Outlander Season 7 Episode 4 Review: A Most Uncomfortable Woman

Outlander Season 7 Episode 4, “A Most Uncomfortable Woman,” sets aside momentum to assess the remainder of this season’s first half, and it’s looking to be a good run for the Frasers.

This episode comes off as a filler, and given that its purpose is to fill the remaining gaps, it does its job well. That said, the jumble of past and future storylines exists only to move the story forward, leaving little to tether one moment to the next.

However, it does build anticipation as important pieces fall into place around this motley crew of time travelers.

Fraser Family Reunion

How would Outlander seamlessly incorporate the latest baby face Fraser into its clan — with Ian, that’s how!

William and Ian are the perfect matchup. The young Scot with a heart of gold does much more to soften this red-coat soldier than his late act of mercy earlier in the episode.

And the subtle glint of acknowledgment in John Bell’s eyes as his character finds William is a great follow-up to his line about a Fraser knowing another Fraser when they see them.

The contrast of William’s blunt curiosity to Ian’s sincere wisdom also helps their introduction move along organically and with a friendly prodding of information.

The lovely exchange between these unlikely allies acts as a reminder that Ian is all grown and ready for the next chapter of his life. Meanwhile, William is just beginning his story. So it’s excellent timing to have Ian’s rescue result in his first encounter with Rachel.

New Kid on the Block

Sadly for William, trial by fire is the only way to go with this family. But I appreciate how quickly and relentlessly Outlander throws him to the wolves.

Claire has paid her dues tenfold at this point, it’s time someone else takes a beating to serve the story, and William does make a great punching bag. Unfortunately for him, his injured arm makes for a superb plot pivot into Fraser territory.

It is also the opportune moment for this show’s special effects department to show off their skills with everything from dead flesh to puss explosions. After that horror show, you cannot help but feel protective of sweet innocent baby William.

But kudos to Charles Vandervaart for nailing those subtle nods to his father because sometimes I look at him and go, “That’s so Jamie Fraser,” despite no actual relation. His subtle nods in William’s mannerisms and the need to blurt out observations that will get him in trouble are very Jamie-coded.

A Most Uncomfortable Kiss

Tom Christie has been such a chaotic breath of fresh air. We assumed Claire’s bestie was fleeting fun, but this gracious show isn’t ready to give him up yet.

The hilarious Tom jumpscare is proof that Outlander is having fun. The scene is shot like a derailed meet cute as Claire’s famous swear melts into chaos and Christie lunges to kiss her. It’s one of the more unexpected assaults on this show, that’s for sure.

The absurdity of this inappropriate romantic subplot is balanced well by its humility. Otherwise, this man assaulting Claire in the street would be another notch in her traumatic journey.

We should study how the show has handled this part of the adaptation. It somehow turns Tom’s uncomfortable advances into a satirical performance while drawing attention to how gross his actions are. The fact that no authorities could be bothered to off Tom and Jamie is completely unbothered by his advances adds to the flippancy of this exchange. 

Despite following a charted course, it feels like this season is exploring a plot that serves its fanfare in fascinating, if not fun, ways.

Pixies and Foreplay

Again, this episode doesn’t do much to make a war effort; Scottish folktales, house renovations, and a steamy sex scene work cohesively together.

That said, is anyone going to baulk at a classic Jamie and Claire mess-around? Sure, the timing is unhinged, coming off the cusp of a heated Tom Christie discussion, but we have to take the foreplay as it comes in this show.

And as out of place as the Brianna and Roger house renovations feel throughout this episode, seeing them explore Lallybroch from a new angle is fascinating. And the time travel discussions are still popping up in compelling ways, with Brianna acknowledging it is an element of the story Outlander can no longer afford to ignore.

There are times when the sporadicness of this installment seems to be crafted by fairies, but the developments that emerge from the chaos are rather delightful.

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Outlander airs Fridays at 8/9c on Starz.

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