Outlander season 7, episode 9 recap: Returning home isn’t always easy

Outlander season 7, episode 9 recap: Returning home isn't always easy

As a long-time fan of the Outlander series, I must say that this week’s episode was a rollercoaster ride of emotions! The characters’ journeys were both heart-wrenching and intriguing, leaving us on the edge of our seats waiting for the next episode.


The long-awaited hiatus for Outlander fans is over, with the ninth episode of season 7 now available, leaving viewers more than satisfied.

Caution: This post contains SPOILERS from Outlander season 7, episode 9.

In the conclusion of season 7A, Claire, Jamie, and Young Ian made their way to Scotland. Roger and Buck journeyed through the stones to fetch Jemmy, leaving Bree and Mandy behind. The story quickly filled us in on what had transpired, allowing us to learn about each character’s whereabouts.

The series skillfully kept us guessing about the period when Roger was present. Readers familiar with the books will recall that Roger and Hurloc synced up in 1739, but the show left us pondering the timeline for quite a while.

Outlander season 7, episode 9 recap: Returning home isn't always easy

Jamie realizes he feels out of place at home in Outlander season 7, episode 9

The primary goal for Jamie, Claire, and Young Ian was to transport Simon Fraser’s remains back to his ancestral soil in Scotland. Hugh’s words about unresolved matters sparked thoughts in Jamie’s mind. As they journeyed towards Lallybroch, it occurred to Jamie that he needed to encounter Laoghaire.

In our recent chat, I had hoped we could set things straight between us. We both acknowledged having felt a need for each other, but that wasn’t the whole truth. Laoghaire appeared to understand that Jamie never truly loved her, as it turns out his affection was always reserved for Claire. When he defended her at The Gathering all those years ago, it was more about honor than love.

At first, business isn’t concluded. But when Joanie talks to Jamie, things get sorted out. Joanie shares that she wants to become a nun, but Laoghaire won’t return the dowry. Furthermore, Laoghaire doesn’t want to marry her beloved, Joey, because it means giving up Balriggan.

Jamie discovers a solution through Ned Gowan’s assistance, who surprisingly is still alive. A fresh agreement is made to ensure Joanie’s desires are met and Laoghaire can marry Joey without relinquishing her family estate. It becomes apparent that Laoghaire finally receives the affection she’s longed for, as Joey shows no interest in Balriggan; instead, he seeks Laoghaire herself.

For Jamie, there’s a crucial moment, as America feels like home to him. Though Scotland holds a special place in his heart, there’s an odd sense about it now, something that only those who have left their childhood homes behind can truly appreciate – the sensation of not quite belonging anymore.

Outlander season 7, episode 9 recap: Returning home isn't always easy

Claire tells the Murrays the truth in Outlander season 7B

The show corrected an error in the books. Claire felt it was appropriate to reveal to the Murrays her true origins. This becomes relevant because Michael notes that France has aligned with America, leading to rising tensions. Claire is concerned about Michael’s safety since he’s currently establishing more vineyard businesses in Paris.

A more straightforward way to convey this could be: To ensure Michael leaves Paris ahead of the French Revolution, it’s essential to reveal the truth to him and the family. Initially, they may find it hard to trust, but they understand that Jamie and Young Ian are not easily deceived. If they come to believe her, then whatever she says must hold true.

In the current production, Kristin Atherton portrays Jenny, who seeks assistance from Claire due to Ian Murray’s critical condition caused by tuberculosis. Desperate to save him, Jenny appeals to Claire for her aid. However, it should be noted that Claire is unable to help in this instance. The reason being, while there may be treatments available in the future, they cannot be replicated here. Additionally, Ian’s advanced stage of the disease has made him unresponsive to any possible treatment. Jenny’s frustration stems from the belief that Claire harbors a grudge against her, but this is not the truth.

Ian accepts his impending death and is determined that those around him feel joy and affection before he goes. In a heartwarming exchange with Young Ian, there are several amusing exchanges – and no, it’s not the same as Young Ian asking Rachel to care for Rollo as waiting on her for him.

As I receive a missive from Lord John Grey urging me to return to America, it seems my buddy Young Ian might get an unexpected reunion with Rachel sooner than planned. Yet, Ian’s heart yearns for the opposite – he wishes to remain here as long as his dad is away. But Jenny, ever the stern yet loving matriarch, won’t let that happen. She guides me to our family burial ground, where a gravestone stands in memory of my daughter. Each member has their spot and memories at Lallybroch, and it always will be this way. However, I sense the call of America and Rachel tugging at me.

Apart from Claire setting out to help Lord John Grey’s nephew, Jenny has given her approval. It’s clear that if it were possible for Ian to be saved, Jenny would have been on board. However, since saving John’s nephew is an option, she feels compelled to go and do just that. Even though she may have shown anger initially, there’s not much to apologize for in her eyes. As Jenny grapples with the reality of Claire being a time traveler and the impending loss of her husband, it’s understandable that her reactions would be as they were.

Outlander season 7, episode 9 recap: Returning home isn't always easy

Roger finds out he’s in the wrong time period in Outlander

As I stepped through those ancient stones, I had high expectations of landing in 1778. Boy, was I wrong!

At the stones, Buck experiences heart trouble. He claims to feel better, and they part ways. Buck decides to travel to Inverness, assuming Rob Cameron will also head there for a ship, while Roger sets off for Lallybroch. If young Jemmy managed to escape Rob, it’s likely he would head to Lallybroch as well.

Indeed, Roger was anticipating either Ian Murray or Jenny Murray to appear at Lallybroch’s doors. Instead, it was Brian Fraser who greeted him, which was the first sign that he might have stumbled into a different time era. Furthermore, he encounters a young Jenny Fraser, adding to his confusion about the time period. The revelation that Jamie is in Paris studying gives Roger the impression that he’s either in 1739 or 1740.

After Roger confides that he’s married, Brian relaxes somewhat and permits Roger to stay overnight, which will be reassuring for Jemmy in the morning. Indeed, Brian assists. He escorts Roger to Ian Murray Senior, who reveals a peculiar sighting: a ferryman wandering aimlessly in certain areas. This man was dressed unusually and wasn’t accompanied by a child. It could imply that Jemmy escaped or it might mean something else entirely.

Time is running out for finding Jemmy, but Jenny delivers news that Buck is having trouble reaching Lallybroch. There’s no healer nearby, but there might be someone who can help in a village. In the end, Roger takes Buck to seek this aid. It turns out to be Geillis Duncan at Cranesmuir, and naturally, Roger recognizes her. However, one wonders if she should recognize him. This definitely piques our curiosity for Outlander season 7, episode 10.

In 1980, we see Bree driving her daughter to Lallybroch. During the ride, Mandy is asleep in the car while Bree sheds tears. She’s aware that Roger will not come back unless he has Jemmy with him.

Outlander airs Fridays on STARZ.

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2024-11-23 05:38