The Outlander book series has provided insight into Brianna’s future, yet there’s a sense of anticipation that the television adaptation might explore alternative paths. As we approach the final season, season 8 will mark the culmination of the romantic saga; however, this presents a unique dilemma given that author Diana Gabaldon has not yet concluded her literary series. While there remains one final novel to be released, it will come out after the final season of Outlander airs. Fortunately, Starz can still draw from existing book material for the upcoming episodes, though this may lead to different narrative choices for Brianna.
Currently, there are nine novels published in Gabaldon’s main series, with the television show having adapted most of the storyline from the first eight. The ninth book, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, serves as the basis for season 8. However, it’s important to recognize that this book does not provide a complete resolution for the series. Significant modifications have already begun, as seen in season 7 with the unconventional plot twist regarding Faith Fraser. While I typically prefer fidelity to the original material, my hope is that Brianna’s narrative in season 8 will steer clear of a pregnancy.
Brianna & Roger’s New Addition in the Books
Introducing Little Davy in Season 8
By the conclusion of season 7, Brianna and Roger are ready to venture back to 18th-century Fraser’s Ridge to reunite with Jamie and Claire, mirroring the events in the books. In Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Brianna’s story advances with her pregnancy, leading to the birth of their son, David William Ian Fraser MacKenzie.
The arrival of little Davy is a pivotal moment for the MacKenzie and Fraser families, significantly impacting the overarching narrative of the ninth book. Notably, Jemmy and Mandy realize that Davy does not inherit the time-traveling gene, which alters the stakes for Brianna and Roger; they can no longer escape back to the future when faced with peril. As critical as Davy’s birth is to the ongoing story, I sincerely hope that this plotline does not unfold in season 8.
A Pregnancy in Season 8 Would Undermine Brianna’s Narrative
Brianna’s Arc Should Go Beyond Motherhood
In Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Brianna navigates the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth, but with the final book forthcoming, season 8 should diverge from this focus. If the show introduces Brianna’s pregnancy, it risks defining her final arc by the mere act of giving birth to Davy. While this development may be beautifully captured in the books, I would prefer the series finale to delve deeper into Brianna’s multifaceted character.
Brianna’s character is clearly not solely defined by motherhood, and it’s one of the aspects of her personality that I find most engaging. In both the TV adaptation and the novels, she hints at being a key figure in a larger, unfolding narrative—such as the prophecy tied to the future Scottish king. Furthermore, her talents as an engineer and architect signal that her contributions to history could be transformative. Season 8 must provide a fitting resolution for Brianna, and a focus on Davy’s story might detract from achieving that goal.
Exploring New Adventures for Brianna in Season 8
The Series Can Hint at Future Events
While I don’t wish for Davy’s narrative to vanish from Outlander entirely, I advocate for a season 8 that explores different dimensions of Brianna’s journey. The creators have indicated a desire for the show to align with Gabaldon’s concluding book, suggesting that the storyline of season 8 will naturally transition into her anticipated release. This gives room for Brianna to embark on a unique adventure, and subsequently, the finale could pleasantly reveal her expecting another child.
In Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Brianna’s heart condition prevents her from engaging in time travel which could potentially be a plot point suited for future seasons of the show. However, there remains uncertainty about what specific adventures Brianna might undertake in season 8. Given the unresolved mystery surrounding Faith Fraser, it’s likely that this plot will dominate the show’s conclusion. Should Brianna not be a newly-minted mother, she could potentially utilize the stones to travel back to the time of Faith’s birth in France, possibly bringing vital information back to her mother regarding the events surrounding the baby. Such plot developments could inexplicably tie back to the overarching 200-year-old prophecy, expanding the narrative possibilities. The future is filled with potential—if only the show refrains from getting bogged down by Brianna’s established storyline.