Sam Heughan has made the role of Jamie Fraser his own. We’re looking back at his top 10 acting moments on Outlander.
From the first time Sam Heughan graced our screens as Jamie Fraser on Outlander, we were in awe of his screen presence. He carried himself with a poise and command that quickly became addicting to watch, and all these years later, things haven’t changed.
When I think back on some of Heughan’s standout moments from the show, I find it difficult to narrow it down. There have so many standout scenes, some of which gladdened our hearts and some of which broke them. Through it all, Heughan has sold whatever Jamie is going through with his incredible emotional range. And he’s only getting better with each passing season, folks!
So I’ll do my best to pick only the best moments. And if you don’t see your favorite Sam Heughan moment below, share it in the comments!
10. Episode 102, “Castle Leoch”: Claire sees Jamie’s scars for the first time
When we first meet Jamie Fraser back in season 1, he’s a quiet, conflicted man devoted to the rulers of Castle Leoch. He wasn’t yet the person he would go on to become, but his passion and drive were there from the beginning.
Sam Heughan did a marvelous job portraying Jamie’s timid, reserved nature. It was so raw and relatable, and just two episodes into the first season, it was clear Heughan was going to make Outlander special.
One of my favorite early moments is from season 1’s “Castle Leoch.” The series premiere was dedicated to Claire and her time-traveling mishap, but in the second episode, we get to see Sam Heughan bring out Jamie’s vulnerable side.
While treating Jamie’s arm, Claire notices the brutal scars etched across his back. It was the first time we’d see them. This is a pivotal moment between Jamie and Claire. It’s the first time he opens up to her, despite having only known her for a matter of days.
Jamie shares the story behind the scars, with Heughan bringing it to life in an honest, open way that’s hard to forget. As Jamie recalls the Redcoats descending on Lallybroch, the pain in his eyes draws you in.
I wanted to give dear ‘ol Jamie a big hug for being so honest with Claire as he looked back on the painful memories of Black Jack Randall whipping him to pulp. And from there on after, Heughan never stopped impressing us.