Claire’s Shocking Revelation: Did Faith Survive After All?

Attention: This discussion reveals all crucial plot points from the 16th and final episode of Outlander season 7 titled “A Hundred Thousand Angels,” so proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

This article contains a mention of stillbirth that some readers may find distressing.

The seventh season of Outlander has drawn to a conclusion, leaving behind echoes of Claire’s (Caitriona Balfe) former experiences.

In the episode named “A Hundred Thousand Angels,” Claire faced a near-death situation when Denzell (Joey Phillips) performed a daring operation to keep her alive. Fortunately, she recovered quickly and managed to pull through.

However, during her healing process, Claire received a visit from an acquaintance as Master Raymond (Dominique Pinon) stopped by to check on her while she lay in bed recuperating.

Or simply:
While recovering, Claire was visited by an old friend – Master Raymond (Dominique Pinon), who came to see her in bed.

In the midst of her recovery, a familiar figure appeared at her bedside – it was Master Raymond (Dominique Pinon).

Each of these options maintains the original meaning while aiming for clarity and ease of reading.

In my current situation, I found myself struggling to distinguish dreams from reality. Yet, unexpectedly, there was Master Raymond standing by my bedside, which left me astonished.

As a cinephile putting words to thoughts, I’d say: I found myself standing before her, expressing my wish to seek her pardon. The question on Claire’s lips was, ‘What brings you here?’ Yet, the real query that lingered was one of purpose.

Later on, he responds with, “One day, you’ll understand this,” and right when she ponders his words, a quick snapshot of a blue heron soaring above Claire unexpectedly appears.

In season 2, don’t you recall that Master Raymond and the blue heron were present in an especially moving episode titled Faith?

In the mentioned episode, Claire mourned the loss of her stillborn infant. After waking from a lengthy sleep while unwell, she learned that Sister Hildegarde had performed a baptism for the child, naming her Faith, allowing her to receive burial within the church grounds.

As a dedicated fan, I find myself reminiscing about moments similar to those in season 7 part 2, where my character, Claire, was on the mend. However, it wasn’t until season 2 that we experienced a scene mirroring this, as Master Raymond, an apothecary of great mystery, stealthily entered my room for healing purposes. In those days, all I could perceive were the azure wings of a heron bird, which Master Raymond revealed to be a sign of recovery and healing.

In season 2, following several weeks of recuperation, Claire finds herself assisting the King in the trials involving Master Raymond and Count St. Germain, who are both suspected of practicing sorcery. Seizing this chance to rescue Master Raymond (who had previously saved her own life) and eliminate St. Germain, the King commands Master Raymond never to return to France again.

So, what does Master Raymond’s appearance in the season 7 finale mean?

Upon waking up, Claire shares with Jamie her encounter with Master Raymond and reveals that he was by her side during the time she nearly perished following the loss of Faith. Jamie then suggests, “Perhaps that’s why you had dreams about him.

Claire ponders deeply after Jamie poses the question if she might meet Faith upon her passing someday. This idea brings a mix of smiles and tears to her eyes, as Jamie reassures her that they will indeed reunite with their daughter in time.

Later in the episode, Claire was set for another glimpse into the past (specifically season 2) as she experienced a flashback. Following Jane’s (Silvia Presente) demise, her younger sister Fanny (Florrie May Wilkinson) is left alone. As a result, Jamie and Claire choose to take her in and journey back to Fraser’s Ridge with Fanny accompanying them.

Claire and Fanny, both mourning their losses, share reminiscences of the past. Fanny recalls her mother and dragonflies, while Claire listens intently. With few possessions to her name, Fanny reveals a locket to Claire, containing an image of her mother. Seeing it, Claire appears slightly puzzled. Upon flipping the locket over, she notices that it bears the inscription ‘Faith.’

The next morning, just before everyone was about to depart, Claire found herself taken aback upon hearing Fanny hum I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside within the confines of the church. A memory from season 2 resurfaced as Claire, in a similar situation, cradled her stillborn child while singing that very same melody.

Drawing nearer to Fanny while her eyes filled with tears, Claire inquired as to how Fanny knew the tune. “My mom taught it to me,” Fanny replied to Claire.

Jamie informs them that they’re all set and prepared to depart, however, a series of scenes unfold: Master Raymond assuring Claire they will reunite, images of a soaring blue heron, Claire cradling Faith in her arms, and Fanny’s golden locket adorned with Faith’s image.

Jamie inquires of Claire, wanting to know what’s troubling her, as tears stream down her face, she approaches him while casting occasional glances towards Fanny.

“I think Faith lived. I think our daughter lived,” she says.

Given that the song was originally recorded in 1909, which predates Claire and Jamie by more than a century, it is indeed puzzling why Fanny would be familiar with it. This raises the possibility that their daughter might have survived after all. Could it be that Fanny and Jane’s mother was actually Faith?

In other words, the last season may not follow the exact ending as depicted in the books, which means the creators of the TV show might introduce unexpected emotional twists and turns.

There’s a chance Claire’s theory might prove significant; we’ll discover if it’s true in season 8.

2025-01-18 12:05

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