‘Outlander’ Recap: “Man Of Worth”
Y’all. We’ve got so many feelings about this finale that we’re not sure how we’re going to fit them all into just one recap. But that also isn’t going to stop us from trying! The season four finale had new love, enduring love, hope, devastation, miracles, tragedies, welcomes, and farewells all packed into just one hour. Let’s break it down one final time with our “Swords vs Skins” recap.
*Spoiler Warning! The following recap may contain spoilers from episode 413. Do not read further if you have not seen the episode and wish to avoid spoilers.*
Sword Score: 10/10. Jamie, Claire, and Ian have finally made it to Shadow Lake. Their plan is to trade blankets, whiskey, metal cups, and other items for Roger, but their negotiations quickly go south when tribe members see Claire’s pendant. It’s the stone she found when she discovered the skull in the woods, and it frightens and enrages the tribe. The chief sends them away without an explanation, refusing all attempts to reestablish communication. Bewildered, Jamie, Claire, and Ian retreat.
Later that evening, a member of the tribe, Wahkatiiosta, comes to them and explains what happened. The stone belonged to a time-traveling man named Otter Tooth who came to the village many years before. He told the tribe of a coming war with the white man and earned many followers, but his words caused widespread death and destruction in the tribe, even after Otter Tooth was killed. The tribe believes that anyone who wears the stone has knowledge of the tribe’s future, and they are fearful that Claire will bring war back to their village.
Wahkatiiosta wants the stone so that she can see the future and protect her people. She and her followers agree to help Jamie, Claire, and Ian rescue Roger in exchange for the stone. Unfortunately, the plan goes awry when they are spotted by another member of the tribe. A violent battle ensues, and despite their best efforts, Jamie, Claire, and Ian are unable to rescue Roger.
As punishment for her actions, Wahkatiiosta and her followers are banished from the tribe. The Chief spares Jamie, Claire, and Ian, but he refuses to release Roger with them. Desperate to prove himself to his daughter by any means necessary, Jamie volunteers to stay in the village in Roger’s place. The tribe confers and accepts the offer. As Jamie and Claire say their goodbyes, it is revealed that Ian, who translated the negotiations, is actually the one who will be staying. He makes Jamie promise not to come back for him. Ian has chosen to remain with the Mohawk, and he intends to be a man of his words and a man of worth. It is a gut-wrenching goodbye to be sure, but we leave Ian as a full-fledged member of the tribe, and with Rollo for company.
After leaving Ian at Shadow Lake, Claire and Jamie explain everything that has happened to Roger. Jamie even lets Roger get in a few punches as revenge, although he quickly reaches his limit. It’s clear that Jamie, while full of regret for what he did, still doesn’t trust or even like the man who loves his daughter. Overwhelmed by all the revelations, Roger is unable to make an immediate decision about what to do. He says that he needs time to decide, and Jamie and Claire return to River Run without him.
Skin Score: 10/10. Having escaped the jail in Wilmington, Murtagh shows up at River Run and gets himself in trouble even quicker than the gang at Shadow Lake did. He and Jocasta share exactly half of a polite meal, and then the arguing begins. First, they argue over how to help Bree and her coming baby. Next, they argue over Murtagh’s work with the Regulators. Then, they argue over Jocasta’s lack of action towards social injustices. They only stop fighting long enough to somehow end up in bed with each other, which is a twist that we 100% did not see coming.
In between arguments (and other things) with Jocasta, Murtagh goes to see Bree. They discuss her sham of an engagement to Lord John, her need to forgive Stephen Bonnet for what he did to her, and of her decision to forgive Jamie for what he did to Roger. It’s a wonderful scene of redemption, and it’s nice to see Bree in a relatively happy place.
That happiness is only added to when Bree gives birth to a perfect baby boy (who looks like he has red hair like his mother and his grandfather!). She waits to name him, hoping every day that Roger and her parents will return. After two long months, Claire and Jamie arrive at River Run and meet their grandson. Bree’s happiness at their return is shattered when she realizes that Roger isn’t with them. Claire and Jamie begin the process of packing her and the baby up to return to Fraser’s Ridge.
Thankfully, right before they can all leave, Roger shows up! Bree is overjoyed at his return. They promise to love each other for always, and Roger asks to meet his son. But as is the way of a surprisingly large number of reunions in Outlander, the arrival of a troop of Redcoats throws everyone into a panic. Jocasta has a plan for hiding Murtagh and inadvertently reveals her new relationship status to Claire and Jamie. Before anyone can comment on that, or realize that Roger is about to stroll in, the Redcoats announce that they’re looking for Jamie. They deliver a letter from Governor Tryon. It’s Jamie’s first mission, and it’s to hunt down and kill his godfather.
As far as cliffhangers go, this one isn’t TOO bad. But it’s still going to be a long #Droughtlander until season 5 rolls around. We don’t have an official release date, but the current rumors are late 2019 or early 2020. We do know that both seasons 5 and 6 are coming and that each one will bring us 12 new episodes. We also know that season 5 will be based off the 5th book in the Outlander series: “The Fiery Cross.” If you absolutely can’t wait to find out what happens next, go visit your local library or independent book store and pick up a copy. Be sure to also keep an eye here on FanFest.com, as we continue to bring you all the Outlander news over the coming months.
Kade is often described as, “here just a minute ago” and can often be found just around the corner from where you’d expect. Approaching is not encouraged, unless you come with a strong wifi connection and a nice charcuterie board with gluten-free breads.
