Outlander Season 4 will see some major changes for Brianna and not just because she’ll travel back in time. Here’s a spotlight on the character for today’s #WCW.
It shouldn’t be surprising to hear that this post has spoilers. This is all about Brianna’s transformation in Outlander Season 4, based on the events of the novel “Drums of Autumn.” The spoilers won’t go past the fourth novel and they’ll start on the second page.
#WomanCrushWednesday is usually a day to look at how great or good-looking an actor is. I don’t really stick to that, because a crush can form for all types of reasons. Plus, I don’t conform very well. That’s certainly the case here, as rather than look at how beautiful and amazing Sophie Skelton (or the character Brianna) is–not that Sophie doesn’t deserve it, just I’m not conforming–I thought this was a good chance to look at some of the changes coming for Brianna in Outlander Season 4.
This is going to be a look at the transformation to come; the growth this one character faces in this one novel. The events will have a knock-on effect in the future, but we’ll get to see the start of it and how Brianna quickly grows up and deals with the circumstances throughout Outlander Season 4.
It’s not going to be an easy season for Brianna. In fact, it’s not an easy season for any of us. We’ve already been warned that Stephen Bonnet will be worse than Black Jack Randall–something we never thought could happen. She likely never thought what would happen after traveling through the stones would and wouldn’t have been prepared mentally for it. And it’s not just about Bonnet.
For this #WCW, here’s a look at what’s to come for Brianna in Outlander Season 4 and the transformation that will happen.
Going from 1970s independence to 18th-century expectations
Claire first had to experience the differences between 18th-century and 20th-century life. It’s going to be slightly different for Brianna. When Claire went to the past the first time, she’d just come out of a World War. It was still in a time when women struggled for equality and rights. By the 1970s, women had a lot more independence and rights. Brianna is going from the early 70s to 18th-century America; a time when women couldn’t vote! She’s in a time when she’s property.
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And that’s something that will certainly throw her off. Without her claim as Jamie Fraser’s daughter, she would be in some serious trouble. However, it’s not like a certain person will want to accept that Brianna is Jamie’s legitimate daughter. It’s going to take some strength of character to prove that in Outlander Season 4! And a certain pearl necklace.
Then she’ll have to get used to the idea of having a servant. Growing up in the 20th century she won’t be used to this. Remember what Claire was like in Paris? The servants didn’t really have much of a job to do around her. Brianna is going to find herself a fish out of water, just like her mother.
Expectations will continue when she gets to the Colonies. She’ll find herself forced into marriages, despite making it clear that there’s only one man she is interested in marrying.
Dealing with rape, pregnancy, and fears
Brianna becomes a rape survivor during Outlander Season 4. Of course, this will naturally have an effect on her mentally. It also has an effect on her physically. When she finds out she’s pregnant, she’s certain it’s her rapist’s, Stephen Bonnet. Of course, there is the chance that it’s Roger’s but she’s sure it’s not his.
Considering the time, Brianna faces a life of ruin and Jamie doesn’t want that. This is where Brianna’s upbringing and time period she’s from is going to cause problems. To her, she doesn’t need a husband to support her. She only wants one man, although is worried about what Roger will do or think. Jamie, on the other hand, thinks like an 18th-century father. He wants to make sure Brianna is married quickly to avoid a life of ruin and gossip.
It’s not going to be easy for her. She’ll need to deal with expectations and not just from her father. Her aunt will also set some expectations, leading Brianna to make a choice that she isn’t really interested in making. She’ll have to face her own expectations and wishes and combine them with the time she is now in.
And there’s the fear. Not the fear of the rape happening again, but the fear of death. Child birth was dangerous in this time and at points Brianna has to deal with the possibility of dying and leaving her child behind. There are discussions of her leaving for her own time period for the safety, but can she really do that?
One thing is for certain: this is a season of strength for Brianna. Outlander Season 4 is going to be Skelton’s toughest yet and this is why she’s our #WCW for the day.
Next: #WCW: Why Brianna in Outlander Season 3 deserves it
Are you excited to see Sophie play out Brianna’s story in Outlander Season 4? What scenes are you most looking forward to? Share in the comments below.
Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for more updates and spoilers about Outlander Season 4.