Blacklanderz®Convos!
Outlander S8 Epi1 – Soul of a Rebel
Written by Sarah H. Haught | Directed by Jan Matthys
This conversation is between Blacklanderz® Margot, Jess H. (JH), and Jess L. (JL). Arranged, edited, and interrupted by Vida.
JL: What a way to open a season. Claire wearing that bonnet made me cackle a little because she never wears them.
JH: Cold opening with smuggling is definitely how Outlander does it!
M: I was so confused when she was wearing that bonnet! It threw me off.
That action comes out of a deep pain. Hearing somebody talk about your loved ones like that — I don’t think you can ever justify that kind of violence, but I can understand where it came from. I think maybe Claire is more ruthless this season. Maybe.
JL: I thought this was a dream because I was thrown off by Claire killing a man. I understand she did it for Faith, but it still shocked me considering the oath she took.
JH: Wow, did not see that coming! But like Ian said, Claire swore to protect, but she has taken a few lives as well.
M: Well, her stabbing that man did shock me, but I get it! Watching her face as that man was speaking was STRESSING ME OUT.
You can rationalize it, because what this guy is telling Jamie is that he’s going to keep doing harm. There’s going to be more harm coming to a lot more innocent people, so in a way, I think she kept her oath by protecting those people from him.
JL: As shocking as Claire took that man’s life, I say it was justified. I support women’s rights and their wrongs.
JH: I gotta agree with Claire here, that was def too merciful for him!
M: I wished it had happened slower for her. I also don’t think it was wrong.
JL: I, too, have questions, Jamie. This whole storyline of Faith living is so heartbreaking after what we watched them go through in S2.
JH: I’m just confused how this is possible! Claire was holding the dead baby for ages; could she have not noticed? Or maybe they switched the babies? I guess we’ll find out.
M: I’m just so confused about this plot twist. I’m glad we got SOME answers, but … was it really Faith?
They’re trying to make Fanny feel that she is safe and has their protection. Claire is trying to wrap her head around, ‘Did their daughter have a life that they could have been part of that they never knew about?
JL: Faith’s theme playing during this scene brought the tears.
JH: Leave it to Jaime to find the perfect words for this moment!
M: He has a point. He’s just trying to find some comfort in the idea of her living on her own for all those years, and the fact that she had a husband and two daughters meant she had someone to love her.
JL: I think the title card is interesting because it’s the future, which made me think of what time is Bree and Roger in.
JH: Yeah, it also made me curious about the time. Isn’t that style of typewriter a little old-fashioned for the time they’re currently in?
M: I immediately thought of Frank, to be honest, because he did research and wrote books, right?
[V: Margot, I think you are right. I was thinking it was Frank typing his book. I can see a ring on his left hand. And that looks like a mid‑20th‑century portable/manual typewriter, which would fit the timeframe. He died in the ’60s and Bree said the book was published after Claire and she left.]
JH: I doubt I would be able to sleep after hearing news like this either. Fanny has been through hell.
M: That little girl has lived five lifetimes already, and we still barely know her.
JL: I agree she has lived through some horrific things, can’t imagine the things that child has seen.
JL: I think their decision not to tell her they are her grandparents was the right decision. Explaining that to her would have been so confusing.
JH: It’s definitely a gamble, telling her or not telling her. It didn’t go so well for telling Willie.
M: Fanny would have thought they were witches if they told her that.
JL: I love getting to see Jamie and Claire as grandparents!!!!
JH: Ooh, they’re so much bigger now! And so many eek!
M: Aww, that’s so nice! I didn’t realize they moved down to Atlanta.
JL: Finally, we are getting to see some Fergus and Marsali!
JH: With another baby! Jeez they must be busy.
M: I’m so happy they are back in the show.
JL: I love that Fergus became a printer like Jamie was. Like father like son.
JH: Nice reminder of Jaime and Fergus’ bond – Jaime may not have been able to raise his blood children, but he has a great relationship with his adopted son.
M: Looks like he’s done well for himself. Good, he was STRUGGLING in S6.
