While it is known that Outlander is for mature audiences, this episode depicts and attempted suicide, and if you or a someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts please reach out to this hotline for support. Call or visit 24/7 Crisis Hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network at 1-800-273-8255.

To what lengths would you go to protect your innocent children?

Roger

So let’s talk about Roger Mac. Obviously Claire and Jamie have been the stars of this story over the years, but Roger has really started to shine. He had a rough couple of seasons, but has really embraced his role as a husband, father, preacher, and caretaker of those who are in need. He begins episode 3 of Outlander: Season 6 by saving baby Henri and baptizing him, in the same water that nearly sent him to his death, while chastising the group of boys who were testing to see if little Henri was of the devil.

Roger vs. The Frog

Later, Roger goes on to round up the boys who sent Henri down the river so Jamie could talk to them. After rescuing her from a massive frog that was chilling in her pail of milk, we see Roger promising Amy (Aiden’s mom) that she will be taken care of after she expresses that she misses Scotland as well as her (deceased) husband.

What will happen if Roger and Brianna try (and succeed) in traveling back to their time again?

Fergus

Fergus suffered from guilt ever since Marsali and Claire were attacked at the end of season 5. From this guilt, he turned to alcohol, as I mentioned in my recap of episodes 1 and 2, and others are starting to notice a change in him.  He really took the spotlight with 3 important conversations he had throughout the episode.

Fergus & Claire

In his talk with Claire, we received more insight into Fergus’ past and learned that part of the reason for Fergus was so angry over Henri’s dwarfism was because one of his friends in Paris had dwarfism and was brutally killed. Fergus expressed his fear that he couldn’t protect Henri. Claire assures him that she and Jamie would never let that happen, but Fergus reminds her of the sad reality that she and Jamie will not live forever, and neither will Fergus and Marsali. At some point in his life, Henri Christian will be alone.

Fergus & Marsali

Fergus has broken his promise to Marsali to stop drinking. She comes home to a child calling out that they were hungry while Fergus just sat at the table and drank more. Marsali tells Fergus that she knows he is better than that. Horrified at the idea of his wife bringing Lionel’s life to an end, Fergus’ pride gets the better of him as he claims it is not her job to protect him. This type of behavior is not something Marsali will tolerate with how her family suffered at the hands of her abusive father, so after pouring a pitcher of water on Fergus’ head and telling him to leave, she once again says, “I will have a whole man, or not at all.”

Is this the end?

Fergus had a run-in with some of the judgemental fisher folk from Tom’s group that ended with him throwing whisky in an old woman’s face. Granted, she’d just called Henri Christian “grotesque”, so she kind of had it coming. (Let’s all clap for Tom Christie though as he reprimanded the lady and her husband and told them they should all be respectful and kind because of the hospitality the Fraser’s have shown them.)

At the end of his rope, we saw Fergus resort to making a big slash in his arm. Just about that time, Jamie sees him and rushes to his side. Fergus tells Jamie to let him die, but he will not. He tells Fergus of his worth and his value…not in the things that he does, gives, or provides, but in who he is.

Jamie and Claire bring Fergus back to Marsali, and I hope this is the turning point for Fergus towards healing and wholeness.

Tom & Claire

Tom Christie’s behavior was strange, to say the least, in episode 3 of Outlander: Season 6. He denies anything to do with the river incident with Henri Christian, claiming that he is an educated man – which is something he expresses multiple times after that. It was unexpected, but a relief? Hopefully we don’t have to worry about more witch trials anytime soon.

He goes on with his surgery and stubbornly refuses any medicinal treatments that Claire has to offer. Tom didn’t refuse whisky, however,  soon after his surgery began, and relied on Jamie’s support in reading scripture through his writhing pain. Tom does not deserve the kindness that the Fraser’s have shown him, and I think he’s beginning to see that.

In recovery, when Claire brings Tom some food after talking to and feeding her cat, she explains that her cat is just a pet, not a familiar. He reminds her again that he is an educated man.

When he questions why Jamie was there for him during the surgery, Claire answers that he would do that for any of his men. He asks if Jamie thinks of him as one of his men, because he is not. Claire answers that Jamie does this out of kindness and would for anybody, just as she expects Tom would.  Throughout their exchange, Tom seems to soften up a little bit, but he still is very wary of Claire and the fact that she is a woman. Jamie later explains that this was common for many men after their time at Ardsmuir.

Is Tom beginning to change?

