Outlander Review: Allegiance (Season 6 Episode 2)

Outlander Season 6 Episode 2, “Allegiance,” suggests a united front, but the structure of this episode is another story.

The problem isn’t necessarily quantity, but the sporadic way this outing volleys its stories around. Nonetheless, the Frasers certainly embrace the disorder of the day.

The cabin builders move fast, but the chaos of this episode moves faster.

Unity haunts this episode as Jamie struggles under the weight of knowing what fate awaits the Native Americans, on top of dealing with baby bombshells and religious malice.

It is a theme this season stands to gain plenty from with the involvement of the Cherokee.

Especially as Brianna and Ian look to flex the show’s time-traveling toolbox and have an earnest dialogue about the settlers that will take and let suffer throughout history. These are conversations the sci-fi elements of this historical drama can afford to have.

It’s also great to see the lore and relationships at such a complex point that someone like Ian can debate the future with Brianna, then turn around and deliver such a powerful reveal to Marsali about the child he kept a secret.

Ian isn’t the only example of how powerful the longevity of this show’s dynamics can be, but he is by far this episode’s strongest.

That said, it is Marsali’s hour to take center stage, and as always, her time in the spotlight does not disappoint.

Just as Ian can seemingly break us with a couple of words, Marsali conveys all her pain and fear when she asks to write to her mother. At that moment, Lauren Lyle reduces this strong mother to a frightened girl, packing one hell of an emotional punch with her delivery.

Another decisive moment; Jamie puts Tom in his place swiftly and with a smirk. It’s lovely to have Jamie put a stop to the witch allegations once and for all. Plus, our leading man advocating for all religions to worship and learn under the same roof is one we can easily root for in these divided times.

Finally, who doesn’t love Jamie’s repetitive use of the word “meeting house” or when he insists the church include stained glass as if he is Chip Gaines or something.

When it comes down to it, Jamie makes every right choice for his ridge, and that chivalry helps ease the pain of Fergus and Claire’s imperfect struggles.

However, this episode rarely has allegiance, jumping from scene to scene, storyline to storyline without care to place threads that will tie everything together in a meaningful way.

The sheer quantity of adapted material could appeal to readers, but the progression of scenes will likely feel out of sorts for anyone invested in the TV series itself.

Quirky scenes like the funeral and the accidental orgy end up sandwiched between difficult births and treaty negotiations. The tone within “Allegiance” is constantly clashing, enough to throw viewers off-kilter as they try to follow the linear storyline.

This installment undoubtedly has some of the show’s strongest scenes for Marsali and Ian. However, those moments are not backed by a strong framework.

The lack of functionality to this episode structure is disappointing.

What is not disappointing, however, is Outlander‘s choice to lean into its comedic potential for a change — because boy, is this episode funny!

I do love it when characters acknowledge the hilarity of their predicament. Ian cock-blocking across language barriers while Jamie sits with a confused grin on his face certainly leans into that absurdity.

Jamie panic-yelling, “Madam, cease!” is even more chaotic. And who doesn’t love hearing Jamie and Claire’s passionate homecoming sex from the perspective of someone a floor below them? Top-tier comedy, indeed!

But what will always be superior is how humorously Claire is willing to accept her branding as a witch. The way she passively delivers Tom Christie’s accusation to Jamie plays to a darker running joke that will always land.

Despite its structural shortcomings, “Allegiance” is quirky and daring in ways this series should strive to be more often.

The subject matter is no less bleak, but the light-hearted demeanor of these characters is a refreshing change of pace. After all, the sillier moments are an important reminder of the life these people are fighting for.

Yet, one can hardly joke about this installment’s masterful utilization of characters, right down to the Bugs. Each member of this squad has their role to play, and they play it well.

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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