Outlander season 4: How drastic will the book changes be?

Outlander season 3 saw some of the most drastic book changes, making fans worried for season 4.

As with any season, Outlander season 4 will see some variations from the books. Ron Moore has admitted that there will be more changes in season 4 from the “Drums of Autumn” storyline, but just how drastic they will be?

Understandably fans are worried. Many “book purists” (as Facebook groups nickname them) want to see the books’ stories told word for word on screen. This can’t always happen and when one element is changed, this tends to have a knock-on effect for the rest of the season. Sometimes it has a knock-on effect for future seasons.

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For example, season 1’s change with Claire telling Jamie that Laoghaire was involved in the witch trials meant something had to happen in season 2. There needed to be a reason for Jamie to forgive Laoghaire so he would marry her in season 3. Not all fans were convinced, but it was the best the writers could do after such a major change.

Showrunner Moore has said the changes to book four won’t be as drastic. Elements of the story will be switched around, but the end results will be the same. He shares that he believes book lovers will still enjoy the story and the “general shape of the season” will be the “shape of the book.”

Changes are expected for “Drums of Autumn.” There was a major change in season 3 that may play a part in season 4: saving Murtagh. One of the best changes in the last season, Murtagh was shipped off to the Colonies and should be coming to the end of his time as an indentured servant. Lord John never said exactly where Murtagh was going, so he could end up in either Georgia or North Carolina (where the Frasers will end up going).

There are many theories that Murtagh will replace Duncan Innes from “Drums of Autumn,” although Diana Gabaldon has previously said that won’t happen. He could also just end up being mentioned and not returning, although many fans won’t be happy with that.

More intricate stories are likely to be cut. This is what happened with “Voyager.” Elements were removed to help contain the story. The overall shape of the season was the same: the Frasers spent time apart, they came back together, Claire learned about Laoghaire, Young Ian was kidnapped, and they went on their voyage to Jamaica to save Young Ian from Geillis. While some of the details were adapted, arguably major changes weren’t actually made since the overall storyline was the same. This may be what fans can expect for Outlander season 4.

Next: Outlander season 4: Where will the Frasers go next?

Are you looking forward to the changes? What changes do you think will happen? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outlander season 4 will premiere sometime in 2018.