Outlander loves to leave characters’ lives on the line. The penultimate episode of Outlander season 7 has done just that, and this time, it’s all about Claire.
The penultimate episode of Outlander season 7A left Claire worrying about Jamie’s life on the battlefield. Then Claire had to deal with the news that Jamie was dead at the start of Outlander season 7B. That turned out to be wrong, and it looked like Claire just had to worry about the battlefield again.
In the end, it turned out that Jamie had to worry about Claire. As the battle reached the battlefield hospital, Claire was shot in the abdomen. The surgeon made it clear that Claire couldn’t be saved, leaving her to die in Jamie’s arms. However, Denzell Hunter returned in an attempt to save the day.
Denny Hunter has learned from the best in Outlander
Look, this is Outlander, and if we look at the books, we know what’s to come. I’m not going to share the book spoilers in here, but I will point out that unless it’s Supernatural, I never worry that the lead characters are going to die. It’s just not the done thing. There is no Outlander without Claire and Jamie.
Let’s just look at Denny’s skills, though. Is it realistic for Denny to be able to save the day? I’m going to say yes.
He pointed out where he got his training from during the penultimate episode. While there was some midwifery training in there, he also learned from Dr. John Hunter. In the series he says “cousin,” but in the books, John Hunter is an uncle to Denny and Rachel. This is also a man we know from history.
John Hunter was a well-known surgeon in the past. He was one of the most successful surgeons, taking careful note of procedures and observing conditions to ensure he got the treatments right. He also helped in the pioneering of the smallpox vaccine, which we know now has helped to eradicate smallpox.
So, yes, Denny has certainly gained the best initial medical training. But we can also look at his training under Claire Fraser.
Denny has always listened to Claire’s instructions and thoughts
While many men of the time would usually disregard a woman in medicine, Denny didn’t. He immediately realized that she was a skilled surgeon, and he spent time learning under her. We watched as he was amazed in how she would be able to perform the surgery on Henry Grey.
I do want to mention Henry Grey’s surgery as well. Denny helped to prolong Henry’s life to make sure Claire had time to get to Philadelphia. Without Denny, Henry would have died before Claire even got the letter, so he proves that he is skilled at what he does. If he can just get Claire to the point of not immediately dying, she’ll be able to share more of what Denny can do to help save her life fully.
Out of anyone Claire could have treating her, it should be Denny. She knows that she can trust him, and it’s clear that he can save her life.
The Outlander season 7 finale airs on Friday, Jan. 17 on STARZ.
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