Sunday, April 26, 2020
MOP VIDEO: "Mercy Shall Follow Me" Episode 510 RECAP
My Outlander Purgatory's Carol and Tracey are back to recap the latest episode of Season 5 of Outlander, the Starz series based on Diana Gabaldon's best selling book series. Join us as we break down every moment (and then some), including how the fact that we’re not in Scotland has made us especially depressed (and a bit drunker); why we’re just realizing now that Ross Poldark is gone for good; why season 4 was a much better look on Stephen Bonnet (as opposed to this season’s mustache-twirling psycho boy); why we missed Ian’s mad Mohawk skillz; how we felt about the glass guy; the remarkable feat of committing Moby Dick to memory (let alone reading it); why Stephen Bonnet is arguably an antihero; why the idea of a Stephen Bonnet pining for his lost child makes us gag; why OUR Stephen Bonnet is NOT crazy; what the whole Bonnet/Bree storyline had in common with Little House on the Prairie (and OMG Michael Landon: hot AF); what it would have been like if Bree had taught Bonnet to read instead; whether this whole “I want the Brady Bunch life” thing was a ruse on Bonnet’s part or not (Carol says yes, Tracey says HELL no); why Philip Wylie is Carol’s new boyfriend; why Duncan and Jocasta’s relationship is questionable; why Bonnet and the lady buyer would have gotten away with it too if it weren’t for those meddling Frasers; and MUCH, MUCH MORE!!
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Pausing in my viewing to make this comment. Tracey, you look super cute in this week's video! I majored in English, and when I read Moby Dick in college, I thought it was boring AF.
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Also, while watching the episode, I had the same interpretation as Tracey, but watching the video, Carol's version (of Bonnet) makes sense, too.
DeleteThe whole Cassadines changing the weather comment has me missing old school General Hospital!
Aww thanks for the kind words Crystal! Maybe I need to record in front of the fridge more often--it's a flattering backdrop!
Delete--Tracey
I think the word you want is sentimental. Stephen Bonnet isn’t sentimental. He wants the $$ of course but I didn’t believe he wanted a life with Bree. I liked it when Bree said “I couldn’t think any less of you.” Lol
ReplyDeleteI was anticipating what you two would think of this episode ... because I thought it’s the worst one of this season. I was so disappointed that they wrapped up the Bonnet saga so quickly without really diving into his sadistic behavior even more. To me, he was almost as evil as Black Jack. I just didn’t get that feeling watching this episode. I just remember a lot more to this story than what was presented. They definitely needed more episodes to cover some of the material. After this, I don’t remember what happens. So, the next two episodes will be a surprise to me! Lol
ReplyDeleteFor a second, I thought the dinner discussion and having Bonnet act like he wanted a real life with Bree reminded me of Claire and Black Jack around the table in Season 1. Black Jack seemed to be revealing a more human part of himself but he was playing Claire.
DeleteI liked the episode, but I'm not a book reader. Stephen Bonnet made a good villain and showing how his past shaped his character made him vulnerable and sympathetic as well as evil. Bree was great at thinking on her feet, Roger proved his mettle and Claire was Claire. Loved this one as well as the last two. Sorry guys. And remember, Diana is consulting on the script, so it's ok with her. Carla60626
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJust a suggestion...and please don't be offended...but you might want to do these shows without so much "lubrication." There seems to be some muddled thinking and sidetracking in the discussion. Two hours is an hour too long.
ReplyDeleteDon't agree with this comment whatsoever. You should appreciate the time they are taking for our enjoyment. Do not listen to this viewer. We enjoy every second and appreciate you. If it is too long, change the channel!!! This episode was particularly disappointing and very difficult to recap. Shame on you!!
DeleteNo worries, Anonymous. I actually appreciate that the original poster approached criticism in a positive way.
DeleteSave Street End Beaches--it is true that we get sidetracked a lot--but we like to think that that's part of our charm. :-) This episode was particularly long--normally we run about 1:30 or 1:45. But in general, the opening banter runs about 10 minutes before we dive in. Glad you checked us out, and hope you continue to do so--but if we're not your cup of tea, we understand!
And this is Tracey, btw!
DeleteHi Tracey and Carol,
DeleteMaybe the last recap went "off the rails" a bit because you guys were tired. Two hours is a long time to keep talking. I noticed a lot of the discussion involved the "new" Stephen Bonnet and whether Stephen Bonnet planned all along to sell Bree. Maybe this could have been edited down?
I think one must take the events of the tv version at face value without searching for hidden meanings based on knowledge of the books' plots. I am guessing, from what was said in your recap, that in the books, Bonnet planned to kidnap and sell Bree (?). But taking the events plainly presented on the tv episode, this Stephen Bonnet wanted some kind of relationship with Bree, as evidenced by the gifts of the toys and dress and his overtures in his interactions with her. Only after he felt she rejected him did he act to sell her. It seems the writers took elements of the novel's plot, rearranged them and presented an altered version of the story which still captured the spirit of the original. I know book readers are often disappointed (angry!) that the tv series does not match what happens in the books. I understand - I still think the movie of Gone With the Wind missed important parts of the book. But the tv show is scripted with Diana Gabaldon's blessing, so we should trust her.