Claire ponders this and converses more with Tom later on, even allowing him to borrow one of her novels, but she still doesn’t allow him to walk all over her. He then lets Claire know that Richard Brown came by to offer his protection. Claire warns him not to accept their protection because they can’t trust them.

Maybe not?

It was very clear that the novel Claire shared with Tom made him very uncomfortable. (I also find it weird that Jamie didn’t know the f word, back in season 1, but Tom definitely recognized it. Sure, many years have passed, but of all people, Tom knows it?)  Anyways, Tom returns the book to Claire with a note stating that he thought better of her than to be reading filth. That makes her smile a little.

And of course, now that his hand has healed, we saw him back at it again with Malva.

Looking ahead

While the situations mentioned above played a big part in episode 3 of Outlander: Season 6, I think there were a few scenes and characters worth mentioning as we look ahead to episode 4 and the rest of the season.

Ian and Malva

Ian and Malva had a moment together as he walked her home from Claire and Jamie’s house during her father’s surgery. While nothing serious happened between the two, there may be something brewing between the two.

Jamie and Malva

Jamie and Malva also shared a moment together. Not in the same way as she and Ian, but he helped her find a place to collect mushrooms as he started to pry into her family history. Catching him in the act, she was quick to shut down his assumptions, and they shifted their discussion to one of Scotland.

Tom and Malva

As previously mentioned, once Tom’s hand was well enough, he resumed the punishment of Malva…and we really haven’t been given a reason why. What makes this even weirder is the fact that Tom might not even be Malva’s real father. I’m sure the truth will come to light soon enough.

Allan and Malva

In one of the final scenes, as Malva is being lashed by her father’s belt, we see Allan standing outside and crying. Despite his own lashing, Allan has kind of been a mystery. He seems to take his father’s side, but if he’s also so uncomfortable with what’s happening to Malva, why isn’t he doing anything about it. This is another question I hope we have answered in the episodes to come.

Is Love in the Air for Lizzie?

Lizzie has an interesting relationship with Josiah and Kezzie, but a completely oblivious Brianna suggests to Roger that they should set Lizzie up with Evan Lindsay. Could Lizzie find someone to settle down with soon?

Will Jamie and Claire tell others about time travel this season?

Towards the end of her talk with Fergus, I wondered for a moment if Claire was about to tell him that she was from the future. It would make so many things much easier to explain, especially when he was blaming himself for Henri Christian’s dwarfism.

I questioned again if the secret would come out when Marsali asked Brianna what a “Vroom” was. While some people will not even question the work of the people from the future, there are others who will pry when things aren’t adding up. We saw this with Murtagh and Young Ian. I would love for more people to know, especially those closest to them, but I also know the trouble it could cause.

Conclusion:

At the very end of season 6, episode 3, Jamie and Claire read news of the Boston Tea Party. The revolution is coming very soon and there will be more conflict coming their way soon enough.

We’ll be back next week with a look at Episode 4.

And remember Jamie’s words to Fergus, your worth is not in the things that you do, give, or provide, but in who you are.

Trigger Warning: While the content of episode 4 did not hold the same tone as episode 3, there was some potentially triggering or upsetting content like miscarriage and stillbirth that I will discuss below.

Let’s dive in.

From Young Ian to Okwaho’rohtsi’ah (Wolf’s Brother)

Ian has had a long journey from the time we met him as a young teenager in season 3 to Outlander season 6 episode 4. When I saw Ian’s hair get cut, I got so excited because I realized we were finally going to learn what the heck happened to him in the time he spent with the Mohawk and why he was back. After the ceremony, the Mohawk chief, Tehwahsehkwe officially declared that Ian had been adopted into their tribe.

Delivering the Guns

Brianna’s Warning

Before Jamie and Ian set off to deliver the guns to the Cherokee tribe, Brianna takes a moment to warn him of what’s to come with the Trail of Tears. This awful piece of American history kept Jamie’s attention as he further pondered what he would tell the Cherokee as an agent, but also as a friend.

Things Quickly Go Downhill

There was a lot of excitement when Jamie and Ian arrived with the guns. Jamie even met a fellow Scotsman, Scotchee Cameron, but his offer of Tennessee land sold by the Cherokee tribe quickly ade Jamie uncomfortable given recent revelations from Briana. Tension further loomed when Ian noticed that members of the Mohawk tribe were present. After a quick, grim greeting with Kaheroton, Ian finally begins to share his story with Jamie.

Wahionhaweh

Given the opening scene, from Outlander season 6 episode 4, where Ian smiled up at her, Ian met Wahionhaweh pretty early on in his time with the Mohawk tribe. They began a relationship and she gave him a wolf’s head carving while he gave her the nickname Emily because he was still learning how to speak her language.

