Based on Diana Gabaldon’s novel of the same name, the first season of Starz’ Outlander followed 1940s woman Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) as she accidentally traveled back in time 300 years to 1740s Scotland and met Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). When Outlander first premiered, it was met with generally positive reviews, and Starz quickly renewed the show for a second season. This move was further justified when Outlander received a handful of Golden Globe nominations – though the show didn’t take any home.
Season 2 of Outlander will continue the story, following Gabaldon’s second novel in the series, Dragonfly in Amber, and pick up where viewers left Claire and Jamie in the season 1 finale – heading to 18th century Paris, France. Now, Starz has revealed the second season premiere date, as well as a new trailer highlighting the couple’s struggle to change the future and protect Scotland.
People is reporting Outlander season 2 will premiere Saturday, April 9th, 2016 on Starz. Additionally, People released a new trailer (above) that introduces certain cast members new to the show in season 2, and a new image of Jamie and Claire (below) featuring the red dress that plays a role in their plan.
Furthermore, in an extensive interview with People, Outlander costume designer Terry Dresbach spoke about the significance of the wardrobe in differentiating the world of 18th century France from that of Scotland. The red dress in the above image is used as part of Jamie and Claire’s plan to get the king’s attention in order to insert themselves into the world of the French aristocracy. The goal of this plan, as previously explained by showrunner Ronald D. Moore, is to prevent the Jacobite Rebellion that Claire knows to have a devastating impact on the Scottish clans of the era.
Joining the cast of Outlander in season 2 are Richard Rankin as the adult version of Reverend Wakefield’s son, Roger Wakefield, who appeared in the season 1 premiere – Rankin can be seen very briefly in the above trailer – as well as Sophie Skelton as Brianna, Jamie and Claire’s daughter. The trailer also shows Claire back in the 1940s and reunited with her husband Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies), an indication that Outlander season 2 will take its cues from Dragonfly in Amber, which is told partially in the 1700s and partially in the 1900s.
Of course, the change in location for season 2 to France will impact Outlander; Moore previously stated the season will have a “whole different tone.” Additionally, based on what we know, it seems Outlander season 2 will also deal with even more political drama within the historical context of 18th century Europe. Plus, with part of the season taking place in the 1900s, the time from which Claire originally traveled, it appears the upcoming season may further explore the show’s time travel aspect – or, at least, its effect on Claire and her relationships.
That being said, the pair of Jamie and Claire are still the focal point of the show around which all the politics and drama revolve. They are the emotional heart of the series and, based on the trailer, they will face a number of hurdles in their relationship – including Claire traveling back to her home century. But, with so much going on between Jamie and Claire, as well as within the political circles they will join in France, season 2 of Outlander could potentially be even more dramatic and entertaining than season 1.
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Outlander season 2 will premiere Saturday April 9th, 2016 on Starz
