Outlander: Caitriona Balfe teases “heartbreaking…twisted” season 6

Outlander Season 6 -- Courtesy of Robert Wilson/STARZ
Outlander Season 6 -- Courtesy of Robert Wilson/STARZ

Slowly and surely, we’re inching towards the end of this horrendous Droughtlander. I have a sneaking suspicion that we’ll get a confirmed premiere date for Outlander season 6 during this year’s New York Comic-Con. In past years, the Outlander panel attendees have gotten to watch the first episode of the upcoming season early, and I won’t be surprised if that happens again.

But as excited as we are for the upcoming sixth season, there are dark times ahead for the Fraser family, especially Claire. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Caitriona Balfe teased rough times ahead for Claire and Jamie (Sam Heughan), courtesy of the show’s newest villains.

Outlander does baddies and villains quite well,” Balfe said. “ aren’t your typical villains, which is great and refreshing.” It appears that not all three of the Christies are going to be horrible, however. Balfe praised her new costar Jessica Reynolds, who is playing the role of Malva Christie, the daughter of one of Jamie’s old enemies, Tom Christie (Mark Lewis Jones). “Claire and Malva build a great relationship and bond,” Balfe teased. “It’s very destabilizing for Claire. It’s a really heartbreaking, but a really twisted narrative that they all get embroiled in.”

Heartbreaking? Twisted? I’m not sure we’re ready for this, folks!

Outlander season 6 is going to be dark all around

This isn’t the first time that we’ve heard the upcoming season is going to be dark and depressing. Balfe’s costars have alluded to difficult times ahead for their characters. Lauren Lyle (Marsali) spoke with Radio Times recently and said that Marsali and Fergus (César Domboy) are going to be tested in season 6:

"It’s the most tumultuous time that we’ve seen them and their relationship [in]. Marsali really has, this season – it’s the first time you see her having to step up, and she’s sort of supporting the family and dealing with her own needs."

Meanwhile, executive producers Matthew B. Roberts and Maril Davis mentioned on the Outlander podcast that things are about to get very traumatizing in season 6:

"Certainly this season, we’ve had a lot of moments. There are some very traumatic and very emotional times. It’s a difficult season for Jamie and Claire and everyone."

Basically, it’s going to be one hell of a rollercoaster when the show returns early next year, and every fan should brace for impact.

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