Trigger Warning: This article contains discussions of miscarriage and infant loss.
Outlanderhas 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 inOutlanderseason 2. What’s more, this is a twist that never happened in author Diana Gabaldon’sOutlanderbooks, 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 theend ofOutlanderseason 7was 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,thisOutlanderepisode 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 inOutlanderseason 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 thatMaster Raymondwas seen on screen before the finale of season 7. All of this and more was referenced in this most recent installment ofOutlander, soit can certainly be assumed thatOutlanderseason 8 will continue to connect with events from season 2. This is rather exciting since this was among the Starz show’s best installments.
Outlanderseason 2 is when Jamie and Claire traveled to France in hopes of securing a win for the Jacobites at Culloden.This was trulyOutlanderat 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 inOutlanderseason 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 inOutlanderseason 8, she may have no choice but to return to France. This would be rather exciting sinceit would mean a chance to see Jamie and Claire back in this environment—like an intriguing return to the dynamic ofOutlanderseason 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. InOutlanderseason 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 inOutlanderseason 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, butpiecing together clues in France would make season 8 thrilling. Of course, none of this has happened in Gabaldon’sOutlanderbooks. However, the same is true for the Faith twist at the end of season 7, so we can count onOutlander’sfinal 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 ofOutlanderseason 7’s final episodes align more or less with Gabaldon’s eighth book,Written In My Own Heart Blood. Her ninthOutlanderbook,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 thatOutlanderseason 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.
Outlanderseason 8 is expected to release near the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026.
Gabaldon still has a tenthOutlanderbook in the works, but it won’t be released untilOutlanderseason 8 has brought the series to a close. So, while the coming installment could be based on the events ofGo Tell the Bees That I Am Goneand, 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 ofOutlanderseason 2 could be just the thing.
