Published Mar 13, 2026, 10:46 AM EDT
Angel Shaw is a Lead Writer and Critic on ScreenRant's TV team, covering new-release and classic TV shows across all major streaming platforms. She has been a writer with ScreenRant since 2022 and specializes in Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and fantasy.
Angel holds a bachelor's degree in language interpreting and is passionate about all things culture and communication—especially in how it relates to popular media throughout history (from Shakespeare to Friends to Game of Thrones).
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Warning! This article contains spoilers for Outlander season 8, episode 2, AND the Outlander books.A moment I have thoroughly been looking forward to has finally arrived in Outlander season 8. Naturally, anticipation has been high for this installment in the series, since it is the grand finale of the romantasy show that has been on the air for 12 years. We have every reason to be excited for those long-awaited answers and what is sure to be a thrilling conclusion. Still, ahead of these episodes, I found myself particularly eager to see some Go to the Bees that I Am Gone characters arrive on screen for the first time.
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, published in 2021, is Diana Gabaldon's ninth out of ten planned Outlander books, and it serves as the foundation for the TV show's final season. Long before Starz premiered this latest batch of episodes, we were told that the show would have to diverge from book canon. Gabaldon hasn't officially written her ending yet, after all. This left it in question just how much of Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone would make it to the screen. While that remains to be seen, I'm thrilled to see that Elspeth Cunningham is among the characters in Outlander season 8.
Elspeth Cunningham Is Very Different From The Outlander Characters We Are Used To
Elspeth Cunningham is the old mother of Captain Charles Cunningham, and she didn't make a great first impression in Outlander season 8. She arrived at the new house on Fraser's Ridge to deliver some herbs to Claire in episode 1, and promptly slapped Mandy and told our central characters that they would all be going to hell. At first, this makes old Elspeth seem like just another antagonistic character who will accuse Claire of being a witch, potentially getting her arrested again, or turning the community against her. However, Outlander season 8, episode 2, quickly demonstrates how this woman will be different.
Elspeth quickly becomes one of the most interesting characters in the Outlander books, and the show has now begun to demonstrate precisely why. Though she is certainly rough around the edges, there is a great deal of kindness there. In season 8, episode 2, she blows into Claire's surgery and sets to work helping prepare Amy McCallum's body for her wake. Elspeth is by no means shocked or suspicious of Claire's methods and is ready to assist without pushback. Still, every kind or supportive word she says feels aggressive. It's behavior that leaves Claire in a rare moment of speechlessness.
This is the very nature of Elspeth Cunningham's character in the books. She comes across as very judgmental and shrewd, but that whole idea is completely contradicted by her actions. Elspeth is highly realistic and even rather worldly, making her a convenient and often hilarious person to have around. We expected another villain, especially considering her connection to Captain Cunningham. What we got instead was a character who inspires joyful curiosity.
How Mrs. Cunningham Will Impact Claire & Jamie's Story In Outlander Season 8
Warning! This section contains plot details from the Outlander books that will likely be featured in future episodes of season 8.
Elspeth Cunningham will have quite a role to play in the story as Outlander season 8 continues. As previously stated, she's all set up to be a rather troublesome antagonist, but she will continue to surprise Claire around every corner. This is a woman who could be a real danger to Fanny, in particular. When the young girl inevitably mentions her upbringing in a brothel, it would seem that Elspeth would be scandalized, just as Claire feared people on the Ridge would be. However, in the Outlander books, Elspeth instead makes jokes about prostitutes and their talents.
This is a prime example of the comedy Mrs. Cunningham could bring to the Outlander TV series, but that's only the beginning of her overall role. When the conflicts of the Revolutionary War arrive at Fraser's Ridge, Jamie and Captain Cunningham are placed on opposite sides of the matter. This naturally means Elspeth and Claire should be at odds as well, but the old woman remains steadfast in her friendship. She comes to sit with Claire and commiserate as the men they love attempt to kill one another.
Overall, Elspeth Cunningham embodies an intriguing duality. She is old and wise, and therefore recognizes the impact of war and death on those from all sides. She isn't exactly neutral, and she states her opinions freely, but Elspeth leads with a very realistic sort of compassion. This has a unique impact on Claire in the Outlander books, and I'm eager to see that dynamic now brought to the screen.
Release Date 2014 - 2026-00-00
Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts
Directors John Dahl, Metin Hüseyin, Jamie Payne, Stephen Woolfenden, Anna Foerster, Brendan Maher, Brian Kelly, David Moore, Jennifer Getzinger, Mike Barker, Philip John, Joss Agnew, Lisa Clarke, Jan Matthys, Ben Bolt, Charlotte Brändström, Christiana Ebohon-Green, Denise Di Novi, Douglas Mackinnon, Julian Holmes, Norma Bailey, Richard Clark, Justin Molotnikov, Stewart Svaasand
Writers Toni Graphia, Matthew B. Roberts, Ronald D. Moore, Luke Schelhaas, Anne Kenney, Karen Campbell, Shannon Goss, Joy Blake, Richard Kahan, Jennifer Yale, Megan Ferrell Burke, Ira Steven Behr, Diana Gabaldon
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Jack Tarlton
Kenny Lindsay
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John Sessions
Arthur Duncan
English (US) ·