Outlander Season 7 Episode 8 Review: Turning Points

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

It seems only fitting for Outlander to exit mid-season on a high note after delivering one of the best runs of its existence.

Written by Luke Schelhaas and Matthew B. Roberts, Outlander Season 7 Episode 8, “Turning Points,” embraces an explosive blockbuster-type finale on the front lines of its long-teased Revolutionary War.

This farewell, propelled forward by heart-pounding action and melodrama, embraces a lighter fanfare that makes the horrors of war feel weightless next to such a momentous homecoming.

Stupid Hero Complex

Sam Heughan’s material certainly hasn’t been under-represented this season; he has simply had to share the stage with many new and exciting characters.

But “Turning Points” is for Jamie Fraser — a love letter to his heritage.

This episode gives Heughan excellent material, from calculated battle scenes to emotional reunions with his kin. It isn’t easy to show new sides to a character we have known for years, yet unique aspects of Jamie’s noble Scotsman persona surface with each scene.

The choice to follow the tearful farewell to his red-coat cousin with an equally poignant goodbye to his son is perfect. Jamie’s accidental cheekiness as he hands William the hat he shot off his head, followed by a subtle stab of sorrow in his eyes, is memorizing to watch unfold.

We have Jamie’s veteran, earnest perspective to thank for getting us through another war unscathed.

The Newcomers

Indeed, the most intriguing aspect of this season has been watching the new characters win us over rather effortlessly.

This season, the crown jewel of character additions goes to Charles Vandervaart’s William Ransom.

Stepping into Outlander‘s pre-established world as the secret son of Jamie Fraser is no easy hurdle to overcome. However, William has struck the perfect mixture of empathy and unease as he questions his role in this story at every turn.

The captivating look of confusion he gives Jamie in their first real interaction suggests further greatness is on the horizon as he collides with the Fraser clan.

The same applies to Joey Phillips’s Denny and Izzy Meikle-Small’s Rachel.

The siblings are a refreshing tonal change from the Fraser’s Ridge residents. In fact, they exemplify this season’s lighter exploration of history.

Their kindness is infectious, and Denny has done wonders to help bring Claire’s medical training to the forefront. Plus, their religion as Quakers is present, but it doesn’t define them — a refreshing change for the secondary ensemble.

Despite Denny forbidding Rachel from humoring Ian, how the two siblings consider her options together in an open discussion is far more wholesome than anything the Christies offered last season.

Adding these three characters to the ensemble has greatly improved Outlander‘s quality of life this season.

Wins and Losses

“Turning Points” exemplifies all that worked wonderfully throughout this season and what didn’t quite work.

Just as Allan’s confession in the opening beats of Outlander Season 7 Episode 2, “The Happiest Place on Earth,” fell flat, this episode’s opening lacks the precision to justify its abrupt entry.

As a viewer, it’s not enjoyable to be thrown into the thick of these disorienting intros without time to process what is happening. We don’t get clarification that Jamie is lying on that battlefield.

Outlander could have afforded us a brief scene where Claire sees the troops return without her husband. Instead, we have seconds to process the situation before Claire brandishes a sword at the assailants preparing to gut her half-dead husband.

Additionally, it airs on the side of soap opera melodrama. Caitriona Balfe can sell anything, but this scene’s velocity does Claire dirty.

Furthermore, the same could be said for Rachel and Ian.

The developments of their relationship are adorable, and you cannot help but root for these crazy kids. Yet, the accelerated pacing escalates the quirks of their dynamic with bursts of intense emotion.

Additionally, the last few episodes have balanced two very different realities for the Fraser clan. However, Brianna and Roger’s most exciting hour is sidelined almost completely when it counts.

Updates on Jem’s kidnapping come sparingly, with the storyline expected to be resolved later. Not only is a wait like that a dangerous momentum killer but Brianna and Roger’s scenes feel out of place as they appear so infrequently.

And if you introduce such a stellar character like Buck, you don’t leave his fans hanging.

A Scottish Homecoming

This is the weaker episode of Season 7, although it still manages to be one of the best episodes of the series.

So many factors contribute to its excellence, with each character getting to showcase what worked best for them in short tableaus. And to conclude with a triumphant Scotland homecoming amplifies all the beauty this mid-season finale holds.

It is a return to form that is seasons in the making. Yet Outlander surprises us with the good news during the most unlikely hour.

Finally, when the Scottish highlands come into focus, and the Frasers beam with gratitude, it puts into perspective the themes this season has preached: the outcome will be worth the suffering. Indeed, Scotland is the reward that will put any pitfalls to bed.

After several wars and a whole lot of suffering later, sticking by Outlander‘s side has proven a great victory.

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What did you think of the mid-season finale of Outlander? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Part 2 of Outlander Season 7 is expected to premiere in 2024.

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