A major character dies in a heartbreaking, though uneven episode of Outlander.

Claire offers Frank a divorce, but he rejects the idea.

Claire has never lied to Frank, even when he wished that she would.

Still, when Frank unexpectedly dies in a car accident, it is a tragedy in many ways.

Its also a tragedy for us viewers.

Hes been with us from the beginning.

He, too, has loved Claire.

He fought for her, even if she didnt choose him in the end.

I love thatOutlandernever made the lazy choice to make him into the villain, like his ancestor.

This feels like a much more realistic, interesing story.

The others look to him for leadership and he is always negotiating on their behalf.

Its hard to get too behind the relationship between Jamie and Grey.

After all, there is a terrible imbalance in power.

He is a prisoner, not a translator.

He finds one jewel, which he gladly surrenders to Grey to confirm his story.

After all, it wasnt what he was looking for.

After all this time, he hadnt given up on Claire.

Until now, it seems.

The off-campus escapades and subsequent return mark a turning point in the Jamie/Grey relationship.

They bond over dinner and their lost loves.

This has always endeared Jamie to Grey.

For Grey, the lost love in question was the man he loved and died.

Like Claire, Jamies partner-in-conversation deserves better.

), and, eventually, have a falling out over Greys advances.

Its unfortunate, though understandable that Jamie is not able to articulate any of this to Grey.

Well, if he chooses it for himself.

He could take off across the Scottish highlands… though Jamie has seemingly had enough of running.

Three episodes in, Im enjoying these episodes of Claire and Jamie apart more than I thought I would.

That being said, I find Claires storyline both underutilized and much more interesting.

Or, perhaps, we could have gotten one flashback episode for Jamie and the rest for Claire.

For this TV watcher, however, it doesnt seem like the best decision.

Rating:

3 out of 5