I'm not understanding a lot of the criticism being levelled at this episode. Both this episode and the last have been criticized because of Brianna's behaviour and some reviewers seem to resent the fact that Roger's story arc hasn't been resolved yet.
Firstly, Brianna is a late 20th century woman in an 18th century setting and she is probably still carrying some anger over the fact she was raped. The conventions of the time will be frustrating her further as she knows she will, to some degree, have to acquiesce in order to fit into the time. I don't think the character should be a ray of sunshine who was only ever going to have fun adventures in history with her parents and Roger. The scene towards the end where Jamie and Claire talk and Claire points out that Brianna is fiery and therefore very much Jamie's daughter makes perfect sense. They will be at odds at times because they are too similar.
Be patient about the fact they haven't found Roger yet. It's more believable and allows Roger to have his own story arc independent of the other characters. He's highly likely to become a major player in future seasons so we need to know more about him outside of his interactions with other established characters.
19 Reviews
Lord John saved the show!
anagalilea14 January 2019
It is as if Jamie and Claire sparkles are gone, and they do not click as before. Maybe they are portraying a couple that is somehow distanced or not really into each other anymore. Lord John saved the show in this episode and he was really amusing to watch. He has the cool and gravitas Jamie once had.
David Berry
rich-fouts5 July 2022
John Gray
yurdadogru14 February 2021
Love it
siposlorka13 January 2019
I've been waiting to see Lord John again so much, and he's perfect as always. The dinner at Jocasta made me laugh so hard! I was glad we saw more of Marsali and Fergus and Murtagh too. I'm looking forward to the next episode, but I don't want the season to end, ever.
Textbook Perfect!
nancywarren13 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Straight out of the pages of Drums of Autumn (plus Murtaugh!) Great episode with time devoted to Bree and Lord John at River Run, Jamie Claire & Ian on their search for Roger, and Fergus & Murtaugh in pursuit of Stephen Bonnet! Something for everyone! I loved it!!!
Comparison of the book and show
amanda_parsons15 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm so delighted they didn't do a completely faithful adaptation of the book. I truly wanted to punch Bree in the face for being such a brat in the book during her time at River Run. I liked how they changed it to a fellow guest with Lord John rather than a slave.
This episode captured the spirit of the book with Lord John agreeing to the engagement to hold off the suitors. They didn't even have to do it in a storm either. 😉 A calm walk open on a nice day is much better.
I like the addition of the freudian game, which isn't in the books. It was nice seeing Billy Boyd as Forbes.
It's also nice they didn't drag out the differences between Claire and Jamie and they kept Ian as the peacekeeper.
Poor Roger hasn't seen the worse yet. There is still more to come. It's interesting what they have chosen to do with Murtagh and it will be interesting to see if they keep Bonnet's scenes from the book, which are cinematic.
Overall, great adaptation.
This episode captured the spirit of the book with Lord John agreeing to the engagement to hold off the suitors. They didn't even have to do it in a storm either. 😉 A calm walk open on a nice day is much better.
I like the addition of the freudian game, which isn't in the books. It was nice seeing Billy Boyd as Forbes.
It's also nice they didn't drag out the differences between Claire and Jamie and they kept Ian as the peacekeeper.
Poor Roger hasn't seen the worse yet. There is still more to come. It's interesting what they have chosen to do with Murtagh and it will be interesting to see if they keep Bonnet's scenes from the book, which are cinematic.
Overall, great adaptation.
IF NOT FOR HOPE
magical-kingdom15 January 2019
Awesome episode! Great first meeting interaction between Lord John and Bree. Wonderful to see their relationship developing. Bree threatening to publicly expose his indiscretion. In spite of her desperation..Felt like smacking her when he kindly refused...Lord John's response..Perfect!!
