Diana Gabaldon

‘Outlander’ Stars Find Peace as Epic Series Nears Its End

NEW YORK (AP) — As the eighth and final season of the historical fantasy drama “Outlander” begins, its stars are reflecting on a decade spent immersed in a world of time travel, romance, and 18th-century Scotland. Sophie Skelton, who plays Brianna Randall Fraser, says she’s “at peace” with the direction her character’s story takes in the concluding episodes.

“The show was my whole 20s, so I felt it’s definitely bits of her growth wrapped up in mine,” Skelton told UPI in a recent interview. “But I feel really at peace with where she is in Season 8 and that definitely made it easier to kind of let her go and separate the two of us.”

The series, based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon, follows Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a 20th-century nurse who is transported back in time to 1743, and her life with Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). This season introduces a potentially devastating revelation: Jamie learns of a future account detailing his death in the American Revolutionary War. He shares this information with Claire, prompting a discussion about whether their daughter, Bree, and her family should return to the 20th century. Claire, however, insists that the 18th century is now their home.

The emotional weight of the series’ conclusion is palpable for the cast. Richard Rankin, who portrays Bree’s husband Roger Wakefield, jokingly admitted to “coping very badly” with the end of filming, but added, “I’ll get through.” He described the final season as a “victory lap” and expressed excitement for fans to see the culmination of their work.

“It’s kind of a strange, strange feeling,” Rankin said, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving a project that has occupied so much of his time.

The cast and crew experienced what Skelton described as the five stages of grief after wrapping filming last year, and promoting the final season is stirring up those emotions once more. Despite the sadness, Skelton emphasized the enduring connection between the cast and the passionate fanbase.

“They’re always going to be in our world a bit,” she said, noting the fans’ dedication to creating and sharing edits of their favorite scenes online. “They’re never going to be truly gone.”

Rankin, who is currently appearing in the Scottish detective drama Rebus, believes Roger will remain a part of him, and the fans’ enthusiasm will keep the character alive. He highlighted the interactive nature of the “Outlander” community, noting their presence on social media and at conventions.

Skelton has already begun to explore new roles, appearing in the contemporary film I Can Only Imagine 2. She described the experience of playing a real person as a “completely different challenge” and a valuable step in defining her next chapter after Outlander.

“That film has a really special place in my heart,” she said.

The final season of “Outlander” premiered on Starz on Friday, marking the beginning of the end for a series that has captivated audiences worldwide.

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