Outlander (TV Series) Mercy Shall Follow Me (2020) User Reviews

mixed feelings

[Just-A-Girl-14 · 8/10 · 16 June 2020]

I read some very bad reviews for this episode and I have to admit some of them had a point. Truth be told, I actually liked this episode but if it was up to me, I'd change it a little bit. We have been waiting long time to see Bonnet get what he deserved so I don't mind that he is gone. Sure he was a great villain but I do agree that it was his time to go. I wouldn't want to see him trying to get his son through the courts. I also don't mind that he kidnapped Brianna. It was clear that he had some sort of feelings for her once she visited him in jail. I just think they took it too far. Once he took her she had to give her family time to find her so it was smart to go along with whatever he wanted but she should have shown him that she is more scared of him. Making him feel that if he treats her better then there might be a chance for them. Bonnet is not stupid and it's hard for me to believe he believed her until the kiss. No way he would buy that she wants to go back home to bring their son back to him. It was done alright but it could have been done much better.

As to his capture and execution, no way Roger would be able to knock him down without a fight! Jamie, sure but not Roger. I also wanted to see Jamie punch him and take his revenge. Jamie should have captured him and then Roger could have beaten him up but Roger on his own, no way. I'm also not really happy that Brianna decided to give him to the authorities. Giving him another chance to escape was absolutely the wrong thing to do! I also not sure I believe the government would have helpEd them after the way Jamie and he ended things. As for the execution itself, drowning him was a good idea because he told Bree he was afraid of the ocean (although he wasn't in the ocean but still). I just wish she hadn't shot him. He escaped the scariest part of all, the second the water get so high up that he can feel the end. I think she did it out of mercy and sorry but I really don't like it. He robbed and killed and raped and mutilated people and was not even sorry for a minute. Once he decided he doesn't believe her (after the kiss) he was willing to sell the mother of his child like a piece of garbage. He didn't deserve mercies! And we should have seen Jamie take his revenge. As much as I dislike Roger, he was right that Brianna is his wife and he should be the on to kill him (or Bree if she wanted to) but Jamie (the main and most important character) should have at least be the one who caught him and made him hurt.

With some small changes this episode could have easily been a 10/10.

Still good... stop whit that bads reviews..

[elliottremblay · 9/10 · 26 April 2020]

Considering that in the sixth volume, Bonnet dies in exactly the same way, the episode happens to be very faithful, breathless and excellent. Where I am a little disappointed is the premature death of the character of Bonnet, with whom there was still a lot to tell ... However, the episode was very good, good acting, well done and well produced, I don't think it deserves the majority of bad comments.

suspense at it's best

[marianne_denning · 10/10 · 26 April 2020]

Sophie's performance was superb. Roger appears to have taken some warrior lessons from Jamie. It was great to see Jamie let Roger take the lead in fighting Bonnet. Ed Speleers was terrific and terrifying...excellent episode.

What a disappointment. So bad.

[Kim_Wench · 26 April 2020]

What bad writing. Such a rushed episode.

Sociopath Stephen Bonnet breaks down and cries after Brianna tells him about Moby Dick. With tears on his face, he begs her to tell him how he can comfort Jeremiah. Bonnet, a pirate, serial killer, and manipulator, is fooled when Brianna puts a smile on her face and says, "I'll go fetch Jemmy then we'll live happily ever after." He believes her until she kisses him the wrong way. So unrealistic.

Hats off to Ed Speleers

[silvijapalosek · 9/10 · 1 May 2020]

Wow. As much as BJR was the most iconic (and gruesome) villain of the show, Bonnet is actually my favorite. The actor nuanced him so well. Splendid work. And I loved the ending scene. Some bits were convoluted and weird, it has started to happen this season, but I still like it. Roger and Brianna have fulfilled their arcs this season and now I hope for the last 2 episodes the focus shifts back to Jamie and Claire for good.

Revenge

[linadigiulio · 10/10 · 27 April 2020]

Brianna was amazing. Great performance. I was so tense the whole episode. Best show on TV.