He is absolutely influenced by Jamie in his life, but he also is a Frenchman at heart. There’s this seed of a revolutionary in him, and that is what I love about Fergus. He was adopted. He followed Jamie and all, but he’s also really thinking on his own and making his own decisions. That’s how he became happier in life. Just embodying and empowering himself with principles and ideas, and it suits him to have an opinion. Printers back in the day were just the cornerstone of all that. You had to have a printer if you wanted your revolution to work.
JH: I’m glad Fergus is doing okay under these circumstances! He definitely has a unique story.
M: Good thing his Scottish name helped him out, huh?
[V: Yes, I think so too and having a Scottish wife.]
JL: I thought that was funny. Jamie knew Fergus was hiding something. Lol.
The British dinna forgive sedition.
JH: Leave it to infinitely capable Jaime to find a hidden compartment within minutes of entering a room.
JL: I agree, he does have experience with it. And after everything the British have put them through, they need to be careful.
M: He knew exactly what Fergus was about.
JH: Jaime is definitely the epitome of, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
JL: Fergus literally lost a hand due to a corrupt regime. It’s only fitting that he rebels against the same regime.
M: He literally watched Jamie do illegal things growing up. It will be fine.
JH: Sounds like Fergus still has a lot of nihilistic thinking about himself, even if he’s no longer an alcoholic.
M: Fergus knows he can’t do much missing one hand, so he’s using his words! Smart.
JL: Yes. I love how intelligent Fergus is, despite his early upbringing.
JL: So many kids. LOL. Fergus, please stay off of HER! Give that woman a break.
JH: Such a nice scene! I’m sure it’s a comfort to have even if things went so horribly wrong with Faith.
M: HOW MANY DO THEY HAVE NOW?
[V: They end up having six.]
JL: Claire spoiling her grandbabies. I LOVE THE FRASERS!!!
JH: Aww, love this for Claire!
M: That’s so sweet.
JL: Ian finally becoming a father, can’t believe he’s all grown up.
JH: So happy for him! Ian has been through hell too, he deserves some happiness.
M: I’m so excited for them! He deserves it.
JL: Henri Christian, sweet lad *wipes tears*.
JH: Ha-ha! That’s an interesting way to count goats!
M: Jamie teaching math during breakfast. That’s an amazing grandpa, right there.
JL: The parallel between Fanny and Fergus both growing up in a brothel. Both were so young and innocent.
JH: It’s awful to see them separate again but like Fergus said, they’ll see each other again.
M: I appreciate how Fergus sympathizes with her.
JL: Fanny is so sweet and innocent. She needs to be protected at all costs!!
JH: I hope she finally gets some peace at the Ridge!
M: AHHHH! I’m so excited to be going back to the Ridge. I just realized we only saw the Ridge last season for like four episodes.
JL: William is… a trainwreck. And who’s baby is this???
JH: Who does this baby belong to?? And what is William’s problem??
M: Ah, the baby is teething according to John. I’m laughing at this visual and I don’t know why.
JL: William, always giving me more and more reasons to dislike him. LOL
JH: Glad to get some clarification on the baby! At first, I thought Willie had been especially naughty, but it’s his cousin’s!
M: He’s grown on me, but he’s so annoying. How can you be upset Jamie is your father?
JL: I still can’t believe that big, beautiful house Jamie built burned down!! That hurt!
JH: It’s sad to see the house all gone, but the new sprouts of growth are hopeful.
M: RIP to the Big House. They really built that whole thing, and it seriously burned down.
JL: Always great to see young Ian.
JH: I wonder where they are living now. Does Ian still prefer to sleep outdoors?
[V: With Rachel? I highly doubt it.]
M: They have a new house now, don’t they?
JH: Ugh, Willie is clearly having a hard enough time. He doesn’t need more devastating news.
M: Was that the cousin Claire did surgery on?
JL: I believe it was.
[V: No, it’s not. Claire didn’t operate on Benjamin. She operated on his brother Henry Grey.]
JL: I have a little sympathy for William losing a close family member….just a little.
JH: That sounds like a terrible way to die. Too bad Claire couldn’t help him this time.
M: Aww, poor William. I bet he looked at him like a brother.
JL: What a shock, a widow, and a baby.
