A crucial Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books, introduced an adult William Ransom, Jamie's illegitimate son who was raised by Lord John Grey (David Berry).

Outlander is never short on dramatic twists and turns, which is one of the reasons I love the series. At this point, William's lineage is one of the more compelling storylines. Despite being the biological son of Jamie and Geneva Dunsany (Hannah James), William is the heir of Earl Ludovic Ransom. To recap, Geneva died shortly after giving birth to William. Meanwhile, the Earl, fearing the newborn wasn't his son, almost killed William — until Jamie intervened. And, in the wake of season 7, part 1, I imagine the truth about Jamie Fraser will finally make its way to William.

Outlander Season 7A Shows Jamie's Portrait Of William More Than Once

The Series Is Dropping Hints For William & Viewers

Given Outlander season 8's ending update, it seems like the show's seventh season is setting up a lot of big reveals, including William's realization that Jamie is, in fact, his biological father. Throughout season 7A, the show fixates on Jamie's portrait of William more than once. Although William and Jamie might not bear the same striking resemblance as their book counterparts, the portrait thread is one of many bits of foreshadowing I've noticed recently. Not only is Jamie thinking about his connection to William, but the Highlander's illegitimate son is seemingly gathering evidence — even if he doesn't realize it.

In the show, Jamie has been much more involved in William's life. A friend of his father's, Jamie spent plenty of one-on-one time with his secret son. Additionally, I think Claire's (Caitríona Balfe) treatment of William speaks volumes about how the characters are all interconnected. Although William might not have had time to think too seriously about the matter, it seems like Outlander is poised to have him put the many clues together. For me, Jamie's portrait of William is just one way the show is preparing the audience for William Ransom's gradual but inevitable realization.

I Think William Will Learn The Truth About Jamie In Outlander Season 7B

William Needs To Learn About Jamie Before Season 8

Based on all the portrait foreshadowing, I think William will realize that Jamie is his biological father in Outlander season 7, part 2. After all, 7A has reminded us of Jamie's portrait so many times that it seems pretty much guaranteed that William will stumble upon the item and finally connect the dots. Telegraphed setup aside, I believe Outlander needs to make the reveal happen before its eighth and final outing. After all, season 8 already has three books' worth of narratives to condense into a satisfying ending. Drawing out William and Jamie's plot line would be a misstep.

I think the show needs to give the plot (and William) some breathing room.

Since William has grown up in such proximity to Jamie but spent his whole life in the dark, there's bound to be some fallout when he discovers the truth. Even if he's grateful to have, once again, found a father figure, William will probably harbor some resentment. It's a complicated twist that promises to bring joy and sadness into the mix. I think the show needs to give the plot (and William) some breathing room. This can really only be accomplished by including the realization in 7B. Otherwise, William's discovery will get lost in the many threads of Outlander season 8.

Using The Portrait Would Make Outlander Season 7's Reveal Better Than The Books'

A Gradual Realization Will Have More Of An Impact Than The Sudden Reveal In The Novels

In the Outlander books, William has no idea that Jamie is his father, which feels implausible. The revelation is not only sudden, but it just kind of happens without much direct build-up or context. The show has the opportunity to deliver a more satisfying moment of revelation for William. If he finds the portrait and puts everything together, it will feel like the perfect culmination of years spent gathering small clues and details. While I don't think William is consciously thinking about his biological father being someone other than the Earl, there is something nagging at him deep down.

Outlander has been incredibly faithful to its source material across its seven seasons, though it has also made some smart changes to better suit the medium of television. Reframing William's realization about Jamie is yet another deft change the series could make in order to do Outlander's characters — and their relationships — justice.