A Look at Fergus Claudel Fraser: Outlander Character Journeys

We continue our in-depth look at Outlander characters with a look at Fergus Claudel Fraser.

In our continuing blog series exploring the journeys of key Outlander characters, we bring you the son of Jamie’s heart: French brothel-born orphan and reformed pickpocket, the loyal and charming Fergus Claudel Fraser.

An Overview

Ahh Fergus, another fabulous and underrated character in the Diana Gabaldon universe packed with incredibly diverse characters. Fergus bursts into our lives in Outlander Season 2 as a mischievous Parisian 10-year-old rascal, brimming with self-assured charm, an eager spirit and an impertinence for authority. Outlander casting outdid itself again with the wonderful Romann Berrux as the child version of our lovable scamp. He was, in a word, perfection.

At first, Jamie hires Fergus for his pickpocket talents to steal letters intended for Charles Stuart and the players of the French Court. However, it doesn’t take long for Jamie and Claire to love the boy as their own. By the same token, Fergus’ overriding characteristic from childhood to his adult years is his complete devotion to Jamie, who rescued him from a wretched life on the streets. He loves Jamie and Claire and would do anything for them.

Spending his first 10 years in a French brothel with whores and their noble clientele, Fergus exudes an air of French superiority when it comes to worldly knowledge and women. Of course this makes us adore him all the more.

As an adult (again, brilliantly cast with the talented Cesar Domboy), Fergus is now dark, handsome and charming while still radiating a sense of cheekiness and expertise with women. Who can forget this great scene in Outlander Season 3?

 

Fergus Claudel Fraser intrigues audiences in both the books and show because (like most characters in the Gabaldon world) he experiences a tremendous arc over the series. Diana is still unfurling the mystery of his origin story in the upcoming ninth book of the series Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (to be released on November 23, 2021).

Fergus brings a unique element to the story in that we love him from childhood through adulthood. While there are a few characters we meet as a child and later know as an “adult” (Ian, Brianna, Roger and soon William), Fergus seems to be the most fully explored in both phases (so far). We follow Fergus from a 10-year-old, brothel-born, French pickpocket with unknown origins, through tragedy in his teen years at Lallybroch, to a savvy smuggler in Edinburgh. Then, he travels to America with Jamie to rescue Ian, marries Marsali on the way and makes a life with his ever growing family on Fraser’s Ridge.

Yet still, even in the books, Fergus remains somewhat a man of mystery for such an “inner circle” character. His unknown origins offer just one example and open a great cavern for exploration in the capable hands of Herself, Diana Gabaldon.

Additionally, we don’t see his POV except in one chapter in each of the last two books, thus keeping his internal thought process elusive to the readers. Remember, Fergus spent his early years on the streets, having to keep an external bit of bravado in place to survive, in spite of internal fears and struggles. We see it crack every now and then, revealing his inner demons. As a child, we watched that vulnerability laid bare when he confessed his rape to Claire. We haven’t seen that crack as an adult in the show so far, but if the show follows the books, his deep emotions may rise to the surface in Outlander Season 6.

Although Fergus left Paris at the age of 10, he always evokes a clear “Frenchness” in looks, speech and mannerisms. His touch of arrogance and self-assured manner mask his early years as brothel orphan on the streets of Paris. However, there is always something innately aristocratic about Fergus that sets him a little apart.

Here’s a terrific compilation of our favorite Fergus moments so far.

HISTORY

Jamie meets Fergus in Madam Elise’s brothel, apparently born to one of the whores. Fergus never knew her name or which man fathered him. Madam Elise let him sleep under the stairs, and the girls gave him bits of their meals for combing their hair or other small services. (In the books, he would also have to serve as a child whore on occasion for customers with that taste). Young Fergus shares a bit of his story in this deleted scene.

He survived otherwise by picking pockets. The circumstances of meeting Jamie occurred a bit different on the show than in the book (where wee Fergus helped Jamie escape pursuit from ruffians as he cut through the brothel). On the show, Jamie caught him picking pockets including Jamie’s own cherished Sawny snake. Romann Berrux claims that filming this scene was the most fun he had on set.

