I really loved this episode. It’s not so much about what happens to our beloved characters, as it is more about how these character act and their relational and personal growth in how they handle what comes their way.

After a couple of montages to remind us of what happens in previous seasons, we end up with a new scene in which Jaime tells Bree and Roger they can go to Savannah to get guns in order to start a militia. After the opening credits, we see Bree and Roger in Savannah with Fergus and Marsali. It’s lovely to see them all interacting like family. They seem so close and happy together with inside jokes. It makes me wish we could all hang out and go out for dinner, although maybe minus the sauerkraut (and I grew up in a German immigrant farming community). I love how natural each interaction is, even the kiss between Bree & Roger. It hasn’t always felt that way in previous seasons, and I feel like either the director of this episode or the writer of the episode really tapped into these relationships and making them feel normal and relatable.

This brings me to the next relationship situation where Jamie comes back to Claire and fills her in on all the happenings and his plans. I love this scene. It feels so normal and like a regular couple, catching each other up at the end of the day, although from the lighting, it feels more like a mid-morning catch-up. Still, I love it. A lot of Jamie and Claire’s interactions have taken place in their bed or in the surgery and this feels more normal. Like, “Hey girl, I know you like seeing me take care of horses since Season 1. You’ve been stuck making sauerkraut. Let me fill you in on the Ridge dirt.” Jamie and Claire are looking Ridge hot in their new attire, which makes me sad Alexa can’t figure out what Ridge Vogue is. I’m also loving the location for the new Ridge house. It feels more in line with being in the wild. I hope they open up these locations one day for tours. Back in Ridge reality, Jamie knows that no matter what Frank’s intentions were with with last book, he can’t be caught resting on his laurels and knows he has to be ready, whether it’s Ferguson or Cunningham that brings the attack.

Back at our favorite double date, Fersali and Breeger (Broger?), are partaking in Jamie’s latest batch of Carolina Moonshine, when Fergus brings up the interesting letter he got from Lord John. Bree sweetly says how “our” mother’s name was Beauchamp. At that same time, a rock hurls through the window. No one is hurt but a windowpane is broken, the print shop sign has fallen down, and Marsali mentions all of the other lovely things that have happened (like a bag of dead rats). Hurling a rock feels easy compared to taking the time to kill a bunch of rats, bag them up, and leave them at the door. Thank goodness Fersali won’t turn it into rat stew (sorry Rachel, Denny, & William for trying that stew in Season 7!).

Meanwhile, the three Musketeers, aka Jamie, Josiah, and Ian are collecting rents and checking for vibes among the tenants and who might be for the King or for the patriots. Ian comes forward, worried about a Scottish fellow that says there’s a man looking for Bree & Roger. We get a lovely scene where Jamie puts a gun to the man’s head, but it’s no Rob Cameron but our favorite Cousin Buck! Buck has “taken care of” Cameron and has brought back Roger’s wee book. Jamie get all nostalgic, saying how Buck reminds of him of his father.

Speaking of Roger and Bree (Rogree?), are packing up as Roger prepared to take Bree to Lord John and then run his “errands.” They say their farewells, and Fergus warns them that there’s talk that a battle might take place soon. Dun Dun Daaah!

No battle is happening on the Ridge, except for maybe battle of the minds. The house is creaking, and Frances and Claire have a lovely chat about houses having sounds, how houses can take on bits of the people who inhabit them. Poor Frances wishes that Jane would haunt her because she misses her so much. Claire goes to close an open window that is banging and happens to see Mrs. Cunningham on her way. I’m loving all of the “Wizard of Oz” references (“and your little dog too”). I read all the books growing up and loved to watch the Wizard of Oz with Judy Garland. (Funny side note, my grandfather interviewed her for his school newspaper when the movie came out. He got her autograph but sold it a little bit later to make some money. If only he had held on to it for 40 years…). Mrs. Cunningham is in a fine mood, as her shoulder is out of place and needs help. Claire’s a pro and gives Mrs. Cunningham some of Jamie’s Carolina Moonshine before popping the shoulder back into place. Mrs. Cunningham has some colorful language, which brings out some colorful stories from Frances. However, instead of judging Frances for living in a brothel and knowing things she shouldn’t know, there’s a bit of respect there, although she warns Claire not to let Frances say those things too widely. Mrs. Cunningham seems a lot more exciting when she’s drunk, and she and Claire have a great conversation about different curse words. It’s no bachelorette party, but Mrs. Cunningham is staying the night due to her inebriation and physical limitations.

It’s also not quite a sleepover, but Bree makes it to Lord John’s abode. William is surprised but excited, as seeing Bree makes him realize he has a sister. They have a lovely conversation, aside from Amaranthus being awkwardly jealous. Bree and William have great banter. Again, another lovely little relational character moment. I wish the conversation with Bree and William could have kept going. They could compare notes on being raised by different dads, playing the game “do you do this too,” and braiding each others’ hair. Just kidding! I really do hope we get another great conversation between the two soon!

