Caitriona Balfe ('Outlander') on portraying sexual violence in the devastating Season 5 finale

Caitriona Balfe ('Outlander') chats with Gold Derby editor Rob Licuria about the challenges of portraying sexual violence in the devastating Season 5 finale.
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[@anonamoose2229]

That one part where she’s being raped but she imagines Jamie wrapping her up in a blanket safe in his arms f*cks me up everytime.

[@manuelacoelho6749]

I just hate how underrated this show is. If Outlander were an HBO show it would have won plenty of awards by now, especially Caitriona.

[@karolnicks-suber3814]

I think you are right about that!

[@virgoqueen8950]

BAFTA RECOGNIZES HER

[@deborahhoffman7394]

I agree. This was an incredible acting role for Caitriona. The rape scene was haunting and well done. Her physical and emotional pain was well-acted. I think she should be nominated for an Emmy. This is actually an important subject that needed graphic portrayal for viewers to really understand what rape is like. Perhaps it will educate and enlighten people.

[@bevinboulder5039]

Cat has at least been nominated. Sam has been completely overlooked despite his amazing work. I hurts me that he will never be recognized for Wentworth Prison and To Ransom a Man's Soul.

[@erajazz2134]

@@bevinboulder5039 He's deliberately overlooked. Part of it is award politics. The other part is his bosses clearly not supporting him. We can speculate quietly about that.

[@lostamy27]

I will always from now on, associate the beautiful song "Never My Love" with this tearful and heart-wrentching epidode... Seriously I cry everytime I think about it... Outlander has changed my life...it has been my go-to throughout this stay-at-home Corona virus. All of the entire seasons were done with an unparalleled excellence. I'm just a single 64 year old woman in Florida, who managed to escape some loneliness through following Outlander...thank you so much for your part in my life.

[@timothypentecost6406]

SL Kand-check out the books! I started with the tv series on Netflix then bought the DVD’s. I now am reading the book series that I’ve gotten on a free book downloads sight. I’m in love with the story, the history and the characters. Great time to enjoy stuff like this since we have so much free time. Keeps your mind active and it’s an incredible epic story that hits you in the heart. Enjoy my friend!

[@lostamy27]

Thank you Tim! I have actually just started Book one of the books and so far it is really wonderful... Thanks for your sweet post... I have watched all of the episodes of Outlander twice, they are like my family now!

[@timothypentecost6406]

SL Kand-Oh, you are in for a treat! I just started book two. I also watch the videos over again. Watching a little and reading at night is my normal routine each night. I really enjoy it. I haven’t seen season 5 yet so this is a bit of a revelation to me on this violent season finale. I’m cringing already but I look forward to seeing the series as a whole. We’ve got a lot ahead to enjoy. 🙂😉

[@lostamy27]

Tim... Season 5 episode 12 is like a fire in my brain that cannot be put out. You will understand what I mean about the song "Never My Love" in the episode 12 of season 5...The last episode pushes ALL the boundaries of epic film-making... I don't want to spoil it for you, but I believe it will never leave your mind after you see it. Tissues required.

[@lostamy27]

Tim, I just subscribed to your channel here, it looks like I'm your only subscriber :) so you can write to me whenever you like, and let me know when you do see Episode 12.

[@Blue-rl5dp]

Hiding from reality does not make it go away. Pretending there are no monsters does not make it so. Too many people these days say don't go there to writers and producers of public consumption media, but that's like telling the children of the Kalahari not to worry about lions. Caitriona is strong for being willing to not only portray the victim of violence, but the hard road of healing from it.

[@LucyLane07]

Actually. If you don't get an Emmy for this episode I will never watch the Emmys again! You are bloody brilliant! I cried and cried for your character. You took me in and I was exhausted afterwards.

[@singsomethingsimple]

A distressing subject sensitively and brilliantly conceived and acted. Filmed from Claire's standpoint meant it was never gratuitous or prurient. Thank you everyone but especially Catriona for an incredible performance and a stunning episode.

[@elizabethgutierrez652]

I binge watched this entire series in one week while in quarantine, and I am in complete awe of it. I have never cried so much season after season for one character like I did for Claire. Caitriona made me feel every emotion she was acting out like it was my own, and for that she deserves every acting award known to man. Fan of for life now.

[@eugeniaelmo7152]

Caitriona is one of the most intelligent women in the show business industry. She is so sensitive, so witty, so eloquent. I absolutely love her. We're so lucky to have Sam and Caitriona become Jamie and Claire. Robert, thank you for this interview. Smart questions, respectful listener, you are good!

