Michelle and Mandi on 'Outlander': The Watch

Mandi: They left us on quite a cliffhanger last week, as Jamie had a gun to his head at Lallybroch. But do not worry, lassies! Jamie doesn't get shot in the head! The men who show up are part of The Watch, men who come by every few months who don't quite harass the Lallybroch household but demand things of Ian and Jenny. In return, they will provide a little protection if Jack Randall shows back up. Or so they say.

Jamie tries to keep his identity a secret, since he hasn't been pardoned and there is still a price on his head, but one of the men recognizes him. In a change of roles, Jamie is the one who becomes hotheaded and Claire is the one who has to try to calm him down. Jamie is sick of hiding and would rather just fight the man than play his games of blackmail.

As Jenny goes into labor, she and Claire have a lot of really nice bonding time. Jenny tells stories of Jamie growing up, and Claire does her best to help Jenny along in labor and deliver her child. And in a more somber scene, Claire admits to Jamie that she most likely can't have children, and Jamie, as loyal as ever, gives Claire some needed reassurance.

But the quiet conversations and joy of a new baby won't last. Jamie and Ian ride off with The Watch, and a few days later, only Ian returns. Jamie has been kidnapped by the Redcoats. And for those who have read the books, you know the dark turn the story is about to take. Three episodes left in season one. I may not survive it!

Michelle: This episode is a reminder that while Jamie was cut off from his world and his home, life continued on — a fact that is like a gut check to his pride when the watch men take over his house on one of their visits.

Clearly, life at Lallybroch is not like life at Colum's Castle Leoch. While Jamie is the sweet romantic with Claire, he is a born fighter ready to draw first blood. When faced with great odds, he doesn't back down. Although Jamie has suffered a bullet wound, a scourged back, dislocated shoulder, and so much more, he will take the offensive position to make his point for honor and for his family.

With dark times ahead, we will need Jamie to dig deep for that fighting spirit and the deep love he holds for his family, and especially Claire. Look how manly he was as she shared her fear that she couldn't have children. Again, he is hero material that Diana Gabaldon has written with flourish.

However, as the men were plotting and sharpening their blades, the women were doing important stuff, too. Giving birth in these times must have been risky, much less dealing with a breech birth. The women team up for this important event, which brings them closer, for they will have to rely on each other.

What is clear by the end of The Watch// is that life is tenuous and fleeting. A kiss goodbye should always be treasured, for there are no guarantees.

Mandi Schreiner started romance review blog Smexy Books in 2009. She is obsessed with reading romance novels and collecting fictional boyfriends.

Michelle Monkou loves writing her sexy, complex heroes. Her website is michellemonkou.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.