A year-long drought. Parched throats. The promise of sweet, sweet Outlander to quench our collective thirst. And what did we get? “Unfinished Business,” an episode that felt less like a refreshing return and more like lukewarm leftovers from a feast we’d already forgotten.
Look, I get it. Mid-season breaks are tough. Maintaining momentum is a challenge. But after such a prolonged absence, you’d hope for a bit more oomph than the scattered storyline salad we were served. We’re back in Lallybroch, where Jamie and Claire are tackling family matters. Ian’s ailing, Jenny’s grappling with Claire’s time-travel confession (still?), and the whole thing feels strangely…domestic. Almost too settled for a show that usually thrives on upheaval.
Meanwhile, Roger’s off gallivanting through the stones again, landing himself, rather inconveniently, even further in the past. While this offers up some satisfying fan service (Brian Fraser! Young Jenny! Geillis Duncan—Lotte Verbeek, a welcome return!), shoehorning these cameos in feels a bit disconnected from the main action in Lallybroch. The time jump, while potentially interesting, lacks a clear narrative purpose at this stage, leaving viewers wondering how, or if, it will tie back to the central plot.
Then there’s the sudden summons from Lord John Grey, requiring Claire’s surgical skills in Philadelphia. Really? Another separation for Jamie and Claire? Are we going to play this game all season?
There were some bright spots, to be fair. Young Ian’s emotional turmoil—torn between his dying father and his burgeoning affection for Rachel—provided a genuine, touching moment. And the return of Geillis Duncan, while a tad shoehorned in, at least hinted at some potentially intriguing developments.
But ultimately, “Unfinished Business” felt like too many plates spinning, too many time periods colliding, and not enough narrative cohesion to hold it all together. The episode leaves Jamie and Claire separated, Roger and Brianna separated, and viewers wondering when—or if—these disparate threads will finally weave themselves into a satisfying tapestry.
Outlander airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on Starz.
