'Outlander' Recap 7.14: Claire & Jamie Have a Painful Reunion with Claire’s Ex-Husband

Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for Outlander Season 7, Episode 14, “Ye Dinna Get Used to It.”

Once again, Claire and Jamie are inching closer to a giant war, and not running away from it like they should. But Claire (Caitríona Balfe) loves a good war hospital, and Jamie (Sam Heughan) loves protecting Claire, America and all that he can, except his former best friend Lord John. Turns out, the one way to lose Jamie as your friend is to sleep with his wife when he’s presumed dead. Noted. And he had a point. But bygones. Claire’s over it, Lord John is definitely not over it, and Jamie has forgiven Claire, but probably stewing about it silently. This episode reunites the three in a way only Outlander can. And you will love it. Jamie, Claire, drama, trauma, eyeball, eel and cheese is the best way to describe this episode.

Brianna turns into a full-on bad ass in the future as she fights off Rob Useless Cameron and his cronies. William is reunited with his girl, and she reveals why she has come after him. So, let’s get to it, here’s what you have to look forward to: Brianna is in a reverse Home Alone scenario and foils two robbers with her giant gun, Jamie and Claire dine with George Washington, Claire makes a new friend who brings the cheese. No seriously, he brings cheese. Jamie gets ready to lead 300 men into war. Lord John becomes Jamie and Claire’s prisoner, and Claire is the most frightening optometrist he could ask for. Just another day in Outlander, painful and exciting, and things are probably just going to get worse. And did I mention, the cheese. The Frasers really love cheese. And we love that they love cheese, you’ll see.

This episode was written by Outlander’s book author, Diana Gabaldon, who always delivers great episodes. I don’t know, maybe it’s because she wrote all the books and created the story. Could be.

Lord John & Hal: Brothers & Billiards

The episode opens on a flashback to 1775, where Lord John and his brother Hal, Henry’s dad, are talking about gout. Apparently, Hal has gout. Hal wants Lord John to go to New York in his place since he can’t travel because of the gout. LJ says no and Hal pretends to issue him a new commission. John gets mad and says stop then says let’s play pool. Peak sibling vibes.

Hal tries to say he will get William a commission, and John says, “If and when William takes up a commission, I will see to it.” Lord John is a good dad. Side note, it doesn’t look like John has ever held a pool stick. Like what’s happening there?

Hal seems to love war and John says he hopes for the end of the war. John is focusing on peace. And Hal views “America is like a son that has dishonored his father.” (Wait ‘til he learns about Henry and Mercy, he’ll be laying down a Greycock block for sure).

John convinces Hal to pursue peace. Did they play pool differently back then? Because John looks like he is hoeing that pool table. And no not like a ho, like the gardening tool, hoe. Literally, looks like he is using the pool stick as a hoe. I’m sorry, I can’t not focus on this, someone please explain. Back to Hal, he says, “John you have to promise me never to support American independence.” Cool Hal, he’s the bad place, isn’t he? John says, “Never.” Well, he’ll eat those words.

Never say never Lord John.

1778, Pennsylvania

John (who says his name is Bertram Armstrong) swears on a bible to be “true to the United States of America!” Omg. John is a traitor! A spy?! This one-eyed John look, which is really an eye injury caused by one Jamie Fraser, really works for John. Sort of in your super hot pirate era, John. Hope your eye is okay though. John is doing this clearly to stay alive, he doesn’t look very passionate about this oath. Ooh, the opening credits scene is of a woman sewing a new flag… an American flag.

Jamie fixes Lord John’s house that William destroyed

Mrs. Figg watches as Jamie puts in the new chandelier. Lol to Jamie and Claire just taking over John’s house. Amazing. Mrs. Figg is unimpressed with the new chandelier, she actually audibly says, “Hmmmph.”

There’s a knock at the door and an American soldier walks in and starts acting like he owns the house. Mrs. Figg chews out the soldier and says, “This house belongs to his Lordship.” Jamie says, “I’m General Fraser and this house belongs to Lord John Grey. He, uh, departed when the city fell out of loyalists hands.” Translation: “He slept with my wife and I punched him out of this town.” The soldier quickly bows down to Jamie, “Forgive me, General Fraser!” He explains he was sent by George Washington to look for a suitable spot for a dinner with generals including Jamie! Jamie just got invited to his own house for dinner. Okay, er, John’s house.

