6 biggest questions from Outlander Season 3, Episode 9

No Outlander episode is perfect. There are always going to be questions, and some are bigger than others.

Do you ever get to the end of an Outlander episode and have some burning questions? You are certainly not alone. No episode of any show is perfect, but it seems Outlander has had more in the last few episodes than the previous two seasons combined! It’s not that surprising that fans are questioning some major decisions by the writers of the series.

While it’s not possible to give exact answers, it is possible to look at things from the view of the characters; from things expressed and suggested in the past. That doesn’t mean fans have to agree with the storytelling or the character decisions, but there is some sort of closure on some of the biggest questions.

Here are the 6 biggest questions from Outlander Season 3, Episode 9.

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#1. Why can’t Claire just accept the superstitions?

After spending three years in the 18^th century in the past and facing a witch trial, it would make sense for Claire to get used to the superstitions. Sure, she has 20^th century knowledge, education, and opinions, but they mean nothing in this world. So why isn’t she getting with the 18^th century program?

This is likely because Claire has always had this flaw. Because of her future upbringing, she views her opinions and beliefs as better than those around her. Some people in the 18^th century won’t even be able to sign their name, let alone understand how the tides are formed and that man may be able to walk on the moon.

Changing that part of her personality is going to be difficult. She needs someone to call her out on her superiority complex. Until that happens, this part of Claire’s personality will stay and it will be annoying.

#2. Why can’t Marsali just get over Claire’s return?

While Marsali’s mother and Jamie didn’t exactly have the most loving of relationships, they were married in Marsali’s eyes. The young girl sees Claire’s return as a disruption. All she sees is her mom and stepfather no longer being married and the possibility of her father-figure disappearing. Considering she’s only around 15-years-old, it’s not that surprising she has an instant dislike of Claire.

She will have also heard some stories from Laoghaire, who isn’t the most level-headed of people. Laoghaire wanted Jamie to herself and will have poisoned her daughters’ thoughts on Claire. Marsali is still impressionable and will look up to her mother, the most constant person in her life.

#3. Isn’t Fergus too old for Marsali?

It’s sometimes difficult to remember that Fergus is in his 30s in Outlander. Remember he was around 11 when Jamie met him in Season 2 and Season 3 is set 20 years later. As for Marsali, she’s around 15. Doesn’t that make their age gap crazy and unrealistic?

It’s important not to put 20^th century expectations on the 18^th century world. Things were vastly different 200 years ago for women. They were either the property of their father or their husband. Families would want to marry their girls young for financial or positional gain. Men would often marry older, waiting to gain the money and power, so he could support and keep his wife. Look at Geneva who married someone old enough to be her grandfather!

While Fergus and Marsali’s relationship isn’t exactly normal for 18^th century thinking, the age gap is. Claire and Jamie’s age gap is actually more out of the ordinary, especially since Jamie is younger than Claire.

#4. Why was Mr. Willoughby’s speech so sexist?

This deserves a piece all by itself, but in short Mr. Willoughby’s story wasn’t actually that sexist. It was a look at the way this Chinese man viewed the women of his own country and Scotland. He loves women, but feels disdain for many in Scotland because of the way he was treated.

The speech actually focuses on how Mr. Willoughby and Claire are very much alike. They have left their homeland and been thrust into differing views and opinions. Maybe Mr. Willoughby can teach Claire some of the ways to change to become more accepted in the 18^th century.

#5. Why would Jamie hide the acupuncture?

At first glance, it doesn’t make sense that Jamie would hide the fact that acupuncture was helping to cure his seasickness. Why not just tell Claire the truth?

Jamie actually explains it in the episode. Jamie and Claire are going through a rocky patch. The last thing Jamie wants to do is rock the boat and lose his wife again, so he’s willing to save her pride to save the marriage. It’s actually a sweet moment, but also a slightly scary one. Just how far is he willing to go to make sure he keeps her?

#6. Why would Claire even consider helping Marsali?

While Jamie continues to refuse to allow Marsali and Fergus to remain together, Claire takes a different approach. Considering the way Marsali views Claire, why would she even do such a thing? This likely comes from Claire managing a teenager daughter once herself. Claire would have seen how teenage girls can react when they feel road blocks everywhere they turn. Rather than cause Marsali more hurt and more reason to hate the people around her, it’s better to give her this chance.

Plus, Claire will want Fergus to be happy. She remembers what it was like to be young and in love. Right now, she sees Marsali (for some reason) makes Fergus happy and it’s worth having Marsali around for that reason.

Of course, she also hopes that allowing them to be together will mean it fizzles out, as she mentioned. Rather than the two continuing their relationship despite Claire and Jamie’s opinions, they may see that they’re not compatible and move on.

Next: 5 best lines from Outlander Season 3, Episode 9

What questions did you have in Outlander Season 3, Episode 9? Share them in the comments below.

Outlander Season 3 continues on Sundays at 8/7c on Starz.