Claire's apology for keeping a secret from Jamie...Not being forthcoming about Bonnet. How it could have saved Roger. So sad Jamie feels he can't be a Father to Bree, she doesn't need him. He's jealous of a dead man, who Bree said would never say those things to her...Told him...Go to Hell. Claire's reassurance "all will be well" Both spoke out of anger, they are alike, neither meant them. Murtagh's capture of Bonnet "Looking for a Gentleman and Your Not" Hits the floor...Yeah! Marasali's giving Fergus manhood a boost by asking Murtagh to include him in his plans and he does.
Claire's apology for keeping a secret from Jamie...Not being forthcoming about Bonnet. How it could have saved Roger. So sad Jamie feels he can't be a Father to Bree, she doesn't need him. He's jealous of a dead man, who Bree said would never say those things to her...Told him...Go to Hell. Claire's reassurance "all will be well" Both spoke out of anger, they are alike, neither meant them. Murtagh's capture of Bonnet "Looking for a Gentleman and Your Not" Hits the floor...Yeah! Marasali's giving Fergus manhood a boost by asking Murtagh to include him in his plans and he does.
An Episode Saved by Lord John
jmansmannstjohnslrev29 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There's just something missing in "If Not For Hope." I think maybe it's a side effect of Brianna and Roger's underdeveloped "love story" but there's just something missing from this episode, that spark the truly great episodes have that make them memorable. David Berry's Lord John steals the show by giving a performance that is equally charming and fiery. And his rapport with Sophie Skelton does make the episode enjoyable, though there's just something lacking, that extra vibe that turns an episode from fun to memorable. When Claire and Lord John met earlier in the season, there was that underlying tension, like a simmering pot that threatened to boil over. Perhaps there is a missing intimacy of sorts, that prevents much of the episode from the hard-hitting heights of earlier installments.
While Lord John certainly saves what would otherwise be a very mediocre episode, I think this episode illustrates the difficulties Outlander has in telling a story without the presence of one or both of its main character. Despite the fact that they are only on screen for 10-15 minutes, Jaime and Claire again take control of the episode in their reconciliation. Sam is especially noteworthy, hitting the essence of the Jaime's pain in this situation. Jaime has lost three children at various points in his life and you can see the despair that he has lost his daughter again. It hurts him even more as Claire distances herself from him. You can see his confidence wane, believing that Claire and Brianna may think that Frank was a better man than he is.
All in all, perhaps this episode represents one of the problems with the second half of Season 4. Outlander is at its strongest when it focuses on Jaime and Claire and their relationship. Outlander has struggled to tell stories about its supporting characters and the second half of the season is really more of Brianna and Roger's story than Jaime and Claire's.
While Lord John certainly saves what would otherwise be a very mediocre episode, I think this episode illustrates the difficulties Outlander has in telling a story without the presence of one or both of its main character. Despite the fact that they are only on screen for 10-15 minutes, Jaime and Claire again take control of the episode in their reconciliation. Sam is especially noteworthy, hitting the essence of the Jaime's pain in this situation. Jaime has lost three children at various points in his life and you can see the despair that he has lost his daughter again. It hurts him even more as Claire distances herself from him. You can see his confidence wane, believing that Claire and Brianna may think that Frank was a better man than he is.
All in all, perhaps this episode represents one of the problems with the second half of Season 4. Outlander is at its strongest when it focuses on Jaime and Claire and their relationship. Outlander has struggled to tell stories about its supporting characters and the second half of the season is really more of Brianna and Roger's story than Jaime and Claire's.
Rather Dull But Still Entertaining
ecatalan9819 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A rather dull episode, with little advancement to the story (the journey for Roger). Brianna is a bit less annoying this time, except for her blackmailing scene with Lord John Grey. Murtagh and Fergus manage to locate (and quite easy I might add) Stephen Bonnet, but as soon as he's caught, Murtagh also gets caught by local authorities. You'd think a man of Murtagh's wit would be no easy catch, but here he gets caught quite easily, but did so in order to spare Fergus from the law.