The soldier says the dinner will take place that night and Mrs. Figg looks pissed and tells the soldier she hopes he likes kitchens because he will be helping her and wearing an apron. I love Mrs. Figg. Mrs. Figg should be President. She literally does not care, and will tell off anyone. It’s refreshing. Pretty sure Jamie likes it too. The man loves a strong woman.

Meanwhile, Ian is scoping out the enemy camp and looks like a tiny spy. Who does he spot? William? Maybe not.

Claire meets a French man

Claire is walking through the market and almost gets run over by a vegetable carriage, thrown into a soldier, who steps on her foot, drops her basket of veggies and calls himself a turnip in French. He apologizes and Claire says, “It’s ok and you’re certainly not a turnip.” This man seems sweet, new French bestie for Claire? And he’s funny too, Claire thanks him in French, since we know season 2 spy Claire lived in France and was fluent. He says, “What’s your name so I may know who I’ve assaulted?” This wee French man is the best. Claire learns he is Marquis de Lafayette, and the pure joy in her eyes can’t be beat. Every time Claire meets a historical figure, she can’t hide her excitement.

Marquis tells Claire that George Washington has spoken of her husband! He says, “Bon, I will send you a cheese.” Am I in love with this man? Yes. Polite and offers cheese, I’ll take it. He tells Claire he brought wine, cheese, and tripes from France. Claire jokes he should cater the dinner tonight and new French bestie says, “Will you be there?” And she’s all, “I live there, so yes.” He says he’ll bring the cheese in person. And Claire says, “Bon!” Bons all around, a terrific cheesy scene in the best way.

Dinner with the Boys: Claire, Jamie and George Washington

George Washington’s big dinner is Claire with a bunch of boys. New French bestie says, “Madame Fraser, you haven’t tried the eel!” And Claire looks terrified but politely accepts as Lafayette puts one on her plate. Jamie watches amused. Claire trying to eat the eel is peak comedy. Balfe and Heughan are masters of these small, subtle, comedic moments, when Jamie and Claire get to show their humor in between all the heavy drama.

Claire looks like she may throw up, but manages to swallow the eel. Bestie says “Did you enjoy the eel?” And Claire, who takes a proper swig of wine, says, “Mmmm, delicious,” and again we’re reminded, Claire Fraser cannot lie. At least not well.

Another soldier comes in to give Lafayette a note, and he introduces himself to Claire as Perceval Beauchamp. Claire gets excited and says, “That’s my family name! Maybe we’re distantly related.” But turns out they’re not.

Washington toasts Jamie and Claire and presents Claire with a gift. It’s the American flag! From the credits! They toast to “the United States of America.” Claire drops a little ‘how did she know that if she isn’t a time-traveler history,’ on George Washington, as she loves to do at parties with him (see season 4), and says, “Is it true you thought about a 6-pointed star?” He explains Betsy Ross said 5 pointed stars were easier to embroider.

Claire then says, “A nation without a flag is like a furnace without a fire.” Claire dropping straight bangers again. She gets so excited and Jamie gets such joy watching her. They toast to victory and slam down their shot glasses. Great dinner Frasers.

General Lee tells Jamie his army is under his command and they should discuss battle. Nah bro, move on. Frenchie bestie gives Claire a block of cheese, and Claire has never looked so happy. Even when she is palming Lord John’s bare eyeball. You’ll see, no pun intended.

Brianna Party of One

Brianna drives up to Lallybroch in the dark to meet the locksmith, this can’t be good. Why do people insist on doing dangerous things in the dark by themselves? There’s a note on the door from the locksmith. Like are Rob Cameron and his cronies hiding in the woods? Brianna gets back in the car and sees a light on in one of the rooms. Eek, run girl.

Back in the past, Ian tells Rachel he didn’t do anything dangerous and he might have gotten a little scratch from a tree. And then the newlyweds do it again. I think this scene probably could have been skipped. It didn’t really cover any new ground. We know they are newlyweds, and do newlywed stuff.

Claire, Jamie and Cheese

Claire is inhaling some cheese, in their bedroom – or Lord John’s technically, and Jamie tells her General Lee wanted to be Commander. And then blah blah war talk. Claire gives Jamie a drink, and he kisses her and explains that General Lee lost his fingers in a duel for a woman.

