Outlander Season 7, Part 2 starts with a return to Lallybroch, and a blast from the past

As a long-time Outlander fan who has been swept away by the intricate tapestry of time travel and love since its inception, I must say that this week’s episode left me absolutely spellbound! The way Starz wove together the threads of our beloved characters, adding just the right amount of tension to keep us on the edge of our seats, was truly masterful.

Hello, devoted Outlander enthusiasts! We’re thrilled to announce our return at last! It feels like an age, or rather, since August 2023, that we’ve been immersed in the world of the Frasers. But rest assured, I couldn’t be more excited to embark on this journey with you all once again!

The premiere episode of Season 7B had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and certainly threw me for a loop at many points. There is simply so much to discuss and unravel, and I can’t wait to dive right into it.

First, let me briefly summarize where we stand as Outlander Season 7A concluded: the story found us in the heat of the American Revolutionary War with Jamie (Sam Heughan), Claire (Caitriona Balfe), and Ian (John Hunter Bell) back in Scotland, following Jamie’s duty to return Simon Fraser’s remains to his native land. It seems their stay in Scotland might not be long-term, given that both Jamie and Claire are eager to rebuild Fraser’s Ridge after the devastating fire.

Without their knowledge, Roger (Richard Rankin) journeyed through the stones alongside his ancestor Buck MacKenzie (Diarmaid Murtagh), seeking their child Brianna’s (Sophie Skelton) son, Jemmy. A person named Rob Cameron abducted Jemmy following the discovery that Brianna and Roger’s family had traveled through time. Rob is on a quest for hidden Jacobite gold, and Jemmy holds knowledge of its location.

Essentially, we find ourselves rejoining our cherished Outlander characters at the start of “Unfinished Business.

Hello Scotland, we’re home

After a successful landing in Scotland, Jamie, Ian, and Claire accomplish their mission by returning Simon’s remains to their native land. Subsequently, they head towards Jamie’s ancestral home, Lallybroch, to be reunited with their family. In his narration, Jamie expresses the scene of their homecoming through a letter to Bri, conveying his relief that she is safe in her own time, living with Roger and their children.

….At least that is what he thinks.

Next, we return to Roger and Buck, who appear to have traversed through the stones together. Time travel is usually disorienting, but they seem to be in one piece, suggesting they’ve made it safely this time.

One notable aspect of this debut episode is the absence of voiceovers from Claire; instead, we hear from various characters such as Jamie and Roger. The story begins with Jamie, followed by Roger’s attempt to ascertain if their time travel was successful. Given the lack of modern vehicles, it seems they have indeed traveled through time. While Buck ventures to Inverness in search of Rob Cameron, Roger sets off towards Lallybroch, presuming that Rob might have taken Jemmy there.

Outlander Season 7, Part 2 starts with a return to Lallybroch, and a blast from the past

A beautiful reunion

Currently, a heartwarming, emotional family gathering is taking place at Lallybroch. Ian is meeting up with his mother Jenny (now portrayed by Kristin Atherton instead of Laura Donnelly), his brothers, and their father Ian (Steven Cree). It’s been quite some time since they were all together. Ian and his siblings are no longer youngsters, and his parents are not the vibrant individuals he remembered from before.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I find myself deeply moved by the heartrending turn of events unfolding within the captivating saga of Outlander. In the current episode, the once robust Ian Murray is now gravely ill, struck down by consumption. The keen-eyed Claire, our steadfast protagonist, swiftly recognizes the severity of his condition and the grim reality that time is running out for him.

A blast from the past

As Jamie finds himself back at Lallybroch, he comes to the realization that there’s someone important he needs to seek out…and perhaps mend fences with if possible. Could it be anyone else but…Laoghaire (played by Nell Hudson)!

The reunion isn’t particularly warm-hearted. Laoghaire harbors a deep grudge against Jamie due to his past actions towards her. To remind you, he married her out of compassion rather than love, despite her intense affection for him… incidents like that.

It appears that Claire and Jamie are still at odds, as she refuses to negotiate or make peace with him. However, things eventually get resolved due to an unexpected situation involving Laoghaire’s daughter Joannie (Layla Burns). After Jamie has a run-in with Laoghaire, Joannie visits him seeking help. It is revealed that there was an agreement between Jamie and Laoghaire in the past, which prevents her from marrying the man she loves because she continues to receive support from Jamie. This arrangement is important to Laoghaire as it allows her to maintain her lifestyle, but she fears that if the agreement ends, she won’t be able to take care of herself. Additionally, Joannie shares that she has aspirations to become a nun, but those dreams are put on hold until her mother is no longer living in sin with her partner.

