Outlander
Season 2 Episode 9: “Je Suis Prest”
Directed by Philip John
Written by Matthew B. Roberts
Created by Ronald D. Moore
Based on the books by Diana Galbadon
Starring Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Duncan Lacroix, Gary Lewis, Graham McTavish, Stephen Walters, Grant O’Rourke, Tobias Menzies, Laura Donnelly, Steven Cree, Romann Berrux
Starz
Air Date: Saturday, June 4th, 2016, 9:00pm

Last week on Outlander, Claire and Jamie Fraser (Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan) were back in Lallybroch, along with Fergus and Murtagh (Romann Berrux, Duncan Lacroix), after Paris broke them. Being with Jenny and Ian (Laura Donnelly, Steven Cree) and the kids started to heal them. Bad news followed as Prince Charles sent a missive that declares his father the rightful king, and he forged Jamie’s signature. The Frasers decided if “they can’t beat em, join em,” to hopefully turn the future defeat and massacre into victory. They tried to get his grandfather, “the fox,” to join, but he was clever and managed to play both sides through his son. Laoghaire (Nell Hudson) tried to make amends.

Spoilers below.

Outlander 2.9 “Je Suis Prest” review: As they marched towards the prince, their numbers dwindled, as men not devoted to the cause went back to their homes. They arrive at the camp, where Fergus and Murtagh are happy to see them.

Claire: “You two have got your work cut out for you.” The men need to be trained.

Also happy is Dougal MacKenzie (Graham McTavish). He is so proud that Jamie joined the Jacobites. They all get to training to these men, some of whom have “never held a weapon.”

Claire, watching the training, has a few WWII flashbacks (flashforwards), and we see a full scene of her during her service. Jamie notices her quietness. He is worried, but she assures him she is fine.

“Je suis pret” means “I am ready.”

Watching the training, Jamie gives a rousing speech about battle. They are inspired, but then Dougal and the men run up on them and they scatter. Jamie tells Dougal to join or leave. Dougal tries to get Claire on his side, but she is not having it. But he does emphasize that he is sincere in his fervor for the cause.

Claire is freaking out with her PTSD. She’s treating the men badly.

Dougal comes with reluctant recruits. Jamie dismisses them. And has the sentries whipped. Claire has a longer flashback of during an attack. Jamie finds her huddled and shaking. She tells him, but refuses to go home because she did nothing once in war.

“Helpless and powerless to move like a dragonfly in amber.”

We get introduced to William Grey, when he tries to kill Jamie. Claire pretends to be a hostage, so the captured boy confesses for her honor.

Jamie does not kill the boy, who now thinks he has a debt of honor to repay.

Jamie volunteers for a whipping for his part in the carelessness. He gains the respect of Dougal with that. They went on a raid to the British camp and took the wheels and the cannon keys.

The soldiers march and are looking good. Dougal rides ahead to announce their presence to the prince.

The end is getting closer, and I was so mad when the episode ended. I really want to see this battle already, and I miss the prince. I got a little thrill when we met (John) William Grey (and so did all of you), given how important he becomes in Jamie’s life.

It is always a blast having Graham McTavish onscreen. He is fun and unpredictable.

The war PTSD was not in the books, but I liked the added touch, and to see Claire in that environment. I also did not mind the hostage scene being Claire’s idea instead of Jamie’s. I am happy that there were no gratuitous “boobs” in that scene. The flash of thigh was enough.

Outlander is renewed for 2 more seasons. Lucky us!

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

Starz’s synopsis:

Claire and Jamie reunite with the Lallybroch and MacKenzie men as they train. Jamie’s power struggle and Claire’s personal battle weigh upon them, but new information comes when an Englishman pays a visit to their camp.

Image Gallery

Video

Outlander | Ep. 209 Clip: Murtagh Trains the Troops | STARZ

Murtagh tries to whip the men into fighting shape in this clip from Episode 209.

Outlander | Episode 209 Preview | STARZ

In “Je Suis Prest”: Claire and Jamie reunite with the Lallybroch and MacKenzie men as they train for war, but Jamie’s power struggles with Dougal and Claire’s personal battle with her memories of WWII weigh upon them.