Ep 4. The Company We Keep

After a dramatic and heart-wrenching previous episode, Outlander season 5 episode 4 titled "The Company We Keep" takes a bit of a breather. However, it does provide character development and lays the groundwork for future conflicts.

The episode mainly focuses on Claire's storyline and how she deals with the trauma of what happened to her in the previous episode. She is understandably shaken, and the episode depicts her trying to find a way to process her emotions. Meanwhile, Jamie and his militia are preparing for an upcoming fight against the Regulators, who they now know are being led by Murtagh.

Claire spends most of the episode with Marsali, who is dealing with her own issues as she tries to navigate being a new mother and a part of the Fraser family. Together, they attend to the illnesses and injuries of the settlers on the Ridge. While taking care of patients, Claire sees a young girl named Adawehi, whom she had met in a previous season. Adawehi is a Mohawk healer who tells Claire that she has been dreaming about her. These dreams are a crucial plot point that will likely come into play in future episodes.

Claire's interactions with Adawehi are informative and provide insight into the differences between the indigenous culture and the settlers' culture. There is a particular scene where Adawehi is teaching Claire about using plants for healing, and it's a beautiful moment that shows the vastness of knowledge that the indigenous people have in medicine.

While Claire is tending to patients, Marsali becomes increasingly interested in medicine and expresses her desire to become a healer. She trusts Claire and asks her to teach her everything she knows. This relationship between Claire and Marsali is one that has evolved over the past few seasons, and it's touching to see how they have become family.

On Jamie's side of things, he is strategizing with his militia, and it's here where we see the introduction of a few new characters. One, in particular, is Lieutenant Knox, sent by Governor Tryon to assist Jamie. However, Jamie has his doubts about Knox's loyalty, as he is too friendly with the Regulators.

The episode also introduces Jamie's Aunt Jocasta's new love interest, a prominent man in River Run named Duncan. However, as per usual in the Outlander universe, nothing is as it seems, and there is a hint of trouble brewing between Duncan and Jocasta's relationship.

Overall, "The Company We Keep" is an excellent episode that highlights the depth and complexity of the show's characters. While it doesn't provide as much action as previous episodes, it sets the stage for future conflicts. It also gives us more insight into the culture of the indigenous people and highlights the importance of learning about different ways of life. The episode leaves us with a sense of anticipation for what's to come, and it's clear that the show is building towards something big.