I remember reading somewhere that this season would feature a villain who would be far more sinister than the dreaded Jack Randall. If this character is Stephen Bonnet, I'm afraid he's definitely no match for Jack Randall. Sure: Bonnet has raped and killed because he's a lowlife, but he is far from being as sinister and evil as Jack Randall, who I believe is one of TVs greatest villains.
Where's Jaime and Claire? They're a mere afterthought in this episode. It seems they've become second class characters as this season of Outlander draws to its conclusion.
Where's Jaime and Claire? They're a mere afterthought in this episode. It seems they've become second class characters as this season of Outlander draws to its conclusion.
Enough of Bree
cdanielabr15 January 2019
When Will Roger's Torture End?
selketentr13 January 2019
I don't understand why we are still watching Roger suffer. I realize his capture goes on for what seems like 100 pages in the books, but its not very entertaining to watch on TV. I'm so glad to see John Gray...It was a good episode.
Jocasta's party was amusing. For God's sake, please save Roger!
Huge plot holes
framedfathers14 January 2019
Totally out of character for Brianna, a modern woman, to succumb to her Aunt's marriage scam. Brianna could simply return to Frasier's Ridge and tell what ever story she wanted for her fatherless child. Brianna and Claire have had troubles with this stubborn Aunt!
Not a bad episode and looking forward to the next
ravmeltt28 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
What a joke. Brianna just threatened to out Lord John as gay, yet when he said he's tempted to marry her because she likes to play with fire, she accuses him of threatening her. I had to laugh. She threatened him first!
I could write a whole book on the annoyances of Brianna. And on another note, if she had told Lizzie to be discreet and not say anything of her pregnancy, Lizzie might not have let it slip in the parlor. Yet when she wanted to privately see Lord John in the garden, she told Lizzie to be discreet. Why didn't she tell her that before. As I said in an earlier post, Brianna talks when it suits her.
I could write a whole book on the annoyances of Brianna. And on another note, if she had told Lizzie to be discreet and not say anything of her pregnancy, Lizzie might not have let it slip in the parlor. Yet when she wanted to privately see Lord John in the garden, she told Lizzie to be discreet. Why didn't she tell her that before. As I said in an earlier post, Brianna talks when it suits her.
Episode 411
bobcobb30115 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A solid episode here, but we'll see how the next two wrap things up. I like that this show is not afraid to have the Native Americans as the bad guys, at least in this scenario, something most people today view as taboo.
I think it has been an uneven season, but week to week there hasn't been a bad episode.
I think it has been an uneven season, but week to week there hasn't been a bad episode.
Lord John is wonderful as always
marit-4405726 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Brianna: *attempts to blackmail Lord John*
Lord John: "LOL, nah."
David Berry is a gem. He elevates any episode. Great to see Jocasta, Fergus, and Marsali again as well. And Claire finally getting the chip off her shoulder.
Murtagh smacking Bonnet with the grip of his gun was entirely satisfying, he can do that again anytime.
Roger as a punching bag is getting really old, honestly I would not have blamed him one iota had he gone back through the stone. He has impressive endurance for a history professor, it must be about 2 months now?
Ian is still a highlight for me, he is somewhat innocent but savvy attention same time.
Lord John: "LOL, nah."
David Berry is a gem. He elevates any episode. Great to see Jocasta, Fergus, and Marsali again as well. And Claire finally getting the chip off her shoulder.
Murtagh smacking Bonnet with the grip of his gun was entirely satisfying, he can do that again anytime.
Roger as a punching bag is getting really old, honestly I would not have blamed him one iota had he gone back through the stone. He has impressive endurance for a history professor, it must be about 2 months now?
Ian is still a highlight for me, he is somewhat innocent but savvy attention same time.