I was captivated by Ed Speleers' Stephen Bonnet - handsome, charming, cruel, and crazy enough that you didn't know how he would react at any given time. He may have done different things in the book and it is helpful when, in your recaps, you point out the differences (and I LOVE your spoilers - it was cool knowing that he didn't sleep with Bree because she was pregnant). So many of the blog comments for this episode were negative - and I loved the episode. I loved seeing Bree and Bonnet together and the gang coming to rescue her. It was exciting. It reminded me of Season 1.
I have watched each episode this season 3 or 4 times (or more). I have loved them all (with the possible exception of Free Will, which was very strange - I know it followed the book though). It is discouraging that almost every week the recap expresses disappointment with the episode because it was so different from the book. The tv series has to be judged for what it is. I think the Outlander tv show is really trying to capture the essence of the books when it diverges from them.
For the past several years, I've looked forward every week to your delving into the minutiae of the plot and characters and comparing the tv show to the books. And I feel sympatico with two women in New Jersey! I love your family stories, tales of your interactions with the cast and I'm sorry the trip to Scotland was canceled.
I apologize if I offended anyone. I was likely tired after 2 hours of recap.
Carla60626
No problem Carla!! ������ I think the fact that Carol and I disagreed so vehemently about Bonnet's motivation made for a much longer discussion than normal. Re: negative comments about the episode--IMO, this one is hard for book readers like myself who have a VERY specific image of Bonnet and what he's like. So much of what went down was really contradictory to that image--and also, again IMO, to how the character of Bonnet was set up in S4.
DeleteOne thing I will say about both Carol and myself is that as time has gone on, we've both gotten more and more OK with not holding back and saying what we think. If you go back and watch the first season, my guess is that we're all "rah rah rah"--probably because the show was so new and it was exciting to be seeing all these characters we know come to life. But as we kept doing the recaps, we made a conscious decision to start being honest when we thought something didn't work as well as we thought it did in the book or when we disagreed with the TV show on an approach. The honesty goes both ways--I do think that we are VERY effusive with our praise when we like something--and often, what we like is a choice that is NOT from the books AND is despised by a lot of the rest of the fandom. (The whole "Bree stays with Laoghaire without each knowing who the other was" comes to mind--both Carol and I loved that new plot twist even tho most others didn't. And I still say the Bree/JAMMF meeting worked much better in the show than in the book--partly because a sort of jokey part from the book [which I loved!] was left out. ) Maybe it's just that the stuff we're critical about is more noticeable because we're more animated about that?
One interesting thing to note re: Diana's involvement--I'm not sure how accurate it is to say that each episode is scripted with her blessing. She reads each script and offers suggestions, and very occasionally will push back at something--but at the end of the day, if the showrunners want X and Diana doesn't love it, they're going to go with X. Diana has been very vocal about certain plot points she wasn't onboard with. In this week's episode, I get the sense that--if she wasn't directly opposed to the vagueness of the ending, she at least wanted to make sure people understood HER perception of it. See the Daily Line from the other day (the ending of the chapter from ABOSAA with the "go with God, Stephen" quote) and this article in Parade: https://parade.com/1030236/paulettecohn/outlander-season-5-episode-10-diana-gabaldon-stephen-bonnet-death/?fbclid=IwAR1QuLfDk8ZJQHZV6OFUTuTlbGiSQJj644a9ByOm7FknBrGgCImr5y-lvdI
--Tracey
Thanks for the cite - that's why I love this community!
DeleteThe disadvantage of knowing that there are nine books is that we know that the main characters aren't going to die. Last week it was just an hour's wait to see how Clare saved Jamie, and this week it was another hour's wait for Clare & Jamie to show up and save Bree. It's good to watch but with season six already in production, we know nothing bad is going to happen to the stars. I'd rather see some story developing rather than each week having a vignette of one character's near death experience.
ReplyDeleteLoved the blog - it, once again, saved my Mon AM. I felt this ep had real issues in tying scenes and stories together. Then I understood why with the Matt recap.
ReplyDeleteThis ep was too dark and twisted for me at this time. I walked around and ignored parts until the live tweet.
Was DEFINITELY NOT my favorite ep, but glad the Bonnet story is wrapped up now rather than later.
Such a let down from some of the best written, best produced eps of this season.
