Ep 1. America the Beautiful

The fourth season of Outlander starts with a powerful and emotional episode titled "America the Beautiful." The episode is set in the late 18th century, and we see Jamie and Claire, who have made their way to America, embark on a new journey that is fraught with risks and challenges.

As the episode begins, the scenery is breathtaking - we see Claire and Jamie riding along the coast of Georgia, taking in the vastness of the landscape. It is clear that the show's creators have put a lot of effort into the visual elements of the episode, with scenes that are vivid and beautifully shot.

As Jamie and Claire make their way through the beautiful, yet unexplored wilderness, they inevitably run into trouble. The first challenge comes in the form of a group of bandits, who try to rob them. Claire, ever the resourceful one, manages to talk her way out of the situation, but not before Jamie has to use his sword to defend them both.

Over the course of the episode, Jamie and Claire encounter more and more danger, as they navigate an unfamiliar land and come up against a range of new threats. At one point, they find themselves arrested by the British Army, and Jamie is forced to decide whether or not to swear loyalty to the King in order to save his own life.

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the episode comes when Claire and Jamie meet a slave owner who is traveling with his slaves in the same caravan. Claire, who is a fiercely independent woman, finds herself struggling to understand how people can justify owning other human beings. Her interactions with the slaves are powerful, and it is clear that this is a theme that will continue to play out over the course of the season.

Throughout the episode, there are moments of levity and joy, as Jamie and Claire discover new things about each other and begin to forge a new life together in America. But these moments are always juxtaposed with the very real dangers that they face, reminding us that life in the late 18th century was never easy.

Overall, "America the Beautiful" is a strong start to the fourth season of Outlander. The episode is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals that capture the untamed wilderness of America in all its glory. It is also an emotionally resonant episode, with themes of love, loss, and redemption that are sure to keep viewers engaged throughout the season. For fans of the show, this is a must-see episode that sets the tone for what promises to be another thrilling and captivating season of Outlander.