Outlander has officially made a massive change from the books and, in doing so, has created a renewed connection to one of the series’ best seasons. The ending of season 7 saw Claire realize that her first daughter, Faith, might have lived. It was a rather dramatic cliffhanger since Faith was stillborn back in Outlander season 2. What’s more, this is a twist that never happened in author Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books, so Faith’s potential survival took both book and show audiences by surprise. Season 8 will have to provide further answers, and this may require a few steps backward.
Claire’s theory about Faith at the end of Outlander season 7 was inspired by Master Raymond’s visit in a dream. The mysterious man apologized for some secret way he had wronged Claire, and his appearance was accompanied by the image of a blue heron’s wings—precisely the vision Claire had seen when she suffered her miscarriage. All of this naturally meant that Faith was on Claire’s mind, which is why Fanny’s song, “I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside,” was such a jolting surprise. In all, this Outlander episode was stuffed full of references to season 2.
Outlander’s Faith Twist Brings The Series Back To Season 2
Season 2 Is Becoming Even More Important
Faith Fraser was born back in Outlander season 2, episode 7, “Faith.” This is the same episode in which Claire sang the song “I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside,” and also happens to be the last that Master Raymond was seen on screen before the finale of season 7. All of this and more was referenced in this most recent installment of Outlander, so it can certainly be assumed that Outlander season 8 will continue to connect with events from season 2. This is rather exciting since this was among the Starz show’s best installments.
Outlander season 2 is when Jamie and Claire traveled to France in hopes of securing a win for the Jacobites at Culloden. This was truly Outlander at its best, with episodes full of secret enemies, grande balls, poison, magic, and dangerous secrets. Jamie and Black Jack Randall’s rivalry was at its peak, which meant plenty of action in this regard as well. Of course, Jamie and Claire left France in bitter disappointment. They were forced to bury their daughter there, and this tragedy kept Claire, at least, from ever going back. However, they may have reason to return in Outlander season 8.
Jamie & Claire Could Return To France In Outlander Season 8
The Answers May Be In Paris
If Claire wants to get to the bottom of her Faith mystery in Outlander season 8, she may have no choice but to return to France. This would be rather exciting since it would mean a chance to see Jamie and Claire back in this environment—like an intriguing return to the dynamic of Outlander season 2. However, things would surely be different this time around. Jamie and Claire are no longer the fresh, hopeful couple with a baby on the way and a war to interfere with. In Outlander season 8, they would be journeying to find answers to a dark mystery.
L’Hôpital des Anges would likely be Claire’s first stop in Paris as she searches for answers about her daughter.
L’Hôpital des Anges would likely be Claire’s first stop in Paris as she searches for answers about her daughter. Back in Outlander season 2, the place was run by Mother Hildegarde, who has most certainly passed away by the events of season 8. This would make Claire’s mission all the more difficult, but piecing together clues in France would make season 8 thrilling. Of course, none of this has happened in Gabaldon’s Outlander books. However, the same is true for the Faith twist at the end of season 7, so we can count on Outlander’s final episodes to forge their own path.
Outlander Moving Backwards Would Be A Reasonable Solution To The Massive Book Change
Outlander’s Ending Will Be Different From The Books
The events of Outlander season 7’s final episodes align more or less with Gabaldon’s eighth book, Written In My Own Heart Blood. Her ninth Outlander book, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, is when Jamie and Claire leave the Continental hospital to return to Fraser’s Ridge, and they remain in North Carolina for most of the novel. This implies that Outlander season 8 will also be set predominantly at Fraser’s Ridge. However, there is a significant problem with this since the coming installment will be the last of the Starz TV show.
Gabaldon still has a tenth Outlander book in the works, but it won’t be released until Outlander season 8 has brought the series to a close. So, while the coming installment could be based on the events of Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone and, therefore, be set at Fraser’s Ridge, this wouldn’t make for a very fun ending. The ninth book in the series was never meant to conclude Jamie and Claire’s story, so season 8 must break away from canon. A return trip to France and the general mood of Outlander season 2 could be just the thing.