Somehow, we always knew that it was destined to end this way. No, not just because of the opening episode, wherein we see that the Frasers schemes have led to naught, but because the web of lies, deceptions, and subterfuge were always built upon foundations of sand. Best Laid Schemes was a frustrating episode because of its narrative inconsistency with the last episode. We see Claire in her darkest place ever in the series at the end of the last episode, her relationship with Jaime teetering on the brink, yet by the start of the episode, you can see that there is a change, some common ground that has been discovered since you last left the characters. It's almost as if the showrunners cut out an episode for time, but as always the performances by the talented cast are spot on and the episode does enough to really set up for the crown jewel of the Paris arc and one of Outlander's best episodes, Faith.
But to get back to this episode, you can see that the House of Cards is starting to fall apart throughout. Murtagh has lost all patience with the ridiculousness of the Fraser's schemes. It really is nice to see Murtagh finally be let in on Claire's secret and accept it, but its the opening sign that web of lies is falling apart, that things are beginning to catch up with the Frasers. St. Germain distrust of Jaime is beginning to threaten his relationship with the Prince, Claire finds herself threatened as La Dame Blanche by the revelation that the King is preparing to apprehend practioners of the dark arts, including her close friend Master Raymond and most importantly, for the first time, Jaime admits a possibility that the audience, and the characters themselves don't want to admit, the possibility that all of the maneuvering, the sacrifices, the discord that has been caused in Paris may be for nothing, and that Culloden may be on the horizons despite the efforts undertaken by the Frasers.
While the episode has few moments that really stand out, its strength is in its conclusion, the way that Jaime's deceptions with the Prince and desire for revenge against Randall come together to finally topple the house of cards that the Frasers have built in Paris. While the episode doesn't show all of what happened, it's pretty clear that as Jaime was forced to cover for the Prince, who is all but unhinged at the prospect of the failure of his crusade, Fergus has the misfortune of wandering into Randall's room, being assaulted by him, thus leading to the duel.
The duel sequence is beautifully done its sloppiness. The two men hurling their swords at each other in rage and fury, falling down, awkwardly lunging at each other. I think it's a fitting insight into Randall's character that he incredulously wonders how Claire could forgive Jaime after what had happened. A recognition that his efforts to break Jaime failed. It makes it all the more tragic how the duel ends. Randall is hurt but clearly alive, Jaime finally recognizes the cost of his obsession with revenge, helpless to do anything as his horrified wife collapses while going into labor with the child.
Unfortunately, the poignancy and strength of the final sequence can't fully overcome what was a largely inconsistent episode, which is surprising considering the fact that the Paris arc was organized in a way where each episode up to now has slowly built upon the one before it.
But to get back to this episode, you can see that the House of Cards is starting to fall apart throughout. Murtagh has lost all patience with the ridiculousness of the Fraser's schemes. It really is nice to see Murtagh finally be let in on Claire's secret and accept it, but its the opening sign that web of lies is falling apart, that things are beginning to catch up with the Frasers. St. Germain distrust of Jaime is beginning to threaten his relationship with the Prince, Claire finds herself threatened as La Dame Blanche by the revelation that the King is preparing to apprehend practioners of the dark arts, including her close friend Master Raymond and most importantly, for the first time, Jaime admits a possibility that the audience, and the characters themselves don't want to admit, the possibility that all of the maneuvering, the sacrifices, the discord that has been caused in Paris may be for nothing, and that Culloden may be on the horizons despite the efforts undertaken by the Frasers.
While the episode has few moments that really stand out, its strength is in its conclusion, the way that Jaime's deceptions with the Prince and desire for revenge against Randall come together to finally topple the house of cards that the Frasers have built in Paris. While the episode doesn't show all of what happened, it's pretty clear that as Jaime was forced to cover for the Prince, who is all but unhinged at the prospect of the failure of his crusade, Fergus has the misfortune of wandering into Randall's room, being assaulted by him, thus leading to the duel.
The duel sequence is beautifully done its sloppiness. The two men hurling their swords at each other in rage and fury, falling down, awkwardly lunging at each other. I think it's a fitting insight into Randall's character that he incredulously wonders how Claire could forgive Jaime after what had happened. A recognition that his efforts to break Jaime failed. It makes it all the more tragic how the duel ends. Randall is hurt but clearly alive, Jaime finally recognizes the cost of his obsession with revenge, helpless to do anything as his horrified wife collapses while going into labor with the child.
Unfortunately, the poignancy and strength of the final sequence can't fully overcome what was a largely inconsistent episode, which is surprising considering the fact that the Paris arc was organized in a way where each episode up to now has slowly built upon the one before it.