JH: Being a widow would be a disaster back in the day, with no source of income.
M: For real. All your livelihood is attached to a man. That’s why we always hear Jamie saying, if anything happens to him, Claire has to go back.
JL: Back then, it was probably easy to scam your way into that type of situation. But I believe she is who she says.
JH: That is some fairly strong evidence from Lord John. But yeah, too bad they didn’t have paternity tests back then.
M: Scammers are everywhere. I understand his skepticism.
JL: I agree with Amaranthus. William is indeed a fool.
JH: She’s gorgeous and puts him in his place. I like her already!
M: LOL. William is growing on me. I don’t call him spawn anymore.
[V: And here I was looking forward to you calling him that.]
JL: The new Fraser’s Ridge! I love the Ridge theme music. It really gives the nostalgic feeling of coming home.
JH: Good to know the Fraser’s still have loyal friends!
M: How fortunate. The Fraser’s are so well respected. People helped out and built their house for them.
JL: Ian is so sweet and one of my favorites. He deserves all that is good.
JH: Aww, he knows his Aunt so well.
M: Ian knew exactly what to arrange for his Auntie Claire.
JL: I forget that Rachel is a Quaker, until she starts speaking. Then, I am immediately reminded.
JH: Yes, same here! And she looks ready to pop any day now.
[V: Jess H., I was thinking the same thing. Her stomach is huge now.]
JH: It’s not as fancy, but it’s a great replica! I’m sure the Fraser’s feel like they’re home again.
M: It’s not finished yet, right? It’s so dark in there.
JL: That house is already looking good, the new Big House?
JL: Claire’s surgery is a must always!
JH: Wow, this is so great. Ian has a great memory!
M: That’s what I was most interested in. I wanted to make sure she had her doctor’s working space.
JL: After everything Claire’s been through the past years, I am glad she’s getting to settle down again in a brand new home.
[V: Me too, Jess L. You can tell by the expression on her face that she is overjoyed and impressed by what Ian and the Ridge folk built just for her. And him too, of course, as he later admits.]
JL: Aww, Ian.
JH: I’m sure Rachel is relieved that Claire came back before the birth!
He’s ready and excited for fatherhood. However, there’s a bit of trepidation because of past events and worry over not just his baby, but his wife’s safety, as well.
JL: Again, Fanny is so sweet. I just want to hug her.
JH: She’s adorable! I’m glad she has her grandparents to take care of her now.
M: Jamie must be beaming with excitement that he gets a piece of Faith. He never even met her.
JL: Jamie’s planning on spoiling his granddaughter; he’s such a good man!!!
JH: Fanny is so shocked to have her own room, poor thing.
M: That’s so sweet! OMG, I bet Fanny doesn’t even remember being treated so well since she lost her parents so young.
It’s really wonderful for Jamie as a grandfather, to provide for her and make her feel part of the family, which she’s never had before.
We always hear from fans, “We want more love scenes—we want the Jamie and Claire moments!” Sometimes people think it’s just the sex that they want, but we’ve always felt it’s the romance, moments of intimacy—and intimacy doesn’t always have to be physical. We fought to have those moments where it’s not just jumping into bed, because that passion can’t sustain.
They’d burn out!
JL: I don’t think Jamie can go a moment without being the most romantic man in all of television.
JH: Him being the King of Men, as per usual.
M: The man isn’t real!
JL: The S1 call back *wipes tears*. I can’t believe this is the last season.
JH: He’s just so romantic. I can’t. Lol.
M: That’s crazy. He thought that was the night Faith was conceived… but it makes SENSE.
JL: The man has been in love since the first moment he met her. Jamie Fraser, the OG lover boy.
JH: I’m glad they still have each other despite all the heartbreak.
M: So romantic.
Despite this presence there that they might not be too pleased with, the fact that it has thrived is what they’ve always hoped. Jamie offered this land to people in need, and they’ve been able to make lives there.
JL: I love how the Ridge was built up and they basically have their own little town.
JH: It’s good to see the Ridge is still thriving!
M: Fraser’s Ridge has come a long way.
JH: Good to see Amy is doing better now!
M: She was the widow Roger was helping out in prior seasons, right?
