DRLDeBoer

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OUTLANDER (2026) 810 01 The Fiery Cross

For the last time, Jamie lit a fiery cross to summon the clans of Frasers Ridge to battle. A newly sewn flag for an independent America hung over the door of the Masons Lodge.

Solemnly, silently, the assembled men watched it burn before answering the call.

“Je suis prest,” said The Fraser, quietly. I am ready.

“TÙLACH ÀRD!” shouted The MacKenzies. High hill!

“Air adhart le sealbh agus lìon an làngaid!” shouted The Murray for Fraser. Forward with good fortune, fill the laggard!

“Fulaing le treuntachd!” shouted another man, for Fraser of Lovat. Endure with bravery!

“Aut pax aut bellum!” shouted The Gunns Either peace or war!

Drawing his sword, James Fraser shouted Lovat's "Caisteal Dhùnaidh!" For Castle Downie!

The Scottish men answered it, "Sluagh-ghairm!" Battle cry of the dead!

And they continued shouting with Jamie, his sword held high. It wasn't just his own life. Some of these men were going to die.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 04 809 Fight

All Jamie knew how to do to protect his family, was to fight.

It pained him to do so, but it was time again to leave William with John and return to his fate on Frasers Ridge. This time, he could look back at William with confidence that everything would be well with his son. He also saw John's smile.

Back at the Ridge, they returned in time for Brianna's birthing a healthy baby boy, David. Another lovely grandson. What kind of future would this wee man have? He told Brianna about Frank's book prediction and she had her opinions. Yet this would be the battle to end the war, if Frank was right. He had to go. If the rebels won, the Ridge and everyone there would be safe. Brianna pleaded with him not to go, but he believed Frank wrote what he did because they had something in common: to protect her and all the children.

Later, Jamie found Claire hiding in the bedroom, writing in a journal. He first thought it was her medical but when she was hesitant about him seeing it, appeared to be something else. He supposed she was going to write a book. It was a hell of a beginning, if the opening words were any indication. Claire said she was writing their story.

People disappear all the time…

Their peaceful interlude was rudely interrupted by Cleveland outside, shouting for Jamie. The final battle was about to begin.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 03 809 Forgiveness

After watching Claire, John, and William in the boat and on the way back to Savannah, Jamie decided to forgive Lord John Grey for laying with his wife. John had kept on staring at him since his rescue, and Jamie thought that was what John was waiting for him to do, after thanking them for coming after him. "For the sake of our history, I couldnae let you die at the hands of that bastard. And I have to say that… I do forgive you. We need never speak of it again," Jamie told him. To Jamie's surprise, Claire turned away as if in disgust and John immediately shifted to being angry. "While I thank you for today's good deed, I do not forgive you! I do not forgive your pigheaded treatment of me for the past two years!" and he stormed off. Claire looked at him. "Pride cometh before a fall." Jamie was perplexed and suddenly angry himself. "Didnae quote the Bible at me, Claire."

"Look at me," Claire said, and he did. "Tell me you don't love that man, and I'll never say his name again." In his own way, yes, he did love John, for William, for his friendship, for his steadfast support. "Damn it, woman," he muttered, handing her his coat, and entered unannounced the drawing room where John was having a drink.

"I ken it's a Fraser family trait to be stubborn as a mule," Jamie offered as an opening and cover for his emotions. "My grandsire was said to have never apologised once in his life." Apparently, John knew that. Jamie got right to the point about John and Claire in bed together. He wanted to hear what went on from John's own lips. John said it was true, their union was about Jamie and nothing else. And Jamie had nearly beat John to death for it. Yes, Jamie had wronged John and he was rightfully angry about it. It was time to properly admit his failure and try to make amends. "I am sorry," he softly told John. He had seen the love between William and John and would forever be grateful for it. "You made William the man he is. What more can I do? Tell me." John looked at him. "My honour must be restored," he said mildly, rolling up his sleeves. Very well, Jamie would allow John to beat him as much as he needed. But instead, John directed Jamie to the chess board, back to where their friendship began at Ardsmuir.