Jamie, impressed and greatly in need of help, brings home the clever pickpocket to partner with him in stealing and replacing letters covertly in his intelligencing efforts. In return, Jamie promises clothes, room and board, a small salary, and lifetime support if he loses a hand or ear in his service. It starts out as a business relationship, which Fergus quickly grabs as a means of escaping his life as a street urchin living under the stairs in a brothel. He soon worms his way into the Frasers’ hearts as their own adopted son, changing the course of his entire life.

*An interesting note for nerds like myself, Fergus’ actual birth name is Claudel, but Jamie renames him Fergus, stating that they decided Claudel “wasna very manly.” In essence, Fergus gains a new identity. He retains Claudel as a middle name. Is it just coincidence that the origin of “Claudel” means “lame or crippled” and “Fergus” means “man of vigor?” I think not. Intrigue abounds in the area of names and Fergus that can easily send book readers down the rabbit hole of theories and speculation. But, I digress.

In a twitter Q&A from 2017, a fan asked Romann Berrux what his most embarrassing moment was on set.

“The first time I played with Caitriona, I told her that she had very beautiful breasts! It was fun and embarrassing,” he said.

Fergus proves himself an extremely loyal and talented addition to the Fraser household, stealing and replacing letters for Prince Charles and assisting the Frasers’ effort to foil plots by the Comte St. Germain. He’s verra skilled as you can see in this deleted scene.

Occasionally, he also serves as an escort for Claire and a page as they attend social functions. His mischievous, eager, superior nature continues to break through while his total devotion to the Frasers grows exponentially.

Meanwhile, the Fraser nemesis, Black Jack Randall has reared his evil head again in Paris. Jamie  promised a very pregnant Claire that he would not kill Jack Randall until he can sire the line that creates a future Frank. Sadly, disaster strikes.

While Jamie clears up a bill for Prince Charles, Fergus goes wandering. He spies an empty open room with a bottle of lavender oil on the table. Thinking to steal it as a gift for Milady, he enters, soon followed by Jack Randall.

Jack molests Fergus who screams for Milord. Jamie charges in and flies into a red rage at what he sees. He punches BJR and demands a duel as he is dragged from the room. Not only does Jamie love Fergus like a son, but he gazed into a mirror of  his own nightmares and trauma.

Jamie goes to the duel leaving an “I’m sorry” note for Claire. She rushes to the site of the duel, and in one of the most tragic episodes of the series, loses her child, Faith. Additionally, the Gendarmes throw Jamie into the Bastille for dueling, indefinitely.

Fergus is despondent and racked with shame. Guilt overwhelms him for the lost baby, Claire’s grief and Jamie’s fate. Still, he does his best to hold it inside and care for Milady and the house in Jamie’s absence. For weeks, he bears the pain alone… partly from shame and partly from his sense of responsibility for Claire. He tries to meet her every need as the man of the house while Jamie sits in prison. Overshadowed by Claire’s ordeal, it’s easy to miss how much Fergus’ core character develops in this episode.

However, he still visits the terror and sorrow in his dreams. One night, Claire overhears and presses him to talk about it. Horror strikes her core as young Fergus pours out his pain in one of the most heart-rending scenes of the season. It’s Fergus’ news and distress that pushes Claire to forgive Jamie and find a way to rescue him.

Berrux delivers an outstanding, vulnerable performance that shows his incredible talent. When asked which were favorite scenes to film with each TV parent, Berrux names this one as his favorite with Caitriona.

After Jamie’s release, the Frasers leave France and return to Lallybroch with Fergus by their side. He is now definitively theirs, leaving his horrific childhood as a thing of the past, but those years will leave their mark. He happily enjoys life at Lallybroch until news arrives that sends the Frasers to war.

He leaves ahead of the Frasers with Murtagh, but glows with joy when Milord and Milady arrive. Berrux really emotes the immense love Fergus feels for Jamie and Claire.

In episode 210 “Prestonpans,” Fergus leads a man to the camp who knows a secret trail to attack the British. Now, at age 11, Fergus, impertinent as always, does not want to be regulated to stay and do “women’s work.” Fergus is eager, fearless, and loyal.