JL: Yes, that’s her. I’m glad she found a husband, being a widow was putting her through it.
JL: I don’t think I have mentioned this yet, but Claire’s hair is so grey. Is she coming into her powers?
[V: I’m glad you mentioned that. I was thinking the same thing. Her hair is greyer than Jamie’s and last season.]
JH: I guess before Amazon, people had Emporiums.
M: Wait? Wasn’t Crumbie one of the men that chastised Jamie about Malva? FAKKKKKEEEEE.
[V: Yes Margot. Hiram Crombie is the same character and actor (Antony Byrne) who chastised Jamie regarding the Malva Christie scandal in S6.]
JH: Yes, somebody’s gonna be the villain this season. So, we should keep our eyes peeled!
M: This is a great idea putting a trading post at the Ridge; however, I just don’t trust this partnership.
JL: After what they’ve been through with previous tenants, I agree, I am weary of this partnership.
JH: Something about Cunningham seems off to me. And how does he know so much about herbs?
JL: Yes, I agree. A man knowing about herbs during that time is fishy, especially if he isn’t a physician.
M: Now you’re tipping me off that he’s straight up dangerous.
JL: It’s been awhile since I read the books and I do not remember Cunningham’s storyline. So, I am so unsure about him.
JH: Sometimes I forget Jamie is a General too. He’s had so many lives!
These immigrants have come here, and are trying to build a home for themselves. But it’s kind of rotten from the inside a little bit now, or it’s certainly changed at the beginning of the season. We don’t know yet what the intentions are of Cunningham and everyone there. But we’ll begin to see that perhaps everything isn’t as stable ground as we thought it was. For them, Fraser’s Ridge might not be a safe place, not a safe home.
JH: He still says His Majesty too. Who is he loyal to now?
M: I get it. They both left the war, but I just DO NOT trust this man.
JL: I mean once a Redcoat, always a Redcoat, surely.
JH: Even his house looks ominous! The way it’s overlooking everything on that hill.
JL: Right, who is this man?
M: He wants to see everything. Maybe he wants to control the Ridge? Like Tom tried, but failed at.
JL: My favorite moments are when we get to see Jamie and Claire alone, just discussing things. My favorite team.
JH: It’s good that Jaime has Claire to discuss things with; they’re a great team.
M: They don’t trust him either.
JL: William is what I like to call a crash out, just all over the place.
JH: LJ’s trying to sober Willie up for this meeting, but I doubt he’s up to it after the news about Ben.
M: Again. How is he mad that Jamie Fraser is his father? He should be grateful!
JL: I agree with LJ, “idleness and wallowing” does not suit William.
JH: LJ telling Willie to fix his face. Lol. But it’s clear the guilt is eating away at him.
M: It wasn’t his fault entirely, but I understand.
JL: William is very entitled, and it’s hard to have sympathy for his character.
JH: The way he says cuckoldry. It’s clear the truth of his parentage really gets to him.
[V: I agree with you Jess H. He isn’t considering the power dynamics between Geneva and Jamie and that she blackmailed Jamie into having sex with her. I think he blames Jamie for it.]
M: I love how Jess L. still really dislikes William!
JL: I am so glad LJ got in his ass and told him to get himself together.
JH: LJ is making him drink a big glass of respect women juice! He may not be his blood, but he’s a good father.
M: He’s such a brat.
JH: The Kezzie and Josiah situation clearly still gives Jamie the heebie jeebies.
JL: Lizzie naming her daughter Claire is so sweet. Lizzie and her two husbands have an adorable child.
M: Only shows how much respect Lizzie has for Claire.
JL: Oh the bees and the foreshadowing!
JH: I love all the Scottish superstitions of this series!
Bees–
very sociable and curious,
which only makes sense, going back and forth all day,
sharing news wi’ their pollen.
M: This is definitely in reference to the latest book, right?
[V: Yes, and this season’s adaptation of Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone. It’s the ninth Outlander novel.]
That’s why ye tell them what’s happening.
If you dinna tell the bees, they’ll take offense,
and all of them will just fly away.
JL: That doll doesn’t exactly look like it belongs.
