Notice! Spoilers for Outlander season 7, episode 12 ahead!
Outlander Season 7 Episode 12 explored the aftermath of Jamie's supposed death and return, and just about everyone was on their worst behavior. The episode picks up after a cliffhanger in episode 11, which revealed that Jamie was still alive and on the run from the law. To make this even more exciting, Jamie's return caused William Ransom to discover the truth about his parentage, which he didn't take kindly to. Of course, what's the end of Outlander Season 7 Episode 11 didn't explore the consequences of Claire and Lord John sleeping together – that was left until Episode 12.
It didn't take long for Lord John to confess what he and Claire had done in Outlander Season 7, Episode 12. The news prompted Jamie to beat up his old friend, although the pair were interrupted by a group of rebel soldiers. Jamie's temper at this point was matched by his son, William, who essentially terrorized everyone he came into contact with in episode 12 (including Rachel, Ian, and a prostitute). As if the conflict wasn't enough, Claire and Jamie had their own confrontation, during which some harsh words (and slaps) were exchanged. In all, no one was in a good mood Outlander season 7, episode 12.
Lord John's arrest and escape from the cliffhanger explained
Will Lord John survive the fate Jamie left him?
The emotional ending of Outlander Season 7, Episode 12 saw a bloodied Lord John Gray trying to escape a rebel camp. On foot, weak and with only one working eye, Lord John was at a significant disadvantage, and the fact that the camera went black as gunshots rang through the forest was not a particularly good sign. It remains to be seen whether Lord John will survive his escapewhich is tragic, since it's Jamie's fault he's in this situation to begin with.
At the beginning of episode 12, Jamie beats Lord John to a pulp in the woods after learning that the man had slept with Claire in Outlander Season 7, Episode 11. He seemed determined to kill his friend, and perhaps he only didn't because a group of rebel soldiers approached them. Being a rebel himself, Jamie was able to leave, but only if he didn't protest the soldiers who took loyal Lord John absent. Furious, Jamie did just that, not caring if his friend, who raised his son and saved his life on countless occasions, was hanged. It was a very stupid move on Jamie's part.
Lord John was taken to a field where rebels were already burning after a British massacre near the Paoli pub. Although he had not been on active service for years, Lord John had a letter in his pocket notifying him that he had been reinstated. This made him the perfect scapegoat for the rebel soldiers to hang during the massacre. (although he, of course, has nothing to do with it). Colonel Smith assured John that he would not be hanged, but told Denzell Hunter otherwise. This inspired the Quaker doctor to hand Lord John a knife so he could cut his bonds in the night and escape.
The last Lord John is seen in Outlander season 7, episode 12, he was running through the forest under the pursuit of the rebel soldiers.
The last Lord John is seen in Outlander Season 7, Episode 12, he was running through the forest under the pursuit of rebel soldiers. Shots were fired, but the screen went black, leaving doubt as to whether this Outlander the character's great escape would be successful.
Jamie forgives Claire at the end of Outlander, season 7, episode 12
Jamie reluctantly accepted what Claire had done
Jamie wasn't just mad at Lord John in Outlander Season 7, Episode 12. He was also very furious with his wife, and after meeting with George Washington, Jamie confronted Claire about the situation with Lord John. It got really nasty for a moment. Claire was mad because Jamie was mad, shouting this she herself was close to death after learning that Jamie's ship had been lost at sea. She also tried to explain that what happened between her and Lord John was not romance or tenderness, but pure and painful grief. Jamie couldn't understand everything, but he finally saw reason.
Jamie told Claire that she could sleep with the entire British army and he would still forgive her. That didn't mean he accepted what she had done or acknowledged that it wasn't actually a betrayal (since Claire believed Jamie was dead). Instead of, Jamie simply stated that he would stand by Claire no matter what sin she committed.. Things are still a little tense between Claire and Jamie at the end of Outlander season 7, episode 12, but that's eclipsed by the joy of being reunited. While Lord John made his desperate attempt to escape captivity with his life, Claire and Jamie made love on the dining room table.
William is spiraling after learning the truth about Jamie
Outlander Season 7 followed William through some terrible decisions
Jamie's anger and bad decisions in Outlander Season 7 Episode 12 is reflected in the behavior of his son, William Ransom. In episode 11, Williamn discovered that Jamie is his biological father, and he didn't take the news that he's a bastard very well. Near the beginning of episode 12, William sat down (more or less calmly) and talked to Claire about the news. However, at the end of the conversation, the boy could no longer contain his anger at having been deceived his entire life. His subsequent identity crisis caused him to charge through the house, destroying everything he found.
William later ran into Rachel Hunter and Ian Murray and didn't take the news that they were engaged very well.
In the city, William met a prostitute and momentarily decided to enter the brothel with her. However, his temper again got the better of him and he was thrown out of the place when he broke a jug of wine. Of course, this was still just the beginning of his atrocious decisions. William later ran into Rachel Hunter and Ian Murray and didn't take the news that they were engaged very well. He attacked Ian and then had the audacity to arrest his cousin for attacking an officer. Adding fuel to the fire, William kissed Rachel and stood firm regarding Ian's arrest.
It was necessary for Jamie to appear and threaten to reveal William's true identity, as the boy could free Ian. This certainly didn't do anything to improve the relationship here, but it's something that future episodes of Outlander will have to address. For now, William's mood improved somewhat when he returned to the brothel he had been expelled from. with a bunch of rather nasty British soldiers. William stopped one of his colleagues from purchasing a night with the prostitute he had offended (Jane), and she showed her gratitude with an intimate night together.
George Washington bestowed a great honor on Jamie
One of the remaining questions Outlander Season 7 Episode 11 is why Jamie was being chased by British soldiers when he arrived at Lord John Grey's house. He gave an answer in episode 12, revealing that he refused a survey upon entering Philadelphia since he had something with him that he didn't want the loyalists to see. After leaving Lord John to be hanged by his colleagues, Jamie brought everything he had with him to George Washington himself. It turned out that he carried promises of funds from the French allies, which General Washington was happy to receive. As thanks, Jamie was appointed brigadier general.
How Outlander Season 7, Episode 12 Sets Up the Story's Continuation
There are 4 episodes left in Outlander season 7
Outlander Season 7 Episode 12 was predominantly dedicated to Jamie and William's anger and bad decisions. Other storylines, like Brianna's conflict with Rob Cameron in the future or Roger's search for his father in the past, have been put on hold and will certainly resume in episode 13. Hopefully, this next episode in Outlander season 7 will also reveal whether Lord John successfully escaped the rebels or whether he will be brought back to camp even more injured than before. If that's the case, hopefully Jamie's new status as a brigadier general can be used to make peace and save Lord John.
After William's night with Jane in Outlander Season 7, Episode 12, one might expect him to have calmed down a bit by Episode 13. Just like Jamie, he also needs to apologize. He treats Rachel and Ian terribly, but clearly still cares about these two – even Ian, who he now knows is his cousin. Some closure must occur when William accepts his identity and decide what it means for your future and relationships. Of course, only time and future episodes of Outlander season 7 will determine exactly what it will be like.