5 best moments from Outlander Season 3, Episode 9: The Doldrums

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room /

Claire and Jamie set sail to Jamaica in Outlander Season 3, Episode 9, The Doldrums. While the wind disappeared at one point, the journey wasn’t smooth sailing.

“The Doldrums” wasn’t one of the most exciting episodes of Outlander Season 3, but it was important. There was the chance for Claire and Jamie to reunite properly, a shocking stowaway, and the show of what being superstitious could really mean onboard a ship. While there may have been better episodes, there were still some excellent moments throughout this one. Here’s a look at the five best moments from Outlander Season 3, Episode 9.

#1. The change to the credits

For the last two and a half seasons fans have been treated to the beautiful rendition of the Skye Boat Song. Bear McCreary developed the original version to tell the story of Claire passing through the stones, and it has become the iconic theme for the series. Nobody expected what they heard in this week’s episode.

More from Claire and Jamie

Since Claire and Jamie are on their West Indies adventure, it was fitting that McCreary developed the theme tune further. He mixed Scottish and West Indies cultures together to create a beautiful and exotic piece of music.

Outlander isn’t the first show to mix music styles for theme tunes due to a change of location. Sons of Anarchy did it when the gang went to Ireland. However, the Outlander themes gel together better.

#2. Jamie and Claire discussing Brianna

Many fans were understandably upset that the scene of Jamie looking through photos of Brianna was partially overshadowed by the mention of Willie. While show-only fans wouldn’t have really noticed the problem, Willie was never mentioned in the books at this point. Book-first fans were upset that Claire and Jamie didn’t spend more time thinking about the daughter they have together.

That changed slightly this week. While sailing, Claire’s mind was on Brianna and the things she was missing out on. Jamie shares how he wishes he could have been there more for his daughter. It all links a little to Marsali, as he feels like a father to this young girl and wants to do right by her.

While the scene isn’t wholly focused on Brianna, it’s enough to help bring Claire and Jamie together again.

Bree's never far from her mind. #Outlander #TheDoldrums pic.twitter.com/MTKOAxhDXm
— Outlander (@Outlander_STARZ) November 13, 2017

#3. The captain’s view on superstitions

Mutiny on a ship in the middle of a voyage would be a terrible thing. It’s terrible anyway, but in the middle of a voyage it could be disastrous for all. The captain makes it clear that he’s more than happy to allow the crew to believe in their superstitions even if he doesn’t. It helps to bring some sort of order to the ship.

While it does also lead to the search for the Jonah, it’s an important focal point on the time period. Claire needs to get her head around the fact that she’s now in the 18^th century and if she wants to remain with Jamie, this is where she is going to stay. It’s time to get with the program and understand the way people work here.

But it’s also an insight into the way captains think. They don’t necessarily agree, but a good captain will do what’s right for his men and the safety of everyone onboard.

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room /

#4. Willoughby’s method to save the Jonah

Claire and Willoughby have a beautiful relationship growing. Since she’s from the 20^th century, she is more open to race and different religions. This shows in the way she treats Mr. Willoughby from the very beginning, and he sees that she is different.

However, it was Willoughby’s story that stood out the most in the episode. While some fans viewed it as sexist, it was actually a sad look in his life. This was a man who lost his country and home because he refused to lose his manhood. He ended up in a country that was brash, with women who weren’t as delicate and sweet as they were back home. It was a culture shock, and one that he’s not entirely over.

There’s almost a similarity between his journey and Claire’s. They are both in worlds vastly different from their own. Both need to adapt to survive, but that doesn’t mean they don’t miss what they once had.

#5. Claire attempt to help Marsali

Claire can certainly hold a grudge when she wants to, but it’s not worth holding a grudge against the wrong person. She proved that in Outlander Season 3, Episode 9. After she got over the initial shock of Marsali onboard the ship, Claire attempted to help her. She even took the digs about breaking up Marsali’s family to offer some assistance.

At one point, Claire pulls Jamie to one side to encourage him to allow Marsali and Fergus’ relationship. While she does point out that it may fizzle out, it proves that she’s likely dealt with something like this before. She shows she’s not just the bigger person, but a parent who has had to discourage boyfriends in more passive ways. This could help Marsali grow to understand more about Claire and not see her as a threat.

Next: Why Outlander show-only fans should give the books a chance

What were your favorite moments in Outlander Season 3, “The Doldrums?” Do you agree with this list? Share yours in the comments below.

Outlander Season 3 continues on Sundays at 8/7c on Starz. It’s also available on the Starz App from midnight on Sundays.

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