JH: We’re spending a lot of time on this doll. It looks pretty modern.
M: We got a reunion coming through!
[Roger] Hello, the house!
JL: One of my favorite quotes from the books!
JH: OMG, no way!! I know that voice!
M: AHH! They’re together again.
JL: They are BACK! I had been wondering where they were, particularly what time they were in.
JH: Wow, this must be like people coming back from the dead. It is, basically.
M: I’m so glad they didn’t make a big deal of them trying to get back to Claire and Jamie’s time!
JL: I love Claire’s face; she is truly stunned and surprised.
JH: I’m glad Jaime didn’t faint this time.
M: This must be the best feeling in the world. They really thought they would never see them again.
JL: I love watching Claire unite with her baby! She deserves it.
JH: Aww, the mother and daughter are back together!
M: This relationship, along with hers and Jamie’s, is my favorite.
JL: Jem was a wee lad last time he saw his grandda!
JH: So glad they’re all back together!
M: I remember that insult in Gaelic Jamie taught him and I just know they are close.
JL: I can’t believe she was a baby last time they saw them. So much time has passed since they last saw each other.
JH: Wow, it’s been so long. She grew up fast!
M: That’s your family, girl! She’ll fit right in.
JL: Mandy and her little doll are so cute.
JH: Aww and her doll was the giveaway!
M: I love this doll.
JL: Bree and her Da, my heart!!!!
JH: Of course! Their home was a time, not a place, for them.
M: They had to come back, man. Rob Cameron was too much.
JL: I am glad everyone is safe and sound in the same time!
JH: They had no choice but to leave. But I’m sure Jamie is over the moon to have them back regardless of the reason.
M: Are we going to see Rob Cameron again?
[V: We shouldn’t. But they’ve already indicated things might change with the new Faith storyline that is a major change from the book.]
JL: Fanny being sweet with her cousin is so precious.
JH: I guess Jaime decided to keep Fanny’s parentage a secret for now. I guess that’s best since even Fanny doesn’t know yet.
M: What happened to the cabin they used to live in?
[V: They left it behind when they went through the stones to return to their own time. Someone else is probably living in it now.]
JL: I need William to deal with the truth and get himself together. I also wonder will we get to see some Bree and William scenes again this season.
[V: Yes, I’ve seen preview images in articles of them together this season.]
JH: I bet Bree wishes she were a fly on the wall for that conversation! It didn’t go too smoothly when Claire told her either.
M: Again, how can you be mad Jamie Fraser is your father? You have amazing genes.
JL: I love when Jamie brings out his glasses.
JH: Wow, Jamie holding a modern book is an interesting sight.
JL: The way everything is so new to Fanny is so adorable; she’s so innocent.
JH: Jaime’s commentary on the book is precious. Lol
It’s like a painting.
M: It’s okay girl. Don’t make any more comments about this. Just go with it.
JL: I remember in S3 Claire told Jamie Goodnight Moon was Bree’s favorite book as a child and now he is reading it to his granddaughter.
JH: Aww, so many full circle moments in this episode.
M: I thought the same thing.
JL: Again, I love Jamie in Grandda mode. IT’S WHAT HE DESERVES!
JH: He’s such a great grandad! It’s so nice to see him in this role.
M: He does. They literally just deserve to be happy.
I hope it’s all right Fanny saw that book.
JL: Just tell her it’s a painted book. She won’t question it. LOL
JH: Yeah, I think they can explain it away fairly easily.
M: Well, if she’s anything like her grandparents, she’ll be a sharp one.
JL: Bree knows her mother so well. That’s exactly what Claire needed after the fire destroyed everything in her surgery.
JH: Yes, Claire needs to keep up with the recent research in her field!
M: Okay, I just looked this book up. I’m not buying it, but that’s so cool!
JL: I love that they brought all of these modern books with them, and of course Jamie would love LOTR. LOL
JH: This is definitely a good pick for Jamie, especially since Tolkien was inspired by his own war experience.
M: Wait, this is amazing!
Frodo Baggins.
Eh, a Welshman.
JH: It’s nice that Jamie wants to hear Roger’s judgement on Cunningham.
M: I do not trust Cunningham!