[@pinoytunes7707]

Cait is not your usual actress. She is not only smart but very wise. On top of that so beautiful and elegant. I could listen to her for hours. Unlike other actors where I get bored during long interviews.

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

This was a very shocking and emotional episode for me. This episode left me traumatized. I felt so sorry for her, I don't want to get ridiculously emotional here, because in situations like these, one wants to desperately help her or any women out there for that matter. It's horrific for this kind of violence to exist even in our society today. One of the best performances that I have seen. Caitriona did an outstanding job in this episode. I like the fact that after the episode, during the ending credits there a website (and a phone number I think) for women who victims of sexual violence to contact. Well done, hopefully this will raise more public awareness for the Me Too Movement. Jamie Fraser did the right thing! Thank you for posting this.

[@blanco102677]

Couldn't really get around my head of why adding to the show yet another rape, the way Caitriona explains things makes you comprehend a little better. She is so intelligent and talented, it took a while to find the right actress to play Claire but things always come in the right time. I barely discovered Outlander during this pandemic and I absolutely love it, I can't stop watching it. Sam and Caitriona are amazing, I hope they continue in many more seasons of Outlander. Great interview!!!

[@anonamoose2229]

Yeah I know, it was so brutal and it came out of nowhere. Hopefully no more rapes for a while. Mum dad and kid have all been ruthlessly violated, who’s next, Roger!?

[@pinoytunes7707]

Me too, at first I thought they are just putting it there as trauma drama. But like she said, it is not uncommon even today and we have to acknowledge that it happens a lot.

[@marygp3499]

So kind, and smart, and talented and beautiful. Wonderful to know there’s women like her in this world. Same for Sam Heughan and actually all of the cast and crew I’ve had the pleasure to watch in interviews. I think a good part of the reason the show works so well besides their incredible talent and commitment to Diana Gabaldon’s characters, is due to the fact that they all seem to really like each other and are friendly and respectful towards all involved.

[@joycekiselbach9044]

An amazing interpretation.... very real in it’s portrayal referring to the rape scene. Loved the coping method used ... dissociation in Never My Love...well done Cait! Love this show and look forward to Season 6. Love the chemistry and how you describe the respect on set😊😊👏❤️👍🇨🇦

[@karolnicks-suber3814]

First of all great interview mate. Holding your own with Caitriona is no small task and I thought your questions were good. So Bravo. I consume a fair amount of cast interviews for a variety of shows that I watch, but I must say that I do go out of my way to try and catch any extensive interviews that she does, weather print or other media. Here’s the thing, I absolutely believe we will see her directing and relatively soon. If you watch the way she works, she is brave and fearless as a performer. Very dedicated to her craft. It is clear that she prepares well and is smart. In that alone she has the makings a good director, perhaps in the vein of a Jody Foster or Greta Gerwig. This would be a great development , and I think she should keep fighting for it. She is an absolute boss and if she can become a successful actress at 30 then is there anything she can’t do? 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@goldderby]

Thank you!!!

[@SuperLaurielove]

She is also a GREAT actor so hopefully she will ACT more before she begins directing... (which she'd probably be great at too !) I would love to see her in many many more roles. It's absolutely amazing she was in her late 30s before she got an opportunity like this - she's up there with the great screen female actors of all time in my view. Definitely a brilliant screen actor - up there with Cary Mulligan, Meryl Streep and others who get so much more credit - she deserves it and hopefully this will be her entree to many more roles that are worthy of her immense talent.

[@javierfranco4401]

Caitriona is an amazing actress. Her character is the best in the series.

[@yourl0calbrunn3tte4]

I cried so hard during this episode. I actually had to fast-forward through most of it. The disassociating scenes were so spot on and VERY difficult for me to watch. But I have to say I cried the hardest when Marsali killed Lionel. I wish someone could have done that for me. Not literally kill someone, but have someone care so much to fight for me. My parents just stayed quiet thinking it would hurt me more to go to court. I love them but I bear resentment towards them because of it. Sadly, I'm sorry is just not enough. Kind of like when Wendigo didnt hurt her but also didnt help her. That feels almost the same type of betrayal. 😔

[@abclmnop987]

This is a 3 y/o post, not sure if you will see this, but I am so sorry you did not have the support when you needed it. I hope you do now and I wish you strength, peace and happiness.