Well DONE Cast & Crew

[caf-19 · 10/10 · 27 April 2020]

"Briana, did you do that for mercy, or to make sure.....?" And that is as much of a spoiler I will leak out, because all that needs to be said is this is a terrific episode in a terrific season. Don't miss this one. Each episode builds on the previous, yet, they can stand alone for enjoyment by the occasional viewer. (However, from one historical drama lover to another - I strongly urge you watch them all) So far, season five has been killer and this episode has given us several satisfying conclusions; giving respite to this viewer's strong sense of justice. I like having OUTLANDER give us visual reminders that justice USED to be swift, sure, and fitting the crime(s), unlike the sissyfied, inept 'justice' of the 21st century. Of further interest is the subtle way Outlander brings alive occasional real-life historical people. Please do some research on your own to get some colorful tidbits on these historical early American characters that show up in many episodes. For example: Governor Tryon. He was real, and really a _____! I urge going to Wikipedia to find out about this English colonist for yourself.

Best episode yet this season

[jcurran-47862 · 10/10 · 27 April 2020]

This episode definitely did the books and story of outlander justice. Sophie Skelton's acting was raw and true. While it differed a bit from the original plot line in the novel, I thoroughly enjoyed this version as well. Would highly recommend to watch!

Good Episode - but..

[jay1930 · 8/10 · 20 June 2020]

I didnt like how Bonnet got outsmarted by dumb w**re with a fat arse (get the reference) I really thought he could be a more terrifying villain than Randall, the potential was there.. but for some reason I guess the writers didnt know how to forward the story (I havent read the books)

His ending? Tragically cruel yet deserving. I couldnt of thought or a worse death for that particular character, to die alone just as he came into the world with onlookers watching on without a care in the world.

For him to go out the way he did, getting captured by an ironic senseless set of circumstances, roger, Jamie, claire, ian just turn up to that beach? I wont say it's bad writing, the writers just didnt know what to do.

I hope they rushed Bonnets death for an even better story in the upcoming 2 episodes.

Very intense and entertaining

[mcinarra · 10/10 · 28 April 2020]

More action than in the previous episodes A lot f things happened and was very entertaining The final is perfect and closes an storyline in a shocking way

I can't believe it

[almeisso-03950 · 10/10 · 19 July 2022]

I loved this episode. Reminded me of earlier seasons with its raw brutality, twists, and turns. Excellent. I'm glad they finally caught up with Stephen Bonnet. I cannot wait until the next villain emerges.

Am I the only one?

[badmel65 · 8/10 · 30 March 2021]

How does Stephen Bonnet know or claim he is the father of Brianna's son? He nor hardly anyone else knows she hand consummated her vows before his attack on her? People can only assume.

great villian, rushed off stage left.

[Rob-O-Cop · 7/10 · 26 April 2020]

The bonnet arc bought real tension and threat to the show, he was a dangerous man, and had a knack for good luck and slipping away. So many aspects of him to explore, and such a good actor, really selling the complexity of the character. I guess he was too hot to handle.

Built up a storyline and moved swiftly through it.

[meyersjl-959-179336 · 4/10 · 28 April 2020]

For nine episodes this season Outlander has built up to a specific storyline. In one episode they hit the climax and then resolve it. Meanwhile episode 9 was a filler. They should have spread the action part of the storyline over two episodes.

That's it??!

[Fitzwill-Jane · 27 April 2020]

After snail-paced episodes devoting entire hours to Jamie's snake bite and Roger's memories of the hanging, Stephen Bonnet should have been spread out over AT LEAST two, preferably three episodes. The most interesting stories this season were Bonnet and Murtagh & the Regulators. I can't believe they got rid of Bonnet so fast.

I wonder if the meeting of Mr Forbes and Jocasta was handled better in the book than the show. It was bad dialogue, and then he suddenly decided to murder her? That didn't make sense to me.

The actor who played Bonnet did a great job in seasons 4 and 5. It was a bad decision to kill him off so soon.

I like this episode, despite the reviews

[aeellen · 9/10 · 24 September 2023]

It's true the ending might have been rushed, but I felt like it was saying, this storyline is complete and with Bonnet nobody is complaining. I thought it was a good end.

In this episode Bree wanted the law to punish him, but then shoots him with a mercy killing (the episode explains that which I get)

I don't like that the show allowed bree's "feelings" to kill him but Jamie's "feelings" are wrong to kill him

That's not right. People are allowed to feel things that are emotional and righteously just.