JL: I don’t trust him either. Something about him is sketchy.
[V: I find it ironic that they show the book’s cover while talking about Cunningham. It’s as if they are equating Cunningham with Sauron.]
JL: These two have come a long way as father and son-in-law, especially considering how it started. LOL
JH: Yes, it’s good to see that their relationship has improved!
M: Just shows how much Jamie trusts Roger now, far cry from S4!
Jamie’s not suspicious at first. He realizes Cunningham has got influence. He’s rallied people. Then Jamie’s Spidey sense goes off. Throughout the season, [Cunningham] becomes a big threat.
JL: Time travel is mind blowing. The fact they were able to get those letters after all those centuries is crazy.
JH: Yes! The letters were such a key to looking back on the past.
M: I know! The letters were a great story point.
JL: Fam back together!
JH: Did someone cut an onion?
M: So excited they are all together.
To coming home.
To family.
JL: Did they ever finish all the letters? I can’t remember if they know what is going to happen or not.
[V: Initially, they paced through them. I believe they finished them when Jem was kidnapped.]
JH: I don’t know if I’d have the self-control not to read them all at once, to be honest. But good for them!
M: UGHHH! What fresh hell is about to ensue.
JL: Every time I hear the name Faith, I think about Claire gripping what she thought was her dead baby.
JH: I’m glad that they’re getting this out of the way. They know from experience not to keep parentage secret!
M: It’s so sad that their whole family never got to grow up together.
JL: This storyline is sad, but it’s William so….
JH: That’s so sad. It’s good to see these two make up though.
M: A life they had planned out cut short. So unfortunate.
JL: Cute baby.
JH: I have heard that being outside calms babies down! I guess that’s true in the 18th century as well.
M: That must have been nice.
JH: Willie does have good principles deep down. He just has some growing up to do.
M: Something is going to happen between the two of them. Hopefully, William will grow up a little bit.
JL: Hopefully, he grows up and gives me a reason to like him.
JH: I wonder who made the shot! And is it a pheasant? Or a turkey?
[V: It looked like a turkey.]
M: Can Rob Cameron time travel? That storyline ended so abruptly.
[V: No, he’s not supposed to able to. But who knows; they might change that.]
JL: One, Jamie getting to spend alone time with his girl is everything to me. Two, I also wonder will we get an update on the Cameron storyline.
JL: Good, I hope Cameron gets NOTHING.
JH: Good thinking Jamie!
M: This makes me think we are seeing Rob Cameron again.
JL: Snapping we viewers back into the reality of the world they live in after all the lovely reunions and family moments, the scene hits hard.
JH: Oh man, you know things had to take a darker turn at some point after all these happy reunions.
M: Damn…
I know there are brands for thieves, but what is GR?
George Rex.
King George.
JL: A madman.
JH: This is barbaric.
[Bree] These men were hanged for being Loyalists?
[Jamie] There are devils on both sides of this war.
JL: I love Mandy and her Scottish accent.
JH: Aww, I guess she would have a Scottish accent, I wonder if she says any American words too.
M: She’s so cute.
[Diana was eager to watch] the arrival of the Cunninghams on Fraser’s Ridge. I adore old Mrs. Cunningham, and the show — and the actress — did her just right.
JH: What is this lady’s problem?
M: Why is this old lady beefing with a toddler?
JL: Right, getting aggressive with that baby for what?!!?
JL: HA-HA. Yes, Mandy.
You look like the Wicked Witch.
Fly away on your broom.
JH: Oof, well witch accusations were much more serious in this time.
M: You tell her, girl!
What in the name of perdition do you mean by that?
Fly away on your broom,
you mean old lady.
JL: Who is this woman and why is she going around slapping children, excuse me.
JH: This is crazy.
M: Hold on…
JL: Jamie wasn’t angry enough with me, because why she hit that baby.
JH: As if that’s an excuse!
M: I would have SLAPPED her right back on her butt. Rude lady.
[V: I’m surprised Claire didn’t haul off and slap the shit out of her.]
JH: If this is Cunningham’s mother, I can only imagine how he turned out.
