6 Storylines to Expect in ‘Outlander’ Season 5, According to the Books

Jessica Napoli February 13, 2020, 5:00 pm

Comments

[Warning: The following contains potentially MAJOR spoilers for Season 5 of Outlander, taken from the book inspiration.]

Sassenachs! Yet another long Droughtlander is coming to an end.

Season 4 of Outlander wrapped up on January 27, 2019 and the series is finally poised to return more than a year later on Sunday, February 16. And fans have plenty to look forward to as he show’s already slated to continue through Season 6 (no further renewals have been announced yet).

The 'Outlander' Season 4 Finale Almost Had a Different Ending (VIDEO)

Historically, Seasons 2-4 have had 13 episodes each with Seasons 3 and 4 premiering in the fall, while Season 2 premiered in April and the series initially debuted in August. This time around, Season 5 is slated to include 12 episodes. We also know the show is based off the brilliance of author Diana Gabaldon‘s words, and so far, each book in her series has corresponded with a season of the show.

Outlander producers have confirmed that Season 5 will indeed be based off the fifth book, The Fiery Cross, and pick up where Season 4 left off, so the time period would be between 1770 to 1772. So, keeping that in mind, here are some major plot points to expect in Season 5.

1. Brianna and Roger’s Wedding

Finally! He went back in time for love. She was raped. They aren’t sure who is the father of her baby. He was sold to the Mohawk tribe. If this couple can survive all that, they are meant to be together and indeed do get officially married in the books (not just a handfast ceremony). This has been confirmed through Season 5 press coverage including some photos of the happy couple at the altar.

Also, can we get a name for the baby boy please? He already has one in the books.

2. Fergus and Marsali

In Season 4, the adorable couple (and their child) planned to settle on Jamie and Claire’s land and build a little cabin of their own. More scenes with them are much needed! Also, we wouldn’t hate a “First Thanksgiving” episode.

3. Stephen Bonnet

The Frasers and Murtagh think that he perished in the prison explosion but we know better. Those keys were just a little too close for comfort and we saw him lunge for them. Plus, what fun would a season be without a villain? His presence was teased in the refreshed opening title sequence.

Bonnet also knows that Brianna is pregnant after he raped her, so he could come a callin’ and claim to be the child’s father. In the book, Bonnet returns and tries to kidnap Bree and her son. Expect a showdown of epic proportions!

4. Murtagh

In the final moments of the Season 4 finale, Jamie received a letter from Governor Tryon instructing him to build up a militia to track down and kill the leader of the Regulators, Murtagh Fitzgibbons, Jamie’s godfather.

Now, Murtagh doesn’t survive the Battle of Culloden in the books, so this storyline is a new one (as is his romance with Aunt Jocasta!). Could silver fox Murtagh marry the wealthy widow, taking the place of a book character named Duncan Innes? Possibly.

'Outlander' Season 4 Finale: The Fraser's Bargain & Roger's Decision in 'Man of Worth' (RECAP)

It’s more likely that Murtagh would go into hiding since his face is plastered on every “Wanted” poster in town. This season will also probably show Jamie at odds with the government. Tryon’s request doesn’t sit right with the Scot because most of the Regulators are also Highlanders.

This time period is still pre-American Revolution. Thanks to Claire’s wisdom, Jamie knows the war doesn’t end well for His Majesty’s side, so he might try to distance himself from the Crown, but not before donning a red coat himself it would seem according to the Season 5 trailer.

5. Young Ian

After living with the Mohawk for a significant amount of time, Ian wrote to his family informing them he’s married and are expecting a child. Season 4 skipped over this, but in Book 5, Ian returns to Fraser’s Ridge but doesn’t explain why he left the Mohawk.

6. Otter Tooth

When Ian returns home, he brings with him the journal of Otter Tooth, or Robert Springer — the man who time traveled with the stone the Mohawk feared. His ghost also visited Claire when she got lost in the woods.

In Book 5, we learn what was special about Otter Tooth, from where and which time period he came, and other details about time traveling — which is helpful because the family is unsure if Bree’s son will have the ability to do so.

Outlander, Season 5, Sunday, February 16, 8/7c, Starz