Outlander
Season 2 Episode 8: “The Fox’s Lair”
Directed by Mike Barker
Written by Anne Kenney
Created by Ronald D. Moore
Based on the books by Diana Galbadon
Starring Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Duncan Lacroix, Gary Lewis, Tobias Menzies, Laura Donnelly, Steven Cree, Romann Berrux
Starz
Air Date: Saturday, May 28th, 2016, 9:00pm

Last week on Outlander, our favorite couple were broken and lost to each other for a while, as Claire (Caitriona Balfe) lost baby “Faith,” and Jamie (Sam Heughan) rotted in the Bastille for dueling with Blackjack Randall (Tobias Menzies). She thought Jamie had betrayed her, but there was more to it than that. Randall had attacked Fergus (Romann Berrux) which made Jamie lose it. Claire went to King Louis (Lionel Lingelser) for Jamie’s freedom. He made her pass judgment between Master Raymond and the Comte St. Germain (Dominique Pinon and Stanley Weber). She tried to save both of them, even though the Comte admitted to trying to poison her, but Master Raymond slipped real poison in and the Comte died. The King also made Claire have sex with him as payment, but freed Jamie and arranged for them to be able to go back to Scotland. Jamie returned home, and now they both will go home to Scotland together.

Spoilers below.

Outlander 2.8 “The Fox’s Lair” review: They are healing in Lallybroch, hoping they did enough to stop the future massacre. The potato crop is growing fine, insurance against future famine. But bad news follows them, as it is apt to do. Prince Charles forged Jamie’s name in the declaration of war, and has arrived in Scotland.

Jamie thinks they can change the future by fighting on his side. The prince sends Jamie to the “Fox’s lair,” Lord Lovat (Clive Russell), his grandsire. He confesses to Claire that his father was a bastard then takes off his shirt. What now? Swoon! She doesn’t care and who would?

There is a lovely moment when Jenny and Claire watch Jamie hold the baby. This episode is definitely an eHarmony ad for Sam Heughan who doesn’t need any more help. He could not be more appealing if he tried.

Fergus tries to go with them, because he belongs with them. Jamie agrees and tells him to go with Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) and meet them. When they arrive, Colum (Gary Lewis) is there, and Lovat is completely insulting to Claire. Women should be seen and abused, but not heard in this household.

Claire runs into Laoghaire (Nell Hudson) who confesses and wants to make amends. She’s changed, but Claire is unforgiving. It’s hard to forgive the girl who tried to have you burned as a witch.

Jamie tries to convince the men to join the prince, but Lovat and Colum turn the tables at the table. Lord Lovat wants something – his fealty and Lallybroch. Jamie only offers his help and goodwill, so Lovat threatens Claire’s honor. Jamie tells him she is La Dame Blanche. Grandpa is quite superstitious.

Claire suggests using Laoghaire to tempt Lovat’s son so he will have confidence and stand up to his father. He already has a mad crush on her. Laoghaire agrees, but seems to be unsuccessful, while Claire gives them private time and goes to the church. She talks to the seer, who tells her of the vision of Lovat.

Colum tries to convince Jamie not to give up his land, but it looks like he may sign it over anyway. Claire pretends to see Lovat executed by King James. He goes after Claire, but Lovat’s son stands against him. Jamie goes to thank Laoghaire at Claire’s insistence. That little girl still loves him. Who can blame her?

Lovat sent his men to help Jamie and his son for a win/win situation no matter who the victor.

Although not as powerful as last week, this episode sets them up for war, and the beginning of the end of Claire’s stay in the 18th century. Soon she will go back to Frank.

The use of Laoghaire in this episode when she was not in the Lovat household in the book, still worked. Jamie may not be able to forgive her, but her use as a character to bolster Simon’s confidence was a good tool. I always enjoy scenes between Heughan and Lewis because they portray the balance of rivalry and affection perfectly.

The best part of episode 8 was seeing what a modern husband Jamie is, teasing Claire about having to play the quiet woman, and having every confidence that Claire could take care of herself if someone attacked her. I just love him.

Outlander airs Saturday nights at 9:00pm ET on Starz.

Image Gallery

Videos

Outlander | Episode 208 Preview | STARZ

On “The Fox’s Lair”: Claire and Jamie call upon Jamie’s grandsire, Lord Lovat, in an attempt to elicit support for the Jacobite cause. However, a visiting Colum MacKenzie has other plans, and Lord Lovat’s manipulative machinations ensure that no matter what, his own interests will be served.

Outlander | Ep. 208 Clip: Potatoes | STARZ

The crop of potatoes Claire had told Jenny to plant is ready to harvest in this clip from Episode 208.