Outlander’s Episode 10, “By the Pricking of my Thumbs,” was loaded with many events and political intrigue. Overall it was enjoyable to watch. This post is not a recap but a discussion of two characters: Geillis Duncan and Dougal MacKenzie. If interested in reading a recap or review, here is a link to one that I consider the best so far.
Review of Episode 110 “By the Pricking of my Thumbs
The Druid Dance: This dance is an added scene, an event that does not occur in the books. It is probably my favourite scene of this episode because it incorporates a flashback that hints many things. To book readers it hints Geillis’ background. To TV fans who have not read the books, it is a foreshadowing device to something that will be revealed very likely in the next episode. What is the meaning of this dance to Claire? Based on the fact the she considers Geillis her friend, she probably thinks that the dance performed by Mrs. Graham and company is just an ancient tradition. I doubt she is suspicious of Geillis’ background at this stage. Some important details are revealed after the dance:
- Geillis is pregnant with Dougal’s child.
- She was dancing to summon Mother Nature to free Dougal and herself from their respective spouses.
- Based on a gift that Dougal gave Geillis, he gets along with the Duke of Sandringham (important information that Claire will use when meeting the Duke later). It seems that the Duke is a Jacobite – something not clear in Outlander but more obvious in Dragonfly in Amber.
- Is Dougal a womanizer? He is interested in Claire too.
Geillis tells Claire to keep all these details secret. Claire does that because Geillis is the only lady so far (besides Mrs. Fitz) who has given her a warm reception. Is Geillis Claire’s friend? According to her, she was not aware that the ill-wish that Laoghaire requested was meant for Claire. Is this true? The fact is that Geillis has her own agenda. I have written extensively about Geillis and it is very clear in Voyager that she wanted to get rid of both Jamie and Claire. The interesting thing in Outlander is that Geillis most likely knows who / what Claire is, and she is not sincere to her. She just reveals certain information to Claire.
The murders? In regards to the summoning, it seems that Mother Nature really heard Geillis’ prayer. There is Dougal’s display at Castle Leoch in which he is very upset, drunk and aggressive because of the death of his wife, Maura. Later on at the Duke’s reception at Leoch, Geillis poisons her husband. Even Claire realizes that Geillis’ initial reaction was not of a grieving wife. Furthermore, Dougal looks happy about it. However, Claire is not the only one that notices this but also Colum, somebody who would do everything to stop Geillis from fulfilling her agenda.
Is Maura’s death a coincidence? Based on Geillis’ reputation, it does not seem to be the case. The show seems to portray the involvement of both Dougal and Geillis in both killings, a subtlety when it comes to the books.
Colum’s wrath: There is another confrontation between the MacKenzie’s brothers. Due to his indiscretions, Colum sends Dougal away together with Jamie. In this argument, it is obvious that the law considers an illegitimate child “legitimate” as long as the mother is married. As a result, Hamish is Colum’s son and Geillis’ son belongs to Arthur Duncan. This is something that Colum does not hesitate to emphasize to Dougal. Furthermore, this confrontation clearly defines Colum’s dislike for Geillis – he is aware that she is a Jacobite supporter and a murderer, somebody he might not like to have as a relative.
Did Colum plan to get Geillis tried as a witch? So far it looks like that. Jamie warns Claire to stay away from Geillis. Was Laoghaire aware of Colums’ plans? She really means to have Jamie back no matter how. When she threatened Claire by saying that Jamie will always be hers, it is a hint for Claire’s subsequent arrest and possible foreshadowing for future events.
Cool lines and important details
- The MacDonalds and the MacKenzies are enemies
- After the duel, the Duke’s comment concerning Claire is hilarious: “Do tell your wife it was not my fault.” This comment shows that Claire was able to intimidate him with her 20th century knowledge and the details provided to her by Geillis. Knowledge is power (Game of Thrones?).
- Dougal’s comment when Jamie and Claire are saying goodbye to each other is amusing: “I said kiss her, dinna swallow her”.
Things that could have been done better according to a person that have not read the books
It would have been more ideal for Geillis to have more exposure in the first half of the season (I guess this is not a problem for book readers).
Is there a purpose to the duel scene? I think it was added so that Colum might have a reason to send Jamie away.
Featured image is from Outlander-Online.com.
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