Fergus deftly lifts Claire’s surgical knife and sneaks off. How horrorstruck were we seeing wee Fergus in the midst of this carnage, armed with a surgical knife!?

Thankfully, Fergus returns alive but with another emotional scar. He confesses to Claire in shock that he has killed a man. These first killings for our characters are always significant, but wee Fergus (like most other things in his life) has had to come to terms with this reality at far too young an age.

In the Outlander Season 2 finale, the day before the battle of Culloden, a weary starving Fraser family prepare for the inevitable. In a last ditch effort, Jamie and Claire discuss the possibility of assassinating Prince Charles. Unfortunately, Dougal overhears and determines to kill Claire even if he has to kill Jamie first. They battle, and in another moment of horror, Dougal is killed… and there is a witness. Jamie barters for time to save Claire, and with all hope gone, makes one last attempt to save Claire, and his unborn child, Lallybroch and his men. In another incredible scene, Jamie and Claire say goodbye to Fergus… and entrust the very future of Lallybroch to his hands

This is an incredible scene. In an epic and chaotic finale like Season 2’s Dragonfly In Amber, the weight of this moment can get lost. Not only does it break your heart, but we realize Lallybroch only survives this disaster for years to come because of Fergus’ bravery, loyalty and determination to deliver this deed into Jenny’s hands.

OUTLANDER SEASON 3

In Outlander Season 3, we meet back up with Fergus in Episode 302 as a teenager living at Lallybroch while Jamie exists in a cave as the Dunbonnet. This will be Berrux’s swan song playing Fergus before we switch to adult Fergus in the form of talented Cesar Domboy. As impactful as this episode is for Jamie’s character, the drastic events that happen to Fergus will alter his life permanently and ripple far into the future.

Fergus loves Lallybroch, and Jenny tutors him over the years. He becomes a worldly wise mentor to wee Jamie and best friend, Rabbie MacNab. He’s seen war, and he’s experienced things the other boys have not. In the aftermath of Culloden, though, life is grim with constant harassment by British troops, and this escalates his hatred of the English. Food is scarce, and the British strip anything of value away. He watches with cold eyes as they hunt for Jamie and continually arrest Ian for not divulging Jamie’s whereabouts.

As the Redcoats leave, Fergus shouts at a lowland Scot, Corporal MacGregor, “A Scot in a Redcoat. You are the traitor.” Then, he spits on the ground at his feet.

“Fergus could never resist insolence when confronted with authority—especially English authority.” – Jamie in Voyager, by Diana Gabaldon

Seeing what Jamie has become—a broken shell of himself—crushes Fergus’ heart. After Jamie scolds him for touching a hidden gun, Fergus says he wants to be ready to fight and defend their home. Jamie tells him…

A disheartened Fergus lashes out and says, “Just because you’re a coward now doesn’t mean that I am!”

“Fergus calling his hero a ‘coward’ is a big moment for Outlander. This was another addition by the writers to highlight Fergus (and our audience’s) pain at seeing Jamie in this state. Also, this pulls together Jamie’s arc during this episode. By the end, Fergus could never see his father figure as anything but the hero he is.” – Script annotation by Toni Graphia and Matthew Roberts.

Later, when a raven appears at Young Ian’s birth, a bad omen, Fergus jumps to action remembering Claire’s pain at the loss of Faith and shoots the raven in a reckless act, the sound drawing Redcoat patrols. Jamie, furious, bursts out the door, ripping the gun from Fergus’ hand.

After a very close call from the Redcoats, Jamie stays in his cave for a while. Fergus makes his way to the cave to warn Jamie about a search (as opposed to bringing a cask of ale in the book). Fergus knows the Redcoats are following him, and he leads them off on a merry chase in circles, taunting them mercilessly.

Jamie watches helplessly, silently begging Fergus to stop, but Fergus intends to draw them away from the cave. The Redcoats catch Fergus, and Jamie can only watch in horror as a blade arcs down cutting off Fergus’ skilled, graceful left hand.

