The sixth season of Outlander has resolved an ongoing issue regarding the sidelining of protagonist Claire's story. In recent seasons, the show expanded its world and focused more on supporting characters, often leaving Claire with less prominence. However, in the season 6 premiere, this problem is addressed as Claire's narration bookends the episode, and her storyline takes center stage.
Previously, Claire was the main protagonist and her perspective was the primary voice of the show. But in seasons 5 and 6, the focus shifted to other characters like Jamie, Brianna, and Roger. This led to Claire's voiceovers and storylines becoming less prominent.
Claire's kidnapping and attack in season 5 left a lasting impact, and her reliance on self-medication with homemade ether to sleep is revealed in the premiere. This dependency on drugs adds another layer of challenge for Claire, who has previously relied on her internal strength and medical expertise. The season 6 premiere hints at a difficult yet compelling journey for Claire to overcome these obstacles.
It is refreshing to see Claire's narration and perspective regain prominence in the show. While Outlander naturally expands its cast and storylines, it is disappointing that Claire's arc as a character had been pushed to the side. Her struggle to survive in Jacobite Scotland and her fear of separation from Jamie were initially the show's main focus. Hopefully, the shift in season 6 indicates a return to giving Claire's story the attention it deserves.
As the season progresses, viewers anticipate seeing how Claire's character develops after enduring significant trauma and facing new challenges. Claire's journey will likely shape the events of the ongoing season, and it is hoped that this trend continues into future seasons as the Frasers' saga unfolds.