Outlander Cast: An Outlander Universe Podcast With Mary & Blake

Outlander: "Pharos" — Outlander Season 8 Episode 9 Review

Outlander Cast: An Outlander Universe Podcast With Mary & Blake

Show Notes

Mary & Blake recap and give reaction to Outlander Season 8 Episode 9, "Pharos." In this episode, we discuss why Lord John Grey finally gets the emotional spotlight, why the Jamie and Lord John chess scene may be the best payoff of Season 8, and why "Pharos" works as both a literal lighthouse clue and a symbolic title for the episode. We also get into Richardson's reveal as a time traveler, Claire letting him go, Lord John shooting him anyway, Percy's betrayal, William's two-fathers reckoning, Bree giving birth, Claire writing "our story," and whether this episode actually works as the penultimate chapter of the entire series. Plus, Mary brings the heat on Under The Tuscan Sun, cannoli, cribbage, Kelly Clarkson, mouth farts, and why Lord John walking away from Percy may be his Miss Independent moment. In this episode, you'll hear: Why "Pharos" is a strong episode title How Diana Gabaldon's writing shapes the Lord John material Why the chess scene between Jamie and Lord John works so well Whether Percy's betrayal and death hit hard enough Why Richardson's plan feels underbuilt Claire's hope that history can still change Lord John as the emotional engine of the episode William's complicated love for both Jamie and Lord John Whether "Pharos" gives enough momentum going into the finale Support the show and get bonus content at JoinTheNerdClan.com. Follow Mary & Blake at MaryandBlake.com, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Slàinte Mhath. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

More from Outlander Cast: An Outlander Universe Podcast With Mary & Blake

Oct 23, 2026

Brian and Murtagh's promise before the Battle of Sheriffmuir changes how we understand their friendship—and Murtagh's lifelong loyalty to Jamie Fraser. In our Blood of My Blood Season 2 Episode 5 "Forgive Me, Father" recap and reaction, Mary and Blake break down the battle, the devastating connection between Old Rupert at Sheriffmuir and Young Rupert at Culloden, Henry's decision to fight, and the arrival of Captain Gerard Grey.

Oct 19, 2026

Mary and Blake recap and react to Blood of My Blood Season 2 Episode 4, "A Portion of My Soul." Lord Lovat's warning about Brian Fraser hits differently when you know the original Outlander, and Brian's showdown with Dougal gives Blake one of his favorite earned character turns of the season. Mary explains why Henry's letter to Julia works so well, while the hosts disagree over the uncomfortable reunion that follows. They discuss Henry forgetting Claire, Arch Bug's surprising act of mercy, Grace and Murtagh's romance, and the growing threat of Seema. And Blake has a theory about why nearly everybody in the episode is trying to become somebody else. Mary's Kilt Rating: 4.3/5. Blake's: 3.9/5. BOMB Impact: Mary 4/5, Blake 4.5/5. Listen for the full discussion, then join the conversation on MaryAndBlake.com and in the Mary & Blake app. Episode 2.04 KJR: https://maryandblake.com/blood-of-my-blood-season-2-episode-4-kjr-a-portion-of-my-soul/ Season 2 guide: https://maryandblake.com/blood-of-my-blood/blood-of-my-blood-season-2-episode-guide/ Show hub: https://maryandblake.com/blood-of-my-blood/ NerdClan: https://jointhenerdclan.com/

Oct 11, 2026

Mary and Blake recap and react to Blood of My Blood Season 2 Episode 3, "Rabbits Don't Swim," as Ellen and the women of Castle Leoch turn MacKinney's takeover into Highland Home Alone. Mary gives the episode a 4.6/5 Kilt Rating while Blake lands at 3.5/5, and that split drives the conversation. We discuss whether Ellen's flashbacks earn her victory, why Janet's death feels bigger than its consequences, whether Maura has really earned the name "MacKenzie," Colum's sudden change of heart about Brian, Lovat's betrayal, Julia and Seema, and why "You see only what ye expect" may be a stronger line than "Rabbits do swim." Plus: Ellen's pregnancy, the Janet Fraser/Jenny connection, Five Questions That Got Nothing To Do With Outlander, and a truly bananaland Outlandish Theory of the Week. Download the Mary & Blake app: https://maryandblake.com/app/ Join The NerdClan: https://JoinTheNerdClan.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LOWfI3AsklM AD MARKERS 03:37 26:05 50:16 65:27

Oct 8, 2026

Mary and Blake recap and react to Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 2 Episode 2, "The Veil of Time." In this episode, we break down Maisri's massive prophecy and why Lord Lovat may be hearing exactly what he wants to hear. We also debate whether Brian Fraser has actually earned his sudden rise as a leader, whether unborn William could have been the reason Julia traveled through the stones, what Mrs. Graham's connection to Henry adds to the original Outlander series, and whether Uncle Lamb missing that newspaper feels tragic or just a little too convenient. Plus: Ellen outmaneuvers her brothers, Dougal and Maura continue to work surprisingly well together, Murtagh meets Grace, Bug somehow has money for everything, and Blake has some serious questions about that horseback scene. Read all of our Blood of My Blood Season 2 coverage: https://maryandblake.com/blood-of-my-blood/blood-of-my-blood-season-2-episode-guide/ Download the Mary & Blake app: https://maryandblake.com/app/ Join The NerdClan: https://jointhenerdclan.com/ #OutlanderCast #BloodOfMyBlood #Outlander

Oct 4, 2026

Mary & Blake recap and react to Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 2 Episode 1, "Remembrance Day." In the Season 2 premiere, we discuss Henry waking in a 1924 asylum, Dr. Perryman's treatment erasing Claire from his memories, Julia's survival plan, Davina learning the truth, Brian and Ellen's rushed baby plan, and the quiet possibility emerging between Dougal and Maura. Plus, Mary gives the premiere a 4.9/5 Kilt Rating, Blake lands at 4.4/5, and their BOMB Impact scores are 1.75/5 and 2.5/5. Blake's Outlandish Theory asks whether Mrs. Graham and Reverend Wakefield can use the historical record to find Claire—or help Henry reach the stones again. Read the complete recap and reaction: MaryAndBlake.com Follow all of Season 2: Blood of My Blood Season 2 Episode Guide Why is Henry forgetting Claire? Read Blake's Knee-Jerk Reaction Get the Mary & Blake app: MaryAndBlake.com/app Join The NerdClan: JoinTheNerdClan.com

See all episodes →