Sam Heughan explains his character’s, Jamie Fraser, reunion with Laoghaire MacKenzie (Nell Hudson) in the premiere episode of Outlander season 7, part 2. The show, based on Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling book series, follows the epic love story of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who is mysteriously transported to 18th-century Scotland, and Jamie Fraser, a Highland warrior. The upcoming storyline will depict Jamie revisiting his complicated history with Laoghaire as he seeks to mend their fractured relationship. The final episodes of Outlander season 7 began on November 22.
According to an interview with RadioTimes, Heughan describes Laoghaire’s return as an important opportunity for Jamie to resolve their lingering emotional threads. This reunion marks Laoghaire’s return to the story, emphasizing Jamie’s sense of duty to her and her daughter, Joan (Layla Burns), also known as Joni. Their relationship was conflicted during their brief marriage, but Jamie’s actions will aim to address unresolved tensions. Check out what he said regarding her return:
He’s an honourable man. He feels a sense of duty. And I also feel like there’s still… despite their rather tumultuous, kind of crazy history that they’ve had together, there’s still a part of him that remembers the young Jamie and the young Laoghaire. He knows deep down that she’s hurting. He wants to help her, he wants to make sure that she’s OK, but also Joni – he’s got a very soft place in his heart for her. Obviously, they lived together for some time. So he has a sense of duty, and he’s a good man, and I think he’s putting a lot of things to rest. He’s made his home in America now, but there are certain things that he feels that he should put away. And it’s great to see Nell [Hudson] come back. She’s a character that I think fans love to hate. And as soon as she walks on screen, I think you’ll be able to hear the audience gasp. But yeah, a really fun sort of chapter to revisit and to have all these great characters. But as you said, it is bittersweet saying goodbye to some of our favourite characters and some of our favourite locations as well.
What This Means For Outlander’s Final Stretch
Outlander Is Looking To Its Past As It Nears The End
Laoghaire’s return now becomes a critical plot point as Outlander moves toward its final episodes. Her reappearance reintroduces unresolved conflicts between her and Jamie from earlier seasons, and allows the series to revisit key moments from his past. Laoghaire’s return plays an important role in concluding Jamie’s emotional arcs, especially regarding his responsibilities towards her and her daughter.
Laoghaire’s presence also emphasizes the interconnected nature of the characters’ lives, as past relationships continue to influence their decisions and shape their future paths.
Additionally, Jamie’s reunion with Laoghaire also highlights his commitment to reconciling with figures from his past. This decision emphasizes the series’ focus on character development along with the emotional stakes that have defined Jamie’s story. The sense of duty that Jamie exhibits is consistent with his character throughout the series and ultimately underscores his desire for closure before moving forward.
As Outlander nears the release of its eighth and final season, the reemergence of Laoghaire will tie together several key storylines. Bringing her back into the narrative offers an opportunity for the series to resolve their lingering emotional threads and provide further context for Jamie’s past actions. Laoghaire’s presence also emphasizes the interconnected nature of the characters’ lives, as past relationships continue to influence their decisions and shape their future paths.
Our Take On Laoghaire’s Return To Outlander
Laoghaire’s return in Outlander season 7, part 2, serves to close out an important chapter in Jamie’s story. Her presence offers viewers a chance to reflect on their past decisions and relationships, providing the necessary closure for these existing plotlines as the series prepares for its last season. By revisiting this relationship, Outlander ensures that the emotional arcs of its characters are fully explored before the series comes to a close.