Trigger Warning: This article discusses miscarriage and infant loss.
As Outlander season 8 approaches, it’s clear that the final chapter of the series may diverge significantly from Diana Gabaldon’s novels — though certain core storylines remain too important to ignore. Season 7 already marked a major shift from the books when the Starz adaptation suggested that Faith Fraser may have survived her stillbirth, signaling that season 8 is free to take bold creative liberties. Still, that doesn’t mean the final season will completely abandon the source material. Some canonical plot points remain vital and could play a crucial role in bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion.
Traditionally, each season of Outlander has closely followed one of Gabaldon’s books, but that structure began to blur in season 7. With the series set to end in season 8, the showrunners now face the challenge of tying together loose ends by selectively drawing from the final installments of the saga. The final 10 episodes are expected to lean primarily on Gabaldon’s ninth novel, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, though much of its content may be condensed or omitted. The real question is which storylines are essential enough to make the leap from page to screen.
10. Brianna, Roger, & Their Children Return To The Past
Brianna Is Reunited With Her Parents In The Books
Brianna and Roger went through an eventful journey in Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (book 8), much of which was reflected in Outlander season 7. By the finale, the couple was left considering their next move, and Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone suggests they ultimately travel back through the stones to reunite with Jamie and Claire at Fraser’s Ridge in 1779.
That reunion would undoubtedly be an emotional and joyful moment — and one that season 8 simply can’t afford to skip. Fortunately, all signs point to Brianna and Roger’s story heading in that direction on screen. It would also be a delight to see Brianna sharing 20th-century books with her family, as she does in Bees. Watching Sam Heughan’s Jamie discover The Lord of the Rings would be a charming and memorable touch.
9. The American Revolution Comes To North Carolina
Jamie Can’t Escape The War Entirely
Another storyline from Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone that Outlander season 7 has already started to build toward is the arrival of the American Revolution in North Carolina. In season 7, Jamie chooses to leave the Continental Army and return to Fraser’s Ridge after Claire is wounded, fully aware that the decision is unlikely to sit well with his commanding officers. The books confirm that his concerns are well founded.
Despite his violent and dramatic departure, Jamie ultimately has no choice but to don his uniform once again. As the Revolutionary War reaches North Carolina and closes in on Fraser’s Ridge, Jamie must step back into the conflict to defend his land and his family from British forces. In the novels, he gains a strategic advantage thanks to Brianna, who brings a history book from the future — written by Frank Randall — detailing the key Revolutionary War battles fought near the Frasers’ home.
8. Bree & William Get To Know One Another
These Siblings Deserve To Connect
Neither Brianna nor William have ever had a sibling, so the prospect is exciting for them. It would be frustrating if Outlander ended without fleshing out this brother-sister relationship. This could be even more interesting given the TV show’s new story about Faith Fraser. Seeing Brianna and William grow closer as they learn about another long-lost sibling would be a great way to wrap up these stories.
7. Claire & Fanny Develop Their Relationship
Claire & Fanny’s Relationship Will Be Even More Important In The Show
In Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Fanny is hesitant to trust Claire’s kindness and affection. Although the Frasers take the orphan in and care for her at Fraser’s Ridge, Fanny is deeply frightened when she gets her first period, believing it signals that Claire and Jamie might try to exploit her womanhood. Only after Claire makes it clear that such a thing would never happen does Fanny finally feel safe enough to settle in and truly become part of the family.
Exploring the bond between Fanny and Claire on screen could be even more compelling, especially after Outlander season 7 hinted at a possible biological connection between them. While this twist doesn’t exist in the books, the added mystery has the potential to deepen the storyline and bring new emotional layers to their relationship.
6. Ian & Rachel Travel To Visit The Mohawk
Ian’s Book Story Brings His Arc Full Circle
7Claire & Fanny Develop Their Relationship
Claire & Fanny’s Relationship Will Be Even More Important In The Show
7Claire & Fanny Develop Their Relationship
Claire & Fanny’s Relationship Will Be Even More Important In The Show
Outlander season 7 saw Young Ian marry Rachel Hunter, with the finale revealing that they are expecting a child. In Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, this storyline continues with the baby’s birth at Fraser’s Ridge. However, Ian’s family is still incomplete, as his first son, Swiftest of Lizards — also known as Ian James — remains with his mother, Emily, among the Mohawk.
