Outlander – Season 7 Episode 9 “Unfinished Business” Recap & Review

Episode 9

Outlander Season 7 Episode 9 titled “Unfinished Business” begins with Jamie, Young Ian and Claire arriving in Scotland and burying Simon Fraser. Jamie decides to face his past and as he writes his next letter to Bree, he hopes she has her family by her side.

Of course, she doesn’t as she drives back home crying. Roger and Buck have successfully travelled back in time but for some reason, Buck’s chest hurts. He brushes it aside as he heads to Inverness while Roger makes his way to Lallybroch, hoping to find Jem there. The whole time, Roger feels guilty for not listening to Buck and trusting Rob.

At the same time, Young Ian, Claire, and Jamie reach Lallybroch and are warmly welcomed by Jenny and Co. One of the brothers, Michael, has to fight in France and has arrived home for a short while. Ian Sr. is extremely sick and Claire realises he has consumption.

However, he is glad to catch up with his son as Young Ian tells him about Emily, his kids and Rachel. Ian Sr. is amused to hear how Rachel has no inkling of Young Ian’s feelings and tells him to go after her. But Young Ian refuses to leave his side.

Elsewhere, Claire teases Jamie as he decides to see Laoghaire to apologise. However, Laoghaire believes he only wants to stop child support and points out how he never tried to see things from her perspective. They end up in a scuffle, and the disabled farmhand, Joey tries to help her and gets injured.

Jamie is upset by the whole ordeal but Claire comforts him that some things cannot be mended. And like him, she too wants to get something off her chest – she wants to warn Michael about the French Revolution. And to do so, she needs to come clean. 

The Murrays are in shock as Claire tells them about time travelling and warns Michael about the French Revolution. They are interrupted by a knock at the door and Jamie goes to open it.

Roger has arrived at Lallybroch and when he knocks, the door is opened by Jamie’s father, Brian Fraser. He is in shock as he realises he is not in the same timeline as Claire, Young Ian and Jamie who are in 1777.

As for Jamie, he opens the door to Joanie, Marsali’s younger sister. She reminds him of his monetary deal with Laoghaire. However, it will end and the estate he has given them will be taken back should Laoghaire marry which is why she is living an improper life with Joey. On top of that, Joanie wants to join a nunnery but Laoghaire refuses to release the dowry Jamie has kept aside for her. 

Meanwhile, Roger realises that he is in the 1740s when Brian reveals that Jamie is in university. Jenny is young and besotted with Ian but they don’t know of each other’s feelings yet. Shocked to learn of Jem’s kidnapping, they offer to help search for the little boy. They go to the mill where there are rumours of a strangely-dressed man (Rob). But before they can learn further, Jenny rushes with news that Buck is ill and has come searching for Roger.

In 1777, the older Jenny begs Claire to cure Ian Sr. When Claire reveals that it is too late, Jenny lashes out at her and believes she is holding a grudge for when Jenny encouraged Jamie to marry Laoghaire.

Jamie is out hunting when he hears Jenny crying and screaming as she is scared of Ian Sr. dying. He comforts and reminds her of how strong she is. Emboldened, he comes up with a solution for Joanie which Laoghaire begrudgingly agrees. She is to release the dowry for Joanie and he too will set aside some money for her upkeep. In return, he will transfer over the estate to Laoghaire so she can marry Joey. 

That night, as the Frasers are wondering about the rest of their family, Jenny comes bearing news. Lord John Grey is desperate as his nephew, Henry has been shot in battle. Claire is the only one who can operate or he will die. The Frasers hesitate as they don’t want to leave Ian Sr. but Jenny points out that Claire can at least save one life. But Jamie is not needed and he decides to stay back.

Similarly, Young Ian wants to stay by his father’s side and writes a letter to Rachel telling her to move on as it is not fair to keep her waiting. But Jenny tears the letter and shares that both she and Ian would want him to live his life.

He is still conflicted and she takes him to the family grave where they have put up a tombstone for his daughter. He is overwhelmed as she shares he will always be with them. He finally agrees and has a tearful parting with his family before joining Claire for USA. Jenny apologises to Claire for her outburst and the latter is understanding.

At the end of Outlander Season 7 Episode 9, a worried Roger rushes Buck to the town apothecary. However, it is run by none other than Geillis.

The Episode Review

STARZ teased us for a year but the wait has been more than worth it as we finally get Outlander Season 7B. Pretty sure we lost count of how many times we were screaming at the screen in this chapter. 

First with that red herring of Jamie seemingly opening the door for Roger only for them to be in different timelines. Second, when we saw Jenny in the 1740 timeline and wished she could remember Roger’s visit and tell Jamie, Claire or even Young Ian. 

But it wouldn’t be Outlander without some hair-pulling frustrating moments as they get close yet are so far away from solving the conflict. Well, in this case finding Little Jem. That Geillis surprise at the end was everything as well. Leave it to her to pop up at the most inconvenient moment and what a great way to end Outlander Season 7 Episode 9. Guess, next week will tell if she continues to be a foe or a friend.