Soon, Kaheroton explains to Ian that he is not the one who would choose Wahionhaweh. She would be the one to choose him.

Quickly after, we saw her gift an armband to Ian to remind him of the day they became one.

Trouble is Looming

Eventually, Wahionhaweh got pregnant. Ian is excited to have a child with her, but as usual, nothing comes easily for the characters of Outlander. One night, Wahionhaweh woke up in pain, and Ian pulled her covers off to reveal that she was bleeding. He called for other members of the tribe to come help her and they rushed her away.

Ian wanted to be with her, but Kaheroton held him back and encouraged him to go deeper into the woods to pray. In the morning, he found out that Wahionhaweh was going to be okay, but their baby girl did not survive. Later on, the expected another baby, but soon after smiling up at Ian, Wahionhaweh noticed her blood pouring into the stream of water she sat beside.

Ian tells that months later, he was asked to leave by one of the tribe members. When he went to ask Wahionhaweh if this was really what she wanted he faced the ultimate betrayal when he finds out that she has chosen Kaheroton over him, and Kaheroton accepted. This is what sent him back to Fraser’s ridge.

The Confrontation

Ian later talked with one of the men from the Mohawk tribe and asked about Wahionhaweh. He learned that she and Kaheroton had a son. This pushed Ian over the edge and as soon as Kaheroton was in sight, Ian rushed to him putting a knife to his throat. This quickly evolved into a fight with Jamie pulling Ian back and Scotchee pulling Kaheroton back with a knife to his throat. Once released, Kaheroton turned around to strike at Scotchee, but Scotchee pulled a gun challenging him to a duel.

Lost Faces

After this whole ordeal, Ian told Jamie about Kaheroton and Wahionhaweh having a son together. He grieved with Jamie over the loss of his daughter and the fact that he never got to see his face. At that point, things started sounding similar to Jamie in season 2. Like Ian, he had not been able to see Faith’s face and it was lost to him. They shared a sweet moment together as they knelt down and prayed for Faith to find Ian’s daughter in heaven.

The Duel

An Exchange Ahead of the Duel

After their prayer, Ian takes Jamie’s pistol and offers it to Kaheroton for the duel. After a moment, Kaheroton calls Ian to him and offers Ian his own armband from Wahiohaweh and asks that if he dies in the duel, Ian will go back to Wahiohaweh and take care of her and Kaheroton’s son.

Chief Bird’s Warning from the Future

While Scotchee and Kaheroton took time to prepare for their duel, Jamie had a discussion with Chief Bird, of the Cherokee, about the trail of tears that would happen in the future, stating that his wife and daughter have dreams of things that are to come (nice save, Jamie). He warns him of a man named Winfield Scott. Chief Bird listens and seems to take these things to heart as Jamie encourages him, even with this delivery of guns, to fight not for the crown, but for his tribe – whatever that may mean when the time comes. By this fourth episode of Outlander season 6, we should know that an attempt to change history has not been successful on a massive scale, but maybe we will see how Jamie’s warning affects the future later on in the series.

The Cheat and the Save

The time for the duel came. Scotchee and Kaheroton stood back to back as Jamie instructed them to take their places. As he began counting, Ian noticed Scotchee turn early. In a quick move he flung Kaheroton’s weapon at Scotchee and knocked the gun out of his hand which drew everyone’s attention to what just happened. Jamie told Kaheroton permission to take his shot, but instead of shooting Scotchee, he shot the pistol into the air.

Closure for Ian

After the duel, Ian returns the arm band to Kaheroton. He will always be a Mowhawk, but will also always have his Scottish roots and family. After the events that transpired in this episode, Ian got some semblance of closure, though still heartbreaking, and finally let Weihonhaweh go through the release of his wolf amulet into the river.

Back at the Ridge

Outlander Season 6 Episode 4 continued Claire’s dabbling into the use of ether which she taught Malva to use in this episode. They chose Josiah and Lizzie as test subjects to undergo it’s use and Malva learned how to keep patients under during a procedure. That sounds kind of terrifying for her to know if you ask me, but we’ll see where this new found knowledge takes us.

After this experiment, Malva and Claire discussed her notetaking for procedures. Malva did not understand why she did that and Claire explained it was helpful for reference, especially for apprentices such as her.

Lizzie and the Twins

We saw Lizzie try to impress Josiah by volunteering to be the first to undergo Claire and Malva’s test, but later in the episode we saw her share a sweet moment with Kezzie. I don’t know where this is going, but hopefully we will find out more in the episodes to come.

