Sam Heughan is “pushing for a different ending” to Outlander

We are approaching the midseason finale of Outlander. This is the penultimate season of the show, so every episode brings us closer to the end. Season 8, the final season, will be a bittersweet affair.

However, filming is currently on hold given the current WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. We may be in for another long Droughtlander, folks, the last we’ll ever have.

As we approach the end, series star Sam Heughanis reflecting on nearing a decade of playing what it means to wrap up after nearly a decade of Sam Heughan. He spoke to The Herald prior to the strike about how he is handling this impending change in his life.

Sam Heughan says Outlander is “woven into” his life

Sam Heughan is getting nostalgic about leaving Outlander behind. “[I]t really is woven into my life,” he said. “It is my life. It has taken over my whole life for the last 10 years. It feels natural to be shooting every day or in New York doing press – that cycle and recurring itinerary we’re on. And it is all going to end, I am very aware of that. It is making me want to enjoy it more.”

Of course, there is still a long road ahead; there’s still half of season 7 to air, and all of season 8 to film. We’re probably looking at another year-plus at least, depending on how long the strikes go on for.

"But we still have a long way to go. We were very conscious while shooting this penultimate season that towards the end you could feel it. It was tangible. Everyone was like, ‘Oh my God, we are actually only going to do this one more time …’ So, yeah, I am going to need some serious therapy, I think. It is going to be a real change."

I think we will need some serious therapy as the show comes to a close. I don’t know what life is without a Droughtlander. I guess now we could be stuck in a permanent one, which sounds awful.

Sam Heughan: “I am going to need some serious therapy” after Outlander is over

At least the end will be worth waiting for. “We were supposed to finish this season and I didn’t want to finish without finishing the story and that is the reason why we are going back to do one more,” Heughan said. “I want to finish the story, not only for myself but for the fans. It wouldn’t feel satisfactory to just end it, left in the air.”

Meanwhile, Outlander author Diana Gabaldon is still writing the tenth book in her series. It is unclear if the final season of the show will incorporate her ideas and go its own way. Heughan shared that he is “pushing for a different ending” but doesn’t think he will get what he wants. I’m super curious to know how he would like the series to end, but I guess we won’t know for quite some time.

“Whatever the writers do, I guess we will find out,” Heughan continued. “I don’t think it is ever going to be satisfactory for everyone, but hopefully we can get to a place where at least our Outlander is told. It won’t be the full book, but at least it’s our story and it will hopefully give some sort of finality.”

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