[@tokenspirit6140]

Love, love, love Caitriona. I am passionate about good drama. Caitriona the finest actress of our time. This series is a magnificent piece of theatre. Even off-screen, in interviews, Caitriona is such an interesting personality, with humour and charm. If you are reading this Caitriona....if you ever come to Toronto,(maybe Sick Kids' Hospital), I would love to hang-out with you, chat one Brit' woman, to another! Who knows what tomorrow brings. Thanks to this lovely woman. Love Outlander....watched it 3 times, and will probably again.......I go on a journey with her and it takes me away and into another world, let alone....another era. Love the Scots story. Thanks!

[@soniasilva5015]

Hi, I am a big fan of Outlander and thought the direction of the last episode of season 5 exceeded the expectations! Congrats to all involved to produce this show!

[@creativem1]

I always listen to Caitriona. She is so smart and has such wisdom. I learn a lot from her

[@timothypentecost6406]

I love this series and the books are even better. I’d encourage those of you that love the tv series check out the books. You have a so much more intimate relationship with the characters and learn about them on a more personal level. After watching the series the characters now have a face. These difficult issue capture the challenges of the era and though difficult to watch they encapsulate the challenges of life. Evil exists and unfortunately light and darkness must coexist with the inevitable meeting of the two forces at varying time of our lives. Diana Gabaldon did an incredible job at researching before writing this epic adventure. She really did a great job bringing history and fiction together in a story that captures the realities that we all experience. I love Caitriona and Sam! They are the core of the story and incredible at bringing these characters to life. They both deserve the highest honors for their work. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@yourl0calbrunn3tte4]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@gn2932]

Absolutely the best interview of Caitriona I have seen. Thank you for that!

[@Oldleftiehere]

Caitriona always does great interviews. I always try to watch her interviews and have yet to find any that aren’t intelligent, well-stated, and clear. I love her and what she stands for.

[@ea80tv]

Thanks for asking such thoughtful questions! Loved this interview.

[@BigFootedMonster]

What a lovely, classy, intelligent lady. Great interview!

[@tessiekenerson4613]

answered questions Cait ! It showed how cooperative , truthful & very considerate person you are on all accounts of your acting in different settings ! Anybody is lucky to have you working w/ them bec you 're truly a great asset In this production. ! You're the reason why it's a huge success !

[@tessiekenerson4613]

Love you Cait ! I mean you really answered his questions so honestly well & articulately...

[@eilietemedeiros-pugh7198]

Great interview. This series has so many genres of story/film, historical, sci fi, romance etc. What a world Mrs Gabaldon has created. Yes this series and all who create, play and work should win many honours and awards. Just know that in your fans hearts and mind we give you the greatest honour, our love and appreciation.

[@lucynamackowska7009]

Natknęłam się na ten przecudny serial na Netflixe i zakochałam się bez pamięci. Obejrzałam wszystkie jak dotąd nakręcone serie i z niecierpliwością oczekuje 6 i 7. Nie muszę dodawać, że czułam się jak zaczarowana oglądając kolejne części ale kiedy dobrnęłam do końca 5 serię to po prostu rozpłakałam się jak bóbr, nie chciałam i nie chce rozstawać się z bohaterami tej cudownej historii. Proszę przybądźcie jak najszybciej, z wielką mościa dla Was - Lucy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@janefurfey3511]

Such a great interview, thank you

[@dinotales1]

This is an actress the likes of which we have never seen before. Thank you for being the person you are, please never change.

[@Bailey2006a]

Forget the nomination... If Caitriona doesn't WIN the Emmy this year, there is no justice. She gave the performance of a lifetime....

[@davidlowe2311]

What a show, outstanding performances from everyone. Thank you all for years of entertainment that kept me captivated through out.

[@b1aW0rld]

The best series! I love Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan doing Claire and Jamie . They’re just perfect, lovely, brave, incredible...Thanks for this 💖

[@livia469]

She is so brilliant in this role and I love the way she tells the story even here when she explains everything is so eloquent and clever💙love her

[@DrTanyaEnglish]

Thank you for this interview on this very intense episode.

[@lied8642]

This is such a good interview. Thank you for all the in dept and amazing questions. Her answers are so well constructed and awesome, and it is great to see this power lady! Thank you for the interview! ,❤️❤️

[@wikedwhich1]

All your interviews are brilliant Rob. thought provoking, compassionate and perceptive, so thankyou..I love John Bell...are you able to interview him???k And Caitriona ,...so brilliant, Im in awe of your skill. talent and spirit...the fact that you didn't start seriously acting till quite late s amazing, I can't quite believe that?!!

