User Reviews

I have to say I am surprised by the amount of negative reviews on this episode as I actually thought spending more time on Roger's trauma and Ian's return was a welcome addition. In my opinion, Outlander does traumatic moments like these so well because they often involve attacks that go at the center of the character's identity. When you look at what happened to Jaime, it was so difficult for him because he is a fighter at heart, someone who is willing to give his last for his family. So when Black Jack abuses him and he is forced not to fight back, not to resist, it strikes at the heart of who he is. You see this in Roger's story as well. His voice is his weapon; he isn't a fighter he's a speaker, and singer. In fact, in the book his nickname is the thrush because he is well known as a singer. So when his voice is taken from him it's such a blow because it hits at his very identity.

It was also so ingenious to have Ian and Roger face their trauma at the same time. These two characters were connected by what happened at the Mohawk Village and based on what has happened to both of them feel unwelcome, feel like outsiders. I guess the one big downside to this episode was the use of the silent films. I understand why they did it, but there were two big problems with it. First, the silent film nature of the flashbacks took away from rather than added to the presentation of the hanging. I think it would have made much more sense not to do so. Second, having seen the rest of the season, a similar trick is used again later on in the season with much better effect than here.

Having said that, I don't understand why so many people found the episode not to be enjoyable. Perhaps it felt a bit too much like Claire trying to ransom Jaime's soul in Season 1 but I think there is a difference in that Brianna had undergone similarly traumatic experience like Roger did. She was able to identify with his struggle differently than Claire in Season 1 who had not undergone a similar experience.

"Famous Last Words" marks a drastic change in Roger Mac's personality. The episode deals with Roger's near death experience after being hanged and his depression afterwards. I'm not a reader of the novels and I thought it would've been extremely shocking and unexpected to have Roger's character die (a la "Game Of Thrones"). His death would've given the show a tinge of revenge and it would've been interesting to see how "Outlander" would've handle that scenario. Richard Rankin's performance was stellar despite his practically speechless performance. Probable thoughts of suicide, of "why the hell did I travel here" surely passed through Roger's mind and we could tell by the expression of his face and eyes.

If there was something odd in this episode is the appearance of Jamie's nephew Ian out of nowhere, now dressed in a mix of colonial and Indian fatigues. I'd like to think the show is setting things up for next season but Ian showing up out of the blue and with severe emotional issues looked a bit forced.

Still, Season 5 never ceases to amaze me and I'm sure we're in for some interesting revelations!

If you don't understand the importance of this episode, if you think "it could have been handled in 15 minutes" read the book

1. Roger was hung - which means his throat is damaged. He was a lecturer and a singer before. He feels his voice is a large part of who he IS. 2. Ian comes back with HUGE life changes behind him. He is no longer the young adult who stayed with the Mohawk. He is fully adult and walking between two fires - Scots and Mohawk. 3. Since BOTH men perceive themselves as irrevocably "damaged" this episode is HUGELY important in setting up events of the second half of the season.

This is not an "exposition for exposition's sake" episode. It has VERY important themes that carry through not just the rest of THIS season but also through the following seasons.

A heartbreaking and beautiful episode about identity, trauma and finding the way out of the depths of despair. Richard Rankin takes us on this journey with incredible, award worthy skill. Also notable is John Bell as Ian, who is on a parallel trajectory and the two broken characters find they have much in common.

Incredible episode, covering a really important story in the books in an interesting and engaging way. Richard Rankin truly embodied Roger, a man out of time, suffering from the after effects of a horrific experience. He portrayed depression, resignation and a struggle for recovery, with very very little dialogue to help. All the cast gave good performances, but Sophie Skelton and John Bell were outstanding as fellow trauma survivors. Beautiful singing from Maria Doyle Kennedy as Jocasta Innes, as well as Sophie and of course, Richard (over the end credits). Bravo!

This was a very profound episode the acting skills of all the cast was outstanding. But that ....silent movie selection was to me irritating at best. While I understand the intention behind it, it was lacking and did not express the intensity of the PTSD it was attempting to capture. It was so gimmicky. it wasted time that could have seen as story progression. Roger just with distant looking and shaking was the key tone of feelings.

A beautiful study of the devastating effects of post-traumatic stress convincingly portrayed by breakout star Richard Rankin. In the aftermath of the battle of Alamance, we watch the character Roger Mac transition from who he was into a different, but stronger version of himself. We also witness the grief of three other characters which reflect the themes of the episode. The highlight episode of the season thus far.

The old fashioned movie projector thing was silly.

After so much war it was SUCH a powerful episode. The emotion, the character development, it was all so moving. And I loved the silent movie part as a way to show how Roger felt. And IAN IS BACK! People are ridiculous who say this was boring. In love.one of my favourites yet.

Clearly anyone who didn't connect with this episode and rated it low has no experience with PTSD victims. The acting is phenomenal and both Roger's and Ian's journeys include trauma. Of course, I have read all the books so I have some insight. Also, the emotional connection between these two men in this episode is important given their past. Well written!

Such a sad episode! Major characters were superb! The anguish in Roger who has PTSD is tough. Flashbacks via silent movies made me feel like I saw and felt Roger's every terror. Ian returns but is so sad. So much happening. Simply brilliant!

I've been with the show since the second season and I watched every episode several times. I'm currently halfway through "A Breath of Snow and Ashes."

This episode is fascinating; watching Roger start to return, as he does, is so bitter sweet. Ms Gabaldon has put him through some toughness when he returned to find Bree.

A side note, if Mr Moore is reading this: Please have a off shoot with Lord John. I've read the books and he is a wonderfully complicated character.

After such a cliffhanger at the end of episode 7 I am glad they didn't keep the suspens any longer. I love the episode very much. I understand what Roger had to go through. Ian's return is great also. I haven't read that book yet so maybe that's different for me. I liked Richard's playing performance as well !

I really dislike Roger. Even though I understand what he was going through, I still can't bring myself to like him. I wish he died instead of Murtagh, a character I really really liked! Murtagh was loyal and strong, the exact opposite of Roger. If they are not going to kill him, I wish they just kick him back to the future. I'm ok with Brianna but if she has to go so he goes then so be it.

With that said, I'm glad (super glad) to see young Ian back! I really like him. Hopefully he goes back to his old self soon enough. I really hope to see more of him in the next few episodes... And also more of Fergus and John Gray. I like all three of them much more than Brianna and Roger. They take too much time away from everybody else!!

The black & white start to this episode was very weird. At best. Left me confused & scratching my head.

A very powerful and well done episode. Sad and optimistic at the dame time. The mystery about what has happened yo Ian, let you wanting more episodes

I loved it. It was a bit slow , but all the emotions Roger was feeling and Brianna were so well done. Loved Ian coming back. It was great to see him. Ian also is struggling with something. Can't wait for next week.