WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Outlander season 8, episode 1

Outlander season eight has sparked debate amongst viewers following its latest return.

The new series represents the final chapter for the Starz period drama, which has captivated audiences for more than 10 years, reports the Daily Record.

Outlander draws inspiration from American author Diana Gabaldon's bestselling novels, though the television adaptation is recognised for deviating from the original books.

Yet season seven delivered the most significant departure when it hinted that Jamie (played by Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser's (Caitríona Balfe) first child, Faith Fraser, had somehow survived despite being stillborn during season two.

Here's a look of what occurred with Faith in the television series following the season eight premiere's continuation of this revelation.

Yes, in brief. The episode begins with Jamie and Claire questioning a pirate and smuggler regarding the Pocock family.

During this sequence, it's implied the pair conducted an investigation between seasons seven and eight to locate this individual, aided by brothel proprietor Mrs Abbott.

Mrs Abbott operated the premises where Francis 'Fanny' Pocock (Florrie May Wilkinson) and her elder sister Jane Pocock (Silvia Presente) resided upon their arrival in America after they sold by the smuggler to settle his debts.

The pirate discloses that Faith, her spouse Captain Pocock, and their daughters were aboard the vessel heading for the New World when he seized control. The smuggler murdered Captain Pocock and violated Jane, whilst Faith was cast overboard after attempting to defend her family.

These incidents occurred when Fanny was merely five years old, thus several years prior to the events of Outlander's eighth series.

Jamie and Claire subsequently slay the smuggler, with the 20th-century time traveller expressing regret for not inflicting greater suffering upon him.

However, it does confirm that Faith miraculously survived in France due to Master Raymond's (Dominique Pinon) magic and lived out her days.

Claire and Jamie later ponder why Master Raymond didn't return their child to them.

Claire surmises that the king banished Master Raymond from France, making it unsafe for him, which is why he had to whisk Faith away and couldn't come back.

This confirms that Fanny is indeed their grandchild, even though they never encountered Faith.

Regrettably, this makes Faith's narrative feel all the more sorrowful and heart-wrenching for the Frasers.

Outlander season 8 airs on Starz in the USA on Fridays and on MGM+ via Prime Video in the UK on Saturdays

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