[@brunasantos4963]

She is strong and smart like Claire ❤️

[@JaimieJo]

Thank you Rob for a great interview of my favorite actress and show! Well done! Caitriona is smart, talented and beautiful!

[@tokenspirit6140]

Thanks to you Rob, for some amazing interviews.....what an excellent job! Love those eyebrows too!

[@fanvidz9737]

Best Series and Cast on TV by far!

[@JustBeingAwesome]

Marvelous Mrs Maisel is up there too :)

[@yourl0calbrunn3tte4]

@@JustBeingAwesome I didn't enjoy this last season as much...The Miami episodes were my favorite. Susie always steals the show, in my book. 😉

[@JustBeingAwesome]

@@yourl0calbrunn3tte4 feels like the last episodes were a set-up for the next season. Pretty sure it's gonna be awesome :) I loved how she started to find her voice and style.

[@jessester1584]

Thank you Rob for another noteworthy interview with Caitriona. She's always eloquent and astute. One change I would have made considering the time constraints, instead of asking about her and Sam working together which we've learned from the beginning, to have focused on her career and future projects. Hopefully, next time.

[@marie-soldelvoye5653]

Extraordinaire série d’Outlander!!! Bravo Mrs Caitriona Balfe! Les 5 saisons sont magnifiques les acteurs les actrices les dialogues les paysages etc...! Merci pour tout ce que vous apportez dans chaque saisons! Toujours passionnant! Merci Diana Gabaldon et Sam Heughan!

[@jokioulou2308]

Soooo interesting and useful things are said in this interview!!!

[@edaudio]

I love the show, the casting choices have been spot on. I am so grateful this show exists. I've watched and listened and read multiple times. I discovered the books after the show, and accept the differences. Love listening to Cait!

[@MichelleDPabon]

Excellent ! She deserves an Oscar 👏🏼👏🏼

[@chicoaraujo8780]

Onde está a tradução??

[@anonamoose2229]

All the rape scenes are traumatic and hideous. This show handles them perfectly, including the road to recovery afterwards. Hard as hell to watch though, I skip as many rapes as I can.

[@FranciscoChagas-ew9pp]

Eu não entendo nada em inglês😃 como faço para ver a tradução

[@aitzaespinoza3132]

Por favor alguien que haga la traducción al español de este video 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@dinorahescudero320]

Both are very great actors. Congratulation!!!

[@mjvandrongelen6400]

Caitriona is one of the best. She is a great actress.

[@adeleprice6923]

I love watching outlander I have watched it from the beginning I am on season five now and I can’t wait and I love the song as well 💓🌈💓

[@michelevieira2264]

Poderia ter tradução 🤔😥

[@michelevieira2264]

Tradução em português por favor🙏🙏

[@danaboreen7690]

Love that interview love those two characters even though I'm not thrilled with raped episodes I know they treated well I know in the first season with Jamie they did equally as well love Outlander continue it for almost a year great show

[@SweetVillage5]

Caitriona is amazing she's the definition of intelligence 🔥❤

[@bevinboulder5039]

I loved how they dramatized Never My Love and Cat's work in it (as well as the rest of the cast) but I hate that they moved this part of the story to Season 5. It actually belongs in Season (book) 6 and it frustrates me no end that, with all the criticism the show gets for being too "rapey", they moved a very bad rape into a season that could have existed with no rape at all. I'll never understand that.

[@jenifergarcia08]

que droga eu não sei inglês... colocam tradução!!!!

[@jeydyer]

All the awards to Cait Bafle

[@javierfranco4401]

The best actress I've ever seen in the tv nowadays. She's awesome!

[@anamariarodriguez8869]

Magnífica actriz 👏👏👏👏

[@aliciaortega7149]

És hermosa lá série entretecida brillante

[@javierfranco4401]

She really deserves a Globo award!

[@user-vr1bw8uv3q]

Замечательная актриса ,талантливая ,красивая,спасибо за откровенное интервью,👍👏💖💖💖

[@marvio8465]

She is the best!

[@Bailey2006a]

The brilliant photography of the sixties scenes, was straight out of a Douglas Sirk movie...simply inspired idea.

[@yourl0calbrunn3tte4]

I haven't rewatched, but isn't it Geillis's house? It looks just like it aside from the door being in a different spot.

[@enkhnarantumenbayar2692]

The Gold Derby Reporters Voice is not very understanding or exactly. Caitriona i understand clear and every word.

