User Reviews

Having read the books and now one book past this season, this was the episode I was waiting for - as soon as I saw the title I thought "oh god, here we go!" And as predicted, there were tears. I've been watching the storyline with Murtagh with interest as he didn't make it past the third book. I did wonder if/when he was going to get killed off. That said, it still didn't stop my hand flying to my mouth when he was shot. I love Sam Heughan, I think he has owned Jamie for a long time now but even more so this season. And may I just say - nice gratuitous topless shot in the river!

I've read all the books so I know what happened to Murtagh. And was so happy when they brought Duncan Lacroix back last season. We didn't get to see Murtagh die at Culloden as he did in the books, so to see him die at the Battle of Alamance was so heart breaking and gut wrenching. As a fan of the books I love how they wrote and played out this episode starting with Jamie taking stock on his birthday (right out of the book), Isaiah showing up, Bree coming, and Roger! And Graham McTavish as Buccleigh McKenzie (Buck) that was awesome! I can't wait for the next episode!

Sassenach, Jaime's pet name for Claire... I always found this to be a true mark of genius by Galbadon, to take a slur, an epithet, a vulgar name for an Outlander and to turn it into a term of endearment. But more than that, when Jaime calls Claire Sassenach, it also has another meaning, a shared understanding of Claire's true nature. There is a reason why Claire revealing herself to Jaime is such an important part of the first Outlander story, because it is a secret shared between the two of them that is both intimate and dangerous. More than a few times, Claire and Jaime have been subject to danger because of this knowledge, because of this secret. Yet this information also sets them apart from others, it gives them a shared knowledge that only they have.

In the books, it takes over half the series before someone else from the 18th century learns of Claire, Brianna and Roger's true origin. Gellis, Frank, Mrs. Graham, and Fiona know, but they are future themselves. As such it was such a departure from the books when Claire and Jaime tell Murtagh of Claire's true nature, and a dangerous one at that. In essence, the tv series took this secret that was so intimate between Jaime and Claire, and allowed for Murtagh to take a special place as an insider of sorts, someone else who knew Claire's true nature and the true nature of Jaime's family.

What a payoff you get in the Ballad of Roger Mac. It's strange because through 8 books there has been alot of pain, suffering and death, but never the death of an insider like Murtagh, someone who has had a long history with extensive knowledge of Claire's true nature. When the characters lose Murtagh in this episode, it's more than losing just a family member, you are losing an insider, one of the only people to know who Brianna, Roger and Claire really are.

This is also an episode about betrayal, betrayal of one family member to save your own. In a way that's what happens to Roger; he is betrayed by his ancestors to save themselves. But of course, it is really Sam Heughan that steals the episode. The addition of the red coat (not in the books) was his idea, and when he puts that coat on, you can see in his eyes the ghosts of Wentworth Prison, of all the pain and suffering that coat has represented to him coming back. And it's so devastating because Jaime is single minded in sacrificing himself to save his family, and yet he can do nothing for Murtagh. To save part of his family, he is forced to sacrifice his godfather. God how heartbreaking as he begs Claire to save Murtagh. His unshakable belief in her that she can fix any wrong, save any man. It makes it so much worse because it's too late, he's already gone, and there is nothing that either of them can do.

This episode is a byproduct of the episodes in the season that came before it, all of the foundation leading to this single moment. This episode is clearly in the Pantheon of great Outlander episodes, one that is just as moving as the first time you've watched it.

Uneven pacing, awkward dialogue. Additionally, I was taken completely out of the story by the jarring (re)appearance of late fifty-something Graham McTavish playing the twenty-something son of the character he played up through season two. Bad call, Outlander, very bad call. The death of Murtagh came, sadly, two seasons too late to have made the heartbreaking impact it did in the novel series.

As always, love the poignant performance of Richard Rankin as Roger MacKenzie.

The acting in this episode was awesome. Duncan Lacroix and Sam Heighen should be nominated for Emmys. As a show only person, I was so sad to see the end for Roger, much sooner than I expected. He also has been such an asset to the show. So we head to the revolution. Is there another trip through the stones in the future?

This episode was bittersweet. Wonderfully shot. Warm and inviting to the eye. Based on the remaining episodes, I do not believe this is the end for young Roger. Cannot wait for next sunday!

This episode is, by far the best of Outlander Season 5! Amazing acting by Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe. Richard Rankin and Sophie Skelton deliver as well. Though it is so hard to say goodbye to Murtaugh, Duncan Lacroix really will surely be missed. Well, hello Graham Mactavish! Tim Downie as Tryon is so cruel that he better be gone to New York and leave The Frasers alone. But not without killing our hopes for Murtaugh and endangering Roger's life too. Ugh! It's breaking my heart whenever moments from this episode come to mind. It will stay here for a really, really long time. Outlander at its best! Give this show some LOVIN', EMMYS, GOLDEN GLOBES, you all!