Outlander: Hugh Ross and Sarah Collier on the Bugs’ Pivotal Episode [Interview]

Warning: This interview contains spoilers for Outlander Season 7 Episode 3.

For three seasons, the Bugs have lingered in the background as the trusted caregivers of the Fraser homestead.

Outlander Season 7 Episode 3, “Death Be Not Proud,” witnessed a new side to Arch and Murdina Bug emerge as the thieving couple stepped into the spotlight and directly into the crosshairs of Jamie Fraser.

I recently spoke with Hugh Ross (Arch Bug) and Sarah Collier (Murdina Bug) about the opportunity to pull the curtain back on their characters who have lived comfortably in the shadows for years — with their secrets and gold. “Yes, a lot of the fans were very concerned about what was happening with the gold,” Ross recalled.

The actor continued: “It’s great to have some meat on the bone because lots of the fans have been saying, ‘Who are these shadowy Bugs? They haven’t had much to do blah, blah, blah.’ And we kept hoping we might suddenly burst into life and we knew from the books that we would.”

Despite a betrayal years in the making, the Bugs don’t see themselves as antagonists, and the actors who play them hope viewers resonate with the couple’s humanity.

“What you hope for is that you are remembered. That you bring some humanity to the show and the story as a whole,” Collier said.

“Whether or not they’re good or bad people, the Bugs, like everybody else, are a bit of both,” Ross added. “They’re very human and I think they have a very strong bond. They try to do their job as well as they possibly can.”

Watch the full interview with Hugh Ross and Sarah Collier:

The Bugs’ trajectory would mean taking a backseat to the drama of Fraser’s Ridge for several seasons before their gold stash could be uncovered. However, Ross and Collier have felt like members of the show’s tight-knit group the entire way.

“We were never treated by anybody as being anything less than very integral to the story — it was always very nice. We were never meant to feel like we were extras. We were meant to feel like we are part of the family,” Ross revealed.

“Yes, we felt absolutely part of the show. So it’s been a delight,” Collier confirmed.

And their biggest takeaway from their time together on the set of Outlander? “Oh, good company and being wonderfully well treated,” Ross said. “I mean, it was an absolute jackpot job. You couldn’t get a nicer job. Could you, Sarah?”

“It was lovely. It is very exciting to be part of such a big show that was already established before you join,” she replied.

“It is like joining a wonderful party that’s going beautifully. So many different people from all areas of the show — the other actors, the production team, and makeup and costume — such a bunch of lovely people. It was a lovely family to join.”

As for the only surviving Bug of this episode, Arch is set to return seeking revenge. However, fans will have to leave his plans for Ian to the “imagination” for now.

“I think he is set on vengeance — he’s not going to go off with his tail between his legs, that’s for sure,” Ross explained.

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Outlander airs Fridays at 8/9c on Starz.

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