[@jakeyjervis]

I love Caitriona! I'm a huge fan. Shes amazing. I have a personal question for her. I wonder if one day I'll be able to ask her personally.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

I was looking so forward to watching the fifth season and this was a real bummer in my book not only to have extreme violence of a sexual nature but to do a repeat of the first season where we’re all left with that visual through drought lander.... if this is where we are at in television today, what’s left for tomorrow? Why must we have to have all of the visual insanity? I have a perfectly good imagination and that was the strength in the books is that we could all imagine in our own heads .... honestly I believe television has just leapt from the tallest cliff.....

[@EverythingNice4Dolls]

I love her Irish accent! I’m an American but I have quite a bit of Irish ancestors. My great grandfather was Irish and his parents lived in Ireland. Last name was McGee.

[@RG0804]

Y'all do a fabulous job with rape, it just something I can't watch! I fast forward through it! Especially since it was prevalent back in those days! I'm blessed that I haven't had it happen to me. But I do know women that it has happen to and it can be devastating.

[@erajazz2134]

It's just a lot of makeup. Nothing graphic like in S1.

[@yourl0calbrunn3tte4]

@@erajazz2134 It can be the emotions it brings up. It's uncomfortable and it's okay for someone to refrain from watching as long as they know that it does happen.

[@arlinejernigan]

She is brilliant!!!

[@timmahaffey4895]

Caitriona is an amazing actress

[@MariaLopez-nu4it]

The production is great. Art is art. However picturing sexual,violence in that way has a lot of impact. Are you aware of it? Even tough she' is a great actress and an smart woman, glamourizing violence as entertainment has social cost.

[@erajazz2134]

@@MariaLopez-nu4it The episode does not glamorize violence at all. Did you actually watch it?

[@MariaLopez-nu4it]

@@erajazz2134 It is a great production, the artists are wonderful. The idea of ​​parallel universes linked to how they live at different times (including violence) is very powerful. As you say, I haven't seen season 5. I should be more accurate, I was referring to Jamie's torture and sadism scenes. The comment came from working on human rights. Thanks for your question. The creative process is free and my point of view has a professional bias. If you recommend it, I will watch it.

[@erajazz2134]

@@MariaLopez-nu4it Sam has recently said he does not think the torture/rape scenes in the last two episodes of season 1 would be shot that way nowadays nor would he be willing to do it. It was amazing acting but extremely hard to watch. In fact, it took me several months to fully watch those episodes. However, I do not think violence was glamorized at all. You glamorize violence when you present it as cool (as Hollywood often does). There was nothing that felt cool in how it was presented. If anything, it was traumatic. They have taken a very different approach in season 5 and focused on the victim’s emotional experience and coping resourcefulness rather than what was done to her.

[@wikedwhich1]

@@erajazz2134 I think youve answered the comments from Maria well, thank you

[@kimberlyevans9637]

I am not a fan of the 60's. It was mostly a violent time in my eyes. Drugs, war, individualism and least of all compassion.

[@erikpersson2365]

I was not a fan of Claire geting raped, because it's been done enough times that people find it far to repetitive. Now Jaime, Brianna, Fergus, Ian and Claire have been sexually assaulted.

[@corrinemills]

Well I mean it’s in the books so it’s kind of hard to avoid.

[@erikpersson2365]

@@corrinemills The show is not the books they deviate from them often.

[@celticprincess2002]

Rape and sexual assault was common during that time period and others have said its in the books.

[@erikpersson2365]

@@celticprincess2002 I know this and have not said anything that refutes that rape was common rather the opposite with my listing of it. It is rather that it is a repetitive story device that has been used multiple times at this point.

[@albernard180]

That was almost too much for me and my wife. Ughhh😢

[@rosemere5462]

😍😍😍😍❤

[@mariahcosta7134]

My flower

[@Uhtredrag1080]

Send your acting coach a basket a fruit, Caitriona.

[@sgonz225]

Where’s jaime

[@Ellen24493]

I fucking hated that finale. Outlander uses the rape trope too much and the fact Caitriona wanted to make it more graphic than the book pissed me off. It gave the impression she was award hunting on the backs of rape victims.

[@geezloueeze]

Sweetheart, stop saying "you know" so many times. Just a suggestion. I did find it annoying to hear those two words said, so frequently, in an interview.

[@wikedwhich1]

I find your remark slightly condescending ...why call her sweetheart and then show a small defect (perceived) when she is one of the top actors we have in this world at the moment.

[@jessester1584]

Let me guess. Sam's fan!

[@geezloueeze]

@@wikedwhich1 I am almost 70. She could be my child. I think I mentioned that l found it annoying. I did not say it would be annoying to everyone.