Warning: This post contains spoilers for Outlander season 7, episode 10.Caitríona Balfe opens up about Claire’s heart-wrenching reaction to the presumed death of Jamie inOutlander’s most recent episode.Outlanderseason 7 episode 10features Claire devastated by news of Jamie’s (Sam Heughan) ship, theUtopian, being lost at sea with no survivors. Unable to process the grief, Claire locks herself in her room, grappling with the idea of a life without her soulmate. Balfe’s portrayal of Claire Fraser has earned her critical acclaim, including multiple award nominations, while the show itself has garnered praise for its dramatic storytelling and imaginative historical backdrop.
In an interview withScreen Rant,Balfe reflected on the challenge of portraying Claire’s grief over the loss of Jamie once again. Starz’s long-running historical drama, based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels, has consistently explored themes of love, loss, and resilience, with the beloved relationship between the time-traveling 20th-century nurse, Claire, and the Scottish Highland warrior, Jamie, serving as its emotional core. Here’s what the actor had to say:
It’s a tough storyline because I think, as an actor, you’re aware that the audience is not really going to believe that Jamie Fraser is gone. You have to almost try extra hard to make it so believable that your character is going through it. And she does these very surprising, out-of-character things, which is also hard to wrap your head around as an actor sometimes, but that is an amazing challenge and an amazing gift to be still surprised and challenged this deep into a show.
I was so lucky that David Berry was an amazing scene partner for all of that stuff… Butthat grief and going to that state is tough.It always is. I think it was definitely a week where I was going to bed very early, and then on a Monday morning when you get up at 5:30 AM, you’re like, “Well, I’m going to be crying all day today.” That’s when you really have to dig deep.
What Balfe’s Approach To Claire’s Grief Means For Outlander
Enduring Love And Survival In Outlander
Outlanderhas consistently emphasized theunbreakable bond between Claire and Jamie, framing their relationship asa timeless connection that transcends life’s greatest challenges.Balfe’s performance captures this nuance, showing how Claire’s grief doesn’t extinguish her hope, with six more episodes to come before the season finale.
Balfe’s performance also beautifully illustrates how Claire must find the strength to persevere, not just for herself, but for those who depend on her.
Balfe’s approach to portraying Claire’s anguish emphasizes the character’s deep emotional complexityas she contemplates her third marriage. Jamie’s presumed death is not the first loss Claire has endured, buther devastation perfectly encapsulatesthe profound emotional toll of their bond. In a gut-wrenching display of mourning, Claire locks herself in her room to collapse into a bed that the two once shared together, and the sheets are too cold without him.
Balfe’s performance also beautifully illustrates howClaire must find the strength to persevere, not just for herself, but for those who depend on her. By marrying Lord John Grey, she can avoid the watchful eyes of the British loyalists and elude the gallows, all the whileensuring the safety of her rebellious loved ones despite her emotional turmoil. Balfe’s ability to convey this inner-conflict continues to anchor the series, maintaining its warm vulnerability amid the ongoing political upheaval that threatensthe Fraser family.
Our Take On Balfe’s Approach To Claire’s Grief
Balfe Brings Humanity and Depth to Claire’s Emotional Journey
Balfe brings raw emotion and authenticity to Claire Fraser, making the time-traveling nurse’s grief both palpable and relatable. Balfe’s portrayal captures the delicate balance of mourning a loss while clinging to hope, an experience that feels deeply human despite the historical drama’s fantastical elements. It’s these moments of vulnerability and resilience that continue to anchorOutlanderin reality, even amid its epic narrative and sweeping romance. By showing both the pain of loss and the courage to move forward, Balfe’s hard work reaffirms Claire as the series' strongest figure.
Outlander
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Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst political intrigue and danger, she navigates life in the past and becomes torn between loyalty to her husband and the love for a dashing young warrior.