M: I would have responded with ‘See ya there!’ I would have SLAPPED that lass right back. How dare she smack someone else’s child.
JL: I agree, she needed a slap back. Also, if that’s Cunningham’s mother I question what type of man he is.
Who the devil was that?
The Wicked Witch of the West.
I hate her.
JL: You tell him, Mandy.
JH: Mandy has good instincts!
M: Same!
Oh, Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ.
She brought me Jesuit bark.
JL: I remember when Claire treated Lizzie with the bark in S4. But I wonder if there is any truth to Mrs. Cunningham.
JH: Ugh, what was she using the bark for? Her potions?
M: That’s Cunningham’s mom? WE DON’T TRUST THEM.
JH: Wow, this book must have created a lot of difficult feelings for Bree.
M: Deadeye? I don’t get it.
JL: I am guessing he is referring to Bree. And how he used to take her shooting.
[V: Yes and her shooting skills. If I remember correctly, he wrote it in a private letter to her.]
We wanted to bring Tobias back physically, but his schedule is just too busy. He was so gracious. He wanted to be a part of it and having his voice actually works because it’s haunting.
[Randall] Is it my face you see
Looming in the darkness?
JL: Frank….dead and gone, but somehow always comes back up.
JH: I guess some wounds never fully heal.
M: Ugh, didn’t expect the voice of Black Jack.
JH: What?? How could she not mention it?
M: Oh she never told him…? Must have slipped her mind.
JL: I could’ve sworn, in S2, she mentioned the resemblance to Jamie.
Why’d ye not tell me that Frank Randall
looked like Black Jack?
[Claire] doesn’t even realize that she’s not told him, but it is quite a major plot point for Jamie in terms of who is this guy? He looks exactly the same and perhaps even sounds the same.
I haven’t thought about that in a long time.
I-I remember being startled by the resemblance, but. . .
I think Black Jack was such a different character than Frank and in her mind, they were so separate that even though they looked so similar. I just think she separated the two.
once I was acquainted with Black Jack,
that quickly wore off. . .
Ye should have told me.
Obviously, Jamie, he’s just looking at the fact, the picture. She has the years and years and years with Frank and knowing who he is and had seen him through all those years. So yeah, you know, it was apples and oranges to Claire as opposed to Jamie.
I might have been upset.
There’d been no point.
You are mine.
JL: Period!!!
JH: Of course, all these years later and they’re both dead now. I’m sure Jamie feels there’s nothing to forgive.
M: I know that’s right.
Was he an honest man?
What are Frank’s intentions? Is this Frank coming back to torment him, or is Frank trying to help him? Personally, I always felt that when Jamie sees Claire for the first time, he sees his death. He sees someone that he’s going to die for. There have been multiple times where Jamie’s faced death because of Claire or while he’s with Claire. In some ways, it’s finally happening. He’s always been prepared to die for her and for their family.
Frank?
For the most part.
He kept secrets, but then again, so did I.[Jamie, off scene] Can I trust him. You think.
JL: Frank was a jerk, especially towards the end. The fact he did all this research about Jamie, I think he did it out of jealousy.
JH: He forbade Claire from looking into Jaime more, but wrote a whole book about him himself? Wild behavior.
M: I don’t think he was honest, but okay.
He was an historian.
He wouldn’t write something that
he knew to be false. Why?
It’s almost like this sort of curse that Frank puts on them, because there’s nothing worse than the idea of something that gets into your head, and Jamie just spins with it. They’re not really sharing with each other, which is one of the worst things — or rather, he’s not really sharing with her. It’s a tough thing in these episodes for them, because they’re allowing it to poison each other, and poison their own heads in different ways.
Because he mentions my name. Fourteen times so far.
That war is coming to the backcountry.
He says there’ll be a battle in about a year’s time
at a place called King’s Mountain. . .
and that James Fraser dies in it.
JL: Oh Lord, not Jamie!!!
JH: And Frank kept this from her? No wonder he asked if Frank was honest.
M: I won’t believe it ’til I see it. And I won’t see it.
We give this episode 3-shots. We felt the episode delivered a lot of setup, making it a solid season opener, and we loved all the reunions.
