Outlander recap: 'Of Lost Things' 

Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Gary Lewis, Graham McTavish, Tobias Menzies

, the more and more impressed I am by Sam Heughan’s work as our adrift hero Jamie Fraser. Of course, it helps that much of the narrative spotlight shines on him, but Heughan’s performance has been particularly strong, continuing into this heart-wrencher, “Of Lost Things.” If you’ve never read Diana Gabaldon’s books upon which the TV series is based, these events likely came as a bit of a shock — they sure did to me when I was spoiled many months ago.

We find Jamie settling into Hellwater nicely as a groom under the assumed name Alexander MacKenzie — not the most creative of nom de plumes, but then again, they didn’t have Google back then. And given that the lady of the house hates Jacobites since her son was killed by one at Prestonpans, it’s a necessary alteration, part of Jamie’s backstory as a “groom heartily recommended by Grey,” explains Lord Dunsany. The other residents of the manor house include the Dunsany’s two teenage daughters: Isobel and Geneva, the latter of whom is so notoriously nasty that the grooms draw straws to see who will be forced to accompany her on her daily rides.

“A boot in the hind quarters is what that one needs,” Jamie observes to a fellow groom, just as Geneva’s sister Isobel walks up to the stables. He begs her pardon, but she is only amused. They begin to discuss their mutual acquaintance Lord John Grey, and it’s clear Isobel is crushing. “I imagine he’ll make someone a good husband,” she says.

“The major’s passion lies in soldiering,” Jamie explains diplomatically, hoping to dissuade her.

Isobel is, of course, not the only young lady in need of a match, and it comes to pass that Geneva is betrothed to one Earl of Ellesmere — a crotchety, silver-haired man old enough to be her grandfather and who says things like “A mere fortnight until you’re mine!”

When it is time for her day’s ride, Geneva requests MacKenzie by name — no long straw can spare him this time. As they meander through the woods, she tells Jamie of her fiancé.

“His most attractive quality is his wealth,” she sneers, before inquiring, “What do you find attractive?”

“I don’t think of such things,” Jamie says.

“Liar,” she replies, galloping off, leaving Jamie to catch her. He comes upon her thrown from her horse and lying in the grass. But when he gallantly scoops her up, she giggles. It’s all a ruse. Jamie drops her into a mud puddle.

“I look forward to our next ride,” she yells cheekily at his receding figure.

But they meet much sooner, as Geneva, Isobel, and family friend Lord Melton come upon Melton’s brother and Jamie playing chess in the clearing — Grey has been good on his word about visiting once a quarter, but he didn’t let his brother in on Jamie’s cover as their former groom. So when Geneva notices the discomfort with which Lord Melton addresses Jamie, she presses him. And Lord Melton tells her everything about the groom known as Alexander MacKenzie, or rather, the Highland traitor Red Jamie. Geneva is quick to use this information to her advantage. You see, she doesn’t want to give her maidenhead to the old prune she’s marrying in three days’ time — she wants to give it to someone like Jamie. He has no intention of participating in this scheme. That is, until Geneva reveals everything she knows and invokes Lallybroch as a veiled (or perhaps not so veiled) threat. 

1 \'This Is Us\' creator breaks down the biggest clue about Jack\'s death

3 \'Blue Bloods\': Amy Carlson leaves after 7 seasons

4 \'The Simpsons\' urges aid to Puerto Rico at end of season premiere

5 \'Outlander\': Lord Grey actor talks about THAT offer from Jamie