What is on Jamie’s face? Our burning questions ahead of Outlander S3E2

A new clip and images from “Surrender” have us wondering what exactly is going on in episode 2 of Outlander’s third season.

Neither Claire nor Jamie were doing particularly well in the season 3 premiere of Outlander, “The Battle Joined.” The end of Claire’s pregnancy was met with extra stress on account of the love of her life (and father of her baby) being stuck 200 years in the past. The too-polite interactions with Poor Frank and sexist treatment from Dean Jerkface and Dr. Paternalism didn’t help things, either.

But Jamie seems to be especially struggling in the aftermath of the couple’s separation. He was decidedly underwhelmed when Lord Melton spared his life last episode and kept not-so-subtly insinuating that he was ready to die. Then again, he was in a lot of pain and was suffering from blood loss — but he really did appear to be disinterested in a life without Claire. There was a glimmer of the Jamie we know and love when he returned to his beloved Lallybroch, but I’m expecting that the next couple episodes of Outlander will delve into our hero’s depression and grief.

Keeping that in mind, here are a few questions I have ahead of Outlander‘s next episode, “Surrender,” based on a sneak preview and some images from Starz.

What is on Jamie’s face?!

Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser)- Outlander 302.jpg. Image via Starz.

Sweet, handsome Jamie, what have you done to yourself? I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through with the loss of Claire and failure at Culloden and everything — but I know it’s bad. Still, don’t take it out on your face. We’ve all gone through periods where personal grooming seems unimportant. But guess what? Not many of us look like you! Even if you are posing as someone else (we’ll get to that in a second), the Scottish Paul Bunyan look is not working for you.

Do us all a favor: Cut your hair and shave (feel free to let the stubble grow back in, obviously). If you feel too conspicuous, tuck your normal-length hair under the hat. That way we all win.

Who is The Dunbonnet?

Okay, so obviously The Dunbonnet is an alias Jamie assumed in order to protect his sister Jenny, her family, and Fergus. At least that nickname is cooler than Red Jamie.

Switching gears slightly, I would love it if Jamie has adopted a new persona in the past six years, like when Claire embraced the rumors that she was La Dame Blanche in season 2. Perhaps villagers whisper about The Dunbonnet’s uncanny ability to elude seemingly inescapable death…

Side note: Jamie’s disguise is a travesty. That brown hat is doing nothing to hide Jamie’s “distinctive red hair.” Not to mention he has a huge red beard on his face.

What is Fergus’ role in all of this?

Romann Berrux (Fergus)- Outlander 302.jpg. Image via Starz

Yay, more Fergus! I love Jamie and Claire’s surrogate son and am so happy that Jenny took him in when Jamie went off to Culloden. We already know that Fergus survives into adulthood, so I’m not that worried about the British officer’s threats towards the kid. But I am interested in what Fergus has been up to since Jamie’s return. I’m betting that he is the one who gets urgent messages to Jamie and I also wouldn’t be surprised if Fergus also manages to swipe some money from any British officers who pass by Lallybroch.

The one thing that defines Fergus — besides his pickpocketing skills — is his loyalty to Jamie. I can’t wait to see how their relationship evolves in “Surrender” and beyond.

Finally, how is motherhood treating Claire?

Caitriona Balfe (Claire Randall Fraser)- Outlander 302.jpg. Image via Starz

The end of last week’s episode saw Claire give birth to a healthy baby girl, Brianna. And things between her and Poor Frank seemed good. Well, until a nurse asked about the baby’s red hair, that is. Based on the above image, I’d say that things are going fairly well for the new mother. She definitely seems to be bonding with her daughter.

But the specter of Jamie is still lingering on the edges of Claire’s life, which can’t be healthy for anyone in the Randall family. When we first met Brianna as an adult last season, her relationship with her mother seemed cool, a little distant. In many ways, Claire is an ideal person; she’s smart, adventurous, kind, and strong. So it would be very daring of Outlander to make her not-so-good at motherhood.

Next: Claire and Jamie (uselessly) try to move on in the Outlander S3 trailer

“Surrender” will air this Sunday on Starz at 8 p.m. ET.