**WARNING: Light spoilers for "Outlander" Season 5, Episode 7**

When Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan promoted "Outlander" Season 5, how their new roles as producers on the show will affect the storyline were asked about it, they said during a panel at the 92nd St Y (open in new tab) in February that they won't really see their impact until later in the season. 'But I think we'll have more of a say in this season as the season progresses. At the end of the season we really fought, or rather didn't fight, with the directors and producers, but we were very supportive.

"I think the production as a whole really took risks this season," agreed Balfe.

"I don't think you've seen it yet, but I think it's really great that we're taking risks in Season 5."

Now, I was lucky enough to get early previews of the next four episodes (most of the second half of season 5, including episode 7, which airs today). And I feel like I'm watching a completely different show.

Episode 7, "The Ballad of Roger Mack," still has a big fight scene. Jamie Fraser, played by Heughan, has a major turning point. A heartbreaking scene where a beloved character dies - Heughan inadvertently slips up in the Y panel (opens in new tab). The decisive one where Jamie admonishes the Governor for his actions and begins to choose sides in the Revolutionary War. The episode ends with a casting surprise and a final tragedy.

However, this episode and the others I have seen feel more intimate. The chemistry between Heughan and Caitriona Balfe (who, of course, plays his wife Claire), so charming in previous seasons, is back. It is filled with moments of teasing tenderness and a love so deep that words are not always necessary. But the words spoken feel genuine and organic. No matter what mishaps occur behind the scenes, the connection between the two is palpable on screen.

Claire's medical knowledge, sprinkled throughout each episode, is key to much of the story. However, her 20th-century self-confidence may earn her the hatred of misogynists, which may come back to haunt her later in life.

Her acting has improved. At times it is excellent. In episode 8, Rick Rankin as Roger MacKenzie shines, along with another favorite character returning to the show. The use of cinematic devices to explain the flashbacks is particularly interesting. Episode 9 is truly a highlight. Balfe and especially Hughan are a force to be reckoned with in this one. There is a very intimate and touching moment between the two as Claire makes a desperate effort to save the man's life.

During the 92ndSt panel, Balfe said he felt this season's episodes were similar to those of the first season in that each is a self-contained story arc. She told the audience, "I think one of the things this season has done is bring back the feeling that each episode has its own flavor, its own little complete story, its own arc." "One chapter," Heughan interjected. 'Some episodes feel like little genre episodes.' I think that's a great thing because I think that's what was really special about our show, especially in season one. That was what made it really interesting. So I think we're definitely back there."

Well, episode 10 is just that. There are chillingly evil bad guys, suspense, and retribution. Much of the action centers around Sophie Skelton as Brianna, the Fraser's daughter, and she does the best job in the film.

Just when you think everything is going well in this "Outlander," there's another twist. The episodes I have seen have brought laughter and tears, revenge, love and loss, and, at least for the moment, a satisfying ending. But stay tuned.

Watch "Outlander" Season 5 (opens in new tab)