Outlander season 7 just featured a world-shattering twist. Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan, has been a key part of the show since season 1, after he met Claire (Caitríona Balfe) as early as episode 1. The charming heir has been able to craft numerous subplots of his own, but his most recent story appears to have been his last. In Outlander’s season 7, episode 10 ending, Jamie is presumed dead after the Utopian’s tragic disappearance. Claire is devastated, but she is forced to set her grief aside to face a marriage proposal from John Grey (David Berry).
After the tragic conclusion, viewers immediately took to Twitter to share their reactions to the episode. Some denied Jamie’s death, but others had nothing but praise for the scripting and for Balfe’s brilliant performance.
What Jamie’s Death Means For Outlander
Jamie Has Always Been A Central Character
It is difficult to imagine Outlander without one of its leading characters. Jamie has been a constant presence and a major narrative influence. Season 7, part 2 still has six more episodes before its January 10, 2025 finale, and Outlander’s upcoming final season remains on the horizon. It would be a baffling decision to kill Jamie off with an entire season left to wrap up the show’s many arcs. Besides, Jamie is a constant character in the books that inspired the show. Removing him would be a massive divergence in what has been a fairly faithful show.
Balfe’s performance was devastating, and her reaction to losing Jamie feels realistic even when considering the idea that it is unlikely to last.
Regardless of Jamie’s potential survival, Claire will need to marry John Grey. After being confronted for treason, a third marriage is the only way to save her life. Unfortunately, that could have devastating consequences if Jamie actually returns. If so, he could find a close friend having replaced him as the new husband to his own wife. The tragedy would be compelling and would add to the drama that Outlander season 7’s reviews allude to.
Our Take On Jamie’s Shocking Outlander Death
Whether Jamie Is Alive Does Not Matter
Jamie’s potential survival is a key issue, yet the future and potential theories do not truly matter. What is most important is the reaction that viewers have had to this past episode. Balfe’s performance was devastating, and her reaction to losing Jamie feels realistic even when considering the idea that it is unlikely to last. For viewers and for Claire, Jamie is gone for the foreseeable future. That, alone, makes this episode brilliant. Through Jamie’s demise, the penultimate season of Outlander has already proven that it is truly emotional and compelling.