The Shocking Fate of Richard Brown in Outlander Season 7 & Beyond: Unraveling the Epic Storyline

Content Warning: This article contains mentions of rape.

Warning! SPOILERS about Outlander season 7, episode 4, and the Outlander books ahead.

Richard Brown played a significant role in instigating the protest against Claire in Outlander season 6 at Fraser’s Ridge. However, he had limited appearance in the premiere of Outlander season 7. The settlers at Fraser’s Ridge were deeply disturbed by the murder of Malva and the emergency C-section performed by Claire in an attempt to save her baby. Richard Brown was a major influence in directing their anger toward Claire. The Committee of Safety, which Richard formed with his brother Lionel in Outlander season 5, caused more problems than it offered solutions. They often behaved like an angry mob instead of concerned citizens protecting their properties.

The conflict between the Frasers and Brown escalated in Outlander season 6's conclusion. Richard ensured that news of Claire's accusations spread throughout the counties they traveled. He also devised a scheme to separate Jamie and Claire, meticulously planning every aspect of Claire's journey from Fraser's Ridge to the tribunal. Richard's involvement in planning the Frasers' fate emphasized that it was not just a matter of security but also seemed personal. Although the fate of Richard Brown was left somewhat uncertain, the premiere of Outlander season 7 provided hints about what happened to him.

Richard Brown Used Malva's Murder To Avenge Lionel's Death Against Claire

Lionel Brown never showed any respect for Claire or her role as a healer in the Fraser's Ridge community. However, when he discovered that she had been writing columns under the name Dr. Rawlings, he saw it as an opportunity to punish her. In the finale of Outlander season 5, Lionel overpowering Marsali and kidnapping Claire quickly escalated from accusing her of witchcraft to a terrifying mission to punish her. The group of men assaulted Claire repeatedly, with the sole intention of reminding her of their belief that she was beneath them. Eventually, Jamie and the men of Fraser's Ridge came to Claire's rescue, with no intention of killing Lionel. But Marsali, in order to protect her family and avenge Claire, ultimately took Lionel's life.

Richard Brown, despite acknowledging that Lionel's actions were unacceptable, reminded Jamie that Lionel was still his brother. This sentiment was expressed in Outlander season 5's finale. When Malva was murdered, Richard saw it as an opportunity to seek justice for his brother's death by targeting Claire. In the premiere of Outlander season 7, Richard's actions demonstrated just how far he was willing to go to ensure that Claire remained in jail. It was clear that he had a personal stake in the fight, actively pursuing his agenda despite knowing that the mob would oppose Claire's medical procedures, even if they were aimed at saving a baby.

Richard Brown Disappeared After Reaching New Bern In The Books

Unlike in the books, Richard Brown goes missing after bringing Claire to New Bern in Outlander season 7. His last appearance was in the sixth novel, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, where he separates the Frasers and brings Claire to New Bern to face trial for murder without Jamie's support. However, in the season 7 premiere of the TV series, there is a slight deviation from the book storyline as Jamie and Richard Brown have their final encounter.

Although it is not explicitly shown in the ending of Outlander season 7, episode 1, Jamie's intentions to kill Richard Brown are openly declared. This scene serves as a clear resolution to the ongoing feud between the Frasers and Browns that has been a prominent feature of the show since season 5. Instead of allowing Richard Brown to disappear, Jamie seeks violent revenge for Claire, as he did in the season 5 finale. Interestingly, their conversation suggests that Jamie may have also had Ian kill Richard Brown's descendants. Whether or not everything that was foreshadowed in the season 7 premiere actually occurs, this scene marks a definitive conclusion to the long-standing conflict between the Frasers and Browns.

With Tom Christie Free, Malva's Murder Ordeal Is Finally Over

Tom Christie's unexpected return in Episode 4 of Outlander Season 7 can be attributed to his confession about Malva's murder in the season's premiere, which was intended to save Claire from execution. However, their reunion in Episode 2 brings closure to Malva's tragic storyline. Claire learns the truth about her daughter's killer and realizes that Tom only confessed to protect her, leading her to understand that he didn't actually murder Malva. Instead, he assumes the role of a secretary and gains freedom after Governor Martin loses influence due to the American Revolution. This turn of events makes it impossible for anyone else to consider Tom Christie a convict or to hold him accountable for a crime he did not commit.

Even before Malva's murder, her life was marked by tragedy, as her father saw her as a witch and her half-brother subjected her to years of abuse. Despite changing his opinion of Claire and no longer viewing her as a witch, Tom still held onto his negative perception of Malva. Even after her brutal death, he continued to degrade her memory, denying her peace even in her afterlife. However, by falsely confessing to the murder, Tom put himself in danger. Discovering that he was ultimately free confirms to Claire that Tom Christie did not suffer unjustly for a crime neither of them committed. This realization allows Claire to finally lay Malva's murder to rest in Outlander.