Sam Heughan’s Top 10 Best Moments as Jamie Fraser on Outlander

5. Season 213, “Dragonfly in Amber”: Jamie and Claire part

Every time Claire and Jamie have had to say goodbye to one another, I’m taken back to this moment in the season 2 finale. This is when I became afraid that if Claire and Jamie ever part ways for any reason at all, they could get separated for years to come.

“Dragonfly in Amber” brought us the conclusion of the Battle of Culloden, and the inevitable outcome Claire had warned Jamie of. At first, there was optimism that they may be able to change history, but soon it became clear that wasn’t going to happen.

Sam Heughan is phenomenal in the goodbye scene, as two lovers part knowing they may never reunite. In fact, they both think they won’t. And what makes it more gut-wrenching is that Claire is pregnant with Brianna at the time, after having miscarried their first child.

I was overwhelmed by the passion Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe brought to their performances here. Jamie’s eyes look glossed over, tired, and full of love at the same time. He’s sending her away with the intention of keeping her protected, even though it likely means he’s going back to battle to die. It’s definitely high on the list of Outlander’s tear-jerking moments.