Sam Heughan Delivered One Of His Best Outlander Performances For Claire’s Big Cliffhanger, But I’m Maxed Out On Season 7 Near-Deaths

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In 2025, the Season 7 finale of Outlander is approaching as per the TV schedule, and the second last episode intensified the tension to unprecedented levels for Claire and Jamie. Claire was wounded in her abdomen, and unfortunately, the only doctor capable of saving her life is ailing Claire herself. Jamie displayed an impressive mix of fury, despair, and alarm, with Sam Heughan delivering a commendable performance. Despite the tension-filled cliffhanger, I found myself sighing in anticipation of the finale, as I’ve had enough close calls with death for now.

In a technical sense, it hasn’t been confirmed that Claire from Outlander will escape her gunshot wound and avoid certain death in the Season 7 finale. However, unless Caitriona Balfe’s character transforms into a ghost or only appears through flashbacks in Season 8, we can confidently assume she won’t meet her demise in the final episode of this season. It’s intriguing to note that both Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe were present during the final day of filming, which fuels my desire for the show to create more suspenseful cliffhangers rather than mere teases.

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that if Claire had been hurt in the recent episode of Outlander, it wouldn’t have left me as anxious as it might have, given how the show had previously manipulated suspense regarding Jamie’s “death” when his ship sank during their journey from Scotland to the future America. It wasn’t too long ago, and I was so certain that he would return that the only truly emotional scene of that episode for me was the death of the older Ian Murray.

Jamie’s “death,” rather than being saddening, sparked intrigue due to its impact on relationships and the revelation about William’s true paternity causing turmoil. Unlike previous sorrows in Outlander, such as Claire’s miscarriage in Season 2, I found it hard to empathize with her grief this time around, as I wasn’t convinced by it.

Indeed, Claire’s belief that Jamie was dead elicited powerful acting from both Caitriona Balfe and David Berry. Similarly, Sam Heughan delivered a notable performance in the final episode, portraying Jamie’s grief and anger convincingly as he resigned his command to stay by Claire’s side, believing her (to him) dying.

The previous episode’s conclusion wasn’t small in impact as we head towards Season 7’s finale, and I must admit, I’m eager to find out how Outlander will tie up loose ends by the end. However, if there are any more events that seem potentially fatal for significant characters, I can only hope that they won’t be Jamie, Claire, or Young Ian (I’m less concerned about Ian).

In a few episodes past, I found myself worried about Lord John’s wellbeing, as he plays a significant role, but not necessarily one that’s indispensable in the final season. Even William was close to meeting his end when he was captured by Hessians, and if it weren’t for the possibility that Denzell Hunter might be the only one capable of carrying out Claire’s instructions effectively enough to save her, I’d be on edge during the finale. For goodness sake, Outlander, let’s spare the nail-biting near-death scenes for characters who could potentially perish!

It seems quite plausible that I might find myself in a situation where I’ll have to admit I was wrong by the conclusion of “Outlander” Season 7 finale. The show has a history of presenting heart-wrenching moments that surpass even the most difficult deaths. Regardless of the outcome, we don’t have too much longer to wait as the final episode of the seventh (and penultimate) season will be broadcast on Starz at 8 p.m. ET this coming Friday, January 17.

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2025-01-09 03:07