Outlander Review: Hour of the Wolf (Season 6 Episode 4)

This latest installment can do no wrong with Young Ian as its guide.

It is always a pleasure to see the series give John Bell’s charismatic Scotsman a chance to shine, but Outlander Season 6 Episode 4, “Hour of the Wolf,” looks to introduce new depths to his character with this bleak character study.

It’s good to know life outside Fraser’s Ridge is just as ripe with chaos.

Insight into why Ian returned after all those years with the Mohawk is as rich as one could hope for.

The concept of a new home for Ian where women decide their fate and stories are passed among each other as entertainment is bright and beautiful, which makes the boy’s swift banishment all too cruel to watch. 

The haunting image of his wife weeping over a bloody river sums up the bitter beauty of this painful journey. But, if not that, then surely the moment Wahionhaweh tells Ian to leave, her cracking voice betraying her true feelings.

It all comes back around as Ian confronts the brother who took her from him, Kaheroton. The events of their petty brawl may escalate beyond Ian’s control, but it’s a full-circle move to have Ian make the heroic sacrifice and stop the bullet’s trajectory.

Ian may not have been able to save his marriage, but he continues to prove he is twice the man for it.

And that’s ultimately the most vital theme this episode preaches, that it is okay to be multiple things as long as you are true to yourself. It’s corny, but not when you live in a time where it’s difficult to be anything but what society approves.

Ian choosing to embrace both his Scottish heritage and time with the Mohawk is just as wholesome as Jamie confessing he will love Ian regardless of identity. It all plays into the subtle nudges the sci-fi elements give to this historical jaunt.

What is not so subtle is the choice to have Jamie come right out and tell the Cherokee Chief his wife sees the future.

Yet, this boldness leads to one of the hour’s finest moments as it exposes the blatant differences between cultures.

The white people out here acting like a woman’s existence is witchcraft. Meanwhile, the Native Americans hear a woman can predict the future, and they do not even bat an eye.

It’s always rewarding when Outlander lets the time-traveling slip into discussions, and that could not be more true here as Jamie and Chief Bird tackle the devastating events of the Trail of Tears sixty years prior.

The sci-fi elements continue to provide noteworthy takes on the Native American experience by giving this predominantly white cast accountability and awareness; a luxury of this period piece does not let pass it by.

The dialogue throughout this episode is written beautifully, and it highlights a character who continues to snag fantastic material this season — Jamie Fraser.

It all starts with a gentle push as Jamie sends Fergus away with a genuine desire to see him healed. It’s good Outlander pushes this issue along, keeping Fergus in our good graces. It would be beneficial to dive into his mental illness later on, however.

It is ultimately Jamie’s conversation with Ian that packs the one-two punch. One of the finest elements to his character development is that he is trying to be a source of emotional support, not just a strong patriarch who provides.

There came a time when such a vulnerable situation with Ian would have frightened him. Still, Jamie selflessly reopens old wounds, discussing the daughter he lost to ease Ian’s sorrow — a gesture that elevates the grief he and Ian share.

What comes is a discussion with excellence so effortlessly summed up by the line: “We shall ask my daughter to look for yours in heaven. I ken she’ll find her there.”

The choice to be two things at once works for Ian, but it does not entirely work for the flow of this episode.

Structural issues continue to make themselves known this season. Episodes rarely seem to follow an organic unfurrowing of events, often jumping months in the future or cutting to a scene that throws the momentum off-kilter.

For half its run time, “Hour of the Wolf” suggests this is an Ian Fraser special with our feet planted firmly on the Cherokee land.

So it is polarizing to be thrown into Claire’s experiments. This check-in is lovingly chaotic with medical shenanigans and Lizzie’s mad side-eye for Marva. However, the cost of taking us from Ian’s story is not worth it, and this scene could have benefitted from better placement.

Outlander is attempting to cover every inch of story it can in this shortened season, but often at the cost of cohesive storytelling. You have to pick your battles, and this stand-alone scene is not worth the hassle.

“Hour of the Wolf” is a much-needed exploration of the relations between the Cherokee, the Mohawk, and the settlers. This historical episode is driven by potent storytellers, moving bouts of dialogue, and sharp-witted action.

John Bell’s stellar character work is on full display as he brings to life Ian’s passionate devotion for his wife, only to tear that connection to shreds with chilling recollections.

It is unfortunate Jamie will be stepping down from his role as the Indian Agent because this outing’s success certainly warrants a follow-up.

—

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Outlander airs Sundays at 10/8c on Starz.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Best-Selling Novel ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ Is Heading to Netflix