LOVE your recap tho - I split it up - 90 minutes and then came back to it after lunch.
jefsantamonica
As a book reader, the best thing about episode 10 was YOUR RECAP!!!! I normally watch the episodes 2 or 3 times, but not Mercy Shall Follow Me b/c the writers decimated Diana’ brilliant prose and turned it into a typical Hollywood sitcom. Love you ladies so much and I didn’t mind you being “lubricated” b/c I was too!
ReplyDeleteTracey, loved your response to posted critique. Always a class act!! You two may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you are mine! I love your banter as it reminds me of my sisters. I was so looking forward to watching your recap from some special place in Scotland... (not able to go on tour but wanting to see it through your videos). This episode was hard to watch because I kept saying "WHAAAAATTTTTT". The show is the show and I LOVE that we have the show, but in the book (I know... :( ) Stay Safe!!!
ReplyDeleteAm I mistaken or did Ian shoot an arrow when they were saving Bree. I thought I heard a swoosh, not a gunshot.
ReplyDeleteThank you ladies for your recap. I enjoy your wide-ranging and thoughtful conversations. Honestly this was the first episode I've watched since the first episode of Season 3. I actually just came on to say I was annoyed by Roger's last comment. He should know there are probably elements of both (mercy and wanting to make sure he's dead) so it just seemed like pointless and insensitive thing to say. Anyway thanks so much and I love you ladies!
ReplyDeleteRest in Piece Stephen Bonnet (Show Obituary)
ReplyDeleteUsing his boyish charm, he convinces Jamie and Claire to rescue him from the gallows and escape road blocks. He repays them by slitting the throat of their friend and robbing them blind with a smile on his face.
On the Gloriana, he throws sick children overboard but uses his whiskey soaked thumb to ease the teething pain of baby Jemmy, Roger’s several generations great grandfather. He also determines Roger’s fate with the toss of a coin.
In Wilmington, after Brianna safely makes it back to the tavern (in 1971, a crowed hotel lobby where she should have been safe), he invites her into an adjacent room, rapes her all within the hearing of the men next door. Is it the loyalty of his crew and towns folk or is it fear? His power is evident.
In the morning, he threatens Roger with loss of limb if he doesn’t immediately leave for the ship. Is there enough evidence that Bonnet means it?
In the jail, realizing his fate, Bonnet gives Brianna the black diamond as child support. But with the opportunity to escape, he will revert to his normal.
At the girl fight, he is challenged to a fight. Being the gentleman that is, not only wounds him but gleefully blinds him.
At the brothel, he plots with Forbes to acquire River Run. He wants to control Jemmy’s inheritance.
At the beach, he kidnaps Brianna and takes her to his island home. He plays a cat and mouse game with her. All aspects of his character are reveled, which ends with selling Brianna. Brandy anyone?
If all she wanted to do is make sure he was dead, Roger and Brianna could have built a campfire, roasted marshmallows and waited until Bonnet’s head was under water longer than he could hold his breath.
(The major criticisms of Roger in season 4 were: He didn’t make sure Briana got safely back to the tavern. Well, the rape didn’t happen in the barn nor she was attacked in the street. She was safely back in the tavern. In the morning, he came back to see her but he left with Bonnet. Do YOU believe that Bonnet would have cut off Roger’s limb?)
How could Ian pose as Alexander Malcolm when he was with Jamie & Claire when they first met Bonnet hiding in the wagon? He was also on the boat when Bonnet and his men attacked & robbed Jamie and stole Claire's ring? Yes, Ian has matured since then, but how could they take the chance that Bonnet wouldn't recognize him?
ReplyDeleteJust getting to the end of this posting - took me a while - life happened ;). But want to say first, I love your recaps and have no issue with comments comparing book and tv. It is how you are reacting to what you are viewing and it is obviously colored by what you have read (true for all book readers.). We come here to view YOUR opinions, knowing you are book readers, so comments comparing do not phase me at all. I do agree tv had changed the persona of Bonnet. and not necessarily in a positive light for viewers. Though I am glad the storyline ended this season.
ReplyDelete1. Regarding Bree's shooting skills. If I recall correctly in Season 4, when Jamie takes Bree out hunting he asked about how she learned to shoot so well. Bree tells him Frank or Daddy, not sure I remember which she called him.
2. I immediately noticed them missing making a connection to a portal on Ocracoke island. I think this will come back to bite them . (SPOILER ALERT: after seeing Ep 511 they still did not explain finding that portal, one just mysteriously appears - loL. Ep 510 definitely was a missed opportunity to do that. 0)
Hi Tracey and Carol, LOVE your show so much! They are never too long for me, I could listen longer. I watch your show while making face masks.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking only one more episode and then its over. Maybe I will go back and re watch from your first season. Have you ever thought about going back and discussing the first season again. After 5 seasons it would be interesting to see what you had to say now.
Just one comment about this show: sorry Tracey I think Carol is right. I think Bonnet was playing her the whole time and he intended to sell Bree. Bree would be in the way to get River Run.
Thanks again for entertaining us!!