*Warning – This article contains major spoilers for Outlander.*
Speculation is rife among enthusiasts ahead of the release of season 7, part 2, with one fan suggesting a theory about Roger Wakefield’s character, played by Richard Rankin, and his “prayer” after encountering the nefarious Jonathan ‘Black Jack’ Randall, portrayed by Tobias Menzies.
The chatter comes as fans eagerly await the latest instalment of the historical fantasy epic, which is slated to return this Autumn on . On , user @Dinna-_-Fash sparked discussion: “Have you had some thoughts about that encounter between Roger and BJR back in 1739? When he went looking for Jemmy far back?”
The user continued their analysis, musing over the narrative importance, as they said: “This whole praying thing with him is like a thorn in my brain that can’t shake off! He knew, he could not dare change the past to avoid all the horrible things BJR will do to his love ones, because of the chain reaction it may cause.”
Delving deeper into Diana Gabaldon’s clever storytelling, the fan conjectured: “BUT wonder if it has to do with that game DG has with us and Jamie not remembering exactly if he killed BJR or not.”
Jonathan Black Jack Randall is played by Tobias Menzies (Image: STARZ)
They also dropped hints about possible twists from the books, writing: “Slowly bits have been revealed to us in the last book, and Jamie has been trying hard to remember all the details about Murtagh’s and BJR death.. What IF at the end, was BJR that saved Jamie’s life by falling over him??
“That way, hiding him from others (like young LJG going around killing the injured and about to die) and preventing, with pressure, that Jamie bleeds to death?? could that prayer have had an effect like this maybe? Would love to hear your thoughts!” the fan concluded with an open request. (sic)
Delving into the comments section, other enthusiasts weighed in on the speculation. One shared: “I interpreted more as Roger’s way of doing something, knowing he couldn’t warn the Frasers about what was coming or stop Randall from doing what he was doing to do. He knew it wouldn’t make a difference and in a sense didn’t want it to make a difference, since it would change everything.”
They added: “Technically, BJR is the reason Jamie and Claire met and married, Murtagh saved her from BJR and Dougal married Claire off to Jamie to protect her from questioning from BJR. Thus, Brianna wouldn’t have been born and Roger wouldn’t be there to look for Jemmy. Not that BJR deserves much credit for his unknowing matchmaking skills.”
Fans are debating Black Jack’s demise (Image: STARZ)
They continued: “I’ve never thought about it but you’re right about BJR falling on Jamie! When Jamie wakes up in Voyager, he describes feeling as though his left leg was numb, and realizes belatedly that it’s because BJR’s weight is on it. BJR’s body was basically acting as a tourniquet.” (sic)
One fan sparked further discussion by commenting: “BJR definitely fell on Jamie and saved him from bleeding. I think Jamie talks about it at some point, it may be Bees or even Voyager. Jamie knows he killed BJR and remembered everything about Culloden in Bees.” (sic)
Another question raised was: “One thing that always puzzled me was – Did Roger’s presence in the 1730s lead to the meeting of BJR and the Frasers? ” (sic).
Claire and Jamie are returning to our screens (Image: STARZ)
In response, another fan stated: “Yes. BJR lying on top of Jamie staunches the bleeding of his leg wound. Had BJR not fallen on him, he most likely would have bled out.” (sic)
Another fan mused: “I think that Roger also shows more self-control and better reasoning as far as violence goes. He thinks about things and the consequences that could take place.”
Following the closure of Lionsgate+ in the UK, new episodes of Outlander will be available on Starz and to stream on Prime Video channel MGM+ from Sunday, November 22. You must be an Amazon Prime member before you can sign up for MGM+.