The thrilling journey of "Outlander" continues in Season 7, Episode 13, as it transports us back to 1739, where Roger and Buck inadvertently stumble upon the destined site of a future dam, their minds swirling with memories of the enigmatic time portal concealed within a tunnel, a discovery made famous by Bree. With the dam yet to be constructed in the 18th century, the locale likely resembles the mystical stone circle of Craigh na Dun. Roger, convinced that his father embarked on a temporal voyage from this very spot, steers them towards its exploration.
Meanwhile, in the 1980s, an intense scenario unfolds as Bree holds Rob hostage in a clandestine priest hole. Yet, Rob remains unperturbed, wielding the leverage that her actions could forever separate her from Jem. Having severed the phone lines, Bree is compelled to embark on a perilous drive to the police station accompanied by Mandy, while Jem languishes in the confines of the same dam tunnel where Rob once orchestrated a mischievous prank on Bree.
Shifting gears to 1778, the air is thick with anticipation as Ian and Rachel prepare to solemnize their union in a Quaker wedding. Ian's nerves are palpable, while Rachel's anxiety stems from the looming shadow of Ian's impending military service. Denzell's attendance stands as a solitary beacon amidst the Quaker community, sharing grave news with Jamie about John's grievous wound necessitating an eyepatch and Smith's sinister plot to execute him, followed by John's miraculous escape. These revelations weigh heavily on Jamie's heart, yet he finds solace in John's survival.
The wedding ceremony, a quaint and serene Quaker affair, unfolds with a blend of sweetness and amusement. Claire marvels at the ceremony's tranquil pace and extended duration. A near-disruptive moment arises when Denzell, wracked with guilt for ostracizing Rachel due to his own beliefs and the violence they endure, expresses his regret and gratitude for Rachel's union with Ian. The wedding proceeds, a testament to love and resilience.
Back in the 1980s, Jem's exceptional photographic memory guides him through the labyrinthine tunnel, mirroring Brianna's own adventures. His mental acuity leads him unerringly to the time portal. Similarly, Roger and Buck, echoing their calls for Jerry, converge upon the portal. Jem, hearing Roger's voice, responds in kind. In 1739, Roger encounters a mysterious boy at the portal and, driven by curiosity, sets forth to uncover his identity.
In 1980, Mandy abruptly senses Jem's presence, as Brianna dutifully follows her directions. Suddenly, a figure leaps before their automobile, revealing Jem! He has traversed the portal, but unlike Bree, he has not journeyed through time; instead, he has merely emerged from the tunnel's mouth, likely due to the absence of gemstones. Back in 1739, Roger spots a local lad wearing Jerry's helmet. The boy confirms that a mysterious stranger bestowed it upon him. However, Jerry's mischief doesn't end there; he has also stolen a lamb from a farmer who is now in hot pursuit. The boy alleges that Jerry bolted into the woods, prompting Roger and Buck to chase after him.
In 1778, Ian and Rachel share their wedding night, a tender moment marred only by her boldness and excitement. He, though surprised, finds her enthusiasm endearing and indulges her. Meanwhile, Jamie lies awake, troubled by concerns for John and William. Claire reassuringly notes that William, sharing Jamie's disposition, will comprehend the secrecy surrounding his identity.
Elsewhere, John falls into the hands of American soldiers led by Reverend Woodsworth. He claims to be Bertram Armstrong, a rebel captured by the British and yet to enlist. Woodsworth, pleased with this revelation, offers him assistance. Back in 1980, Jem is consumed by guilt over Roger's plight in the past, a situation he believes he caused. Bree vows to bring Roger back, but their worries escalate as Rob has fled, leading the police to suspect a lover's quarrel between him and Brianna. Distressed, Brianna faces their insistence on speaking with Roger.
Roger,meanwhile,confides his fear of encountering his father, whose memory is a blur to him. Buck, sympathetically, reveals that he himself is unaware of his true parents. Before Roger can elaborate further, they locate Jerry, who remains cautious but places his trust in them as Roger recounts tales of the 1940s.
Jerry emerges as a quintessential humanist and a devoted family man, his thoughts constantly divided between his cherished infant son and his solemn mission. As he recounts his plane crashing in proximity to the enigmatic stones, he shares how, when leaning against one for rest, he embarked on an astonishing time-travel journey. However, their conversation is abruptly halted when the farmer and his men interrupt their meeting.
Buck and Roger guide Jerry to the stones and present him with the gem they had acquired from the peddler. Roger, overcome with emotion, expresses his gratitude to Jerry, affirming that victories are owed to individuals like him. As Jerry prepares to depart, Roger confessionally utters his love for him, instantaneously evoking memories of his own youthful bond with his father.
Elsewhere, Ian grapples with guilt akin to Denzell's, as Rachel embarks on a violent path, driven by circumstances tied to him. Yet, Rachel, understanding the nature of war, vows unwavering support, pledging to stand by Ian through thick and thin. Similarly, Jamie apologizes to Claire for drawing her into another conflict, which she dismisses, emphasizing that their unity is paramount.
In the 1980s, Bree entrusts the children to Fiona's care and decides to confront Rob alone, realizing that law enforcement is of little assistance. She is aware that Roger is oblivious to Jem's absence in the past and that his return is contingent on her intervention. With this understanding, her resolve to reach him grows stronger.
As Outlander Season 7 Episode 13 concludes, Roger confides in Buck about a fleeting memory, uncertain whether it stems from the past or a new experience. The sadness in his voice hints that Jerry's presence may not have extended throughout Roger's entire life. Buck, ever the realist, advises caution with memories and reminds Roger that he did all he could.
Suddenly, Roger experiences an epiphany. He realizes that Jem's thoughts of him during his abduction triggered a similar sentiment in Roger when he touched the stones. This connection bridges their timelines, explaining Jerry's presence in their midst and confirming that Jem is not in 1739.
