Ep 10. By the Pricking of My Thumbs

Claire and Jamie spend the episode in different locations. Claire, while in the Highlands, is searching for proof that the English are planning an attack that will occur before the Battle of Culloden. This task leads her to come face to face with a familiar foe from her time during World War II. Meanwhile, Jamie is spending time with his grandfather, Lord Lovat, in order to obtain troops to fight for the Jacobite cause. Lord Lovat is a thoroughly unpleasant man and it becomes clear that Jamie will have to use all of his wit and charm to win over his grandfather's support.

Claire kicks off the episode by heading to Geillis Duncan's home in order to uncover information about a prophecy that concerns Jamie. While there she has a confrontation with her old acquaintance, whom she discovers also has an interest in the prophecy. When Claire returns to Leoch, she shares what she learned with Jamie. Together they need to figure out what the prophecy could mean for Jamie's future. It's clear that the prophecy is weighing on Jamie, even though he tries to keep his emotions hidden. All Claire can do is comfort him as he struggles with the potential consequences of the prophecy's fulfillment.

Later in the episode, Claire follows up on a lead that suggests the English have a tactical advantage that could change the outcome of the upcoming battle. In order to find out more, Claire attends a meeting of the Jacobite leaders. While there, she realizes that a traitor is in their midst. Claire does her best to keep her composure and to gather evidence, all while knowing the repercussions could be dire.

Meanwhile, Jamie is in the presence of his grandfather. It becomes clear almost immediately that Lord Lovat has no interest in helping the Jacobites and is only interested in furthering his own interests. Jamie is forced to navigate this treacherous situation, often with the assistance of a young woman named Laoghaire, whom he had previously helped out of a tough spot. Laoghaire's assistance proves vital to his mission, particularly when he is called upon to swear an oath of loyalty to his grandfather. Lord Lovat does not trust Jamie and suspects his motives. In order to gain the required troops, Jamie must convince his grandfather that he is loyal to his interests.

As the episode draws to a close, Claire's efforts to gather information culminate in a confrontation with a dangerous member of the English army. Meanwhile, Jamie's oath to his grandfather has major implications on the future of the Jacobite cause.

Overall, "By the Pricking of My Thumbs" is a tense and action-packed episode that moves the story forward significantly. Claire and Jamie are both faced with difficult challenges, but as always, they are resilient and resourceful in the face of adversity. The episode also highlights the political intricacies of the time period, particularly the fact that allegiances and loyalties were constantly shifting. At its core, this episode reinforces the idea that Claire and Jamie are a dynamic duo who are at their best when working together, despite the physical distance between them for much of the episode.