Outlander Season 7 Episode 10 Review: Brotherly Love

Outlander Season 7 Episode 10, “Brotherly Love,” is a mixed bag of triumphs and tribulations as the show dives headfirst into adapting the rest of book seven.

The emotional performances and heart-stopping cameos that plague this captivating tale are exhilarating.

However, Outlander’s desire to lean on the same tired linear storytelling as it sprints through this action-packed hour leaves our leading couple fighting for more than just their lives.

Outlander has been operating at a consistently high level for years. Even when the drama is going through the motions, its adequate writing and performances stand tall against other TV shows.

When you have a show that can operate at such a high level of success, you expect more because an average outing isn’t going to cut it.

An episode where Rachel is kidnapped, Ian nearly dies, Jamie seemingly does die, and Lord John proposes to Claire is by no means average. But the pacing suggests this is another day at the office for the Outlander crew, and that lack of haste works against the subject matter.

Once more with feeling would be nice.

It seems this episode is checking off boxes on a To-Do list, making no considerably bold moves when presenting these plot points.

Claire and Jamie are once again pushed outside their comfort zone. However, the show is not, and that is counterproductive when you claim you are upping the stakes.

The best episodes have a thread that weaves each plot point into a tapestry of richer storytelling and returning gimmicks. Linear storytelling that moves from point to point still needs to find a way back to the beginning.

Sadly, Outlander quickly leaves its themes of brotherly love in the dust. By the end, Ian’s death is old news, barely denting the emotional death toll of this episode.

Jamie and Claire have been separated by death before and mourned each other with equally earth-shattering performances. But there’s a disconnect this time that doesn’t have us nearly as worried for Jamie or invested in Lord John’s proposal.

Outlander cannot make our hearts beat for this show the way Jamie and Claire’s hearts beat for each other without taking risks.

Roger’s predicament has less murder but somehow feels more unpredictable and risk-forward.

His panic is entertaining to watch as he navigates Geillis with the knowledge of how dangerous she can be. Even better is the show’s flare for dramatics as Dougal MacKenzie bursts back onto the scene.

You can see the grin creeping onto Graham McTavish’s face as if he can hear our screams through the TV. It’s clear Geillis and Dougal are having a blast doing their sexual little dance — and we are having just as much fun watching Roger squirm.

The reveal that Roger’s father didn’t go missing in action but slipped through the stones is an excellent reward waiting at the end of this memory lane. It connects the dots beautifully between Roger and the reason for his presence in this unfamiliar time.

The scene also allows us to figure out a few beats before the dialogue spells it out so we can relish the reveal when it finally comes.

Outlander needs to give this storyline more room to breathe as Roger searches for his father. It is reminiscent of Season 1 while adding new depth to the show’s time traveller elements.

Through the highs and lows, Outlander crafts a sweet farewell to Ian with Jamie and Jenny holding his hand through his last breaths.

The polarizing trio of Rachel, William, and Young Ian is brimming with potential as they tear up the town while ensuring war and religion never get in the way of their companionship.

And oh, how we have missed Rollo, who rightfully stole Rachel’s heart in Ian’s absence.

Even if the storytelling’s pizzazz leaves much to be desired, the characters at the heart of this story continue to pump out enchanting performances.

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

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Outlander airs Fridays at 8/9c on STARZ.

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