Outlander Review: Mercy Shall Follow Me (Season 5 Episode 10)

Outlander Season 5 Episode 10, “Mercy Shall Follow Me,” is Stephen Bonnet’s origin story, but it is also his swan song.

This twisted version of Beauty and the Beast plays to the violent characteristics of Bonnet’s pirate nature and takes us on a number of high-stakes adventures.

The smuggler’s bold plan to claim his illegitimate son, while downright devilish, is a reminder to viewers of just how far an empathetic villain can carry a story.

The success of Bonnet, even in his own demise, is a testament to Outlander‘s greatest achievement as a series — it’s antagonists.

A story is only ever half as good as its villain — and Stephen Bonnet is one damn good villain!

He is also a disgusting rapist and human dumpster fire of privileged rage; something Outlander explores in-depth during the quieter moments of Bonnet’s plan to take what he believes the Frasers owe him.

As this series has come to know well, even the evilest of men need to connect with the audience on some level if they are going to leave an impression. Thankfully, Ed Speleers plays this aspect of the role well as he appeals to the more human qualities of the smuggler.

As a delusional Bonnet attempts to win Brianna over, you can see his ragged edges softening ever so slightly. He’s clearly going through the motions of what a sociopath believes is the right emotions of affection, but he still manages to garner sympathy as he begs for the chance to be a better father and gentleman.

Of course, Bonnet is a ticking timebomb and the quieter he becomes, the more dangerous thing gets for everyone in the room. The anticipation alone propels these tense scenes between Brianna and him forward as the two play a game of cat and mouse that could come to an end at any moment Bonnet desires.

You almost begin to feel sorry for the man as he brings up his orphan back story and fear of one day drowning when the sea comes to reclaim him. The details not only round out this wicked antagonist’s story beautifully but they hint at what’s to come.

When Bonnet’s explosion finally comes, it’s almost a relief. His switch back to the vile man who defiles women to exert his power is terrifying but is familiar ground for Bonnet to walk.

The feeling of having been toyed with is always one I relish as a viewer because it means the villain has managed to get under my skin too.

This has never been a man to downplay his showmanship and that rings true even in his death — which feels like a proper finale to the sonnet that has been Stephen Bonnet.

Bonnet’s death has as many fascinating layers as the man himself.

We learn early on in this episode that Bonnet has a fear of drowning. This fear then comes to life in a cruel moment of irony as he is sentenced to death by drowning. But Brianna knows this and she shoots him before he can meet his true fate.

Roger ends the scene with a spot-on observation as he asks Brianna if she killed Bonnet out of mercy or to ensure he would stay dead. It’s a brilliant line because it’s one, not even the viewers watching can truly come to answer.

As evil as the man was, it’s a shame Bonnet can’t stick around. His demise is an epic footnote for the series, but one has to wonder if Outlander could have benefitted from more of Speleers and his wickedness down the line. Villains like this are valuable, even for a series that seems to have no trouble creating more.

I commend the show for boldly blending aspects of two separate books together to create such a thrilling episode, but knowing Bonnet’s fate came early makes this whole storyline feel rushed in a season that has done everything to draw this feud out.

Now to the woman that carries much of this episode’s weight on her shoulders — Brianna ‘badass’ Fraser! The girl manages to stay afloat in a sea of masculinity and keep her wits about her in the middle of a crisis.

She realizes early on that the only way to survive Bonnet is to play along and do what so many women have been taught to do in history — keep their heads down and play nice. So through blurry eyes and shaking hands, she matches Bonnet’s enthusiasm for a family with encouragement and shallow sincerity. 

The girl has even memorized Moby Dick cover to cover — what an absolute a power move! Who has the time or patience for that?

My only criticism is the way Outlander allows Brianna to take a backseat to her own rape storyline. It’s good to know Roger is down for murder but the way her own family attempts to leave her out of the narrative seems dicey, even by 18th century America standards.

Thankfully, Brianna takes that final shot herself. Skelton brings a newfound fire and strength to her character as she faces off again Bonnet. And a likeability as we see Brianna, free from the shadow of toxic masculinity, become the brilliant headstrong woman she is meant to be. 

Bree isn’t the only one who finds herself the byproduct of a man’s damaged pride. Jocasta also stumbles into danger as Bonnet’s filthy lawyer attacks her out of malice.

The entire scene feels somewhat jarring, having pulled us from Bonnet’s grasp only briefly. Regardless, the visit to River Run is a memorable one as Jocasta nearly loses her life and Ulysses, like the total badass he is, snaps the man’s neck before he can finish the job. It’s awesome!

Unfortunately, not all of Outlander‘s confrontations during the episode feel as triumphant.

Cutting to black as Brianna charges Bonnet on the beach is effective, but it also stifles the fire brewing between the characters far too soon. And I’m still not quite sure why Roger punching Bonnet is replayed as if we’re watching some kind of sporting event. It’s an epic takedown but it doesn’t warrant turning this into a televised wrestling match.

“Mercy Shall Follow Me” is a fascinating character study of one of Outlander‘s most wicked villains.

It’s the last we’ll see of Bonnet but his vile motives and looming presence have left a lasting impression on these last two seasons of the series. I only hope the Frasers can finish out the rest of this season with the same tenacity.

When another antagonist inevitably shows up, they will have big shoes to fill and even bigger problems if they run into Brianna and the barrel of her gun.

Speleers’ Bonnet joins the likes of Black Jack Randall, Laoghaire, and Geillis as Outlander leaves a legacy of strong-willed protagonists, and even stronger villains, in its wake.

What did you think of this episode of Outlander? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Outlander airs Sundays at 9/8c on Starz.

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