Outlander Review: Give Me Liberty (Season 6 Episode 5)

Outlander Season 6 Episode 5, “Give Me Liberty,” is a turning point for the season as the tensions of the Ridge give way to the soaring political tensions of the Revolutionary War.

Jamie embraces the chaos of betraying the crown, throwing us back into lore rich with familiar faces and agendas from his Jacobite days.

We once again open on a distant memory of Scotland. Yet, even when planted firmly in Wilmington, the series feels closer to its roots than ever.

This episode dives into the deep end of colonial politics. Thankfully, it also enlists emotional bargaining chips to help viewers tread this dense subject matter.

Jocasta’s return is soured by her desire to see the crown succeed in colonizing America, but her boldness to use Fergus as a tool in the war gives Jamie’s fictional arc a stake in the action. Here is Jamie, sending his son off to heal, and Jocasta uses him to print her pro-British propaganda.

It leads to several emotionally driven political conversations and moves on Jamie’s part as he sees firsthand the dangers printers face during the brewing war.

The brawl outside the print shop touches on an interesting perspective of the working class during the Revolutionary War. However, the scene is shot like a theatrical play with over-the-top physicality, a creative choice that feels out of place.

What an honor it is to have David Berry’s Lord John back! The reasoning for his presence is perfect, too, with the governor enlisting John’s help to ensure Jamie is not turning guns against the British.

Yes, Lord John Grey is enlisted to babysit Jamie Fraser, and he happily takes the assignment with a grin. It is, after all, an area of specialty for him.

That said, I do think Outlander could have utilized John better. The Lord’s presence is a rarity these days, so more indulgence in his existence would be appreciated — but that’s just me being greedy.

Regardless, it is always fascinating to see this dynamic in action. John has such a poignant struggle as a Red Coat whose true allegiance lies with his unrequited love, but it’s hilarious that he fell for the one man determined to overthrow the British government.

John’s surprise homecoming is paired beautifully with some sweet recollections of Murtagh and an iconic tribute to Stephen Bonnet’s balls.

The series peppers in a few memorable faces from history in an attempt to be the fun kind of history lesson.

Flora MacDonald’s harrowing smuggling of Charles Edward Stuart from Scotland fits seamlessly into Outlander‘s established lore this season. Flora’s deflection to the British monarchy cleverly rounds out her presence in the current conflict.

It’s the irony of her situation I admire the most. She wants to be seen as more than a symbol of the highlander rebellion by royalists. Still, Claire alludes that her likeness will be used on cookie tins, forever immortalizing her connection to the bonnie prince.

It’s a lovely change of pace to see three women, most fictional vessels for the truth, sitting around a table discussing their places in history. It’s a meaningful moment, and I am glad Outlander slipped it in.

Brianna and Roger are more than equipped to keep the drama festering on the Ridge — with a baby announcement!

The two have had their share of ugly marital problems, so it’s comforting to see them tackle tough conversations with an ease and charm we can celebrate. It’s not exactly a pain to watch Brianna grill Roger for playing house with Amy. The tea is scolding hot there and delightful!

Interestingly, Brianna repeats much of what Marva says to her in the woods. That subtle manipulation on Marva’s part is rather impressive.

My biggest issue with Marva is that she’s so obvious about her trajectory. There’s no shock value to her deception. She’s open about her fascination with witchcraft, so it’s not a mystery who the creepy love charm belongs to in the woods.

Her blackmailing move on Roger is bold, but it’s weak sauce. She’s the outsider here, and it’s cheap for Roger to submit to her lies so quickly as if he doesn’t have the Ridge and the church behind him. She needs to be knocked down a few pegs because the plot gives her too much credit.

Marva’s wickedness proves herself a formidable antagonist for the finale but subtly is not her forte.

Outlander understands how imperative that extra push is to get fans excited about the last stretch of episodes. The tiny threads weaved throughout this episode more than build that intrigue.

We do get a brief moment of struggle from Claire, suggesting her PTSD will come back to haunt her before the season is done. But arguably, the most exciting reveal comes in the final notes as a ghostly figure appears with an emerald in hand and a modern tune playing.

That clever cut away just as the figure’s head turns towards the camera is killer!

Ironic that Bonnett is mentioned as a new villain enters. The Christies have made waves on the Ridge, but it’s time for an antagonist that thinks bigger. It looks like time-traveling Beatles fan Wendigo Donner could be our man.

He’s been silent since his cowardice exit the night of Claire’s rape. However, with a mysterious jewel thief making noise and Amy McCallum recognizing a tune from Roger’s time, Donner could have been under our noses this entire time.

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Outlander airs Sundays at 10/9c on Starz.

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