Outlander fans are reeling from the emotional rollercoaster of the season 7 finale, titled "A Hundred Thousand Angels," which aired recently. This episode not only ties up many loose ends but also drops some shocking revelations, setting the stage for what’s next as we look forward to season 8.
One of the most significant moments came when Claire (Caitriona Balfe) started to suspect the identity of Fanny (Florrie Wilkinson), who was brought home to the Ridge by Jamie (Sam Heughan) after her mother Jane (Silvia Presente) tragically took her own life. Claire overhearing Fanny sing a 20th-century song unexpectedly stirs up memories, leading to the shocking realization about her and Jamie's potentially alive daughter, Faith. This twist, revealed to viewers as Claire asks Fanny about the song, raises urgent questions about the family's past and future. “The reveal is huge for the characters, and the audience will be shocked,” Heughan shares with Entertainment Weekly.
Alongside this drama, we see many beloved characters reunited as the season draws to a close. Brianna (Sophie Skelton) manages to reunite with Roger (Richard Rankin) and their children, which marks another happy note amid the tragedies surrounding them. The couple’s decision to continue their lives back on the Ridge is hinted at, as Bree expresses her wish to return to her parents’ time rather than the 1980s.
Meanwhile, the episodes also address the touching yet painful arc of Ian (John Bell) and Rachel (Izzy Meikle-Small), who find joy with the news of their unborn child, even as they mourn the passing of Rollo, Ian's beloved dog. This highlights the recurring theme of love and loss throughout the season.
Yet, perhaps the heaviest burden rests with William (Charles Vandervaart), whose character has faced incredible emotional upheaval this season. Having discovered Jamie is his biological father, William reflects on his identity and relationships. His tragic love story with Jane, coupled with Jamie’s influence, leaves audiences wondering how he will navigate this new reality. His painful yet significant words, "I will never call you father," underline the depth of conflict he grapples with as the season wraps up.
Producer Matthew B. Roberts hinted at how the impending revelations will play out in the next season, noting, “There might be surprises, and characters will return.” He indicates season 8 will tie together threads from season 7, making sure to satisfy long-standing questions fans have held since the series began.
Discussion around the character of Lord John Grey (David Berry) also emerged during interviews about the finale. The confrontation between Jamie and Lord John has been dramatic, especially following the former's marriage to Claire under false pretenses. Heughan mentioned the need for these two characters to reconcile, saying, “They have so much history... it could take some time.” This relationship, filled with tension and complexity, has intrigued fans and promises more depth going forward.
The finale wrapped up many narratives but left plenty of cliffhangers. Fans are excited yet anxious about how the series, which diverges from the novels, will navigate these complex relationships and storylines, particularly the mystery surrounding Faith’s possible survival. Matthew B. Roberts comments, “The ending needed to shift from what we originally planned because we had to keep the series going.” This suggests significant changes are coming as plotlines are reshuffled to connect with what lies ahead.
Despite the imminent conclusion of the series, the responses from the cast and crew reflect hope. Each character's narrative arc seems intricately linked, with the anticipation of “Outlander: Blood of My Blood,” the upcoming prequel, adding yet another layer of excitement for viewers.
The season 7 finale may not top the list of favorites among Outlander die-hards, but it sets the bar high for the final season, which promises to deliver all the emotional beats fans crave. While some are nervous about how the show has played with the source material, the consensus remains: the anticipation for season 8 is palpable as fans look forward to resolving long-standing questions about the Fraser family.
Outlander season 8 is poised to be transformational. With the distinct possibility of familial surprises, emotional reckonings, and character development awaiting fans, the fate of Claire, Jamie, and the rest of the characters remains uncertain but deeply compelling.