As the beloved series Outlander nears its conclusion, excitement builds for its anticipated spinoff, Blood of My Blood, set to premiere in the summer of 2025. The eighth and final season of Outlander is expected to air later this year, leaving viewers eager to see how Claire and Jamie’s saga unfolds and concluding whether additional spinoffs may arise, especially given that Starz has yet to fully explore the rich tapestry of Diana Gabaldon’s literary universe.
The current narrative has left fans with many unanswered questions, particularly about key characters and their arcs. This is especially true for Master Raymond, portrayed by Dominique Pinon, whose appearances have provoked curiosity about his importance in Claire’s journey. After his return in the finale of season 7, it’s clear that his character is integral to the overarching narrative of time travel within Gabaldon’s books. Fortunately, Pinon has confirmed his return in the upcoming season 8, expressing his hope that this intriguing character might someday lead his own dedicated spinoff.
A Spinoff Centered on Master Raymond: A Perfect Fit for Outlander
Dominique Pinon Underscores the Potential of His Character
In a discussion with Télé-Loisirs, Pinon highlighted the novella, The Space Between, which offers deeper insights into Master Raymond’s character. Released in 2013, this story follows Joan MacKimmie and Michael Murray as they navigate life in France, featuring Master Raymond prominently. This novella suggests that he possesses a fascinating background as a prehistoric time traveler, possibly linked to notable characters like Claire Fraser and Geillis Duncan. Pinon expressed enthusiasm for revisiting this material, considering it a rich foundation for a potential spinoff:
The translation of his quote from French reads:
“I would like them to call me back. I learned that Diana Gabaldon had written a novel or a short story centered on my character. I would like them to do something with it. If it happens, great, if it doesn’t, too bad.”
Pinon’s willingness to reprise the role of Master Raymond in a potential series is an encouraging sign. This character holds the key to unlocking many of Outlander’s enduring mysteries, and it’s clear that the limited episodes in season 8 may not suffice to adequately explore his narrative depth. Although Blood of My Blood is currently at the forefront, the adaptation of The Space Between seems to be a compelling direction for the franchise.
Season 7 of Outlander Establishes a Foundation for a Master Raymond Series
Season 7 Laid the Groundwork for The Space Between Narrative
As previously noted, the characters Joan MacKimmie and Michael Murray—featured in Gabaldon’s The Space Between—appear in season 7 of Outlander. During their time in Scotland, Jamie helped Joan join a convent in France, while Michael offered to accompany her to Paris, seamlessly leading into the events from the novella. This sets the stage for a spinoff that could easily continue the narrative started in season 7, prolonging the connection to the series’ earlier arcs.
Not only does this venture engage with Master Raymond’s captivating mystery, but it also captures the essence of Outlander‘s unique storytelling, which thrived during its second season. The vibrant portrayal of Jamie and Claire within 18th-century Parisian society provided a delightful mix of glamour and grit. A spinoff that revisits this enchanting setting would resonate strongly with longtime fans.
The Potential for Additional Outlander Spinoffs Beyond Blood of My Blood
Exploring New Frontiers in the Outlander Franchise
The introduction of Blood of My Blood suggests an initial restraint on the possibility of further spinoffs. This new series focuses on the parental lineage of Jamie and Claire across various timelines, providing an engaging narrative perspective. However, this story will not directly adapt any of Gabaldon’s earlier works, primarily relying on lore from the main show while embarking on a largely original path. Nonetheless, this could be a strategic move to pave the way for additional spinoff opportunities.
Should Blood of My Blood resonate positively with viewers, Starz may look to broaden the Outlander universe. Fans have long been vocal about a series centered around Lord John Grey, stemming from Gabaldon’s own spinoff novels. There’s also considerable interest in exploring the lives of Roger and Brianna’s children as they grow older. The potential for expansion within this beloved franchise is vast, but it appears that a complete exploration of Master Raymond’s story will take precedence. The future remains uncertain, but the prospects are undeniably thrilling.