Claire is unimpressed with Lee but says her French bestie will bring troops from France that help America win the battle. She adds that he brought her cheese and then feeds Jamie a piece of Roquefort cheese, one her favorites. Look out Jamie Fraser, French bestie about to get your girl through cheese. Claire sits on Jamie’s lap and he tells her how many men he’s in charge of. Claire says “you better be careful otherwise Brianna will find you in the history books.” And Jamie says it’s not always a good thing to be found in the history books. Claire asks Jamie what’s wrong. And he says he’s never been in charge of so many men, “I’ll have 300 souls in my charge.” Then he says, “But all I need just now is you Sassenach, well and maybe a wee bit more of that cheese.” Claire feeds him more cheese. Let’s face it, Lafayette could win both Jamie and Claire with cheese.

Quick side cheese note: Historically, Jamie and Claire have loved cheese since their wedding night. And we know from season 7, episode 4, “A Most Uncomfortable Woman,” Jamie prefers cheese to apples.

This scene is exactly what last episode was missing. It’s actual screen time with Jamie and Claire that shows intimacy and drives story. It’s nothing big, but it didn’t feel like Botox fillers being injected into other less important stories like last episode. They are the spine of the show and each of the 12 episodes left should show this. Lord John and Hal’s opening scene was longer than this and probably didn’t need to be. Scenes like this, which show the heart of the show, are ultimately more valuable than scenes that just establish secondary characters’ histories.

Outlander fan LB raved about the scene saying, “Claire feeding Jamie small bites of cheese is like Outlander feeding us small bites of them. I’m hungry. Gimme the whole damn wedge, please.”

Jane finds William

William arrives to English army camp and faces a super rude Captain who tells him he looks like a groom. Ooh. Harsh and William is triggered. His real daddy was a groom! Too soon for Wills. Also, who is this captain and why’s he acting like he’s Tyra Banks on America’s top model. He tells William to mind his dress and wash his bloody face.

Angry Wills goes back to his tent to change. Suddenly, Jane and her sister Fanny pop in. William is not happy to see them at first. Then Fanny curtsies and William bows back to her. Jane then drops a Latin quote on William and he’s smitten.

William asks again what they’re doing there and Jane says, “Captain Harkness came back.” Ooh, that’s the baddie that tried to get her for the night to be abusive to her, when William stepped in. Fanny says we ran away. And William says why would you come to the army which he belongs to instead of staying safe. Jane pulls out his metal cresty army outfit thing. I’m sorry I don’t know what it’s called – it looks like an Olympic medal.

William is touched. Jane says I want to get your protection for my sister and me. She says I can make a living here, but I don’t want that life for my sister. Jane says, “Help us go somewhere Harkness won’t be.”

Brianna’s Got a Gun

Brianna is in full hunter mode, has no back up, and is hiding in the Lallybroch woods in the dark. What’s her plan here?! Crouching tiger, hidden Brianna looks and sees the light on in Lallybroch. She starts to retreat and then sees a man inside and another light on! She resumes her position. She sees 2 men in her house. All of sudden a van pulls up! It’s Fiona and her husband’s van, Brianna runs out, “no!” Jemmy jumps out of van and Brianna shoots at the house and says get back in the van! Wow, Brianna is a black ops machine. The two men coming running out and Brianna shoots at their feet. Ernie tries to start the car and it won’t start! Come on Ernie you had one job! Brianna shoots again, one of the men rushes the van and Brianna full on punches him in the face. Like father, like daughter, like mother like daughter to be honest. Thankfully the van starts.

The two men fall to the ground and the van peels out as another car drives in. Brianna screams, “It’s Rob! Just go!” to Ernie! But seriously, what is that clunker of a car Fiona and her hubs have?!?

Brianna asks, “Why did you come back?” Fiona explains Rob was waiting for them and they didn’t feel the children were safe. Nobody is safe! Hello. Can we please call the inept police again? Rob and his band of boys are def going to chase them. And that van is not reliable!

Outlander fan Sarah couldn’t get enough of Bree in Fraser mode, “First shout-out of the season to Bree!! When she said Mama Bear, she wasn’t kidding!! Her beating up guys every ep is far more entertaining than I thought it’d be!”