Lord John Confronts Jamie | Outlander | Season 8

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OUTLANDER (2026) 02 809 Rescue

Jamie was not fond of boats, and they were not fond of him. He'd mostly outgrown his younger self's severe sea sickness but could never escape the twinge. That he was willing to go in a small boat without hesitation to rescue John said more about their relationship than any words. By her face Claire also remembered how he was with boats, but she didnae say a word as they clambered onto shore. They went carefully, knowing there must've been men guarding. Claire stopped and pulled out a spyglass to survey the boathouse Jamie spotted. She saw someone; William asked for the glass and when he looked, he said it was Richardson. He looked alone and was going fishing. Jamie knew this was their chance. He thought it would be safe for Claire to keep watch on Richardson while he and William went to get John.

Although he detested boats, Jamie didn't mind swimming and William did not seem to have difficulty. They silently came out of the water like selkies, taking the two guards completely by surprise. Wary about more, Jamie located a door and burst in, finding a bearded John leaping up in surprise. "You look good with a beard, John," he said dryly whilst dripping water. "You're no oil painting yourself," John retorted, staring at him. A heartbeat later William rushed in, going over to John and returning his ring. They embraced and Jamie was glad to see it. Jamie and William put dry clothes on and was leading John out of the boathouse when the door burst open by Richardson… a second later revealing Claire holding a pistol on him! Jamie put John's former irons on him and said they would take him to be court martialed as a traitor to both British and Continental sides of the war. John did not look happy about that plan. Jamie knew that dangerous look upon John's face and yet still handed him a pistol, asked him to search outside whilst Jamie retrieved the boat. He gave Claire a significant look and put the key on the table before leaving.

When Jamie returned, he was not surprised to find John had shot Richardson dead for trying to escape.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 01 809 Missing

While at Frasers Ridge, William received a message from Amaranthus Grey, his cousin's wife, saying Lord John was missing, she hadn't seen him in weeks. Jamie and Claire immediately decided to go with William to Savannah, see what could be done to find him. They arrived in record time, working right away to seek clues. Amaranthus said she had made inquiries of all obvious parties, bringing a newly arrived packet to their attention. She said the man who left it and other man inquiring after John wouldn't speak with her. After she excused herself to tend her baby, William opened the packet at Jamie's behest. It contained a threatening letter and some very damning documents about John's personal business. They were outraged someone would dare. Jamie told William nothing would become public knowledge if they got to John first. Whoever had him intended to keep him until his brother the Duke of Pardloe arrived. His kidnapping appeared to be to compel the Duke to change his opinion of the War. Claire noticed the signature "P. Wainwright" whom Jamie remembered being John's associate. They were going to pay the solicitor an abrupt visit.

William didn't waste any words on the man, and Jamie helped Percy Beauchamp understand that they wanted to know where John was, immediately, or there would be grave consequences. Clearly a coward, Percy said he didn't know, but upon further physical urgency gave up the name of Richardson, whom he called a madman. Captain Ezekiel Richardson, from Philadelphia. They all knew who this was. Furthermore, John had given Percy his ring for William, who took it in shock. "I've never once seen it off his hand." Jamie asked to examine it. Scratched on the inside surface was a word: PHAROS. Because they were educated, all three of them recognised the Greek word for lighthouse. Momentarily stumped, Jamie wondered where was there a lighthouse near Savannah amongst hundreds of estuaries? William knew of one, at Tybee Island. They would have to go by boat. Shaking with fright, Percy warned again about Richardson's turn against the American fight. He insisted John was still alive.

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SAM HEUGHAN in OUTLANDER (2026) 810 Series Finale Photos & Some Commentary

I will be fully blogging episodes 809 & 810, to make a complete record here of Jamie's tremendous TV story.

