Caitriona Balfe’s Top 10 Best Moments as Claire Fraser on Outlander

2. Episode 509, “Monsters and Heroes”: Claire provides Jamie with warmth (among other things) to save his life

I may get some pushback for this moment being so far up on the list, but honestly, I don’t feel like I rank these moments in order anyway; they’re all spectacular in their own way. Still, this Claire Fraser moment is one of my absolute favorites, because of its simplicity and its complexity.

There’s so much going on in this one scene, but it also manages to define the love between Claire and Jamie in a direct, instantly recognizable way. These two share a fierce, strong love full of passion. We see that bond on full display here.

Jamie’s life hangs in the balance after he’s bitten by a snake, and there’s no longer any penicillin to help treat the infection spreading through his body. It’s may be his final night on Earth, and as he lies there in his bed shivering, Claire embraces him in a way that brings him warmth, and perhaps, life.

Keeping it as PG-13 as possible here, Claire takes off her clothes and gets into bed with Jamie. She pulls him into a hug to keep him warm. But that’s not enough, so she slides her hands down below his waist to give him warmth in another way. Luckily for them (and for us), it works and Jamie lives to see another day.

Simply put, Claire loves this man through and through. The way she’s so willing and able to provide it, so ready to be vulnerable when it’s needed, is touching in a way I can’t quite explain, but I know it’s one of those moments you realize how true this love is. The scene has a sexual component to it, but it’s more about pure love. And once again, Balfe nails every sentiment and emotion Claire is feeling in that moment.

Sigh, we all need a Claire to our Jamie!