William, Jane, Fanny and some laundry

William says in exchange for his protection, Jane can earn a living doing their laundry. Jane says she doesn’t know how to do laundry. And Willy is all just ask the other women. Or buy what you need. He hands her money and she looks perplexed. Fanny says, “She doesn’t know how.” Then Jane says to William she can repay him in other ways. Jane tells him she only knows what money means with respect to the brothel and men buying her! She says she’s been in a brothel since she was 10 years old. Oh God, men are the worst. William says stay with the laundresses and stay away from the soldiers. See William agrees with me. He adds, “The last thing I want is for you to be mistaken for a whore,” to which Jane responds, “I am a whore,” and William says “No you are not, not while you under my protection.”

General Fraser and his band of men

Jamie meets the young army members. He has conversations with two of them. And last time they focused on Jamie and young soldiers, one of them shot Murtagh. Sorry, but isn’t Jamie too old to fight? Like he should be retired enjoying cheese with his hot doctor wife. Why must we war, I ask for the 100th time.

Claire is in the medical tent checking the soldiers. She sees John there and says, “What the hell are you doing here?!” Not the best way to greet your not really ex-husband, who got taken, because your not-dead-husband got jealous, but let’s go with it. John says, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Claire calls Jamie over and John says, “I surrender to you personally General Fraser.” Ooh, this is getting good. Jamie looks mad and Claire looks sad. And John just has one eye. So not sure who he’s looking at.

Claire tends to John’s eye

Lord John is uncuffed in his house and sees the American flag that General Washington gave them hanging in the dining room. He’s not happy. Imagine if he knew what Claire and Jamie did on his dining table that he’s sitting at. I wish he knew, I’d enjoy his reaction. Give it to me, Outlander. If only, Lord John had a Ring doorbell camera.

John says, “You know what happened to my eye?” And Claire says, “I do and I’m so sorry.” John asks if her husband is sorry. And Claire says, “No I don’t think so.” Everyone is so brutally honest, I like it. Claire asks John how he ended up with Continental soldiers?

Claire checks his eye, pokes it and goes, “Does this hurt?” John yelps. It hurts Claire, it hurts. Claire tells him he fractured his optical orbit. Sounds painful, good luck John, she’s definitely going to hurt you to fix you. Jamie enters and ask Claire if she can help him. She says she will try. Jamie, still mad, asks John what he was thinking and John gets pissed and says, “You left me with an American militia.” Yeah, I’m team John here. Jamie and John are still in a fight, suffice it to say. Claire pours honey out, and Jamie is like, “What you doing Dr. Wife?”

Claire says it’s for later and tells John, “First, I’m going to have to grasp your eyeball and turn it a little to free the trapped muscle. Jamie if you could hold him.” Lord John and Jamie look at Claire like she’s crazy, and so do I. Imagine 3 eyeballs popping out of their heads, and one that won’t move, but would pop if it could pop. You’re going to want to watch this scene with one eye open or both eyes closed. Whichever. Also, look at Claire’s head nod at Jamie, when he doesn’t move after she asks him to hold Lord John. The way he moved so fast after that.

Claire tells John there’s no other way. An eye for an eye a wife for a wife, eh Lord John? Too soon for eye jokes probably. Jamie holds him and Claire pops her little fingers and grabs his eyeball. I would barf legit. Barf. Jamie looks like he might too, John screams eek. How do you grab an eyeball? Is it slippery like a snail? What if Claire drops it?!? So many questions.

Outlander fan Erin said, “The fact that Claire has access to ether but decided, ‘Nope! I think Jamie holding John down will be good enough for when I rotate his eye with my bare hands,’ was a wild move.” Wild is one word for it.

Jane and William

Jane comes traipsing into William’s tent and takes off her shift and pops on top of him. He rejects her and says, “You are not a whore and you’re certainly not my whore.” Jane calls him a coward and storms out, he stops her and kisses her. Then pulls back and says goodnight. William would have a lot more sex, actually 100 percent more sex, if he had less morals. Maybe next war Wills. A Red Coat with blue balls. What? It’s true!

