Outlander’s executive producer Ronald D. Moore has shed light on a pivotal moment where Jamie (portrayed by Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) have an explosive argument, reports the Irish Star.
In the second season, tensions rise between the couple after Claire coerces Jamie into vowing not to duel with Captain ‘Black Jack’ Randall (Tobias Menzies), as his death would prevent her first husband Frank Randall (also played by Menzies) from existing.
The intense altercation between Jamie and Claire unfolds after Jamie discovers that his nemesis is still alive.
Reflecting on this key scene during the official Outlander podcast, Moore revealed: “This scene is drawn from the book. We really tried to use as much of the dialogue of this fight as we possibly could.”
He praised the actors’ performances, saying, “It’s a great performance. There’s just something really amazing and we really let [Balfe] and [Heughan] go at it in the scenes. When you unleash them, they really dig down deep.”
Moore reminisced about the memorable fight from episode 109 in the first season and then compared it to this one.
He added: “When they’re really emotional and they’re really heartfelt and they really passionately believe in their positions, these two actors can really take you places.”
Moore also commented on the actors’ growth, stating: “They’re so mature, they understand their relationship and they’ve work together for a couple of years.”
Joining the conversation on the podcast, Outlander costume designer Terry Dresbach mentioned: “And they know each other so well by now.”
She added: “And you can see they have really become these characters and they inhabit them in such a deep and believable way. It’s quite amazing.”
The particular scene would later spell trouble for the Frasers, as Jamie and Black Jack found themselves embroiled in an unlawful duel.
This confrontation had dire consequences for Claire, who began to miscarry upon arriving at the scene of the duel.
Claire faced a harrowing battle for her life and suffered the devastating loss of her stillborn daughter, Faith.
Moreover, she was forced to secure a pardon for Jamie’s illicit actions, a process that exacted a greater toll than she anticipated.
Subsequently, Claire discovered that Jamie had attempted to kill the merciless Redcoat after he assaulted Fergus Fraser (Romann Berrux), thereby breaking a solemn promise he had made to her.