Book readers knew that new villain Stephen Bonnet was likely going to assault Brianna, and showrunner Ronald D. Moore confirmed months ago that it was happening.
Unfortunately, that has meant episodes airing rape scenes on more than one occasion, and many viewers knew that another one was coming in Season 4.
For all that Outlander is a show filled with steamy love scenes and gorgeous scenery, it has never shied away from showing the very ugly parts of 18th century Scotland as portrayed in Diana Gabaldon’s book saga.