Ian and Rachel

Rachel walks in on Ian praying and talking to his Da. Ian says he thinks his Da maybe is warning him he may die in battle but then Rachel walked in. Ian teaches Rachel how the Mohawks prepare for battle. Ian tells her that Jamie says you carry your woman with you when you go into battle and he puts a dove on his chest and says this is you.

Ernie’s van

Ernie’s clunker car breaks down. Brianna assures the kids they’ll be okay. Ernie says you and kids should go to Roger in Boston, and Fiona and Bree share a look. Brianna says, “Let’s see why your van keeps stalling,” then she fixes the car. She’s brilliant. Like Brianna go back to your parents and invent a car. Make it happen, forget a model T as the first car and build a Model Bree. Brianna says, “Ernie’s right, it’s time for me to go to Roger.” Omg. Time travel fam incoming.

Jane’s on the Run

Jane says they need to go to New York now, and he says why? He tells her to tell him what happened with Harkness and Fanny says tell him. Jane explains that Harkness wanted to buy Fanny (who is like 10!!) Jane convinced him to bring her up to into the room with Fanny and Jane explains she killed him with a knife before he could hurt Fanny. William’s hair is looking like it has a light hint of red. Real dad truth bomb unleashes red highlight I see.

War Shmwar

Jamie is out on the battlefield preparing. William goes to talk to Captain Richardson! Remember Claire’s aggressive dance partner, who’s actually a spy!! Run Wills! Richardson gives him a chance to win his trust and sends William on a mission to deliver a message. Uh oh. This guy also knows William is Claire’s stepson. He’s on our list now.

Claire, Lord John, and John’s Ex

Claire checks John’s eye which can move now! Best optometrist ever, right John? Imagine his Zoc Doc review? “I got worried when she grabbed my eyeball with her bare hand, but after I died from the pain, my eyeball could move again.” Claire tells John that Jamie’s troops are being mobilized, but John will have to stay there and he can’t be released until after the battle. Claire puts his patch back on. Then Perceval comes in with a message for Lord John. They both look at each other and John says, “Um, he’s my step brother.” Hmmmm. Claire knows something is up but gives them a moment.

John says, “What in God’s name are you doing here?” He warns John that Richardson is entrapping William. He tells him William is in danger. For torture and to get John’s attention. Perceval puts his hand on John’s shoulder and John says, “Why are you helping me?” Big Perce replies all sultry, “For your beautiful eyes. Who hurt you John?” And John replies, “A man who had a right to touch me.” And pushes his hand off him. The double meaning! Oooh, so they used to be secret lovers. Not so secret, Claire knows.

Jamie, Claire and John

John tells Jamie and Claire about William. He explains Perceval is a British man who he helped escape and is now a French spy. John says, “Like I said, he’s my step brother.” And Claire’s face is pretty funny. She knows that’s a lie. What Jamie doesn’t know won’t hurt him.

Claire confirms Richardson is a spy, and John is all why didn’t you tell me! Jamie interrupts, “I can’t abandon 300 souls for the sake of one, even if that one is my own son.” You know, I actually think there is one person he would abandon the whole world for. And that’s Claire. John suggests he parole him and send Ian with him to go get William! Great idea! Jamie gives Ian two guns.

Jamie says, “Go save our son,” to John and yes, I’m crying. Claire and Jamie watch John and Ian leave. Meanwhile, William arrives at the camp and gives the note to the soldiers. The note that basically says, “Keep this man as a prisoner.” Oh Wills. The solider reads the note, twirls his evil mustache and then says, “Please stay for supper.” Or don’t.

This episode was strong overall. Jamie and Claire weren’t utilized as guest stars in their own storylines like the last episode. William’s story is compelling and routes back to the spine of the show. Same with Brianna, who finally is getting substantial moments, that don’t involve her crying by a rock or slamming her finger in a drawer. Truthfully, splitting Brianna from her parents’ time and Roger too has created an emotional hole in the show and in Jamie and Claire. Reunite the fam, Outlander. We don’t have much time left. In fact, we only have 12 more hours of television left, ever. Sorry, I deserve to have barehanded eyeball surgery for that math. Won’t happen again.

In case you missed it, you can read what Balfe, Heughan and the Outlander cast had to say about season 7 in our cover story. And check out all the photos from the cast’s exclusive photoshoot and video interviews with The Outlander Issue.

Before you go, check out the all-time best ‘Outlander’ episodes you need to watch.