“…but not even the encroaching dark would blot out the final sight of Fergus’ hand, that small and deft and clever pickpocket’s hand, lying still in the mud of the track, palm turned upward in supplication.” – Voyager, Diana Gabaldon.

Jamie breaks down crying years of unshed tears as Jenny comes down to tell Jamie that Fergus will live. Berrux names this final scene with Sam as his favorite. This event snaps Jamie back and becomes a turning point. Jamie finally breaks out of his shell and takes decisive action.

Many thanks to Romann Berrux for endearing us to our beloved Fergus from the start. You cemented him permanently to our hearts.

We next see Fergus in Episode 306, played by the wonderful Cesar Domboy. He is a 30-year-old handsome, savvy, charming man, still completely devoted to Milord and Jamie’s most trusted man. He has a dangerous edge as well when needed and works with Jamie in his smuggling enterprise. We see this adult version of Fergus at the same time a newly returned Claire does. He can’t believe his eyes.

Fergus still has his worldly air, and when Young Ian asks Fergus about his first time, Fergus replies it was a menage a trois. A wide-eyed Ian says, “What’s that?”

Fergus is thrilled to see Milady. He not only loves her for himself, but he witnessed firsthand the pain Jamie endured without her. At the same time, he’s concerned because he knows Jamie has married Leoghaire. Additionally, unknown to anyone, he and  Marsali, Leoghaire’s daughter, love each other. He already presents his own issues being a cripple, criminal, and a bastard with no name. Now however, with the printshop burnt down and Claire’s return, Fergus loses hope Marsali’s mother will ever consent to a match. In the book version, Claire chances on a dejected Fergus at Lallybroch (before the reveal of Jamie’s second marriage). When she asks what what’s wrong, Fergus confides he loves someone, but her mother will never approve.

“I couldn’t say I blamed the young lady’s mother, all things considered. While Fergus was possessed of dark good looks and a dashing manner that might well win a young girl’s heart, he lacked a few of the things that might appeal somewhat more to conservative Scottish parents, such as property, income, a left hand, and a last name.

Likewise, while smuggling, cattle-lifting, and other forms of practical communism had a long and illustrious history in the Highlands, the French did not. And no matter how long Fergus himself had lived at Lallybroch, he remained as French as Notre Dame. He would, like me, always be an outlander.

“If I were a partner in a profitable printing firm, you see, perhaps the good lady might be induced to consider my suit,” he explained. “But as it is…” He shook his head disconsolately.”  – Voyager, Diana Gabaldon.

Ever the resourceful opportunist, when Young Ian is abducted and Jamie must venture across the sea, Fergus shocks everyone by appearing as they launch with a “plus one.”

While on the journey, a British Navy ship infected with plague abducts Claire to care for their sick. Jamie argues with his captain who locks him up until he calms down. At this point, the writers fabricated a terrible drama of Jamie trying to manipulate Fergus.  He used his blessing for Fergus and Marsali’s union to pressure Fergus to start a mutiny to free him.. at the risk of everyone, including Marsali.

While wonderfully performed by all three actors, the characterization of Jamie’s love for Fergus and Marsali bothered me, earning this storyline one of my two worst adaptive choices for Fergus.

The one thing to note in this section, however, is just how much Jamie’s approval means to Fergus. No matter what, Jamie is Fergus’ hero. Fergus always has and always will idolize Jamie. It speaks volumes that he would not violate his word to Jamie and would not marry without his blessing.

Eventually Jamie realizes his error, apologizes and grants Fergus his blessing.

Once reunited with Claire on Hispaniola, a hilarious, heartwarming wedding takes place, care of the pot-smoking priest that rescued Claire, Father Fogden. Two monumental things happen for Fergus this day. He marries the love of his life, and Jamie gives him the Fraser last name, lighting Fergus up with joy.

When they finally reach Jamaica, it’s Team Fraser all the way! Fergus and Marsali attend the Governor’s Ball, oozing with newlywed bliss, and Fergus saves the day again… warning Jamie of Lieutenant Leonard’s presence. Later, he gets word to Lord John Grey when Jamie gets arrested.

After Ian’s rescue, Fergus and Marsali, along with the rest of the Fraser clan, wind up shipwrecked on the coast of Georgia after a deadly storm at sea. And so, their American adventure begins.

The American Journey So Far

Outlander Season 4

Fergus’ Season 4 American journey begins with a mix of the sorrow of death and the blessing of life. Sadly, they watch their friend Hayes hung for an unintentional murder. Later, Jamie explains to the family that he and Claire plan to stay in America, and he gives Fergus a share of the gem profits to aid their travel back to Scotland. However, the younger Frasers have an announcement of their own.

So, Fergus and Marsali will be staying now as well. They rent rooms in Wilmington while Jamie, Claire and Ian head to Fraser’s Ridge to get the homestead started. The young Frasers plan to join in a year or so when things are more established on the Ridge, and their child is born.

In Wilmington, Fergus struggles a finding work because of his missing hand. This is the first time he’s had to cope with this issue. Jamie valued him far beyond a missing hand, and he never made Fergus feel less than a man for it. But Jamie isn’t here, and the world can be quite different.

Marsali and Fergus have their first child, Germain. Fergus adores being a father, something he never had himself as a child. He’s so proud and determined to care for his precious family.

Unknowingly, Fergus runs into Roger on the street as he is searching for Brianna. At this time, Fergus can’t help Roger. However, this is a nice Easter egg as Fergus will become a close friend and help Roger in the future.

Season 4 writers also inserted a storyline for Fergus to assist Murtagh to escape capture, meet up in their rooms with Regulators and break out of prison. I believe they were looking to create more story to tie in the young Frasers, and it did have some moments of badassery for Fergus (which he certainly is). However, I personally disagreed with tying Fergus into the Regulator storyline because he would never take a side, Murtagh or no Murtagh, that would stand opposite Jamie.  Other than that, it provided some nice moments for Fersali.

Fergus escaped arrest himself because Murtagh provided him an out with a punch to the jaw. He determines to work with the regulators to facilitate his escape. Marsali is all in, seeing the purpose it gives Fergus. They decide that after they break Murtagh out of prison, it’s probably a good time to leave Wilmington and make their way to Fraser’s Ridge (finally getting our story back on track lol).

Murtagh’s prison mate happens to be Stephen Bonnet. As Fergus and the Regulators storm the prison, Fergus has a hilarious unexpected reunion with Lord John escorting Brianna to see Bonnet. Well… this is awkward.

John comes through in the end (doesn’t he always) covering their escape, and Fergus and Marsali make their way to Fraser’s Ridge for Season 5.

Outlander Season 5 – All About the Ridge Life

Season 5 seems to ruffle some feathers for Fergus fans that feel a bit shortchanged. I can understand the sentiment, especially considering the expansion of Marsali. Her broadened role (while wonderful) made Fergus’ lesser presence feel even more slight. A couple with such unbalanced screen time catches the eye.

However, I have a few positive thoughts to share.

Personally, I much preferred Fergus in Outlander Season 5 than Outlander Season 4. Why? They were on Fraser’s Ridge with family and part of the team. Fergus wasn’t separated and doing his own thing. He faced the world with “Clan Fraser.”

Yes, he served in a more supportive role for this season. However, to be honest, the Fersali story takes a bit of a back seat in the fifth book and even somewhat in the fourth book. There is a significant reason for this. Fergus is already a very well developed character, married, settled and having children. He had a huge dramatic arc for the second and third books. The lead secondary space must now shift to allow that same development for Ian, Roger and Bree, whose story takes the forefront in those novels. As it is, with the show putting so much focus on the Murtagh storyline, those characters already took a huge hit in screen time and development.

Roger and Bree costar in the series. In order to go where it needs in Seasons 6-8, the newer main characters needed the screen time to grow. Those relationships, as well as their bonds to other key characters of the Ridge needed to form. Also, the show writers needed to introduce new Ridge residents such as the Beardsley twins.

