Denzell & Rachel is Just the Thing Outlander Needed After Season 6 Disaster

Outlander season 6 was widely (and quite rightly) seen as something of a letdown. After 5 seasons of great drama and characterisation, it was perhaps more noticeable just how poor it was than had that been season 1.

Thankfully, season 7 has been a massive improvement so far. And the part in that improvement which has been played by Quakers Denzell and Rachel has not gone unnoticed.

Set in a time of historic turmoil, it’s no wonder that death and violence (or at least the frequent threat of them) are part and parcel of the daily lives of the main characters in the show. And it’s only historically accurate for them to become supportive of actions we might otherwise find surprising from some characters given that we like them and see them as genuinely good people (Claire and Jamie, I’m looking at you here).

The fact that Rachel and Denzell are Quakers is significant. A people of peace, the Quakers are against war. Although, our intrepid pair have been effectively slung out of the community for supporting the wrong side in this particular war. But let's gloss over that.

This general tendency towards seeing the violence unfolding around them as something that shouldn’t be normal is something that sets the brother and sister apart from others in the show. And it adds a new dimension that was much needed for this season which was handed the unenviable task of rescuing the show from the shadow of its predecessor.

But it’s not just pacifism that they bring to the table. Great drama relies on relationships that keep us interested. And while it’s refreshing to see Outlander not be afraid to see its two main couples remain happily in each other’s arms, this does mean the show lacks that little romantic spark at times.

Ok, we’re talking Quakers here, so maybe we can’t expect too much from Rachel in this department. But there have already been a few flirtatious looks between her and both Ian and William. Whether she is just aware that her female charms can benefit her, or she genuinely has eyes for one or both of the brothers remains to be seen.

But it certainly adds a little romantic intrigue to a show that needs a little light relief at times.

Season 6 may have been a disaster. But season 7 looks like saving the show and convincing us things are back on track for Outlander.

The next episode of Outlander will be released on 4 August on Starz.