Jamie’s Return

Jamie had a lot on his mind when he returned to the ridge. As he gave Claire a short summary of what happened while he was gone, Jamie explained that while Ian can be Mohawk and Scottish, he cannot be two things at once. He declared that he would resign as Indian Agent and implied that he would start to take his post, on the other side, in the revolution to come.

A Peeping Tom’s Daughter

Claire listens to him, but soon brings up what happened last time he returned from his visit with the Cherokee. Though more tired, he is still eager to indulge her, but as the camera fades, we see Malva snuck into the barn behind Claire and is watching her and Jamie… Creepy!

Looking Ahead of Outlander Season 6 Episode 4

It seems that a theme of this season is having to choose. In fact, this whole series is full of big choices. Multiple times throughout the series, Claire had to make a choice between Jamie and Frank. Jamie is having to stop living this double live between the crown and the rebels. Roger and Brianna have to decide whether to stay or go. Fergus had to choose to get himself in a healthier place. Lizzie will likely have to make a decision regarding Josiah and Kezzie. Even though Ian is living this double life, he still had to choose to let Kaheroton leave and to let Wahionhaweh go.

Halfway through this season, Ian’s story is resolving, but there are several stories in the background that are likely lining up to something big. In the episodes to come I expect we will hear more of Lizzie’s relationship with the boys, what in the world Malva is up to, and ultimately the Fraser’s role in the American revolution.

Of course, most fans know Windu seemingly died in Revenge of the Sith. But it wouldn’t be the first time a character has disappeared only to make an unexpected return later on. And if I’m right, there’s good reason to suspect the defeated Jedi will make an appearance once again. So, whether Mace Windu’s return is something you hope for or hate the idea of, it could happen.

Who Is Mace Windu to Boba Fett?

But before getting into the reasons why the theory holds weight, it’s important to know how Windu matters to Boba Fett specifically. Biographically speaking, Mace Windu was most notably a high-ranking member of the Jedi Order. A longtime member of the Council, he sat with Master Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and other powerful force users. Furthermore, during the Clone Wars, he served as a general, leading Republic forces against the Separatist armies. But it was at the outset of this conflict that he made an unalterable mark on Boba Fett. Because at the Battle of Geonosis, the young, future bounty hunter watched helplessly as Windu cut down his father. Thus, with one swift stroke of the Jedi’s purple lightsaber blade, the two were forever linked.

Driven by rage and hatred, Boba Fett attempted at least one assassination attempt on Windu. However, the Jedi’s fate was ultimately tied up in a much larger conflict with the Sith. Because with the help of Anakin Skywalker, Darth Sidious struck down Windu, cementing his apprentice’s turn to the Dark Side.

Cinematically, Windu never reappeared after Palpatine electrocuted and threw him from the top of the Senate building on Coruscant. But as most Star Wars fans know, Jedi are notoriously difficult to kill. So, it stands to reason that he survived Order 66 and went into hiding like the other remaining Jedi. And if that’s the case, Mace Windu could return in The Book of Boba Fett to finally settle the debt.

This Theory Makes Thematic Sense

Windu’s Injuries Weren’t Necessarily Fatal

Of course, the biggest obstacle is the established lore that Windu perished at the hands of Vader and Sidious. Especially since there is no mention of him being alive at any point afterward in the canon timeline. However, there are plenty of other instances where someone thought dead came back again unexpectedly. In fact, Darth Maul might be the prime example. But beforehand, it’s important to point out the specific traumatic injuries Windu endured:

• Anakin Skywalker cut off his hand
• Darth Sidious electrocuted him with force lightning
• Sidious then threw him from the shattered window at the top of the Senate building

Similarly to Windu, Darth Maul fell a great distance and survived. However, unlike the Jedi, Maul was completely bisected when Obi-Wan cut through his torso. Considering Maul was likely weaker in the force than Windu, it doesn’t make sense for one to survive and the other not. After all, it’s been clearly established in the franchise that losing a limb to a lightsaber is not life-threatening. Anakin Skywalker lost both arms and legs and still remained a powerful Sith Lord. Luke Skywalker lost a hand. And even non-force-users like Ponda Baba lost limbs without fatal consequences. Theoretically, since lightsabers cauterize wounds immediately, such dismemberment isn’t enough to kill in most instances.