So, Fergus needed to take a step back into a more supportive role, to allow that space in Season 5. That said, he still commanded presence in pockets and delivered some very key character moments in S5 that I absolutely loved.

Additionally, with all the main characters more solidly developed and Murtagh no longer pulling screen time, Outlander Season 6 will hold major storylines for each of the key characters (Fergus included). If the show follows the book, I think Fergus lovers will be verra pleased in Season 6.

First, let’s talk about the Season 5 Fergus character moments.

Right from the start in the first episode, we sense Fergus and Marsali share true happiness in this community. They beam with joy at Roger and Bree’s wedding, now with two children in hand. And Marsali has news..

I love seeing Fergus part of a real community and family in this first episode. They dance and play tongue twisting, drinking  games (better luck next time Fergus).

However, the crowning gem for Fergus in episode 501 came near the end. Jamie calls Fergus at the fiery cross gathering… “Stand by my hand, Fergus… Son of my name and of my heart.”

OH! This moment made the list for my two best adaptive choices for Fergus.

Fergus then makes the booboo that sets the Dr. Rawlings kerfuffle in motion… leading eventually to the dramatic finale. I didn’t really love that choice because I don’t believe Fergus would be so dumb, but I digress.

This season focused on community, and we saw both Fergus and Marsali develop bonds with the other members of the second generation of outlanders. As it turns out, Cesar Domboy sees this as his favorite aspect of character work this season as well.

I participated in a zoom chat a few months ago with Lauren Lyle and Cesar Domboy hosted by Outlandish Vancouver, and I asked which scenes in Season 5 he saw as his favorite to develop character for Fergus.

“I liked that I had bits with Richard Rankin. He’s my friend. I love him, and I think he’s an amazing actor, so all together it was nice. Also, I like to expand the range of the characters Fergus interacts with. I just think it’s fun. It was just great to act with him. He’s such a nice person to hang around. We had a lot together in the Brownsville episode. We shot all day.”

I love the connection building between the foursome of the Macs and Fersali. Dear Outlander Writers … More of this please! We open 504 with a showdown, certainly not what Roger expected. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Fergus have Roger’s back. Even when they take cover, Fergus drapes his arm over Roger to protect him. Fergus’ smuggling days with Jamie emerge in his instincts. He scopes a new situation for danger as an immediate response… Roger scopes for information to assess the read on people and to work the situation. A good team. Part of me thinks that Jamie likely pulled Fergus aside before they left and told him to keep his eyes open. Of course, the writers concocted a delicious cocktail of charm with Roger and Fergus. Roger enchants the Brownsville residents with a song, and Fergus keeps them lubricated with Fraser whisky served with Fergus flair. (Note the underlying link here between Roger and Fergus with Roger’s prayer above and Fergus’ toast below).

Fergus also stands by Roger during the plague of locusts crisis that hits the Fraser’s Ridge while Jamie and Claire are away.

We also smile with joy watching the continuing bond grow between Young Ian and Fergus. When Ian returns from the Mohawk and remains quiet, Fergus and Marsali tag team a bit to break him from his shell. Later, in episode 509, we see them work together to find Jamie and Roger. Later in that episode, comes one of my very favorite character moments for Fergus in Outlander Season 5. This little scene between Ian and Fergus about amputation and their role in helping Jamie through this ordeal said SO much about Fergus.

First, Fergus sees right through Ian. That sharp knowing charm characterizes the Fergus I know. Fergus reads people very well. Second, his maturity shines through. While Fergus does struggle with his ability to provide at times, he knows what he is. In a way, he takes a bit of pride in his amputated hand because he lost it protecting Jamie. Third, he faces a crisis with a very cool, calm presence and a tremendous depth of understanding. He mentors Ian in this moment, and he also shows extreme love for Jamie.

I told Domboy how much I loved this scene for his character, and he explained a bit more about it.

”It was not as obvious when we read the scene because at first (it) sounded like …I had no resilience towards being handicapped, you know? Which made no sense to me because of course, one that has lived 20 years without his left hand has now come to the idea it’s ok, or actually that he could handle seeing someone else being handicapped. Even if Fergus may feel worthless because he cannot pull a plow or something, if someone he loved got an amputation, he would be able to help. He would be able to say, ‘This is how you can handle it. This is what you can do.’ So, I really felt it was a process to make it sound like Young Ian was worrying too much”

Fergus also serves as Jamie’s trusted man riding into Hillsboro at his side and ready to meet any trouble (as he always has).

Tender scenes with Marsali sprinkle through the season. For instance, Fergus, with two kids in tow, has to deliver a third child on his own.

 

Having only one hand does not hold Fergus back in the slightest when the Brown gang abducts Claire and hurts his pregnant (again) wife. He rushes into battle to protect those he loves.

When asked about his most challenging scenes to film, Domboy named two scenes, both connected to Claire’s abduction. The first was the small scene with Robin Scott (who plays his son Germain) when Germain had to inform the men what happened.

“He’s supposed to be the one to tell me that something happened to Marsali, and it’s at the end of an episode …Everything was relying on him, the whole [pivot point] of the episode, that he would be able to come in, charged with this emotion. No one had the job to coach him on this. I quickly saw that it would be my mission to put him in the right mood. A five-year-old kid on set is not in this mood. People just keep trying to keep (the kids) happy. This was such a precise mood at a pivotal point, so it was a matter of me trying to find a way to put him in this intense dark mood right before shooting. So, he was totally trusting in me.”

“Right before shooting, I would take him and say (without the details), ‘Remember, this scene is dark. It’s bad, bad stuff that’s happening right now,’ and I was trying myself (with my tone) to transfer this emotion to him, and he was just like a little sponge. He was perfect, but it was quite challenging.

He doesn’t understand all the social layers of the story. He could just say the line, but if he’s good, then we will just be better.”

Domboy and Lyle serve as his constant. With revolving writers and directors, they’ve  developed a true relationship with Robbie.

“He loves us because we consider him at the end of the day. We are always telling him ‘Great job. You did so good today, Robbie. Thank you.‘”

This picture recently posted from set is a good sign that the fabulous Robbie Scott will be back to reprise his role as Germain for Season 6.

Lastly, Domboy discussed the finale rescue. How impressive was it for Fergus’ character to dive into the fray of armed men with only one hand?

“The scene in the finale where we go to save Claire was very challenging also. It was shot at night, and we had to rush at them. It was all choreography which was fun because … Richard, John, Sam, Kyle Reese, and I were working all together, like in some sort of dance. It was the middle of the night and less than zero degrees in some forest in Scotland. I remember the conditions of work were just insane, and the only thing that gave me the force (to push on) was seeing Cait. She was there wearing 10 times less than us, and she was just coping with it and performing. So it was challenging that whole night. I’ll  remember that for a long time. It worked on screen though.”

It sure did… an incredible scene. It absolutely breaks your heart to see Fergus and Ian’s face when they come to the clearing and see brutalized Claire, a mother figure to them. Fergus joins Ian in saying he kills for her. “And I, Milady.”

What Lies Ahead?

While Outlander Season 5 may have been a bit lighter in story for Fergus Claudel Fraser, his story takes another dark turn in book six. Readers will likely know some of what may happen to Marsali and Fergus next season. A few things have hinted they will explore that emotional book storyline. First, the events of the Season 5 finale seem to be lining that path. Additionally, Domboy’s audition four years ago required a scene from that very storyline involving an extremely intense conversation with Claire. Third, in the “production” video released for Outlander Season 6, this image appeared. That seems to be very suggestive of that storyline as well. Additionally, both Domboy and Lyle have hinted at a strong story for Season 6. SOOO… fingers crossed!

In the Fersali zoom chat, Domboy was asked, “In S6 will we see more of you and together (with Marsali)?”

“I think you will get what you need to see. I know from the books what’s coming, and I know what I’ve heard, but there’s so many storylines and things they have to get in that you always feel it’s not enough. There’s just not enough time. I can say for sure that I’m coming back,” Domboy teased with his cheeky smile.

What do you love about Fergus Claudel Fraser? What are some of your favorite Fergus moments?