I thought I was ready to write my opinion of the TV finale. Not yet. Perhaps in another week.

I do mostly love the overall TV adaption of 8 Series, mainly because of the cast, wonderful music, locations, cinematography, but especially because of Sam. His consistent & excellent 12 year performance as Jamie is right up there with the best of other iconic character portrayals in screen history.

It is the ending the TV people wanted, but it's not my ending. I will be going to Diana Gabaldon's final book for that. Back to where I started.

The video below is a fitting TV compilation of the tenacity & endurance of my fave Outlander character, James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser.

Jamie Fraser vs Literally Everyone | Outlander | STARZ

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OUTLANDER (2026) 07 808 Father

The very next morning Jamie gladly took William up on his offer to go hunting with him. He did not know how to turn away the conversation from upsetting subjects; he just wanted to spend time with his son. A fine buck made his appearance known and Jamie was ready for him. He took care aim with the rifle and dropped him with a single shot. Grinning, he clasped William's shoulder, who seemed as delighted as he. As always, Jamie said a gralloch prayer in Gaelic, giving thanks for the bounty. When he finished, he looked back at William, who was pacing. Clearly there was something he wanted to say. "You alright, lad? Expect me to dress the creature?" William said he wanted to apologise for what he said at the river. Jamie looked at him as he slung his coat and fetched his field kit, then brushed it off. But William was earnest, detailing why he had been wrong. "Would you accept my apology?" Jamie sincerely smiled at William. "Gladly. We need never speak of it again." He knelt by the buck and prepared to get on with the business, but William wasn't finished. He started talking about Helwater, his boyish hero worship of "Mac the groom," how hurt he was when Jamie had just ridden away without a backward glance. "I am your son. I loved you. How could you leave me?"

Swallowing tears, Jamie told William he loved him too, but he had nothing to give a young boy except sorrow; he had been a Jacobite, a traitor, hated, no name, no money, naught but a life of pain. John was able to give him all that he couldn't. And yet, despite all that, if Jamie had looked back at Willie as he rode away, the sight of his face would have shattered his resolve. "And I have regretted it for years. I saw the man you'd become when you came with John. I ken the pain it caused you in the manner it was revealed. I'm deeply sorry for it. I hope you can forgive me."

William looked at him with tears in his eyes, stepped towards Jamie, who braced himself for a blow… and was instead engulfed by a bear hug. After so many missed years, Jamie held his son tightly in his arms and let him weep to release his pain. He silently thanked God for answering his prayers with this blessing.

William joined the Fraser family for Roger Mac's ordination ceremony.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 06 808 Help

Jamie continued to drill and help his Frasers Ridge militia men ready themselves for battle. It was one thing to learn how to do it; it was another to do it in the chaos, smoke, and fire. He was in the forest with his men when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw William riding towards them. He thought William had left the Ridge out of anger and was verra surprised yet gladdened. Sending the men to run the skirmish line again, Jamie walked over to meet William, who said he thought the men had potential. It was easy to practice on a sunny day in the woods.

A group of men suddenly walked out from the brush and Jamie recognised Mr. Whitaker, who had pledged his support as thanks for Claire helping his wife deliver twins. Jamie introduced him to William Ransom. Whitaker brought terrible news about Major Ferguson burning freemen villages when they refused to help the British. They had to flee. Jamie was sorry for it and asked how he could help. Mr. Whitaker said they were there to help Jamie, wanted to join the militia. He gladly accepted the help and turned to take them to the troops. William, who had been standing quietly and listening, suddenly and quite awkwardly asked if Jamie would like to go hunting with him. Surprised again, he said yes before William could change his mind. He had been praying for a reprieve.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 05 808 Fishing

William was a young man, but he was a fully grown man capable of making his own decisions and having to accept the consequences of them. Jamie remembered fiery Brianna at that age; he remembered himself at that age. He was verra glad to see William in the morning, on time, coming with him to go fishing. He had had the shaping of Willie until he was six years old; everything after that had been all Lord John Grey, who would tolerate nothing less in his son than a proper gentleman who keeps his word. Jamie would have to thank John for that and soon. He wanted all his affairs settled before Kings Mountain.

