It was a dark day in the year of our lord 1971 when Roger MacKenzie shaved his beard. But Richard Rankin is making up for it in a big way in Outlander Season 6. Even with all of the exciting updates from the set (the Christies, a Season 7 announcement, etc.), Roger's Outlander beard has stolen the spotlight. Sure, Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan may technically be the stars of the show, but the read lead has become the unruly force of nature that has grown upon Rankin's chin and cheeks.

It reminds me of journalist Hunter Harris's assessment of what Bradley Cooper looked like at the 2019 Golden Globes versus as Jackson Maine in A Star Is Born. (Raw, unseasoned chicken breasts versus a perfectly roasted one.) Outlander executive producer Maril Davis explained that the Season 4 shave happened because it was historically accurate or whatever, but it's no wonder Fiona wasn't that sad to see her former crush leave her for the past. And now that he's firmly staying in the past (for now, Roger, for now), the artist formerly known as Prof. Roger Wakefield has gone full-blown mountain man.

Do I spot a patch of white underneath his lower lip? Is there not a twinkle in his eye?

And what's with the belly holding?

As the fan account Laugh Outlander pointed out when Roger experienced an American Christmas, he may have a bit of a jealous streak when it comes to Jolly Old St. Nick. So Season 6 is now his time to evolve and take over the Santa Claus role, one beard whisker at a time. He's already perfected his chair-sitting skills. Put a child on that man's lap! (I regret typing that immediately... but is it my fault or the tradition of Santa's fault?)