Although Outlander is a series that is best known for action and fanciful elements, the fans would also say that the show heavily relies on romance too. Initially, it appeared that the relationship between Frank and Claire was going to be at the center of the show. However, once the viewers spotted the connection between Claire and Jamie, their allegiances changed.
Since then, fans have thoroughly watched that relationship go from strength-to-strength. But they aren't the only main couple anymore. The likes of Marsali and Fergus, and Brianna and Roger have also managed to worm their way into the viewers' hearts. It hasn't always been easy, but it became clear to all how devoted each of these pairings are when you look at their most iconic moments. So what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to recap their stories...
The Wedding (1.07)
Of course, almost any episode with a wedding has a good chance of being pretty romantic. This episode builds the intimacy between Claire and Jamie after their arranged wedding. They talk about their families and get to know each other better, and the wedding is shown through flashbacks.
Jamie's recollection of events touches Claire, as it becomes more and more clear that he really loves her. Throughout this hour, you can actually see Claire struggle with her guilt over her feelings for Jamie, as she gradually gives in to them.
The Devil's Mark (1.11)
Although the episode is quite dark since it involves a witch trial, there was a bit of a romantic moment near the end. Claire and Geillis are accused of witchcraft, and they spend a couple of nights together in the Thieves Hole. They bond over their love for Highlander men, Jamie and Dougal.
The former arrives just in time to valiantly save Claire from being flogged, after which she finally tells him the truth about being from the future. Jamie loves Claire so much that he won't keep her from what she wants, and so he takes her back to the stones. Claire returns to a heartbroken Jamie with the intention to stay with him, finally making a real choice between him and Frank.
Lallybroch (1.12)
Lallybroch makes the list because it's the first episode where Claire and Jamie's relationship doesn't have Frank hanging over it. Claire has made her choice to stay with Jamie, and he finally gets to bring his bride to his childhood home, Lallybroch.
Much of the episode focuses on their difficulty settling in with Jamie's prickly sister, and Claire offers Jamie some much-needed support in dealing with all of the trauma he has associated with the place he was flogged. This episode features the first time Jamie and Claire say "I love you" to one another, with Jamie's revelation that he loved Claire since she first came to Leoch, spurring her to tell him how she feels.
A. Malcolm (3.06)
After being separated for 20 years, Claire finds out Jamie survived the Battle of Culloden and manages to track him down to Edinburgh with the help of Roger and Brianna. Their long-awaited reunion takes place on a typical day for Jamie, as he heads off to work at his print shop.
Although Claire's return comes as a shock, Jamie still welcomes her back with open arms and their reunion is really beautiful. Claire fills Jamie in on their daughter's life, while he catches her up on the life he's leading. The whole episode is about the two reconnecting and finding that the great love they've held onto for so long is still very much intact.
The Doldrums (3.09)
After Young Ian is taken by pirates who were taking him to see Geillis, Jamie and Claire set sail for Jamaica. This episode takes place on the ship, and this time they are not the only couple present.
Fergus has brought Marsali on the voyage with the hope of securing Jamie's blessing for their impending marriage in Jamaica. Meanwhile, Jamie and Claire try to navigate her uncertainty about the choice she made to return to him. Their connection is as palpable as ever, and soon any doubt Claire had about returning is eliminated.
Uncharted (3.11)
One of the many things Outlander does well is a Jamie-Claire reunion scene. While stranded on an island near Jamaica, Claire survives the harsh elements in order to warn Jamie about the warrant for his arrest.
She meets a priest whose lasting love for his late wife allows him to connect with her desire to get back to Jamie. At the very end, Jamie manages to find her again and they run into each other's arms. Afterward, they convince the priest to marry Fergus and Marsali in a sweet ceremony that also honors Jamie's love for his adopted son.
America The Beautiful (4.01)
Claire and Jamie do a bit of exploring when they land in America, which she tells him all she knows about from her time in the future. They spend a night under the stars and talk about how grateful they are to be alive and together after all they have been through, especially after the shipwreck that season three ended on.
Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan's chemistry is still so strong that a scene like this has saved many mediocre episodes - which this one is not. There's also a touching scene where Jamie gives Claire a gift in honor of their 24th wedding anniversary, a box for her to store all of her medicines and herbs.
The Fiery Cross (5.01)
Here's another wedding episode! Brianna marries Roger, and the ceremony brings up feelings for the other married couples present, namely, Fergus and Marsali and Jamie and Claire.
Marsali tells Fergus she's pregnant during a montage of happy couples. Roger serenades Brianna, and Jamie and Claire as well as Murtagh and Jocasta decide to spend the night together with their partners. If fans look closely, they will also see a sweet old couple sharing a moment during the dance too.
The Company We Keep (5.04)
Once again, the Jamie-and-Claire plot in this episode is incredibly romantic. After delivering Fanny's baby, Jamie and Claire have woken up to the child and no mother. They take the baby with them to find her a home, and Jamie finally gets to see how Claire might have been with Brianna. He's moved to see her with a child and starts to form a plan.
After the two share a dance at the drunken gathering Roger has arranged, he asks her if she'd like to adopt the child so that they can finally be parents together. She declines, saying that they're not the best home for her, and stating that she's so completely happy with their life together that she doesn't need anything more.
Monsters And Heroes (5.09)
Well, this episode had to make the list, as it's the one where Claire's love literally brings Jamie from the brink of death. While out on a hunting trip, Jamie is bitten by a poisonous snake. Claire isn't familiar with poisonous bites and thinks she'll have to amputate Jamie's leg or else he'll die.
He refuses to lose his leg, so he lies dying in their bed. He suddenly calls for Claire to lay with him, and survives the night with her by his side. When they awake, he gives her permission to take his leg. He explains to her that he chose to live because he didn't want to leave her, and thus the show's beating heart lives on.