He didn't seem disinclined to talk, in fact William seemed to be enjoying himself so Jamie complimented his technique and ventured a story of common reference about everyone's same "secret" fishing spot at Helwater called Devil's Beak. The abundance of trout in that little pool made for a good fish story to boast about who caught more. It was going very well until William mentioned his father John and became downcast. Apparently he'd had a falling out, affirming when Jamie hesitantly asked. He could guess the private nature of it, and asked it delicately. As he had observed, William was a young man who had seen army life. He looked Jamie in the eye and blurted it right out: he'd discovered John was a sodomite. John wasn't given to being indiscreet so it must've been something very serious indeed. When Jamie didn't flinch at this news William became upset that he already knew. William wasn't a stupid man; he immediately asked about Ardsmuir, jumped to conclusions about himself. No, Jamie never had any liasion in his long history with John. As a Catholic Jamie didn't approve of it but it was John's own personal business. "He's one of the best men I know," Jamie told William. "He's been your father, loved you with his heart and soul, given you everything he had to give."

"Except the truth," William Ransom spat, shoving the rod at Jamie and stalking off. "In that, you and he are exactly the same."

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OUTLANDER (2026) 04 808 Prodigal

William James Fraser was now Jamie's only living son. Of course he was welcome on Frasers Ridge and in his house. He wondered at the abrupt arrival seemingly heaven sent as balm for his deep grief over Fergus but reasons became apparent when Frances eagerly greeted William and wished to hear his stories, and William formally asked to call upon Brianna. He wasn't there for Jamie, yet he had the strong feeling this was his last opportunity to mend the relationship with his son before going into a potentially fatal battle.

Supper was a wonderful experience, with so many of his beloved family present. William, who once courted Rachel and was a friend of her doctor brother Denzell, gave a toast congratulating her happiness with Ian Og. Jamie thanked him for it. In Claire's opinion, William fit right in. Jamie did not intend on wasting the positive momentum and toasted all the good things happening, including William's arrival. He later asked William if he'd like to go fishing with him. He was reluctant because the last time they fished together, he had been a lad and they ran into some Cherokee, whom Jamie had told he was William's father. William thought he had been lying to protect him, then learned the truth years later. He was resentful but Jamie would always protect him. He refused the invitation, then made the mistake of bringing Brianna into the conversation. Canny Bree saw what was happening, told William she couldn't ride a tour with him till afternoon. Jamie jumped in with a sudden rule about guests catching supper. With Bree and Roger affirming it, William couldn't gracefully refuse again and Jamie said he expected to see him in the morning.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 03 808 Preparation

Jamie studied Frank's book like it was the Bible. If it was written for their advantage, he needed to wring every last word out of it. The maps were definitely invaluable in terms of planning. The militia volunteers from Frasers Ridge and elsewhere also needed drilling and training before the battle, which Jamie and his kin gladly provided.

Brianna was hard at work on the rifle modification and a fortnight later, she had a working model. Jamie wanted to test it himself, of course, but Bree preferred a race. As promised, she was able to load and shoot in half the time as Jamie could load a British Regular's gun. Jamie wasn't just proud of Brianna, he was also more hopeful than he'd been in weeks. This would make a real difference in improving their chances of victory without many casualties. Including his own. He wanted to learn how to work it immediately.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 02 808 Deadeye

They were examining the quality of the rifles Bree and Roger Mac had brought back from Savannah, courtesy of the Continental Army, when Buck commented that he never knew a woman with so much firearm knowledge. Jamie mentioned Frank's book said British Major Fergusen had invented a breech loader, showed where on the rifle. Brianna, educated in engineering at a place she called M I T, felt certain she could modify these older rifles to be breech loaders after a 19th Century American model Frank had shown her, instead of the ball and powder barrel packing they currently needed. Guns could be reloaded in half the time it now took, a significant advantage in battle. Jamie had to acknowledge that Frank had prepared her to do things in this time, knowing she would eventually choose to find him.