Concern for Authenticity
lmasong23 April 2020
What, pray tell, do the Mohawk intend for Roger? A weak segment in this epic. Firstly, Roger should not have been given off so cavalierly to the Mohawk. Secondly, why would they traipse 500 miles or so with a couple of white men to do nothing with them in the end but have him distribute firewood? Much to be desired in this segment other than to make Briana penitent, as well she should be. The entire story of Roger and Briana is given to a kind of romantic tom-foolery with little reality to speak of. This is not how the world works in this century or the past. Each of the characters, including Jamie and Briana, Roger and Ian,could have spoken a few words that would have prevented this entire episode from occurring. Not good copy for a script of this magnitude. Let's move on and hope for better.
Sometimes it's good to know when to speak
ravmeltt28 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm in episode 11 of season 4, where Brianna is having dinner with the aunt and Lord John. She almost faints and is taken to the parlor. In comes Lizzie and as usual opens her mouth without thinking and tells Brianna she should rest "in her condition". Did Lizzie not see the painstaking way they dressed Brianna to hide the pregnancy? She seems to be a dumb one.
But in spite of all this I blame Brianna for everything. Why did she tell Lord John not to speak of her father with any honor? Why is she so mad at Jamie? She is the cause of everything. Firstly, when she was raped she should have told Lizzie what happened. She had come in with her petticoats a bloody mess. Yet later on when she had the nightmare and Lizzie tried to talk to her, she asked Lizzie if she knew. Of course she knew! She has eyes! But Brianna likes to hold everything in and then dish out pieces of info at her convenience. If she had told Lizzie in the first place when it first happened, all the rest would have been spared.
She also was the cause of Roger leaving because she has a stupid temper and don't know when to shut up. Now she has caused a rift with Jamie and Claire. It's not his fault. He did not have all the info. Claire also knew it was Bonnet who raped her and neither one of them told Jamie. Yet when all started to come out, Brianna finally "allowed" Claire to tell Jamie it was Bonnet too little too late.
She is driving me up a wall. I never liked her much and I'm beginning to like her less and less. She is just like her mother. Claire also gets on my nerves sometimes. Claire is strong when she wants to tell Jamie what to do and boss him around, like the aunt had truthfully said. But it seems when it comes to Brianna, it is like she becomes the child and is afraid to tell Brianna what is right and she takes up for Brianna. There's some guilt there. She feels she deserted Brianna so she's making up for it by letting Brianna say and do what she wants and tell them what to do. Anyway let me get back to finishing the episode. Can't wait for Murtaugh to capture Bonnet. I can't wait to see Bonnet's end.
But in spite of all this I blame Brianna for everything. Why did she tell Lord John not to speak of her father with any honor? Why is she so mad at Jamie? She is the cause of everything. Firstly, when she was raped she should have told Lizzie what happened. She had come in with her petticoats a bloody mess. Yet later on when she had the nightmare and Lizzie tried to talk to her, she asked Lizzie if she knew. Of course she knew! She has eyes! But Brianna likes to hold everything in and then dish out pieces of info at her convenience. If she had told Lizzie in the first place when it first happened, all the rest would have been spared.
She also was the cause of Roger leaving because she has a stupid temper and don't know when to shut up. Now she has caused a rift with Jamie and Claire. It's not his fault. He did not have all the info. Claire also knew it was Bonnet who raped her and neither one of them told Jamie. Yet when all started to come out, Brianna finally "allowed" Claire to tell Jamie it was Bonnet too little too late.
She is driving me up a wall. I never liked her much and I'm beginning to like her less and less. She is just like her mother. Claire also gets on my nerves sometimes. Claire is strong when she wants to tell Jamie what to do and boss him around, like the aunt had truthfully said. But it seems when it comes to Brianna, it is like she becomes the child and is afraid to tell Brianna what is right and she takes up for Brianna. There's some guilt there. She feels she deserted Brianna so she's making up for it by letting Brianna say and do what she wants and tell them what to do. Anyway let me get back to finishing the episode. Can't wait for Murtaugh to capture Bonnet. I can't wait to see Bonnet's end.
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