Starz's Outlander made a triumphant return in its seventh season premiere, picking up where season six left off and bringing back familiar faces. The episode wasted no time in addressing Claire's legal troubles, providing a surprising resolution courtesy of one of her most steadfast adversaries from the previous season. Unlike the relentless challenges faced in season six, the conclusion of Outlander season seven, episode one brought a joyous reunion between Jamie and Claire, offering a much-needed moment of happiness for the series.
Also, the premiere of season 7 of Outlander continued the story of Roger and Brianna while reintroducing a significant character who had not been seen since one of Claire's most traumatic moments. At the same time, the episode tied up loose ends from the previous season and established new storylines that are connected to the time period in which Jamie and Claire are currently living in North Carolina, as well as their family history in the past two seasons. Overall, the first episode of Outlander season 7 was filled with exciting events and provided much-needed developments.
Roger's Work Brings Wendigo Donner Back To Outlander
Roger and Bree's travels took a positive turn in Outlander season 6 as Roger enthusiastically pursued his training as a reverend. However, their journey hit a snag in the Outlander season 7 premiere when Roger encountered conscripted soldiers heading north. This encounter caused tension between Roger and Bree, especially after Roger's quote from the future caught the attention of another time traveler. This time traveler turned out to be Wendigo Donner, a member of the group that had previously abducted Claire in Outlander season 5 under the orders of Lionel Brown. Brown had resorted to violence in his attempt to assert dominance over Claire.
Feeling a sense of connection, Roger empathized with Wendigo's situation in the past, as he too was not proud of his own actions. He wanted to assist Wendigo practically, but Bree could never accept that, as she held him responsible for not helping Claire. Although Donner's appearance in the book was closely tied to his encounter with the MacKenzies, where he made himself recognizable by whistling "Yellow Submarine," his role in Outlander season 7 undergoes a change. Despite the fact that he caused problems between the two, Wendigo Donner was still a conscript on the verge of leaving the village, and Roger's prayers alone couldn't set him free.
Tom Christie's Offer Lets Jamie Avoid Publicly Taking A Side In The Revolution
In Outlander season 5, Jamie took on the role of Indian Agent for the crown to prevent Lionel Brown from obtaining the position. Aware of the British's eventual defeat, Jamie was cautious in his interactions with them, openly supporting the American cause. Governor Martin's proposal for Jamie to recruit soldiers for the British cause in exchange for Claire's freedom was rendered unnecessary when Christie offered to confess to the murder of his daughter, Malva. While Christie had his own motivations for doing so, Jamie was able to avoid publicly aligning himself with either side of the Revolution thanks to the consequences of Christie's confession.
Considering his history with the British and everything they represented, Jamie would never have rallied forces for them. He knew that anyone he convinced to fight on their behalf would ultimately perish for a futile cause. Jamie's loyalties were already tested due to his friendship with Lord John Grey, who unequivocally supported the crown. However, Claire's safety held even greater importance to him. Therefore, Governor Martin's cunning act of using her freedom as a bargaining chip was truly devious. Fortunately, Tom Christie's confession in Outlander season 7, episode 1 has postponed the inevitable moment when Jamie will need to take a public stance.
Outlander Still Hasn't Revealed The Truth About Malva
In the Outlander season 7 premiere, Tom Christie's shocking confession and conversation with Claire shed light on the motives behind his alleged murder of his daughter. However, the identity of Malva's killer in Outlander season 6 remains a mystery. Similar to the events in the books, Christie admitted that Malva was not his biological daughter but his niece. He also expressed his belief that her cunning nature made her appear as a witch. Despite his confession, both Claire and Jamie doubted his guilt, especially since he had offered himself as a bargaining chip for their safety during their journey out of Fraser's Ridge in Outlander season 6.
While the books explicitly reveal the identity of the killer, Outlander season 7, episode 1 takes a different approach by allowing Tom Christie to offer himself up as the solver of the mystery. However, despite this revelation, Claire and Jamie remain skeptical, and the father of Malva's baby remains unknown, leaving the heinous murder unresolved in Outlander season 7, episode 1. In the books, Malva's story and death are particularly tragic, as she falls victim to her half-brother Allan, who not only sexually abused her for years but is also the father of her baby. It is possible that Outlander season 7 deliberately chose to leave the mystery unresolved, but hopefully, Allan will face some form of justice in the future.
Wendigo Donner's Outlander Return Sets Up The Fraser's Ridge Fire
The fire that devastates Fraser's Ridge, as depicted in the books and the reason why Brianna time travels to warn Claire and Jamie in Outlander season 4, is ignited by Wendigo Donner. Wendigo sets the fire because he needs gemstones. However, in Outlander season 7, episode 1, Wendigo tells Roger that he already has the gemstone to return to his time. His only obstacle is that he is a conscript who is about to fight for the British due to being in jail. Although Wendigo's current predicament does not guarantee that he won't lose the gemstone, his presence still sets in motion the destruction of Fraser's Ridge, a matter that has deeply troubled Jamie and Claire since season 4.
Outlander Season 7 Finally Reveals Why Christie Protected Jamie & Claire
Jamie accepted Tom Christie's offer despite his pride, as he understood that Tom's love for Claire was the driving force behind his actions. The reason behind Tom's decision to protect Jamie and Claire in the Outlander season 6 finale, ensuring their safety from Richard Brown's forces, had always perplexed them. However, it became clear that Tom's unrequited love for Claire was the catalyst for his change in opinion, evident in his description of her as "righteous" in Outlander season 6. His inquiries about Jamie's whereabouts and his financial support for Claire during her time in jail further demonstrated his affection for her. In the end, Tom's love for Claire resolved her most significant issue, leaving Jamie and Claire eternally grateful to him.
Outlander Season 7's Premiere Ends The Browns' Feud With The Frasers
The longstanding feud between the Browns and the Frasers had its origins in Outlander season 5, fueled by Lionel Brown's deep-seated hatred for Claire and her beliefs. In the gripping finale, Marsali sought justice by killing Lionel for his heinous acts of kidnapping and repeatedly assaulting Claire. As a result, Lionel's brother Richard vowed to exact revenge and ensure the Frasers paid for their actions. In Outlander season 6, Richard launched a relentless campaign to depict Claire as a murderer, rallying the entire village against her. This not only posed significant challenges for Jamie and Claire but also caused widespread turmoil in the community.
The cliffhanger ending of Outlander season 7 left Jamie determined to confront Richard and potentially end his life, as Richard had attempted to separate Jamie from Claire by sending him back to Scotland. Whether Jamie follows through with his promise to kill Richard remains to be seen, but the fact that he has found him suggests that the feud between them is nearing its conclusion. After enduring so much pain at the hands of the Browns, Outlander season 7, episode 2 has the opportunity to finally bring closure to this chapter.