Roger offhandedly remarked that Bree's father Frank had called her "Deadeye" when she was a child, after her natural aim.

Frank Randall's book was dedicated "For My Dearest Deadeye."

Frank didn't write his history book for Jamie OR Claire.

He wrote it for Brianna.

Jamie told Claire about it. She agreed. It was a warning, because Frank knew Jamie would continue to protect Brianna.

Then Jamie told Claire something he'd never mentioned before: he used to pray for Frank, because he'd sent Claire and Brianna back to him so that they would be safe. Jamie needed him to protect them, so he needed God to protect Frank. Maybe this book was Frank's way of praying for them here. Furthermore, Claire said her going back enabled her to become a surgeon capable of saving Jamie's life if it came to it on Kings Mountain. Though they hadn't been able to change history's course, perhaps the small or insignificant things to history could be changed. Jamie was amused by the thought of him being insignificant. But he wanted to live, so they would certainly try.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 01 808 Son

Marsali MacKimmie Fraser agreed, so Jamie buried Fergus' casket right next to the cairn Frances had started building for them both. It was fitting because Jamie was burying a large piece of his heart with it. Claire had gone ahead to tend the wake; only he and Marsali remained graveside after Roger Mac's uplifting service. Marsali offered him a nip of whisky; she had already had a few for her nerves and would probably have much more after they went to the house. No one deserved to suffer a loss like this, least of all a wife. With everything that was happening, he thought about it a lot, including when it had happened to Claire in Philadelphia, when she thought he was dead. When John thought he was dead. He took a dram and remembered his son.

The rain used to make Fergus' missing hand ache. Marsali had a more amusing story about rain. Fergus had had the devil's own sense of humour, for which Jamie took no credit, only for his stubbornness. He had made the child into a man of whom he was proud, who was his son in every way that mattered. Jamie was surprised when Marsali told him she was going to claim Fergus' inheritance from Le Comte St. Germain, his natural father, use the money to rebuild the print shop for herself and her children, and continue the work of rebellion. Marsali passionately wanted freedom, same as the new country of America wanted. Jamie understood that, also proud of his step daughter's courage and resolve.

All along, Jamie thought Fergus didn't want the Comte’s money because it would have come from a villain. Marsali made an annoyed Scottish noise and told him no, that was not the reason; he had never wanted to call another man his father. He was already the son of a great man, he'd said. Aye, Fergus Fraser was Jamie's son, then, now, and forevermore, and no paper or anything in this world would change that. Marsali accepted his conclusion, and wanted to speak to her husband alone. Jamie smiled at his step daughter and departed after giving her a brief gesture of support.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 07 807 Memories

Where was Jamie's faith now?

What he expected to be a joyous and welcome reunion with his son, daughter, son-in-law, step daughter, and grandchildren, became a homecoming literally wreathed in Fergus' ashes. He held his children and grandchildren tight, Marsali weeping for them both as he only felt numbness at the enormity of it. Since a boy liberated from the Parisian brothel, Fergus Claudel Fraser had been Jamie's son in every way except body: the son of his name, the son of his heart. He had declared it thus in front of witnesses. No one would ever change it. And now, in the prime of his life, Fergus was just… gone.

As Jamie built a casket that would never hold Fergus' body, other recent losses rose unbidden in his thoughts. Ian Og, who was as close to him as a son, searching for his own young son who might have been killed by this war. Cunningham's dead son, so deeply mourned that the father was deluded by a belief in a vision of immortality. His own son William, once known to him as Willie and named for his own beloved dead brother, who now wanted nothing to do with him which terribly grieved him as much as his anger at John Grey did. The anger at it all bubbled up, breaking his composure to match his shattered heart.

