not to mention, the return of Jamie and the truth about his relation to William, sent that young man into a spiral. Because he felt betrayed, devastated and that he was a bastard. Which of course, was a dark badge to wear in that day and age and that pushed him… to just be an immature jackass. Wherein he lashed out at everyone he could and did his best to just sow chaos. To the point where he placed Ian into custody and even made others be sour. Which made it seem as though William was going to be constantly reckless in this tale. But thankfully, a father’s firm hand and firm words finally snapped William out of it and toward more competent acts, and hopefully he stays there.

But it wasn’t all sour grapes in this tale. Because the good news is that the British were indeed leaving Philadelphia and that did allow for some joy to come into the city. Not to mention, Jamie was able to meet a General George Washington and find himself promoted to General in the process, and of course… he and Claire had a tough fight. One that bared betrayed emotions and an understanding of why this came to bear. Which thankfully led to the two of them reconciling as they always do, for their love is indeed timeless and powerful and it was nice to see some semblance of happiness regarding Jamie’s return, and it did lead to a happy reunion for the couple when all is said and done.

All of which made, for a unique tale for certain. One that showcased that death is a messy process that isn’t always joyous when revoked and that perhaps our dream of having the one we love back could be nightmarish under the right circumstances. Which brought about compelling moments, epic drama and really all the stuff we love about this show. Because it is how the character’s respond to the extremes that captivates us, and it was nice that in end… this couple figured out the mess and ended the madness. But it is a shame that others have suffered accordingly. Since John really is in a pickle and in bad shape. Not to mention, William is not right in the head in this moment, and hopefully they can find peace and safety as this season rolls along, now that order has been restored to the Fraser family. Until next time.

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