WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Outlander season 4 that may influence your enjoyment in discovering the plotlines. Read at your own risk.
It's still a few months more before Outlander season 5 premieres on Starz. Executive Producer Matthew B. Roberts has hinted that the major plot change that was set off at the end of last season will test Jamie and his loyalty.
Outlander season 5 will veer off from the novels written by Diana Gabaldon in a major way after it was revealed that Murtaugh (played by Duncan Lacroix) survived in season 4. In the book version, Murtaugh had been killed off at this point. Thus, it's expected that he will have a major storyline in the upcoming installment which even the ardent book readers have no idea about.
The executive producer admitted that it was a challenge to keep Murtaugh alive for Outlander season 5. However, it was also important to have the character unexpectedly remain on the show because it would be an interesting struggle for Jamie (played by Sam Heughan).
"Let's just say Jamie is clearly between a rock and a hard place, the rock being his signed oath to the Crown, to Governor Tryon, for the land that they live on, and his loyalty and his love for Murtagh," Roberts told Parade."So, that is going to cause the Frasers some trouble as we go forward in season five and we'll see how they get out of it or if they get out of it."
Roberts also hinted that some storylines in Gabaldon's fifth book, "Fiery Cross," will not be told in Outlander season 5. The showrunner, however, assured viewers that this would not strip the series of its greatness as they will do their very best to deliver an outstanding season as with the previous seasons.
Outlander season 5 will follow the hunt for the rebel Murtaugh. Viewers will recall that Governor Tyron wrote Jamie a letter ordering him to form a group to look for his godfather.
Meanwhile, Caitriona Balfe (as Claire) also sat down with the magazine to discuss the character and her relationship with her TV husband. The actress stated that Claire, who mysteriously jumps from one dimension to the next, considers her real home as the one she shares with Jamie in Scotland. Ultimately, amid the backdrop of war, Outlander is about a love story worth fighting for between Claire and Jamie.
Starz has yet to confirm the premiere date for Outlander season 5. Fans, however, expect the show to begin its run in late fall 2019.
