Outlander is known for many things after three full seasons on the air, and one of those things is the always-stunning opening credits sequence. Scored with a haunting version of "The Skye Boat Song," the credits combine clips that have been used for the opening from the very beginning with clips from the upcoming season. While the credits don't deliver full scenes or give away everything we can expect, there are generally very big clues for the eagle-eyed viewers. Luckily for those of us dying for new Outlander content ahead of the November premiere of Season 4, the fourth season title credits have released, and they tell a fair amount about what's to come. Take a look!
Well, if there was any doubt that Outlander would embrace the colonial American spirit, the Season 4 title credits should be proof to the contrary! The latest version of "The Skye Boat Song" is even different, sounding more folksy, including more strings, and even featuring more voices chiming in by the final lines, Notably, the drums from the credits when the show was still primarily set in Scotland are absent. They're not in Scotland anymore!
Jamie and Claire are clearly embracing America in more ways than just its colonial spirit, The shot of their cabin in the woods looks like it's in the middle of nowhere, meaning that they -- or mostly Jamie -- probably built it. Life in America will give them the chance to set down roots in a way they were never able to before, even in Lallybroch. Jamie inherited Lallybroch and his position as laird, however briefly he held it. He can build his life and legacy in America, and Claire's knowledge of her future adopted country will surely come in handy.
Native Americans will be in the mix as well, and they may not take kindly to Jamie, Claire, and any other settlers setting up in their lands. A previous trailer indicated that there will be an area ideal for time travel known by the Native Americans, much as some of the local women knew of the standing stones at Craigh na Dun in Scotland and rumors abounded of Abandawe in the Caribbean. Given that we know Brianna will be traveling to the past, perhaps this portal of sorts will come in handy. Whether that comes to pass or not, the Native Americans will clearly have a significant presence in the new season.
Brianna looks to be at the standing stones at Craigh na Dun for her attempt to go to the past, so she probably won't require the help of the Native Americans in reuniting with her mom and meeting her dad. Later in the credits, there's a shot of a man with a sketchbook and a drawing of Brianna, although it's difficult to say if that's in 18th century Scotland or 18th century America. Depending on the source of the drawing, Brianna could be in danger.
What would an opening titles sequence for Outlander be without hints of nudity and 18th century fashion as well? Claire will have at least one occasion to tighten the corset strings in colonial America. My money is on her ditching the corset once she moves to the middle of nowhere with Jamie, but their time at Jocasta's plantation will likely demand more of her.
It's also evident that Outlander will spend some time in the 1960s beyond Brianna's decision to journey to the past. The quick glimpse of men dancing in kilts with numbers attached to the fabric can only point toward Brianna on an outing with Roger. We should count on seeing him back at some point. As much as Season 4 will have to pack a lot into not a whole lot of time if Outlander wants to fit the whole fourth book in there, we can probably expect more than just a couple minutes in the 60s.
Now, if you've read the fourth book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander saga or are just in the mood for some spoilers, head on over to the next page to discover a major arc that is teased in the credits. If not, prepare yourself for the premiere of Outlander Season 4, which hits the airwaves on Sunday, November 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Starz.
Seriously, major spoilers ahead for the fourth book in Diana Gabaldon's book series, called Drums of Autumn. There is one very quick shot in the title credits that actually reveals a lot about one character's journey in Season 4, assuming Season 4 is faithful to the book's biggest plots. The end footage of a group of Native Americans looks at first glance like nothing more than a line of men on horseback along a river. If you look closer, however, you can see a man with his hands bound being pulled along behind one of the horses.
This points to Roger chasing Brianna to the past and ending up in some very unfortunate circumstances after Jamie confuses him with Stephen Bonnet and believes that he is responsible for the terrible act that will be done to Brianna. After a serious beating from the enraged and erroneous Jamie, Roger is handed over to a group of Native Americans, and he has a very rough ride. This is actually a huge arc for all characters in the past, so book readers can be excited that Outlander seemingly intends to follow it pretty closely.
The shot of two hands could also point toward Brianna and Roger engaging in the handfasting ceremony, but that's something we'll have to wait and see to be positive. One thing that is reasonably sure at this point is that Roger is going to wind up in a lot of trouble. Jamie and Claire are going to have rivals for the most twisted and complicated time-travel love story in Season 4! All they need is for Frank to return for one more complication.
Be sure to tune in to see what's in store for all the characters when Outlander returns on Sunday, November 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Starz. For some viewing options during the final weeks before the Season 4 premiere, check out our fall TV premiere guide.
