"Outlander" fans who attended San Diego Comic Con 2017 on Friday got a massive treat from the show. Toward the end of the panel, they thought they would be given another look at the Season 3 trailer Starz released a few days ago. To their surprise, the entire first episode of the show was aired instead, a whole two months before the Season 3 premiere. Spoilers to follow.

Season 3 Episode 1 recap

Entitled "The Battle Joined," the episode starts in the 18th century in the aftermath of the historical Battle of Culloden. Scotland loses, and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) is badly injured on the battlefield.

The first 13 minutes give a beautiful but painful montage of the war shown as Jamie's recollections. He remembers his clash against "Outlander" villain Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies). Whether Randall lives or dies after the battle is unclear.

Fast forward to the 1940s, Claire (Caitriona Balfe) struggles with her new life with Frank in Boston. She hasn't forgotten her life with Jamie. How could she, when she is pregnant with Jamie's child? Claire and Frank argue about whether she should obtain American citizenship, but Frank's ire is really over Claire's obvious longing for Jamie. The pilot episode ends with Claire giving birth to her daughter Brianna, who has Jamie's Scottish looks.

Jamie and Claire are grieving their painful separation.

Jamie survives the war, but how will he find his way back to Claire? Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe don't have a scene together, but the episode still depicted their closeness and love for each other across centuries.

'Outlander' cast members discuss Season 3

Actors Sam Heughan, Catriona Balfe, and Tobias Menzies led the "Outlander" panel at San Diego Comic Con.

They were joined by author Diana Gabaldon and executive producer Ronald D. Moore.

Moore described the upcoming season as "pivotal," as viewers will see the show jump from the 17th century to the 1940s, '50s, and '60s. The story will also travel from Scotland to Boston, and the Caribbean.

According to Catriona Balfe, the greatest challenge for her character was Claire's journey through different eras.

As for Sam Heughan, the actor said that Season 3 will really test Jamie and Claire's relationship after being separated for so long.

“This season we got to really stretch the characters and go somewhere else with them and [find out] who they are after 20 years apart,” Heughan said.

"Outlander" Season 3 premieres Sept. 10 on Starz.
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