Warning! Spoilers ahead for Outlander season 7, episode 8, and the Outlander books.
The first part of Outlander season 7 concluded with an explosive midseason finale. It wrapped up some storylines introduced in the season and set the stage for new ones in the second part. In episode 7, Roger learned that Rob Cameron had traveled back in time with Jemmy. This led to the Mackenzies' separation, as Buck and Roger planned to follow them through the stones at Craigh na Dun. While episode 8 didn't reveal where Buck and Roger ended up, the Outlander books suggest that their journey may not be smooth.
In the 1777 timeline, there were significant events following the first battle of Saratoga. Claire was worried about the outcome, but it was the second battle that moved the story forward for the Frasers. Despite the losses, there was also hope for the future of the Frasers and Ian Murray. Jamie and Claire had to deal with various challenges and discoveries, making the midseason finale fulfilling. It concluded with their long-awaited return home.
Jamie's Wound Has A Bigger Impact In The Outlander Books
Jamie's Bible Story & Saratoga Fight Recall His Past Fights
: In the eighth episode of Outlander season 7, just like in An Echo in the Bone, Jamie suffers an injury during the initial Saratoga battle. While Claire is faced with the burden of this ordeal on both occasions, resulting in her having to perform surgery on Jamie, the seventh book of Outlander portrays a different outcome. In the book, Claire is forced to amputate one of Jamie's fingers in order to save him from infection. However, in Outlander season 7, episode 8, Claire manages to save all of Jamie's fingers, resulting in a noticeable scar but no traumatic loss. It is worth noting that the loss of Jamie's finger in the books has a lasting impact on his life.
Jamie's surgery. He justified whatever happened to his hand by saying that it was worth losing a finger for Johnson's company, considering Jamie and Morgan's men's incursion. This story also allowed Outlander to ponder on Jamie's numerous battles. From the Jacobite rebellion to Alamance, and the battles during the American Revolutionary War, Jamie has always found himself in the midst of fighting, compelled by outside forces to partake and strive for survival.
Jamie's heroism was often misunderstood by Claire in the midseason finale of Outlander season 7. While Claire had every right to be upset about the possibility of losing him, her assessment of Jamie was incorrect. Although he displayed moments of a hero complex, he seldom engaged in battle unless compelled by the British, the Continental Army, or even Bonnie Prince Charlie's thoughtless remarks. Whenever Jamie did fight, he demonstrated astute tactics to protect himself and his fellow rebels, never jeopardizing his life solely to prove his heroism, thus disproving Claire's accusations.
Jemmy's Kidnapping Continues The Jacobite Curse's Story
Brianna (Sophie Skelton) had a startling realization when she discovered that Cameron had not only stolen Claire and Jamie's letter regarding the Jacobite gold, but also kidnapped Jemmy. This added further evidence to the credibility of the Jacobite gold curse. The delayed arrival of the treasure ensured that it couldn't effectively support the Jacobite cause, yet it continued to bring trouble. Unfortunately, due to her husband's theft of the gold, Jocasta Cameron (Maria Doyle Kennedy) even lost her daughter. The fact that Jemmy was kidnapped because he knew the location of the Jacobite gold in Outlander season 7 further supported the existence of the curse. This highlighted the danger associated with being aware of the gold, even 200 years into the future.
Buck's Offer To Follow Roger Despite What He Knows Shows His Progress
Buck Mackenzie (Diarmaid Murtagh) made his debut in Outlander season 5, where his attempt to hang Roger showcased his hot-tempered nature. In a fortunate turn of events, Buck reappeared in Outlander season 7 as a more level-headed character, willing to listen to Roger and Brianna. Despite his change of heart, Buck's proposal to join Roger in the past provided further evidence of his transformation. Roger revealed the truth about Buck's impending death in 1778, which meant that accompanying Roger to his own timeline would have increased Buck's risk of dying soon. This act truly solidified the absence of any lingering animosity between Buck and his descendant.
Ian & Rachel's Kiss Brings Back An Outlander Season 7 Episode 3's Story
Ian's reaction to his kiss with Rachel was indiscernible, but the finale of Outlander season 7, episode 8 revealed why Ian chose not to pursue a romantic relationship with her. The depth of their feelings became clear in the midseason finale of Outlander season 7, prompting Ian and Rachel to have a conversation about their connection. However, Ian's realization that he loved Rachel reminded him of the threat posed by Arch Bug in Outlander season 7, episode 3. This potential danger discouraged Ian from becoming romantically involved with Rachel. Additionally, Rollo's presence with Rachel attracted Arch's attention, thus placing her in danger even without an official relationship between Rachel and Ian.
Jamie's Refusal To Shoot His Cousin Almost Made His Worst Fear Come True
Jamie’s new position at Daniel Morgan’s company in Outlander season 7 not only separated him from the front lines but also utilized his exceptional marksmanship skills. When tasked with shooting at his cousin Simon Fraser of Balnain (Angus Macfadyen), Jamie deliberately missed to avoid being responsible for Simon's demise. However, in doing so, his bullet came dangerously close to striking his son William’s (Charles Vandervaart) hat, bringing Jamie's worst fears to the brink of reality. The primary motivation behind Jamie's desire to steer clear of the American Revolution was his dread of causing harm to his own flesh and blood, and by deliberately missing the target, he nearly brought about his greatest nightmare.
Outlander S7 Episode 8's Ending Marks The Frasers' Return To Scotland Since S3
The concluding scene of episode 8 in season 7 of Outlander saw a heartfelt reunion for young Ian, Jamie, and Claire as they returned to Scotland, their country of origin. This significant moment brought them back to the very land where their journey began and where Jamie and Claire first encountered each other. Although their lives now reside elsewhere, Scotland still holds a deep sense of belonging for Jamie and Ian. While their time in Scotland may be brief in the second part of Outlander season 7, the show concluded the first part on a positive and uplifting note.