Fergus meets Percy and discovers he is the Comte St. Germain’s son. Understandably, Fergus is skeptical. However, the details Percy gives Fergus are too close to seem more than coincidental. The money available by being the Comte’s son is very tempting, especially with not having a big enough canvas to paint a family portrait and rocks breaking family/business windows. However, when Fergus and Marsali discuss it, Fergus doesn’t want to be a bastard or legitimate heir of the Comte. St. Germain. He says he is already the son of a great man, Jamie.

Speaking of bastards, William admits to Amaranthus that he’s a bastard that also enjoys her company. He also admits he and Bree are siblings, so she doesn’t have to be jealous. Amaranthus boldly states that William could give up his title and give it to the heir she’s going to give him. Something still smells fishy about her, but William seems to be falling for it, hook, line, and sinker.

Claire and Elspeth spar more about the sounds homes make. Claire says it happens when the wind is out of the east (anyone think of Dick Van Dyke singing “Wind’s in the east” from Mary Poppins?). Claire explains that they have a bigger house with an attic so that they can help their tenants should troubles arise. Not too soon does Mr. Cunningham barge in to “take his mother home.” He seems super cringy and creepy, making comments about how big the house it, pretending he’s surprised that she’s all alone. Claire puts up a good front. Surprisingly, I think Mrs. Cunningham pulls a “sisters before misters” move and demands Cunningham bring the horses round. She sees her son acting all weird, and decides to get him out the door.

Back in Savannah, Bree is nervous about the bombings from the French, undoubtably meaning the Siege of Savannah is coming soon. She has a lovely conversation with Lord John, that he’s hoping she can help pull William out of his funk and depression.

Unfortunately, Rachel is in a bit of a funk herself. She sees a newspaper that has reported that Joseph Brant and some of his tribe were attacked, with not many survivors. Rachel is worried but tells Ian about it. They decide to take a trip north to see if they can find any survivors, including his son and ex.

Jamie makes it back to the Ridge with Cousin Buck. Jem and Mandy are so excited to see him, although I don’t know if it’s more exciting than a sleepover with Rodney and little Claire. Big Claire meets Buck, and he asks for Claire’s infamous time traveling sandwiches, PB&J.

Before Ian and Rachel leave, Jamie lets Ian in on the secret from Frank about the book foretelling Jamie’s death. Ian promises to be back in time to help with the Battle on King’s Mountain and guard Jamie’s left. Aw!

Roger’s makes it to the Continental army and finds the Swamp Fox, but it’s not so great. Jamie’s reputation has taken a dive since the Battle of Monmouth. Frances Marion wants nothing to do with Jamie or help him with muskets. Poor Roger is left without any guns, and Marion won’t let him leave since a battle will be taking place soon. Roger can’t help but be drawn in, and volunteers to help, to prove himself to Marion. It’s gonna be a wild ride next episode. Plus I’m loving the new war theme with the drums and fifes. Bring on the Bear flair!

Song: Waiting on as War by the Foo Fighters. It feels like Jamie has been waiting on a war forever. It would be nice to see Jamie enjoy some peace and quiet. Roger and Bree are waiting on a war in Savannah.

Comfort Food: Black Pepper Coleslaw. It may not be sauerkraut. But it’s one of my favorites I keep coming back to. Plus, the black pepper has the spice of the conversation on curse words.

Dram: High & Dry cocktail. I was looking for recipes that would use up the bottle of Campari that I bought in honor of the Olympics being held in Milano, Italy. I came across the cocktail called, High & Dry. I thought this was perfect, considering how it uses the liqueur, St. Germain. It also uses prosecco, and London Gin. I thought it was fitting considering how this episode features the gold for Prince Charles, who was also known as the moniker, “The Italian Gentleman.” We also get to see Bree with some gentlemen from London, Lord John & William. We also get more of Fergus’ backstory and how his mother, Amalie, was left high and dry by the Comte St. Germain. Due to her hardships, she also left Fergus high and dry. In some ways, although out of his control, Bree is left high and dry by Roger because the Swamp Fox is mad with Jamie for supposedly leaving the Continentals high and dry because of Claire being shot. Rachel is concerned about being left high and dry by Ian by them traveling to check on his former wife and child.

This cocktail takes:

3/4 oz London dry gin

3/4 oz Campari

3/4 oz St. Germain

2 oz prosecco (although I used at Strawberry Peach Lacroix and it was delightful)

Put in a shaker with ice and pour. (Although I did not listen to Mr. Bond and decided to stir vs shake, but it’s not a martini so I don’t think it counts?)