It’s common knowledge that Jamie and Claire are skilled problem-solvers; therefore, Jamie devises a solution that softens Laoghaire’s feelings towards him slightly. He signs a new contract permitting Laoghaire to marry the man she desires while retaining Balriggan. This arrangement also grants Joannie the freedom to join a convent.

Alls well that ends well, right?

It’s fascinating to see Laoghaire again after such a long time, and it certainly fits her personality that she still harbors resentment towards Claire after all these years.

Claire reveals her secret

After reaching Lallybroch, Claire couldn’t help but feel uneasy following Ian’s brother’s discussion about Britain potentially invading France. She was aware that ominous times were coming for France, and it wasn’t a good sign that the Murrays planned to expand their wine business by opening three new establishments in Paris.

In the past, I shared with Jamie the destiny of Culloden, and now, once more, I find myself standing at a pivotal juncture, grappling with the decision to reveal my time-traveling secret to safeguard those dear to me. After discussing this matter with Jamie, I come to believe that disclosing this secret to our family will shield them from potential perils in the days, months, and years ahead.

Indeed, disclosing one’s identity as a time traveler doesn’t always lead to positive outcomes, and it seems that the tales about Claire being a “fairy woman” held some truth. The Murray family absorbs her revelation, but Jenny is taken aback. If Claire hails from the future, wouldn’t she be able to prevent old Ian from meeting his untimely demise?

Unfortunately, that conversation turns sour, and when Claire explains she can’t save Ian because she doesn’t have the necessary medicine or tools, Jenny becomes furious at Claire, struggling to grasp the fact that Ian might not survive. Fortunately, Jamie steps in to console a grieving Jenny, which eventually leads to her understanding Claire better.

Outlander Season 7, Part 2 starts with a return to Lallybroch, and a blast from the past

Wait, what time period are we in?

For quite some time now, a question has puzzled many of us: How exactly does the stone function? What causes it to repeatedly transport individuals between the same specific year?

One captivating scene from this episode offers a thrilling insight into an age-old enigma. As Claire discloses her hidden truth to the Murray family, simultaneously, Roger makes his way to Lallybroch. At that precise moment, astute viewers might notice a discrepancy. When Roger knocks on Lallybroch’s door, it echoes the same knock heard by the Murray family during their secret discussion with Claire.

As Jamie approaches the door, Roger glances up, yet neither of them is actually focusing on each other. Upon opening the door, Jamie reveals Joannie, causing Roger to look up in surprise at an unanticipated visitor.

Ending of Outlander Season 7, Episode 9 explained

Instead of it being either Jamie or another member of the Murray family he recognizes, Roger discovers that the man at the door is none other than…Brian Fraser (Andrew Whipp), Jamie’s father! Somehow, Roger and Buck found themselves in 1739 Scotland before the Battle of Culloden. Although Jamie isn’t present, it’s mentioned he’s attending university, and young Jenny is starting to court Ian.

It’s unclear how Roger and Buck end up so far removed from the time they were meant visit. It begs the question: are Jemmy and Rob in this time too? Or are they lost to another time? How the heck will this all come together?!

Utilizing Brian’s assistance, Roger successfully locates individuals who have encountered an enigmatic figure resembling a “fairy man.” This individual wore peculiar clothing and appeared to be out of place within the local populace. Roger speculates that this mysterious stranger could very well be Rob Cameron.

As the episode draws to a close, I find myself standing before a house in town, my heart pounding. The door swings open wide, revealing none other than Geillis Duncan (Lotte Verbeek). It’s no surprise she’s somehow entangled in all this! So many questions surge within me about this sudden revelation. I yearn to unravel the mystery of how and when Roger found himself here, and whether, given the circumstances, he stands a chance of returning to Brianna…if that’s even possible.

What else happened in Outlander Season 7, Episode 9?

Once more, Claire and Jamie find themselves apart due to Lord John Grey requesting her medical assistance for his injured nephew. This young man suffered severe wounds during battle, and only Claire has the expertise to save his life. After much contemplation, they decide that she must embark on a journey back to Philadelphia while Jamie remains with Jenny as Old Ian’s condition worsens. I think many fans of Outlander share my sense of unease each time Claire and Jamie are separated. This isn’t just a quick trip across the border; it involves months of sea travel, and given the ongoing war, there’s always the risk of unforeseen events happening!

Fortunately, Young Ian is traveling with Claire following persistent persuasion from his mother to return to America, where his beloved Rachel resides. Leaving his ailing father behind is painful for him, but it’s necessary for him to advance and establish his own path in life. Despite this, saying goodbye remains difficult, and the episode concludes on an emotional note as Ian and Claire depart for America.

Surely, we eagerly anticipate a swift reuniting in future episodes, as spending extended periods apart with only a few episodes remaining in the entire series may not sit easily with us.

Episode Grade: A

2024-11-23 05:42