Berry’s Farewell to Lord John Grey: Outlander’s Final Season Reflections

A Fond Farewell to the Highlands: David Berry Reflects on Outlander’s Final Season

For twelve years, the rolling hills and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands have served as the breathtaking backdrop for Outlander, a time-travelling saga that has captivated audiences across the globe. Now, after nearly a hundred episodes, this epic love story between Jamie and Claire Fraser, brought to life by Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe, is drawing to a close with its eighth and final season. For Australian actor David Berry, who has portrayed the complex and beloved character of Lord John Grey since 2017, the conclusion of Outlander marks a significant turning point, both professionally and personally.

The adaptation, based on Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling novels, transports viewers to the tumultuous 18th century, weaving a tale of passion, resilience, and enduring love. As the final season approaches, fans are eagerly dissecting every clue and predicting the ultimate fate of their favourite characters, a testament to the show’s profound impact.

A Homecoming and a New Chapter for David Berry

For David Berry, the end of Outlander is a moment tinged with bittersweet emotion. While he is closing a significant chapter in his career, he is also embarking on a new one, returning to his native Australia to reunite with his family, most importantly his son, Alexander.

“We wrapped the show last year, and I’ve been concentrating on family and being a dad,” the 42-year-old actor shared. “Obviously, the show took me away from my family for quite some time, and it’s important to me to be present for the moments I’ve missed. It’s been wonderful to be able to do that.”

While the mature themes of Outlander mean it’s not quite suitable for eight-year-old Alexander just yet – “definitely not,” David confirms with a laugh – he cherishes the memory of his son visiting him on set in Scotland.

“He came to Scotland, and we visited Stirling Castle and parts of the Highlands, and that’s one of the main attractions of the show,” David recalls. “The period detail is incredible in this show, but to be honest, it’s better appreciated by the fans than my son – he cares a lot more about Pokémon right now! Maybe when his tastes mature, he’ll come to see Dad as a bit cooler than I am right now.”

The Enduring Legacy of Lord John Grey

With season eight bringing his character’s compelling arc to a close, David reflects on the profound growth of Lord John Grey. The character, a secretly gay aristocrat harbouring a deep, unrequited love for Jamie Fraser, has navigated numerous hardships and evolving circumstances throughout his time on screen. Lord John has become a character to savour, and for many viewers, a figure to deeply admire.

“John starts in a very uncertain place and is disillusioned with the world, then he finds a purpose through the Frasers that turns his life upside down,” David explains. “There’s a huge growth in character. And then by the end of it – I was just about to say something that might have spoiled the final season! – but there’s another layer to him.”

This near-slip of the tongue offers little in the way of concrete spoilers for fans eagerly awaiting his fate. Similarly, when questioned about whether Lord John will face a perilous brush with death, a fate not uncommon for characters in Outlander, David’s response was characteristically enigmatic.

“I can’t tell you whether he lives or dies, but Lord John will live on forever,” he says with a knowing smile.

The Unravelling Friendship and Lasting Bonds

David is able to confirm that the path ahead for Lord John and Jamie is far from simple. Their friendship, already complicated by past events and the nobleman’s enduring affections, faces further challenges and requires significant reconciliation.

“They’re certainly not friends at this point, and a lot of healing needs to happen for that friendship to ever occur again,” David teases, hinting at the dramatic turns the final season will take.

Beyond the on-screen narratives, David speaks warmly about the enduring friendships forged with his Outlander castmates. He views these connections as a lasting legacy of the show, which has undoubtedly become a bona fide cultural phenomenon.

“There’s been a lot of life changes; the cast have been through marriages and kids born. We’ve been together a long time,” he notes. “It’s been a great privilege to live with these characters and act with this wonderful cast and crew.

“We’ve become like family. And whilst I may not see them as often as I used to, they’ll always be part of my life. We don’t always see our family, but they’re with us all the time. I’m so lucky to have been part of it with them.”

Outlander is available to stream on Binge.