It’s not unprecedented for Outlander to diverge from its source. Some changes added to the emotional depth of the series and made Claire and Jamie’s story consequentially better (for example, how Murtagh’s role was expanded in the TV show).
As the last season, we would’ve expected to see the main storylines completed and tucked away with a pretty bow on top. But that’s almost impossible to do, especially for a massive TV show like Outlander, full of side storylines, secondary characters with deep backstories, and one of the most passionate fanbases watching with hawk eyes.
With this in mind, the two major changes shown in this episode – Fergus’ death and the reveal of how Faith survived – definitely delivered a crushing and unexpected blow to viewers. It even surprised Outlander author Diana Gabaldon, who expressed her disapproval.
Was it necessary for Fergus to die?
In episode 7, one of the most striking developments is the death of Fergus, who perishes in a fire at the print shop. The narrative builds toward this moment through ominous hints, including a threatening note and an incident in which Marsali is targeted by a Loyalist at the market.
In Gabaldon’s novel, Go Tell the Bees that I Am Gone, while a fire does occur at the print shop, the outcome is markedly different. Rather than Fergus, it is Henri-Christian, the youngest son of Fergus and Marsali, who dies tragically after slipping from his brother Germain’s grasp while attempting to escape from the rooftop.
In the TV show, however, Fergus helps the children descend to safety, and although Henri-Christian slips again, Roger is able to catch him in time. Fergus dies when the roof collapses beneath him.
Addressing this change to Parade, Gabaldon offers insight into the creative decision: “I can tell you that they killed Fergus because they couldn’t stand to kill Henri-Christian (several of them told me it was the final line of that scene from the book—'…the sound of his head striking the cobbles was the sound of the end of the world’ – that horrified them so much they couldn’t stand to do it onscreen,” she explains. “I suppose they thought they had to kill somebody. Personally, I thought if they were too chicken to do it right, they should just have eased back and burned down the print-shop — but (luckily) not my call.”
It would’ve been hard to watch the death of a child, even more so one as beloved and cared for as Henri-Christian. We are glad they chose to not kill him off. However, the death of Fergus, three episodes from the end, feels unnecessary to include. It would’ve been enough for the fire to destroy the print shop and force the Fraser family to move back to the Ridge. A (kind-of) happily-ever-after wouldn’t have hurt, after all.
Down the Faith-hole – does it make sense though?
The episode also introduces a major twist for viewers familiar with the novels: Ian has done his research and has recovered Jane’s last testimony told to a reporter before her death. Faith was traveling across the Atlantic with her daughters to find Claire and Jamie.
This revelation is further underscored in the closing moments of the episode, where we see Master Raymond entrusting baby Faith to a French lacemaker after being unable to return her to Claire. With confirmation that Faith was indeed their daughter, Jamie and Claire share the truth with Fanny, explaining how their lives are connected.
For readers of the books, this storyline represents a substantial deviation, as Faith’s death is definitive in Gabaldon’s narrative, and Master Raymond does not revive her. Reflecting on this, Gabaldon remarks: “I disregard anything involving Faith and/or Master Raymond, because I know they’re inventing it out of whole cloth.”
While in the first episode the storyline around Faith’s survival initially impressed us, in episode 7 the reveal feels rushed and too simplistic to be taken seriously.
While the Fraser family suffers a devastating loss in Fergus, there is also a sense of continuity. With Fanny now part of the family and another grandchild on the way, their legacy endures—even as the final season makes it clear that no one is safe from tragedy.
There are too many plot holes to justify such a major change. First of all, it seems out-of-character for Jane to have revealed her life story to a stranger, let alone a reporter she did not care about. Second, we find it highly unlikely that Master Raymond didn’t try to give Faith back to Claire. He had already healed her at that point, and he would’ve found her still in Paris, waiting for Jamie’s release from the Bastille prison.
It also feels weird that none of the characters mention William’s past with Jane. Viewers will remember their affection in season 7. Will their incestuous relationship be brought to light and discussed in later episodes? But most importantly, was it really necessary to add to William’s trauma of discovering hidden family members?
Season 8 started off great in our opinion. After episode 7, we just hope it will go back to being a worthy final season to a great TV show.
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