When Ian and Rachel visit the Mohawk to make sure Emily and her children were not affected by a recent battle, Emily is honored with naming their newborn son. She also asks the couple to take Swiftest of Lizards back with them, believing it will keep him safe. This tender resolution brings emotional closure to Ian’s heartbreaking season 5 arc and feels like a moment Outlander season 8 simply cannot leave out.
5. Fergus & Marsali’s Return To Fraser’s Ridge
We Have Missed These Outlander Characters
Fergus and Marsali haven’t appeared on Outlander in a while, but Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone suggests their return may be imminent. In the book, the couple makes an extended visit to Fraser’s Ridge, joining in on some of the Fraser family’s adventures in the ninth installment. Fans can hope that season 8 will follow suit and bring them back to the screen.
As Jamie and Claire’s adopted son, it would be a shame for Fergus not to be reunited with them before the series concludes. Likewise, Marsali — Claire’s cherished daughter and Brianna’s sister — is a fan favorite, making her return all the more welcome.
4. Brianna’s Revelation About Captain Richardson
More Time Traveler Characters Are A Must
The Outlander books delve far deeper into the world of time-traveling characters than the TV series has so far. Alongside Master Raymond and Comte St. Germain, Captain Richardson — the man who warned John Grey about Claire’s impending arrest — is also a time traveler. While he once tried to enlist Claire to spy on the Greys, the novels reveal that his plans go much further.
In Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Brianna discovers that Captain Richardson is linked to the men who are harassing her in the 20th century. On the show, this storyline is condensed to Rob Cameron, who kidnapped Jemmy in search of the Jacobite gold. Including the broader time-travel intrigue of Richardson in season 8 would add an exciting and layered plotline for fans to enjoy.
3. Roger & Brianna Have Another Baby
Outlander Must Introduce Little Davy
Roger and Brianna have already raised two children in the 18th century, and Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone continues their growing family with the birth of a third child, David (nicknamed Davy). Unlike his siblings, Davy shows no signs of the time-traveling gene—meaning he will never exist in the 20th century.
This fact raises the stakes in the story, as the Frasers and MacKenzies can no longer rely on traveling to the future to escape danger. With the Revolutionary War closing in on North Carolina, Davy’s inability to time travel adds a critical tension that Outlander season 8 simply can’t omit.
2. Claire Healing A Dying Baby
Claire’s Healing Powers Must Come Into Play
In Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Claire delivered a set of twins on Fraser’s Ridge, but one appeared to be stillborn. Claire desperately clung to the baby, and, using her mysterious powers, sensed the softest spark within the child’s body. Claire’s magic seemed to draw from her love for Jamie and her painful memories of losing Faith. Before long, the spark of life grew, and baby began to breathe.
Claire’s powers aren’t as prominent in the Outlander TV show as in the books, but there are still hints throughout the on-screen story that she will perform a miracle at some point. Therefore, it would make sense for the baby to be a feature of Outlander season 8. Of course, given the big Faith tease in season 7, this book story may be replaced by a flashback of sorts showing how something similar happened to Claire’s baby.
1. Claire Using Her Power To Heal Jamie
Claire’s Greatest Miracle Would Be An Excellent Finale
The central event of Go Tell the Bees That I’m Gone is Jamie Fraser’s death in battle on Grandfather Mountain. Though he had read in a book by Frank Randall that this fate awaited him—yes, Frank knew that Jamie and Claire would reside at Fraser’s Ridge in the 1770s—Jamie chose to fight anyway. When Claire hears of his death, she searches for him and ultimately brings him back, using the same miraculous method she employed with their baby.
With Jamie restored and Claire embracing her magical abilities, Outlander could reach a deeply satisfying conclusion. While there is still one more book in Diana Gabaldon’s series, having Claire save Jamie from the brink of death could serve as a perfect climax for season 8. Although not strictly canon, the storyline surrounding little Faith could naturally inspire Claire to explore her healing powers, setting the stage for this powerful, emotional ending.
