‘Outlander’ Season 2 — Everything You Need To Know Ahead Of The Premiere

It may have been long in coming, but the second season of Outlander is almost here. As fans gear up for the return of the hit series, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the highly anticipated premiere.

For starters, E! Online is reporting that Season 2 will feature 13 episodes instead of the 16 that were included in Season 1. While some fans might be disappointed, the entire season is expected to run in a single stretch, which means no midseason breaks this time around.

Apart from the logistics, the upcoming season will also see a major change in setting. While the first year saw Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) spending most of their time in Scotland, the couple is now headed to Paris, France. Their main goal is to change history by preventing the Jacobite Rebellion and stopping the Battle of Culloden.

Although Paris looked completely different in the 18th century than it does today, executive producer Ronald Moore promised that fans will not be left disappointed with the change in setting.

“It’s a great setting, and what was one of the most populated cities in the world at that time,” Moore told the outlet. “French society, it’s Aristocracy, the colors are brighter…It’s going to look and feel very different, which is exciting.”

As far as their mission is concerned, Jamie and Claire will face a lot of different challenges, some of which will put them in dangerous situations. Although physical violence permeated the first season, the Gwinnett Daily Post is reporting that Season 2’s violence will be more political in nature.

“It’s more politics and backstabbing and poison. It’s more hidden,” Heughan revealed. “There’s a lot more politics at work and a lot more danger, so it’s a different kind of world. But we certainly do go back to Scotland where we go back to the mud and blood and gore. So there’s something for everyone.”

Claire and Jamie are expected to spend a good deal of time in France, but that doesn’t mean they won’t venture out to other places. In fact, the two are expected to make a return to Scotland at some point, while fans can also expect a major time jump this season. The shift in time is connected to Claire’s pregnancy and future daughter, Brianna (Sophie Skelton).

Meanwhile, Claire’s pregnancy isn’t going to be the only focus for the character. According to TV Line, Claire also finds the new setting a bit difficult to adjust to. In fact, the character finds it hard to mix in with the socialites of the day but does find her place working at a charity hospital.

For those Outlander fans who just can’t wait for the arrival of the new season, Movie Pilot has released a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come. The video (below) offers a great look at the change in wardrobe for Jamie and Claire, who both clean up very nicely in their fancy clothes. Additionally, a few new faces are featured in the clip, including Louise the Rohan (Claire Sermonne), Alex Randall (Laurence Dobiesz), and Richard Rankin (Roger Mackenzie).

Speaking of the illustrious costumes, Balfe recently sat down with E! Online and discussed some of the ways in which her wardrobe affects Claire in the new season.

“It was interesting because they are very restrictive. In a totally different way to the 18th-century stuff was. It’s a twofold,” Balfe explained. “I think Claire was excited to finally be able to explore her femininity… but then there’s that restriction that the puts her in a different place as a women that she didn’t really expect.”

The second season of Outlander is set to air April 9 on Starz.

Tell us! Will you be tuning in for the Season 2 premiere of Outlander? Let us know in the comments, and check out the latest trailer below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3VtNOjrqeQ

[Image via Starz]