Likewise, neither force lightning or great falls typically kill force users. Count Dooku tortured Anakin with lightning in Attack of the Clones. Luke and Vader both endured the same at the hands of Palpatine in Return of the Jedi. And though Vader died, it was only because of his existing injuries and the destruction of his suit’s life support system. In the final season of The Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano leapt hundreds of feet from a crashing starship without harm. So, Windu surviving seems plausible.

Boba Exhibits a Driving Hatred for Windu

The second season of The Clone Wars features a three-episode arc dedicated to Boba Fett’s assassination attempt of Mace Windu. And of course, the reasoning is clear. The Jedi murdered Fett’s father, Jango, and he wanted revenge. Understandably, this sort of rage-filled motivation is one of Fett’s hallmarks. Because the death of Jango is probably the most formative moment in his life story. The only sequence potentially more defining is his escape from the Sarlacc on Tatooine. Regardless, The Book of Boba Fett has already shown that Jango’s death still haunts the former bounty hunter. Because in several flashback sequences, he’s holding his father’s empty helmet on the sands of the Geonosian arena.

If nothing else, this heralds the fact that Boba still harbors unresolved anger and pain decades later. And as far as he’s concerned, Windu is at fault. Because his father was simply fulfilling a contract. He wasn’t a bad person but “just a simple man” trying to make his way in the universe.

Of course, not all storylines find resolution. But in this case, it makes thematic sense for Mace Windu to return and face off against Fett. Because in large part, the two are intertwined. As far as lore tells, Windu could have survived his battle with Sidious, gone into exile, and endured the Empire. And though it stands to be seen what events could place him in Fett’s path, the possibility remains.

Mace Windu Returning Makes Practical Sense

The Show Needs Its Surprise Twist

It’s difficult to watch any Star Wars streamed show without comparing it to others. And unfortunately, so far The Book of Boba Fett hasn’t stood up to The Mandalorian. After all, Grogu was introduced in the first episode of Jon Favreau’s hit series. And the second season seemed to bring one big hit after another. It introduced Ahsoka in live action and brought back a young Luke Skywalker. But most notably, Boba Fett himself appeared for the first time since Return of the Jedi. However, nothing so far in The Book of Boba Fett rivals the sort of surprise storytelling from The Mandalorian. But it’s worth believing that twist is still to come. Ming-Na Wen, who plays the assassin, Fennec Shand, feels fans will see the show differently after the finale. And this supposes some sort of narrative element that either shocks or thrills audiences.

Undoubtedly, Mace Windu returning would satisfy that expectation. Admittedly, how Mace Windu would fit into the existing story so far is uncertain at best. Nothing has yet hinted that Boba Fett intends to track him down. And unless Windu’s Jedi background has collapsed, he likely wouldn’t seek out Fett himself. At least, not for any sort of violent showdown. However, if somehow the two inadvertently crossed paths, it would make for an interesting reunion.

“Dead” Characters Come Back All the Time

There’s no need to beat a dead horse. But pragmatically, Star Wars kills of characters fairly often only to bring them back later. The franchise has done this for years, and continuing the trope isn’t out of the question. In fact, Boba Fett’s fate was also unknown until December of 2020. For nearly thirty years, the official lore held that he was eaten by the Sarlacc. Furthermore, Darth Maul was supposed dead on Naboo, only to show back up in the Clone Wars. Even the prime villain of the series, Darth Sidious, resurrected for The Rise of Skywalker. So, expecting a “dead” character to come back is par-for-the-course.

The Actors Want It to Happen

Naturally, Mace Windu returning would only happen so long as the appropriate actors agreed. Fortunately, Samuel Jackson, who played the Jedi Master, said he would “love to give one more run at Mace Windu”. Furthermore, Temuera Morrison, the actor behind Boba Fett, also hinted at the possibility of Windu returning. Although not direct, he noted that Boba’s desire for revenge is a driving force. And potentially more importantly, that his hatred for Windu is something that simmers violently just beneath the surface.

Granted, it isn’t enough for two actors to suggest the possibility of Mace Windu’s return in The Book of Boba Fett. However, their willingness to make it work alongside the plausibility of the theory could pave the way.

Will Mace Windu Return?

Overall, there are two ways of asking the question. Could Mace Windu return? Absolutely. Without a doubt, Star Wars has already set a precedent for bringing back fan-favorite characters. But more importantly, will he make a reappearance? This, of course, remains to be seen. There’s a lot out there to suggest Samuel Jackson might reprise the role. And even if only in flashback sequences, seeing him pick up his purple saber again would be worth waiting for. But for now, fans will simply have to watch and wait to see what happens.