Do the behind-the-scenes Twitter photos really spoil Outlander?

Outlander showrunne, Matthew B. Roberts, isn’t happy about the spoilers from photos on Twitter, but it’s brought up a debate in the fandom. Are the photos really spoilers?

Outlander showrunner, Matthew B. Roberts, isn’t afraid to speak his mind on Twitter. During the week, he shared his disappointment at photos being shared on Twitter. It’s a completely understandable opinion and he’s completely entitled to it (without the backlash he’s received from some fans), but it has brought up a debate. Are the behind-the-scenes Twitter photos really spoiling Outlander Season 4?

This isn’t just a straight yes or no question, either. There are details to both sides and then a “sort of” answer mixed in between.

Book fans will already know what’s going to happen

For those who have read the books, the photos recently seen have been completely expected. The photos were of Brianna, Laoghaire and Joanie, and all in period dress. That not only hints that we’re back in Scotland, but that Brianna makes it to the 18^th century. But book fans knew that was going to happen right?

All the photos have done for many is confirm the storyline in the books is happening in the show. Considering the amount of changes in Season 3, maybe the confirmation was needed for some.

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Not everyone is a book fan

Not everyone has read the books. And that’s perfectly okay! You may have only just been introduced to the series through Netflix or may have had a friend suggest watching the show and then realized it’s a book. You may just not have time to read or like listening to audio books, so you opt for the series instead. The books are long; I completely get that.

The show-only or show-first fans would have no idea of the things to come, unless they’ve looked for spoilers. These photos have just revealed a major plot point and this could have spoiled the story for them.

But I’m going to put the “sort of” out there…

I’m not a fan of the photos of filming being posted on Twitter and elsewhere. I know everyone is curious but it ruins the story and the surprises. It’s disheartening (for me). https://t.co/bfypJMnhgF
— Matthew B Roberts (@TheMattBRoberts) February 22, 2018

It just hints at things to come

I’ll put it out there: I haven’t read all the books yet. I’m a show-first fan and really enjoy watching the seasons unfold as they do. Then I like to read the books afterwards and see the bits that were done differently between book and show. I’m also not one of those people who can rewatch one show a million times, so I appreciate all the changes.

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room

But I do know the bones of the story moving forward. I’m also one of those people who loves spoilers. I will devour a storyline, even in bullet form, and then still enjoy watching and reading to see how everything plays out.

Are the photos spoilers? Well, yes, technically. If I hadn’t already got the basics of “Drums of Autumn,” I would have certainly been surprised to see Brianna in 18^th century clothing. It wouldn’t have been a bad surprise or a completely unexpected one, but it would have been one. Yet the photos don’t give the plot away. They, instead, bring up a lot of questions.

How is Brianna is the 18^th century?
What made her go back?
What’s the reception going to be like at Lallybroch?
What will Laoghaire and Joanie think of Jamie and Claire’s daughter?
Where’s Roger in all this?

So many questions that three photos brought up, because there’s no storyline to them. While they may be spoilers, they’re not completely ruining the story. Instead, they’re adding to the excitement of Outlander Season 4. Unlike many other shows that I watch, Droughtlander is long. We need buzz and excitement while they’re filming.

Next: All Diana Gabaldon's books in publishing order

Outlander Season 4 is still filming and there’s no premiere date set yet. Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for a date as soon as we get it.

What do you think about the release of photos? Have they spoiled the Outlander storyline or do they create more buzz and excitement? Share your thoughts in the comments below.