Outlander Season 7, Episode 15: The Controversial Content of Roger’s Letter

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Outlander Season 7, Episode 15!

In a surprising turn of events in Outlander, Roger MacKenzie successfully sent a letter to Brianna through time, a moment that raises many questions. Throughout Season 7, Part 2, the MacKenzies have faced separation due to Roger’s quest in the past to locate their son, Jemmy, while Brianna stayed in the 20th century. During Episode 15, Brianna planned to travel back to inform Roger about finding their child, yet she was unaware of Roger’s precise timeline. Fortunately, she stumbled upon a 200-year-old letter from Roger, which allowed her to pinpoint her time travel to the year 1739.

Roger’s journey through the stones in Season 7 was triggered by the kidnapping of Jemmy by Rob Cameron. The situation seemed dire, as it appeared that Jemmy had been taken to the 18th century, prompting a swift and determined response from Roger. However, in a fleeting moment of thought for his son, Roger unexpectedly considered his father, leading him to the year 1739—where he came across an older Jeremiah MacKenzie who had mysteriously vanished during World War II. After rescuing his father, Roger was eager to resume his search for Brianna. Yet, as time passed, he felt compelled to find a way to reach out to her.

Coincidental Discoveries: Brianna’s Letter at the Perfect Time

The Mystery of the Secret Compartment’s Opening

To tackle his time-communication challenge, Roger cleverly penned a letter to Brianna and concealed it in Brian Fraser’s desk at Lallybroch. This desk still existed centuries later, giving Roger a glimmer of hope that his message would reach her. Astonishingly, Brianna sat at the desk just as a hidden drawer magically opened, revealing the aged letter addressed to her. This serendipitous moment not only heightened the urgency of her journey but also seemed to defy logic.

While Outlander often embraces fantastical elements, this twist pushed the boundaries of believability. The fact that Roger’s letter sat undisturbed for over two centuries only to be unveiled precisely when Brianna needed it raises eyebrows. The episode offered no clarification on why the compartment opened when it did, and Roger certainly had no tangible reason to assume such fortune would smile on him. Although he expressed doubt about his plan’s success, one could argue that the sheer improbability of his good luck bordered on absurd.

Comparing Brianna’s Discovery: The Books vs. The Show

Hope Amidst the Searching: The Desk’s Significance

Throughout the series, luck and fate heavily influence events, yet reasonable explanations for significant plot points have largely been a staple. In the books, Roger too hides a letter for Brianna within the desk at Lallybroch, mirroring the show’s narrative. However, the twist is that the letter doesn’t find Brianna directly there. Instead, during her travels to the United States, Brianna rents out Lallybroch and discovers Roger’s letter only because the desk was dismantled before moving.

This adaptation, while still yes a stroke of luck, provides a more coherent narrative than having a secret compartment expose the letter at the perfect moment. Notably, the books don’t delve into the specifics of Roger’s writing and concealing process, leaving a veil of mystery around this exchange. Nonetheless, Roger’s confidence that the desk would be examined during his absence makes the situation more believable.

Missed Opportunities in Season 7 Regarding Brianna’s Letters

The Missing Second Letter: A Lost Opportunity

Alongside the questions surrounding Brianna discovering Roger’s letter, it’s worth highlighting a crucial element omitted from Season 7, Episode 15. While the show depicts Brianna finding a singular letter, the books hold a more intriguing twist—Brianna uncovers two letters hidden within the Lallybroch desk. The second letter, penned by Frank Randall, warns her of potential dangers arising from conspirators connected to the Fraser prophecy—a threat that nearly cost her life in past seasons of Outlander.

When Brianna glimpses Frank’s book upon discovering Roger’s letter, the implication is potent: did Frank’s spirit somehow influence this unfolding? Still, the episode does little to explore this tantalizing idea, leaving viewers yearning for more intriguing possibilities.

Frank’s letter adds layers to the story, hinting that he might have pieced together more about Brianna’s journey than previously believed, even raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his tragic end. The mystery of how Frank could foresee Brianna ever living in Lallybroch or when he might have accessed the desk adds depth to the narrative and evokes curiosity. Although her finding Frank’s letter in the books is equally improbable, the ensuing mystery makes for a much richer experience.

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