What could Stephen Bonnet do now on Outlander Season 5?

Stephen Bonnet has learned Jemmy is the owner of River Run. What could he do now and how could he make Bree’s life miserable on Outlander Season 5?

One of the reasons I love changes to storylines or elements added in for TV shows when being adapted from the books is the uncertainty. Right now on Outlander Season 5, there are a lot of storylines open for speculation with answers not available from the book. Stephen Bonnet’s storyline is one of those parts.

Bonnet doesn’t show up in “The Fiery Cross.” At least, I can’t remember him showing up. I’m sure it’s “A Breath of Snow and Ashes” where he comes up but I will admit to some storylines in the novels blending together now. Either way, he’s not seen as much as he has been spotted on Outlander Season 5. We mostly learn about Bonnet’s whereabouts through dispatches.

It means the storylines in Outlander Season 5 are adapted purely for the show. We get to speculate on what Bonnet will do next after learning that Jemmy (who he believes is his son) is the owner of River Run.

Believing that Jemmy is his son is dangerous for Bree and Roger. He could put a petition in to be the governor of River Run instead of Jocasta. After all, it wouldn’t be surprising if judges believed that a man would be better in charge; especially the direct kin of the underaged owner. We know that Roger is Jemmy’s child, but Brianna is sure right now that Bonnet is the father. She told Bonnet that he was the father. That puts her in a dangerous situation.

There would certainly be a legal battle, though. After all, Roger married Brianna. He could claim paternity too, and there’s no way in the 18th century to know who is telling the truth. Bree’s marriage to Roger could save everyone from trouble.

A child born in wedlock in the 18th century would naturally be considered to be the child of the husband. This is why Fanny’s daughter is safe, despite being black. It’s why Jamie’s son, Willie, was automatically assumed to be the son of Ellesmere.

But Jemmy wasn’t technically born in wedlock. He was born in a handfasted marriage, which couldn’t be made permanent within the year and a day rule. And not everyone would accept a handfasted marriage as a marriage. It’s a Scottish tradition. Brianna’s marriage to Roger and Roger’s claim to the child will help, but it could cause some trouble, especially with Bonnet after as much money as possible.

What do you think Stephen Bonnet will do? What trouble will he bring to Brianna and Roger? Share your thoughts in the comments below.