He threw away the hammer, tore off his spectacles, and gripped the pine box, unable to stop himself from seeing the massive flood of Fergus memories, both good and bad. Jamie feared what might happen next when Frances appeared at the shed. "Come with me."

Trying to hide his emotional torrent, Jamie went with the lass and saw she had started a cairn for Fergus, like he had shown her how to do for Jane. Picked a bonny place for it, too. Even though Frances had only known Fergus briefly, she understood this loss. Like Fergus himself, and William, perhaps God had indeed sent this child to him for a reason. She called him Grandda. He took the stone she gave him, put it on the cairn, and felt his heart ease a little bit as he took her small hand in his.

"Thank you… mo chridhe."

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SAM HEUGHAN in OUTLANDER (2026) 810 Finale Preview, 809 Official Stills, BTS, New Portraits, & Commentary

810 Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn40Fkk0VwQ

810 Episode Synopsis "And the World Was All Around Us" Jamie and Claire must protect the home that they've made for themselves and trust in the love that binds them.

STARZ did a new photo dump ahead of the series finale, here are my faves from the batch!

809 Commentary: The 100th episode! I LOVE the BTS pix. Jamie with his unbound drying hair! Regardless of the finale, I think PHAROS will remain my fave episode of Season 8 because John and Jamie restored their friendship. My favourite Diana Gabaldon book is The Scottish Prisoner; after Claire, even Murtagh and Ian Mhor, it's Jamie's most relevant relationship. He finally said it: without Lord John Grey's intervention, none of this life would have been possible. Jamie would likely have died in prison. John simply did everything for Jamie because he loved him, knowing Jamie would never return that love in kind. However, Jamie gave him William, whom John called a gift. Claire recognised John's love for Jamie a long time ago and knew Jamie loved John too, in his own way. It's why she agreed to that absurd marriage. Everything about this episode gave me Jamie story satisfaction, even if it left more questions about the wider story. Does time resist being changed by the avid travelers? Was Percy’s wife one of Claire's time trotting Beauchamp family? Guess we'll never know.

Final Season Preview | Outlander | Season 8 | STARZ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWhrKJlzWmQ

Photos courtesy Outlander TV News & STARZ https://www.outlandertvnews.com

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OUTLANDER (2026) 06 807 Faith

When Frances didn't come down to dinner, Claire discovered she'd gone. Jamie had a good idea where. He and Claire went to Jane's cairn and sure enough, Frances was there, talking to Jane. Jamie thought perhaps Frances didn't believe the wild story, but she said she did. Once again fretting about the lost bit of lace, she was most upset that she had lost her whole family, and now that the Frasers were her family, she feared losing them too. It was hard, and Jamie felt he should speak about the concept of faith: God says it is the evidence of things not seen. Clearly the lass had not been raised as Catholic. Jamie asked Frances to have faith in Claire and him.

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OUTLANDER (2026) 05 807 Lace

Given his history, Jamie decided to err on the side of truth and allow Frances to read the letter with the notes from the interview. As he suspected, as she read she felt as if Jane was speaking to her. Furthermore, Frances deserved to know who they were as well, in relation to Jane's story. They were indeed her natural grandparents. It was a lot for the lass to take in, but it was the truth. Claire tried to explain how this had happened, and Jamie could see how much it pained her to recall those memories, how she had been lied to about Faith. Claire alluded to life being like the lace veil Frances' grandmother had unknowingly made for her, which she had left in Paris, both fragile and strong, with gaps and threads beautifully binding them all together. Lace was hard to tear apart, like their family.

Frances abruptly got up and said she was going to her room. His own emotions in turmoil at Claire's heart wrenching recall of memories, Jamie suddenly questioned his commitment to the truth. "Perhaps we should have waited."