Caitríona Balfe, the star of Outlander, showed restraint for a pivotal scene where her character Claire Fraser confronts Laoghaire MacKenzie, depicted by Nell Hudson.
The tense moment had Claire meeting with Laoghaire unexpectedly at Beaufort Castle after nearly being executed as a witch in season one, reports the Daily Record.
Both Ronald D. Moore, the executive producer, and Anne Kenney, the writer, reflected on how Balfe felt it essential for Claire not to “unleash” on Laoghaire since it didn’t align with her character’s nature.
Balfe and Kenney agreed that it was fitting for Claire to handle the encounter in a more composed way, an insight which was incorporated into the final version of The Fox’s Lair episode.
Moore remarked: “A lot of discussion about how this first encounter was going to go down. I was actually advocating a much tougher response from Claire. I really wanted Claire to go at her.”
He further expounded: “But my initial impulse was Claire is taken by surprise, she sees Laoghaire, and she has thought about it on some level, the fantasy in her mind, ‘If I ever see Laoghaire again, what would I do?’”
“And then caught unawares, Laoghaire comes and she would just unleash on her.”
Adding to his comments, he said: “Then I think you and I know Cait all felt, well that’s not Claire and wanted to play it a little cooler and hold back a little more. It’s probably the right decision in the show.”
Moore shared on the Official Outlander podcast how stars often provide input on their character’s development, with producers incorporating their feedback into the show.
Kenney confessed: “I wrote a version of that scene and ended up really liking it. It’s funny how that happens too..
However, when appraising Claire’s reactions in certain situations, Kenney realized changes were necessary for authenticity.
“What we came to after everything Claire’s been through, Laoghaire is such small potatoes,” she elucidated, referencing the evolution of Claire’s character.
Kenney further noted: “After everything in Paris and losing the baby and all that.”
Moore pondered: “That was the big thing that swayed it. Really in the scheme of things, is she really that mad at Laoghaire?”
Even though Claire’s initial encounter with Laoghaire post-witch trial was muted, friction over Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) ensured they would never see eye-to-eye.
Season seven, however, showed a shift, revealing Jamie aiding Laoghaire in her path toward remarriage and a joyous new chapter.
Moreover, Jamie also facilitated Joan MacKimmie (Layla Burns) in her spiritual journey to become a nun while granting Laoghaire and her progeny financial stability.
Outlander season 7 is available to buy now on Digital and is streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video now