Roger MacKenzie, portrayed by Richard Rankin in the Starz historical drama Outlander, has endured his fair share of hardships. Based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series, the show has often put Roger through traumatic experiences, leaving fans eager for him to find peace in the final season.
Season 7, which boasts an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, concluded in January. With Season 8 set to be the show’s last, fans are hopeful that Roger’s storyline will finally take a turn for the better. A prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, is also in development.
With only ten episodes remaining, viewers have voiced their frustration over Roger’s continual suffering. One Reddit user commented, “I still believe [author] only created Roger to torture him, but I’m in awe that the show writers seem to love torturing him even more. WTF is wrong with them? They all need therapy.”
Roger, a professor and time traveler, was orphaned during World War II and raised by Reverend Wakefield. Since his introduction in Season 2, he has interacted with his ancestors in the past, including his own father. One notable moment in his journey involves saving Morag MacKenzie and her baby while aboard a ship to the Americas—an act that ultimately ensures his own existence.
Season 5 was particularly brutal for Roger. He was wrongly identified as his wife Brianna’s rapist, resulting in a severe beating from his father-in-law and his subsequent sale to the Mohawk. Though he was eventually freed, his struggles didn’t end there. Morag’s husband, Buck MacKenzie, misinterpreted Roger’s intentions and had him arrested and hanged as a Regulator. While he survived the ordeal, Roger was left traumatized, suffering from catatonia and suicidal thoughts due to his near-death experience.
Fans are now calling for Roger’s redemption in Season 8. Many have expressed their frustration with his treatment, with one Reddit user stating, “The writers keep treating Roger so badly, it’s almost comical at this point. He can never rest.” Another added, “Poor Roger gets hit after hit.” One fan summed it up: “Roger doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the trauma he’s suffered.”
As the series approaches its conclusion, fans remain hopeful that Roger and his family will finally find peace, bringing an end to his long and painful journey.