Thursday morning cast members Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan along with showrunner Matthew B. Roberts chatted with Antonia Blyth, Deputy Editor of Deadline’s Awards Magazine, after a virtual screening of the season finale of Outlander‘s current, 5th season [which aired on May 10].
If you watched that gripping season finale, you will know about the horrible assault perpetuated against Claire Fraser. The way the episode played out viewers was from Claire’s perspective both in real time – as to what was happening to her in – and in an disassociated state – where she escaped to a dreamscape where her family and, most importantly, her husband Jamie were there to protect her as much as possible until she could be rescued.
With that finale clearly in mind for the interview, Cait, Sam and Matthew were asked about how they prepared for that episode with Matthew sharing that they knew from the beginning of this season how they wanted it to come to an end so they sought out expertise from their consultants. Cait shared they knew they had to be careful with how they depicted the sexual abuse, and the trigger warnings at the beginning of the episode was also helpful in warning viewers.
As for the emotional scenes they had to depict, not just in the season finale, Cait and Sam stated that it was helpful to have a safe environment to work within, giving credit to everyone in front and behind the cameras. Cait further shared that as an actor you have to learn how to separate your own life from work; to be in character and deal with the dark places that you have to go, but to leave all of that at the door at the end of the day.
In breaking down the dreamscape of Claire’s disassociation, they all had to work together, they had to pick a very specific time period, the costumes, the music, the house, the color – all of that was key to making those scenes work as well as sharing a lot of discussions with Sam and Cait. Matthew said he was proud of how the episode turned out.
They were then asked about Jon Gary Steele, the production designer (the man behind all of the elaborate sets used on the show) since the first season – who announced he was leaving the series after five season. While his will be big shoes to fill, Cait, Sam and Matthew were asked if they had a favorite set created by Steele. For Sam it was the Great Hall at Castle Leoch in season one; Cait’s choice was Master Raymond’s apothecary. Matthew shared that there were so many to choose from but the Star Chamber in season 2 was a top choice for him, but he also liked the Boston apartment, Claire and Jamie’s home in France, even the Wilmington and Paris streets. He further stated that every drawer and cupboard was filled because you never knew what would be seen during filming. They all agreed that it was his attention to detail that really made the difference.
Cait was then asked about Claire’s medical background, and how she dealt with all of that. She stated that she did a lot of research into all of that – in fact, they all joked that she is practicing now. Then getting serious with her answer she shared that she watched a lot of YouTube videos – even falling into a rabbit hole when she researched the breech birth for season 1.
Sam was asked about getting into character for Jamie with all that happened in the current season – from him having to don the redcoat, losing Murtagh and not being able to protect Claire. He said Murtagh’s storyline, of course, was not in the books, but he raved about working with Duncan Lacroix, especially in those final scenes.
Both Sam and Cait agreed that they are protective of and bonded to their characters but they are not their characters; in fact, Cait joked that she doesn’t go around saying “Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ.”
They also talked about new costumer Trisha Biggar, who took over for Ronald D. Moore’s wife Terry Dresbach, who was the costume designer for the first 3 seasons of the show. Specifically asking if they had a favorite outfit from this season. Cait stated it was blue riding coat, the green suit that had a nautical feel to it and the red dress from the finale. For Sam it was the return of Jamie’s kilt, the long leather jacket from the finale and even the redcoat.
When asked about what they have learned from being on the show, Cait and Sam both joked “nothing and everything,” sharing they were both “green” when they started on the show. Cait said she learned a lot of “technical terms,” but they also learned how to trust themselves and allow themselves to be surprised.
Cait was later asked about working with Sophie Skelton (who plays her daughter Brianna), and she shared that she “loves when (she) and Sophie get to work together…and be supportive (of each other).” She further stated that there was such a gulf between Claire and Brianna in season two, that now in season five it’s so great that their relationship has shifted to the point that Brianna can be there for Claire.
Lastly, Sam and Cait were asked about what it was liked becoming producers for the 5th season, and they shared it’s been “fantastic to have (that) role, getting to have more input; learning a lot (about) putting the jigsaw puzzle (together). Sam stated that their influence (as producers) could be seen in the season finale. They both agreed that it’s been great to “take on more responsibility (to) grow and learn and be of benefit to the show.”
You can watch the full video interview here:
