I am surprised this episode wasn't rated higher, perhaps it's because it does deviate from the book in many respects, but nonetheless, it might be my favorite episode in the Jamaica arc. I think the reason for this is the opposite of why Doldrums was my least favorite, the episode's construction. All the storylines in the episode center around this theme of moving heaven and earth. On the one hand, it's about Claire literally fighting against a plague, and ultimately winning a hollow victory against it. For some reason, Mr. Pound's death moves me, even though he's a one off character. I think the reason is that he has so much potential and so much courage. He and Claire make quite the pair, a 14 year old officer and a female surgeon, a pair that normally wouldn't have such authority were it not for the circumstances. You actually see this quite a bit in the novels, Claire's status as a female doctor is questioned, until of course an emergency arises, in which case, often those in need are grateful for whatever help can be offered. In a season that focuses so much on Jaime and Claire's relationship, it is actually refreshing to have an episode where the majority of the time is spent with Claire facing a challenge as a healer.
However, the emotional weight of the episode is on the other side of the ledger. It is amazing how good Sam and Cait are in that either one of them can steal and episode in a single line. In this case, it's Sam's delivery of the heaven and earth speech that is so poignant, and so devastating to Fergus (by the way, Cesar Domboy deserves a ton of credit as well). It really serves as a reminder of what sets Jaime and Claire's relationship apart from the others in the series, ie. Claire and Frank, Jaime and Laghorie, and illustrates who Jaime is as a person. He is never the one to mind being shot, stabbed, beaten etc. It's such a heartbreaking scene because you can see Jaime's desperation, facing the prospect of losing his wife again, his tenacity and willingness to do what it takes to get her back, and his willingness to use his adopted son for his own purposes (telling Fergus that he doesn't love Claire and then conditioning his blessing on Fergus helping him take the ship is pretty messed up).
In the end, the episode is really a coming of age of sorts for Fergus. It is his love for both Marsali and Jaime that causes him to refuse Jaime's efforts. Just as Jaime did, he acted in the best interest of the people he loved. And finally, Claire does the unthinkable and jumps off a ship in an effort to warn Jaime before he can be captured at port.
The episode works so well because each of these storylines are about desperation and sacrifice, and they all work well together in portraying a compelling narrative and keeping you entertained while Claire battles the disease.
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