Content Warning: This list includes references to sexual assault and infant death.
Fans of Outlander are waiting with bated breath for the series' sixth season to release. With the American Revolution looming, it will be interesting to see how the main characters evolve. These characters have already had some very defining moments over the course of the series that revealed their core personalities or brought out the best and the strongest in them - but season six is sure to add to this.
Fans remain invested in the fates of Claire, Jamie, Brianna, Roger as they struggle to survive in the New World. Some of the most iconic scenes of these characters cut across the entire gamut of human emotions--ranging from grief and trauma to love, bitterness and ecstasy.
Claire Fraser: Grieving Faith
From the moment in the pilot when she first passes through the stones, to lying beaten down and broken in the season 5 finale, Caitriona Balfe has imbued Claire with sheer intelligence and a compelling personality.
However, amongst the many scenes where Claire's strength of character has been demonstrated, the scene in season 2's "Faith" where she holds her stillborn daughter in her arms for hours, singing to her and unable to part with her, leaves a strong impression. The scene showcases Claire at her most vulnerable but in her vulnerability, there is strength. By getting through one of the worst ordeals of her life, she becomes stronger as a person and a woman, thus making the moment iconic.
Jamie Fraser: The Wedding Night
Claire and Jamie's first night after the hurried wedding brought out a surprising vulnerability in Jamie Fraser, when he revealed that he was sexually inexperienced. Outlander fans adored the way Sam Heughan nailed Jamie's mannerisms shifting between total uncertainty and the quick learner who would become a wonderful lover.
Just like Claire's moment with Faith, the wedding night elevated Jamie into someone who wasn't just a strong warrior, but a complex and layered character. In fact, the night acted as a precursor to Jamie and Claire's married life where Claire was often the one holding the reins.
BJR: Meeting With Claire At The Redcoat Base Camp
The fact that fans loathe Black Jack Randall is testament to actor Tobias Menzies' outstanding depiction of this true villain. BJR shines most in the scene where he sits across from Claire at the English base camp and almost convinces her that there is a decent man underneath the monstrosity.
The way his character makes a total about-turn right afterward, just when Claire had placed a level of trust in him, stuns the audience and proves that he is indeed beyond redemption. From that moment on, fans knew that Randall was one of the most monstrous characters they would see, thus making the scene crucial for the character.
Frank Randall: Showdown With Claire
In season 3, Frank and Claire confront each other. First, Claire confronts Frank about inviting his girlfriend to her graduation party, and then, years later, they have a showdown on the evening of Brianna's graduation.
But while Claire's anger seems justified, Frank's pain is palpable as his love for Brianna and conflicted feelings towards Claire come to the fore, making fans realize that he could also be seen as a victim of circumstances. He never stopped loving Claire, but more importantly, he could not bear to part with Brianna.
Geillis Duncan: The Witch Trial
The witch trial might have been a harrowing experience for Claire Fraser but it was no less disturbing for Geillis Duncan, Claire's comrade of sorts at the time. Albeit later revealed to be a villain, Outlander fans were moved by Geillis's heroic behavior as the trial reached its chaotic peak and she decided to save Claire while confessing to the practice of witchcraft herself. The moment is also deeply disturbing as Geillis' was taken away by a violent crowd to be burnt at the stake.
The scene also spoke of the superstitions and irrationality of the time, reminding fans of the terrible fate of hundreds of women who had met with a similar ending as Geillis seemed destined for. No wonder it has stayed in fans' memories as an iconic scene.
Brianna Fraser: Shooting Bonnet
When Brianna lands in 18th century Scotland, one of the first people she meets is the amoral Stephen Bonnet who sexually assaults her. Then in season 5, Bonnet finds out that Brianna's boy, little Jeremiah, whom he believes to be his own son, has been made the owner of the opulent River Run estate.
Driven by greed, Bonnet abducts Brianna. And when she is finally rescued, she decides to let the law take its own course, and Bonnet is sentenced to death by drowning. In the very final moments, though, Brianna shoots him in the head. The scene is powerful, simultaneously playing on themes of redemption, revenge, and mercy.
Murtagh: Murdering The Duke Of Sandringham
In season 2, Murtagh had vowed to avenge the attack on Mary Hawkins and Claire by persons unknown at the time. In "Vengeance Is Mine", he gets his revenge when he finally kills the slimy Duke who is revealed to have plotted the rape along with the Comte St. Germain.
The look on Murtagh's blood-splattered face as he lays the Duke's severed head at Claire and Mary's feet, thus fulfilling his vow, is one for the ages. Always dependable, the scene afforded Lacroix's Murtagh a rare swashbuckling moment, something that has otherwise been Jamie's prerogative on the show. While the scene was bloody, fans had faith that Murtagh would always protect Jamie and Claire, no matter what.
Jocasta: At The Scene Of Her Daughter's Murder
Jocasta Cameron's tragic past was shown in the episode "Better To Marry Than Burn". Her husband, Hector, had stolen a box of gold sent in from France to help the Jacobite revolution and he along with Jocasta and their daughter Morna were making away in their carriage after Culloden had been lost. On the way they were stopped by two dragoons and once the box of gold had been discovered, violence ensued in which Morna was killed.
Actress Maria Doyle Kennedy's masterful portrayal of a mother's shock and pain at losing her daughter left fans spellbound. The scene also revealed how Jocasta had overcome terrible tragedies in her past and survived, making her one of the most empowered women on the show.
Roger McKenzie: The Song At The Scottish Festival
Roger McKenzie is a bit of a polarizing character in Outlander with fans both loving and hating him at times, but the scene where he strums the guitar, singing a soulful Scottish song at the Scottish festival in season 4's "The False Bride", remains his magnum opus before he reveals his controversial side.
Roger becomes the resident bard at Fraser's Ridge in the 18th century but before that he had simply been a young professor in the 20th century who also happened to play the guitar, and sing like a bird. Actor Richard Rankin's songs offer fans some much-needed light-heartedness in what is otherwise an emotionally laden drama.
Young Ian: Sacrificing Himself For Roger's Freedom
Young Ian had his moment in the sun in the season 4 finale when he made the choice to stay back with the Mohawk in exchange for Roger. He truly showed his maturity in this decision.
The Mohawk had agreed to let Roger go in return for Jamie, who had offered himself as his replacement. However, at the last minute, Ian took his place instead as a sort of redemption for his guilt at selling Roger to the Mohawk in the first place. His decision was mature and both Jamie and Claire were overwhelmed. Fans who had witnessed the young man's growth see this as a defining moment for the character.