Peace at Fraser’s Ridge is once again disturbed in the second episode of Outlander season 8, “Prophecies.” While a brutal bear attack is what violently stirs the surface, it’s the two prophecies mentioned in the title that will undoubtedly influence the rest of the season.
The episode marks the directorial debut of Catriona Balfe, our very own Claire Fraser. Starting with her monumental portrayal of Claire Fraser, she continues to inspire us with a masterclass in deeply emotional directing.
A new Bear Killer is in town
Tragedy strikes at the Ridge during a casual berry-picking day. Amy McCallum is cheerfully talking about how much happiness they have in their new lives in America when a bear comes out of nowhere and attacks her. There is nothing that Claire can do to save her, and her husband and sons can only say goodbye before she dies.
Brianna’s shock prevented her from using her rifle (what a way of re-entering the 18th century), and she struggles with her guilt. She joins the hunt for the bear, but Captain Cunningham kills it first, claiming he wasn’t in any danger of becoming its next victim.
Later, Rachel gives birth to a healthy baby boy, bringing a moment of joy. Jamie admits he envies Ian’s chance to raise his son, something he was never able to experience with his own children.
The future has entered the chat
Jamie confides in Roger about the content of Frank’s book and struggles with accepting that none of his men are mentioned. But other names are, and one of them, Benjamin Cleveland, walks right into Fraser’s Ridge to directly ask Jamie to join the fight. Both Jamie and the viewers can’t believe he’s going to die beside such an arrogant and disrespectful man.
In the meeting house, Captain Cunningham shares a strange story about his dead son appearing to him and telling him he would live seven more years. This prophecy explains his fearless behavior during the bear hunt. Being aware of how dangerous knowing the future is, Jamie becomes suspicious of Cunningham’s intentions on the Ridge.
The episode ends with Jamie seeking Claire in their bed. He’s just finished reading Frank’s book when his thoughts begin to wander into dangerous waters. His biggest fear? Dying and leaving Claire alone in the world. At that moment, his wife seems to be the only thing that can bring him peace and clear his mind.
What was Frank’s deal?
This second episode brought a few questions to mind: in his research, was Frank searching for Jamie… or for Claire? Did he realize she would leave him for Jamie? And most of all, is what he wrote in Soul of a Rebel the truth?
While being a generally liked character, Frank is now bringing doubt and uncertainty into Jamie’s life, even from the grave. When he took Claire back, Frank made her promise to never look for Jamie, even though that’s exactly what he had been doing for almost 20 years. And since he found out Jamie had survived and Claire had rejoined him, Frank never told the truth to his wife. Was it because he couldn’t bear to let her go, even though he wanted to marry another woman?
Frank has been haunting the narrative since the very beginning of the series. Now, his ghost is actually driving the story, as well as haunting Jamie’s very mind.
New grave, who's this?
A flashback shows William giving his cousin Ben a toy soldier before he left for war. In the present, William travels to New Jersey to the Continental Army camp, where he’s told Ben died from “jail fever.” Yet, the details are suspicious, especially when William later discovers that the body buried in Ben’s grave isn’t actually his cousin. This chilling discovery will certainly bring William down a treacherous path.