In Both Sides Now episode 108, we find Frank moving through the trauma of Claire’s disappearance. His process is raw. Dark. Aggrieved. Desperate. Wrenched sadness. Angry.

Entering the Inverness police station Frank is told the case is closed. That Claire likely went of her own volition. Frank is incensed but the detective is immovable. Frank believes the Highlander had something to do with it. indirectly Frank you are correct.

After leaving the station, Frank speaks with the Reverend Wakefield about the case being dismissed. The Reverend is sure one of their theories is correct. We see the case evidence board. This warms me knowing of his study from the books. As they discuss more, Mrs. Graham and wee Roger MacKenzie Wakefield the Reverend’s adopted son enter the room. Biscuits and tea are offered, but Frank desires something of strength. To the pub he goes.

At the pub, boozy Frank appears. He is drinking quite heavily. He is there greeted by a woman, “Sally”. She says to meet her with the reward money, as she has information on the man in the sketch. During their exchange he snorts and makes facial expressions that harken to Black Jack Randall. It is eerie and he does not feel safe like Frank.

Into the dark he goes to meet “Sally”. Of course it is a set up and he is jumped by two men wanting to steal the reward money. This is where Black Jack Randall shows through in many ways. One, he pulls a literal black jack weapon from his pocket, two he goes to town beating the hell out of the men with an excessive anger and determination that he could kill one of the men. Three, after the woman stops him, he begins to choke her with a coldness and steely purpose before finally coming back into himself. Darkness has been felt. Exposed in this loss of Claire.

Into the living room of Reverend Wakefield he shares what he did and felt. The Reverend says there is evil in the world and he (Frank) has tasted a sip of it. He asks Frank to turn away from the darkness that beckons him. Powerful exchange. Frank must choose who he wants to be. Where is going to go. Urges him to go to Oxford and move on as Claire has. To let her go.

Frank is packing to leave. He goes through Claire’s abandoned suitcase. No words just actions of separation and decision.

Mrs. Graham tells him about her theory of the stones. That Claire was sent through time, to somewhere else but that the stories say the traveler’s always return. He has no belief in her words. He leaves for Oxford. Claire’s suitcase left behind on the bed.

Frank is shattered but resolute. He is heading to his new life in Oxford. Driving he passes the Craigh na Dun exit. He pauses, backs up and turns up the road. Maybe Mrs. Graham is correct. just maybe.

He climbs to the stone circle, turning looking, searching. He weeps. Finally he calls for her at the large stone. He has no idea how close to her he is. In anguish, he heads to his car, without looking back.

What was learned of Frank?

He loves Claire deeply.
He did not give up.
He has darkness within now exposed.
He must move forward.
He does not believe she left with another man willingly.
He is lost.
He is near broken.
He has seeds planted for the future as an historian.

Dear Frank. They always return. Believe Mrs. Graham.