Outlander fans have been given their first taste of the historical drama’s next chapter following a shocking twist at the end of the latest episode.
In the latest instalment of the Starz series’ seventh season, Brotherly Love, Claire Fraser (played by Caitriona Balfe) is given the tragic news that her husband Jamie (Sam Heughan) has been lost at sea and presumed dead.
However, her mourning period can’t last for long as the British Army suspects her to be a spy for the rebellion, so Lord John Grey (David Berry) is forced to take matters into his own hands and insist they get married to clear her name.
The next episode, A Hundredweight of Stones, which will air this Friday (December 6), will see Claire returning to society after her terrible loss as part of her duties as the wife of a British Officer.
Fans will also see more drama with Jamie’s son William Ransom (Charles Vandervaart) and the relationship between Lord Grey’s brother Henry (Harry Jarvis) and Mercy Woodcock (Gloria Obianyo).
This fresh selection of stills has delighted viewers, who were particularly excited to see Claire donning another elegant gown after all these years, despite the morbid circumstances.
“Claire’s dress is so pretty,” one fan commented on Reddit. “And I am ready for Willie and mother Claire moments.”
Someone else wrote: “I need details on that dress because it is STUNNING”, to which another viewer replied: “So stunning.”
Viewers have also been casting a closer look at the character’s situations to try and pin down which sections of Diana Gabaldon’s novel An Echo in the Bone are about to be adapted.
“I can see a lot of jewellery on Mother Claire. She is wearing another ring next to Jamie’s if I can see well,” one viewer mused.
“Mischianza obviously. Richardson. By the look of John’s and Claire’s faces is it Redivivus?
“And comparing John’s clothes with those filming photos, I would say so. Also, John is holding a letter(s).”
Specific details will have to be kept under wraps for non-readers, but those in the know are anticipating yet another thrilling entry in Claire’s adventures through time.
Meanwhile, even those who haven’t read the novels aren’t convinced her husband Jamie will remain presumed dead for long.
One fan said in another recent Reddit thread: “Rule #1 of TV/Film: If we didn’t see them die on screen, THEY AREN’T DEAD.
“I won’t let them trick me. Cannot wait to see Jamie wash up on the beach to find Lord John and Claire married.”
Will there be a surprise reunion this week? Or will the Frasers have to remain separated for a little while longer?
Outlander season seven part two continues Fridays on MGM+ via Prime Video in the UK and on Starz in the US.