Outlander fans complain minutes into ‘awkward’ season 8 debut
Outlander fans have shared their thoughts on the first episode of the show’s final ever season.
Outlander season eight has at last premiered, though a number of fans aren’t particularly pleased with the opening instalment.
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Outlander.
Over two years have elapsed since Outlander’s last series launched, and now Starz and MGM+ have delivered its poignant comeback for its concluding season.
The opening episode, Soul of a Rebel, begins with Jamie (played by Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) encountering a man named Vasquez (Miguel Alvarez) under the guise of discussing whiskey business with him.
Yet the couple simply wish to extract information from him concerning Jane and Fanny (Florrie May Wilkinson), and consequently their daughter Faith, whom they had presumed was deceased.
Jamie indicates his interest in entering the prostitution trade and enquires how he came to sell the girls to the brothel.
Outlander season eight’s first episode saw Jamie and Claire meet with a smuggler who had taken Jane and Fanny. (Image: MGM )
READ MORE: Outlander season 8 cast from Silent Witness star to Ackley Bridge actress
READ MORE: Inside Outlander’s family tree as Jamie Fraser’s children explained
Jamie and Claire Fraser believe that Fanny is their granddaughter in Outlander season eight. (Image: MGM )
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Vasquez reveals that he abducted the sisters from their father, who captained a vessel that he raided, and hurled their mother, Faith, overboard to her demise.
Claire rapidly becomes furious and, despite her pledge to never take a life again, she seizes a knife and fatally wounds Vasquez.
Yet certain Outlander enthusiasts weren’t satisfied with this opening sequence, with one viewer posting to Reddit: “I hated the first scene.
It seemed overly melodramatic, like they’re trying to hook people who haven’t seen the show before. It bordered on corny; I was cringing.
“And the very convenient exposition without any background into HOW they found out the information about the smuggler.”
Another concurred: “The first scene was TERRIBLE! Felt like an afterthought added later.
“Also, the fact that Claire killed that guy when she had taken an oath not to kill just didn’t make sense. Next scene, she’s waking up to the grandkids! What!?!”
Meanwhile, others grumbled about how the first episode was filmed, with a fellow viewer noting: “Some of the shots and acting seemed a bit awkward, but I’m still glad to have Outlander back!”
Outlander season eight’s Jamie and Claire Fraser. (Image: MGM )
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Another echoed: “I noticed the camera work was way different. It felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie or something?”
“Yessss! Why did it feel cheesy? ! Even Sam and Cait, and how they moved through the space, was forced.”
Whilst another added, “Ok, I was wondering if it was just me. There was definitely something different about the filming method, no clue what they did differently though.”
Nonetheless, there’s still been plenty of affection for the show’s return: “Overall, there was so much I loved about the episode!”
“I don’t disagree with those saying it felt a little rushed/disjointed, but the reunions all made me so happy, and I have no problem with this new episode back serving mostly to set up the main plot lines going forward.
“So I think it was a strong start to the season, even if all the pieces aren’t quite cohesive yet.”
Another viewer commented on X, formerly Twitter: “I love the way the Faith plot has been handled. Not too long on it, and focusing on what parents would hope for. The reunions are most definitely the icing on the cake during the #Outlander Season 8 premiere.”
A fellow fan wrote: “Great to have this wonderful show back.And what an episode. Things revealed and set up for future excitement.”
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