When Jamie handed William his hat in the Outlander Season 7A finale, William had a look that suggested he suspected something. Was that the case?
There is a minor spoilers from An Echo in the Bone in this post. Very minor.
Earlier in Outlander Season 7A, William recognized Claire Fraser as Mrs. Fraser of Fraser’s Ridge. She didn’t recognize him at first, but immediately knew him once he said his name. It was a big moment, and it was a change from the books. In An Echo in the Bone, it was Claire who immediately recognized William, noting his likeness to Jamie.
Well, the series hasn’t brought us that. However, William certainly had a strange look on his face when Jamie walked over to give him his hat in the Outlander Season 7A finale.
In the books, Jamie hands the hat (after shooting it off William’s head) but covers his face. He doesn’t want William to see him, knowing that it will mean William will realize the truth. They look too much alike now. Yet, with Claire not initially recognizing William, this wasn’t as much of a concern.
Does William recognize Jamie in Outlander?
We know that Willliam must recognize Jamie. He recognized Claire, so why wouldn’t he recognize Jamie? If it wasn’t for already recognizing Claire, I would have said that William’s look was one of “I know you, but I can’t place where right now.”
Instead, the look seemed like it was a “you look too familiar.” As in that William realizes that Jamie is more than just Mr. Fraser of Fraser’s Ridge. He’s more than just Mac, the groomsman at Helwater. There is something more that connects the two of them, and that seemed to sit with William.
Of course, it could have just been realizing that Jamie was the one who shot William’s hat off. He met the man who could have killed him, and he may remember how good of a shot Jamie is so he knows that Jamie likely missed for a reason. However, there could also be a sense of familiarity in the looks and when William looks in the mirror.
It’s only a matter of time before William learns the truth, right? We don’t even need the books to know that. It’s fiction, and these sorts of secrets always have to come out for drama, don’t they?