Warning! Spoilers for Outlander season 7, episode 15 ahead!

In <em>Outlander</em> season 7, episode 15, Roger faced significant backlash for a crucial decision he made, but ultimately, this choice saved the series from a highly controversial moment from the books. This instance highlights how the Starz TV adaptation diverges from Diana Gabaldon’s original storyline, albeit in a beneficial way. The nuanced alteration in Roger’s decision-making not only shifted the trajectory of his and Buck’s narrative in 1739 but also led to a more heartwarming conclusion for Buck’s character arc as the season progressed. Although Buck expressed anger towards Roger in this episode, the overall development of his character became more meaningful as a result of this change.

Earlier in the season, Roger and Buck traveled back in time, desperately searching for Jemmy, who had been abducted by Rob Cameron. Unbeknownst to them, Rob had not taken Jem through the stones, but their journey to the 18th century proved to be far from fruitless. It became evident that both Roger and Buck had a significant role to play in the past. Roger was tasked with rescuing his father, Jeremiah, and ensuring he returned to his own time, while Buck inadvertently secured his own existence by facilitating the meeting between his parents. It wasn’t until Outlander season 7, episode 15 that Buck learned of this pivotal connection.

Roger’s Decision to Withhold Buck’s Parentage Led to Unforeseen Consequences

Buck Remained Unaware of His True Parentage: Geillis and Duncan

When Roger encountered Geillis Duncan and Dougall MacKenzie in 1739, he was acutely aware that they were Buck’s biological parents. Their union would eventually lead to the conception of Roger’s ancestor, which would play a pivotal role in Claire’s arrival in the 20th century. Unfortunately, Geillis was arrested while pregnant and later executed after Buck’s birth, leaving him to be raised by another family. Consequently, Buck grew up completely oblivious to his true parentage, unaware that his encounters with Geillis and Dougall were with his own kin. Roger had the opportunity to reveal this truth to Buck after they left Geillis’ home in Outlander season 7, but he chose to remain silent instead.

When Roger finally revealed Buck’s parental identities in Outlander season 7, episode 15, Buck’s reaction was one of fury. He realized that this was his sole opportunity to connect with his parents, which Roger had unjustly denied him. Roger attempted to justify his secrecy by expressing concern that revealing this information might alter the timeline, potentially preventing Buck, Roger, Jem, or any of their descendants from ever being born. This reasoning is rather weak, especially considering that Roger has witnessed firsthand that historical events cannot truly be changed, only confirmed. Nonetheless, Roger’s decision to withhold this information served to propel the storyline forward.

Roger’s Secret Prevented Buck from Experiencing a Disturbing Moment from the Outlander Books

Buck’s Reunion with His Mother Wasn’t as Heartwarming as Anticipated

In the original Outlander books, Roger did not keep this secret for long. Buck discovered the identities of his parents much earlier and was even able to meet them under the full understanding of their relationship. While this scenario may sound like a poignant reunion, it diverged significantly from author Diana Gabaldon’s original vision. Instead of a touching moment, Buck’s encounter with his mother turned into an inappropriate and disturbing situation. The two shared a kiss, and Buck took advantage of the moment by engaging in inappropriate physical contact with Geillis, even allowing her to guide his hand to her bare body. Following this encounter, Buck eagerly recounted his shocking experience to Roger.

Buck’s unsettling situation reflects a theme known as Oedipus syndrome, which has appeared in various literary works throughout history—but that doesn’t diminish its repulsiveness. The Starz adaptation of Outlander has not shied away from graphic content, yet including incestuous relationships of this nature would have clashed with the narrative of Roger and Buck’s adventure in 1739. By having Roger maintain this secret until it was too late for Buck to engage with Geillis or Dougall again, the series made a wise choice to bypass this uncomfortable storyline entirely. Although it may seem unfair for Roger to keep this vital information from Buck, it ultimately spared him from a deeply unsettling encounter.

Buck’s Journey in Outlander Season 7 Concludes on a Heartwarming Note

Roger’s Secret Preserved the Wholesome Nature of Buck’s Journey

After a period of reflection in Outlander season 7, episode 15, Buck eventually forgave Roger for his secret. He seized the moment to write a heartfelt letter to his mother, expressing his frustration at never having the chance for closure. Buck reminded Roger that his existence was secure and could not be altered, as their presence in 1739 had already led to the consequential meeting of Geillis and Dougall, thus ensuring his own lineage. Buck eloquently articulated that Roger and Jem, as his descendants, were as dear to him as sons, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding their family.

This resolution provided a far more touching ending for Buck’s journey in 1739 than the original storyline, which included the inappropriate encounter with his mother. Throughout Outlander, Buck and Roger have developed a profound bond, which is much more meaningful without being overshadowed by Roger’s disgust over Buck’s actions. While deviations from the source material are often met with scrutiny, this is a prime example of an exception where the changes significantly enhanced the narrative. Buck’s storyline in the Outlander books is undoubtedly uncomfortable, but the choice to take a different path in the television adaptation ultimately proved to be a far more favorable outcome, facilitated by Roger’s pivotal secret.

Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst political intrigue and danger, she navigates life in the past and becomes torn between loyalty to her husband and the love for a dashing young warrior.

See also  What ‘Love Is Blind’ Needs To Fix in Light of That Trevor Issue

Source link