Outlander star Caitriona Balfe has emphasized the importance of addressing rape storylines in the show. In the season 5 finale, Balfe's character Claire Randall Fraser is kidnapped and raped, with the show focusing on her disassociation from the trauma. Balfe explains that starting conversations about sexual assault is crucial. The decision to portray the traumatic event with a dream sequence was made to highlight Claire's perspective. The upcoming sixth season will showcase Claire's recovery. Co-star Sam Heughan praised Balfe's performance in the episode. The series is expected to return in 2021, but delays may occur due to the pandemic.