I mean even Claire said, that Jamie was doing it for himself over defending Bree's honor. Which, in many ways that's true...so?

The writers act like Jamie wanting to do some damage to Bonnet is the worst thing ever. BONNET RAPED HIS DAUGHTER FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. DUH

Other then the hypocrisy, good episode. I like Bree better, but when she shows feminism in the 1700's it's a big bunch of bologna.

Rushed and constructed

[bernhardstrubel-682-240472 · 6/10 · 27 August 2020]

I really enjoyed the season so far because it was showing more little emotional stories on the journey instead of the big narrative which made the world full. They took they time for it. But this episodes just felt rushed and constructed as if they just needed to get that storyline out of the way. I didn't understood Bonnet as a character anymore and his motives.

Bonnet gone too soon!

[sonicgeekette · 3/10 · 3 May 2020]

I have to say, I'm not a fan of this episode, at all! They mixed the story arc with Bonnet that happened in books 5 and 6 and compressed them into one episode. They should have held off killing Bonnet until Season 6, just like he dies in the 6th book with everything that is happening during that time period as well. They didn't even bring in Phaedre or anything from River Run. I realize that most of the 5th book was pretty slow moving with a big portion at the beginning a continuation of the gathering, and then the whole Battle of Alamance in the middle, however they could have spent more time on River Run and the wedding with Duncan and Jocasta. There was so much more there happening at River Run, the whole mystery with the slaves, finding out about Phaedre's mother, the gold, and Bonnet making an appearance there. There was so much more they could have done with Bonnet, building on the whole drama of Jemmie's paternal parentage. Sadly disappointed in my favorite show. This is Outlander, not Game of Thrones!

Terrible episode!

[royaltalentcompany · 26 April 2020]

Absolutely ridiculous episode! Horrible writing. Why bring Bonnet to the law only to shoot him in the head and show him mercy?! Just awful!!!

Episode 510

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 11 February 2021]

Not the most exciting farewell for Stephen Bonnet, but well done regardless. This kind of action did feel a little out of place on the show, and it could have been scripted better, but still exciting.

Wrapped up in a nice little bow...

[jellycupman · 5/10 · 26 April 2020]

Which is not how you build suspense, this storyline had such potential, built Bonnet for 2 season's, then wrapped him up with a very rushed, poorly written episode. Jumped the shark with this one, and now appears they are afraid to cross into the boundaries that made this show unique in today's PC climate. Unimpressed.

It's no fun in America in season 5. The worst...

[KRhea33 · 2/10 · 1 May 2020]

First off, I've been a huge fan of this show and eagerly anticipated each new episode. But it's lost it's way. I don't understand why with a limited cast how someone is always dying. Season 5 really disappoints.

I've held back my review thinking and hoping it would improve, but unfortunately it's been extremely boring and forced.

To explain...forgive my error if I don't get the exact episode correct. My point here still frustrates.

4 episodes we lost Murtaugh.

3 episodes ago, Roger was dead. But no, he's actually OK. Too bad they didn't leave the least interesting character with this ending. He's awkward at best with his own kid and seems like he intends only to prove he can beat Jamie. Please oh please, send Roger away.

2 episodes ago, Jamie was dying of a snake bite. What on earth was this about? No way is Jamie going to die.

And the last episode, Brianna the whiner was kidnapped and her life was put on the line. She shoots and kills Stephen Bonnet with one shot to the head. Really?Sorry, but that was quite unrealistic and frustrating. It would have been better to let him drown. At least we're done with him.

So is the next episode going to put Clare's life on the line? And she's the last major character without a life threatening episode so far this season.

Even Mrs. Fitzsimmon'a had a health emergency.

Are you kidding me?

[lmasong · 27 April 2020]

I've awoken to this episode in a stupor. Can this be for real? Not in the book. Not in the story line. A very far cry from what could or should have been. Gabaldon lost me with this one, even with her very not supposed unreal story to be. Too bad!

They could have had a 2nd Jack Randall but they blew it with Stephen Bonnet

[Ziggy1965 · 4/10 · 30 April 2020]

This story should have been over 2 episodes. But they had no time for that since at least 1 or 2 maybe 3 were wasted ones.

