Outlander bringing Laoghaire and Brianna together was the perfect change

Outlander deviated considerably from the novel, Drums of Autumn, in Outlander Season 4, Episode 7. It was the perfect deviation, bringing Laoghaire and Brianna together.

Outlander Season 4, Episode 7 deviated considerably from “Drums of Autumn.” This was a necessary change, as Laura Donnelly wasn’t available to bring Brianna and Jenny together. What we got was a mirror of Laoghaire and Brianna as Claire and Marsali bonded in the Colonies.

And this was what made the change so brilliant. We got this mirrored storyline, while also seeing that Laoghaire wasn’t all that bad. She is a good mother and kind to strangers. There was a hint of the Laoghaire we originally saw when Claire first got to Castle Leoch before the witch trials. It’s a side of Laoghaire that is often forgotten about.

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There were certain moments I didn’t like. I would have preferred the fire conversation to be with Ian instead of Laoghaire, but the conversation did have its place. It showed that Brianna had some trust in Laoghaire.

She wanted to believe that this woman was good deep down after realizing that Laoghaire thought ill of Claire. After all, this woman had brought her in from the cold, fed her “the best chicken” she’d ever tasted, and allowed her ankle to rest before going on with her journey. In a way, it also showed Brianna’s flaws, flaws that are likely to play a part in the future.

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Most importantly, it was the mirror that I loved. Claire and Marsali didn’t like each other at first. As they’ve spent more time with each other, they’ve realized they judged too quickly. Marsali, understandably, gained a view from her mother, while Claire judged based on Marsali’s mother.

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In Scotland, we got to see the opposite. Laoghaire and Brianna originally liked each other. They were friendly, trusting, and kind. Brianna helped Laoghaire tell stories from the Bible again, while Laoghaire gave Brianna clothing and a place to recover. Over time, Laoghaire learned the truth about who Brianna was and immediately changed the kindness to hate.

When the showrunners make changes, they don’t do them lightly. When you look carefully, you can see the changes and how they affect the story — why they were made and how they connect to other parts. Brianna’s journey was a mirror of her mother’s in many ways during “Down the Rabbit Hole” and this change was perfect to continue that.

Next. #WCW: Why I refuse to hate Laoghaire. dark

What did you think of Brianna and Laoghaire spending time with each other? Did you see the mirror to Claire and Marsali’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outlander continues on Sundays at 8/7c on STARZ.

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