Warning: This discussion contains spoilers for the second episode of Outlander season 7 and the Outlander books. While Roger, Brianna, and their family successfully make their way to the 20th century in the second episode of Outlander season 7, there are indications that their lives will become more complex.
In the Outlander series, it seemed that the conclusion of the sixth novel, “A Breath of Snow and Ashes,” was reached with the episode’s ending. This episode featured Wendigo Donner’s intrusion at Fraser’s Ridge and a potential fire at Jamie and Claire’s home. Roger, Brianna, and their family seem to be heading for challenging times in Outlander season 7, which corresponds to the events in the seventh novel, “An Echo in the Bone.”
Despite living centuries apart, the eighth installment of the Outlander series hinted at a correspondence between Brianna and her parents through letters. These letters provided Roger and Brianna with insights into Jamie and Claire’s lives in North Carolina and were sent to Fiona Graham in Scotland.
However, the revelation of Jemmy’s knowledge about the hidden gold and its mention ultimately places Roger and Brianna’s firstborn in jeopardy in “An Echo in the Bone.” As a result of their time travel in Outlander season 7, which is based on the seventh book, Roger, Brianna, and their children will soon face danger. Brianna’s future employment inadvertently puts Jemmy at risk.
In “An Echo in the Bone,” Brianna becomes employed by the Hydro Electric Board as a plant inspector in the 1900s, where she crosses paths with Rob Cameron. When Rob stumbles upon Roger’s initial draft of “A Practical Guide for Time-Travelers” and a letter from Claire and Jamie to Brianna, mentioning the hidden gold, he devises a plan to kidnap Jemmy.
He makes it appear as though he transported Jemmy to the past using the stones to force Brianna to reveal the location of the gold. This plot development could lead to more time-travel elements in Outlander season 7 and place Jemmy in grave danger.
Even though Buck MacKenzie makes a return in “An Echo in the Bone” as someone in need of assistance to return home after his accidental journey into the future, Roger cannot forget the harm Buck once caused him. In the fifth season of Outlander, Buck accused Roger of adultery and had him hanged by the redcoats, making their reunion a problematic one. Roger had come dangerously close to death by hanging.
Being forced to aid the ancestor who had attempted to kill him is sure to have a profound impact on Roger. This is evident from the fact that he was unable to speak for months following the incident.
Therefore, season 7 of Outlander promises to deliver one of the most compelling character arcs for Roger to date.