I understand they want to give some power to Brianna for all that she went through but the interaction with her and Bonnet just did not click ... I would have preferred 2 episodes with Jamie, Roger and Ian (are you tired of hearing "young Ian"?) have a cat and mouse interaction with Bonnet and his cronies ... Do you believe that Roger could beat up Bonnet without him getting even 1 punch at Roger? ... Jamie did not even get a chance to hurt Bonnet after all he had done to Jamie.

And why was Bonnet made to drown in a river?! I was expecting that he would be tied to a post at a pier by the ocean at low tide and the rising tide would drown him ... And for Brianna to shoot him?? To me it just showed that she still had feelings for him. Well she should, he is after all the father of her child!

Oh, 2 more episodes (things I do for my wife! ... and she is not that impressed with this season either)

Meh.

[Anonnamus · 4/10 · 20 April 2021]

Stephen Bonnet had the potential to be the most evil of all villains, perhaps even topping Blackjack Randall, a psychopath who was fully aware of his inner demons. Bonnet was volatile and unpredictable, terrifying in his moodiness and his propensity to kill when he perceives something as a slight. This is why it's so disappointing that his arc ended with a whimper, not a bang.

I won't get started on my feelings about Brianna deciding out of the blue last season to go pay Bonnet a visit in prison to inform him her full name and his impending paternity. If she had instead been visiting in modern times, I wouldn't have been surprised if she rattled off her social security number. Mind boggling, but whatever. Needed some way to ensure that he was going to be a father, to create a conflict and what would hopefully be an exciting story arc, especially since it would involve a villain who could have become the biggest bad any of us had ever watched. Never quite got there, so perhaps his ending was poetic justice.

Claire has driven me crazy in the past, but it's nothing compared to her daughter and son-in-law. Although they are beginning to somewhat grow on me, they continue to make the most puzzling decisions. It's frustrating because I don't think they're idiots, just annoying. For instance, Brianna had a fire poker in her hand. She could have easily stabbed him with it. He wasn't even paying attention to her, really. Instead, she puts it down and dons a pretty dress and has dinner with him instead. While he's busy banging the prostitute, she could have taken that poker and stabbed him then. They were in the same room. When he left her to get coins for the prostitute, she could have been waiting to stab him or broken that huge heavy vase over his head and knocked him unconscious. But no. Apparently she also took an oath like her mother to do no harm. I assume. She apparently also needs to learn how to kiss, as Bonnet seemingly believed every insincere word out of her mouth (he is crazy after all) but knew he was being deceived after she kissed him. Maybe Cher had it right after all. Whatever. Plot device. It's fine. But I stopped feeling sorry for Brianna long ago, and instead started thinking she deserved every bad thing that would happen to her after that.

Luckily a few minutes later, ma and pa and hubby came to the rescue and chased the evil villain of two seasons down the beach about ten feet where he immediately stopped, dropped, and rolled over so wimpy Roger could look like the hero by being the man who took down his wife's attacker. It was so ridiculous I wouldn't have been surprised if Bonnet started punching himself in the face to help Roger along. Still, after he's tied up, Brianna doesn't exact her revenge. Instead, she decides to leave his fate to the law. It was poetic justice to see Bonnet tied to that pole, waiting to be drowned as he had admitted before he was terrified of the ocean. Just when he would finally begin to suffer through his deserved fate and die a horrible drowning death, he gets shot in the head. By Brianna. Who did absolutely nothing before when she had opportunity after opportunity to do so while she was in danger. So instead of suffering what he was most terrified of, Bonnet dies quickly. Good to know that he's probably really super dead, I guess. I fully expected the last three episodes to be dedicated to taking down Bonnet. Never realized it would be wrapped up in five minutes. At least Mr. Forbes's death was satisfying.

I have my problems with Outlander, first and foremost their terrible job at aging it's characters, but I'm so disappointed in season 5. Not just because they killed off Murtagh, my absolute favorite character, but because no story arc ever reached a fulfilling or satisfactory ending. I just hope that Brianna and Roger return to the 20th century, as I will never see them on equal footing or deserving of top billing as I do Jamie and Claire. I honestly feel as if the writers are almost forcing them on us. Not sure if they are prominent in the books, or perhaps more charismatic and interesting, but they have definitely not impressed on the TV series. I love this show and will continue to watch, but 5 as a whole can go away.