When Claire found out that she would be arrested and executed for treason, it seemed like marrying Lord John Grey was her only way out in Outlander season 7, episode 11. Couldn’t she just go back to her own time, though?
Young Ian asked the question that we all had on her mind. Why would Claire go back to her own time? After all, for all they knew, Brianna and Roger were enjoying their lives in the 1980s. Claire could be there with her daughter and grandchildren.
The TV show did have to change the reasoning for Claire slightly compared to the books. However, the reasoning still stands—and it’s a good thing considering the end of the episode!
Claire’s home is in the past in Outlander season 7
Claire pointed out that her place isn’t in the future anymore. While that was certainly once her home and Brianna is there, she knows that the 18th century is now her place. Her purpose is to help create the future for her daughter and grandchildren.
She and Jamie promised to help form America into what it would become. Jamie may no longer be around to do it, but that doesn’t stop Claire from helping. She has found something else to live for without Jamie around, and she will be here with Young Ian to shape the country.
Why doesn’t Claire travel in the Outlander books?
The books offer up a slightly different reasoning. It’s all to do with something that the show hasn’t put much of a focus on throughout the episodes.
Time travel isn’t easy. It causes health problems in some, and it puts a great deal of weight on the heart. We have seen it briefly in Outlander season 7, episodes 9 and 10 with Buck suffering with heart problems after coming through the stones. This storyline was used as it opened a door for Roger to take Buck to Geillis and have that storyline play out.
When it comes to the other time travelers, nothing has been mentioned about how difficult time travel is on the mind and body. The show hasn’t given us all the dangers of it.
In the books, Claire explains that she doesn’t think she would survive another trip through the stones. She’s worried her heart will give out on the other side of the stones, and that’s if she makes it through. There is still a life for her in the 18th century, and she can help to make America what it becomes, so she decides it’s safer to stay in the past.
Outlander airs on Fridays on STARZ.
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