It was bittersweet knowing it was the final season’s first episode, but it still left us excited for what’s ahead. We also noticed how much recapping the episode did, necessary after the long break, even if it slowed the pace compared to the fast momentum Outlander usually brings.
Still, we appreciated that the writers introduced early tension with the Cunninghams. Overall, we thought it was a good premiere, even if it didn’t match the excitement of standout openers like S2 and S5. We’re just glad to have Outlander back and confident it’s going to be a strong final season.
Favorite scene(s)
We loved three moments in particular, each landing for a different emotional reason. First, when Jamie starts reading Goodnight Moon, we adored how he interacts with objects from the future. His curiosity is so genuine and sweet, and it’s always charming to watch him navigate things that are completely new to him.
Second, we were really moved by the surprise on Fanny’s face when Jamie tells her the room is hers. It was such a tender, unexpected moment, and it showed Jamie’s compassion in a quiet, powerful way.
Last, the final scene hit hard. Hearing Jamie repeat what Frank wrote made for a fantastic cliffhanger and left us eager to see what comes next.
Directing
We thought the directing held up well across an episode that had to juggle multiple locations, emotional beats, and a lot of narrative setup. The flow and camera choices felt intentional, keeping the story moving even with so many pieces in play. With all the moving parts and the heavier scenes woven throughout, each plot still seemed to get the time and weight it needed. Overall, we felt it was a good effort. There was a lot to cover, and the episode stayed cohesive and visually grounded from start to finish.
Standout Acting / Performance(s)
There were several performances that stood out this episode. Caitríona Balfe brought tremendous emotional depth as Claire, moving from the weight of killing the man who hurt her daughter, returning to the ruins of their home to the joy of reuniting with her other daughter. She carried all of it with control and restraint.
Charles Vandervaart impressed us as William, showing a wide emotional range from drunken stupor to grief and remorse. He managed to keep a complicated character sympathetic without softening him unrealistically.
And Rosa Morris, as Mandy, absolutely stole her moment! She let the Wicked Witch (Mrs. Cunningham) know she needed to fly away on her broom with perfect attitude and timing.
Favorite Costume(s)
We had a few favorite costume moments this episode. Claire’s bonnet in the opening scene stood out to us. We were so thrown off at first, mostly because we’re so used to seeing her without one. And, while it’s unusual for Claire not to wear a bonnet as a married woman in this period, seeing her actually put one on made us do a double take and realize just how much she must stand out when she doesn’t.
We also loved the outfits Roger, Bree, and the kids wore. It’s always fascinating to think about how they’ve pieced together their clothing after traveling through time, and the mix of practicality and adaptation really shows.
Cinematography
We thought the cinematography really elevated the episode, especially with how the aerial and scenery shots were used to build mood and scale. The moment when the camera pans up to the Cunninghams’ home stood out in particular. It’s just a house on a hill, but the way it was framed and revealed made it feel ominous and imposing.
The wide shots of the Ridge were also gorgeous, giving us a sense of place again and reminding us of everything that’s been rebuilt. The combination of sweeping landscapes and carefully chosen angles made the episode visually rich and grounded.
LOOKING FORWARD
What we are looking forward to in Outlander S8 Epi2 – Prophecies
Jess L.: I am looking forward to seeing more about the Frasers building their lives back on the Ridge. I am also intrigued to see what storylines they are setting up and will be the main focus in this final season. Follow Jess L. on: X – @LOutlander .
Margot: Looking forward to seeing how this all ends! Not even some of the actors know and I can’t believe it’s been so long. I started this series before medical school and now I’m about to finish my chief residency and start my new job. It’s been a MINUTE. Follow Margot on X – @margieleev.
[V: It’s been more than a minute. Congrats!]
Jess H.: Looking forward to reconnecting with these characters. They’re like friends I haven’t heard from in a while! I definitely want to see who turns out to be the villain this season and how the MacKenzie’s adapt to being back in the past. Can’t wait for the next episode! Follow Jess H on X – @calypsomoon9.
Outlander S8 Epi2 – Prophecies ~ Video via STARZ
Synopsis:
When a violent tragedy shakes the Ridge, the Frasers must lean on their new tenants to make the community whole again.
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