As this year-long Draughtlander comes to an end and Outlander Season 7 Part 2 nears, Caitriona Balfe (Claire) and Sam Heughan (Jamie) met with reporters during a recent press conference to discuss what the Frasers have in store for us.
“I think it’s one of the strongest seasons or parts to a season,” Heughan confirmed.
Balfe agreed, acknowledging that fans have waited awhile to see this season’s conclusion. “We feel it’s a really strong half of the season, and it’s exciting that we get to talk about it, and people finally get to see it.”
The cast of Outlander is in a peculiar position because weeks before embarking on their press tour for Season 7B, they wrapped filming on the eighth and final season. According to Heughan, it is a goodbye they are just beginning to grieve.
“We’re beginning to feel the repercussions of saying goodbye to these characters. But there’s so much to look forward to as well this season. Obviously, we also have Season 8 to look forward to. So there’s plenty for the fans to still immerse themselves in the world of Outlander,” he reassured.
First, we must endure the dreaded separation of Jamie and Claire this season.
“Anytime the Frasers are separated there’s always danger,” Balfe said, adding that “some of the greatest challenges they’ve ever had to overcome” await the couple in the next eight episodes.
“Once we get into how history converges with the season and how that sort of weaves itself into the story, this becomes some of the worst danger they’ve faced,” she added.
“They’re really solid, mature couple. But, yeah, there’s a moment this season that really challenges Jamie and Claire’s relationship,” Heughan corroborated.
Thankfully, Claire and Jamie’s return to Scotland isn’t all doom and gloom. It’s also a chance to catch up with old friends (and foes).
“We get to see a lot of old characters, a lot of old friends and enemies,” Heughan teased.
“We always have amazing scene partners throughout the seasons — I think that’s the great thing about Outlander. We’ve had these amazing actors come in and play these other characters. This season is very much about old relationships and situations that come to pass.”
So, what episodes are Heughan and Balfe most looking forward to fans watching in the back half of Season 7?
“I mean, obviously, the beginning in Lallybroch, Scotland is such a favorite of ours, and also the fans to return back to Scotland,” Heughan explained.
“But I would say that the last two episodes are some of the most dramatically beautiful episodes we’ve shot. Real Outlander, shall I say? Moments of very high drama, real life and death situations, and real Jamie and Claire moments. So, I’m really proud of that ending. I think it’s a great ending to an amazing season.”
Balfe agreed, confirming that the last two episodes “really stand out,” with Outlander Season 7 Episode 11 being particularly “challenging” for her to shoot.
“As an actor anytime, especially this deep into a show, that you get given material that’s difficult, it’s very gratifying. So, I think that was probably the most challenging for me this season,” the actress revealed.
After a year-long hiatus, the two leads had plenty more to tease for fans about the upcoming episodes, including new uniforms and new characters.
“It’s probably a spoiler, but Jamie has many guises, or many different uniforms,” Heughan alluded.
“He’s fought for both sides and he does return back to the battlefield, this time very high up in command. So he gets an amazing uniform, and a great responsibility as well. He’s responsible for a large group of men. So that doesn’t sit lightly with him.”
Balfe teased that we would get a whole lot more of Claire in her element.
“I love it when Claire feels the most real and the most practical, because that’s sort of who she is. So when she is at the side of the battlefield and she’s got her hair tied back, and her aprons and everything slightly bloody and muddy, I like that for her more than the finery.”
As for returning characters, Heughan is excited for Jamie to reunite with his sister Jenny, but she may look a little different when audiences next see her. “Kristin Atherton takes over the role of Jenny, and she’s brilliant,” he assured.
“We have a lot of returning characters and a few surprises as well that I think fans will be delighted to see — and maybe not so happy.”
For Balfe, one of the most memorable performances of the season will come towards the end of the second part, featuring a new character we have yet to meet.
“We also have a young actress who is absolutely incredible — Flori, — who comes in towards the end. She’s going to blow everybody away. She blew all of us away when we were working with her last season. She’s just a rare talent, really amazing.”
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OutlanderSeason 7 Part 2 premieres Friday, November 22 on STARZ.
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Alicia Gilstorf
Alicia is a writer from Canada. She credits her passion for TV and film to superheroes, workplace comedies, cheesy holiday movies, and coming-of-age stories.Keep a lookout for her coverage of Ghosts.
