9 best Claire moments from Outlander season 3

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

Claire spent 20 years raising her daughter before taking a trip back through the stones in Outlander season 3.

Many people would want to say that reunited with Jamie was the best moment for Claire in Outlander season 3. While it was likely one of her own top moments, there were many other awesome parts for the character in the season. The show included the 20 years of separation, as Claire raised her daughter and remained what could look like a loveless marriage to Frank, and then the reunion and trouble the lovers had to find their way back to each other.

Looking back over the season is an excellent way to get through Droughtlander. There were some heartbreaking moments, but it’s also important to look at the times Claire’s actions or scenes brought out the positivity and strength in her character. Here are the nine best Claire moments throughout Outlander’s third season.

#9. Making her own dress

This was a positive change and something that worked for the time. It was also something fun and quirky to add into the series. When she finally decided to go back, Claire had to make a costume that would work for the 18^th century. Cue the bat-dress; a dress with plenty of hidden pockets for her modern day items and made of raincoats because of the Scottish weather.

It was also far easier to manage than the outfits of the time. With zippers, Claire and Jamie could get rid of the corset almost instantly.

What made this moment so great was that she was that it connected to the 1960s. She used her sewing machine and reminded us as a mother she would have made recital costumes regularly.

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#8. That need to save a life

Throughout “Crème de Menthe,” Claire took the steps to save the life of the excise man she accidentally killed. This is a controversial decision to put this in the list of top moments, but there’s a very good reason for it. This moment brought out the doctor in Claire. She vowed to save a life. While this man may have attacked her, she didn’t want to actually kill him. Once she realized he was still alive but dying, the doctor instincts took over.

There were elements of the episode that brought back Outlander season 2 memories. Claire walked into the apothecary, and for a moment it felt like she was back in Paris.

#7. Jumping overboard to protect Jamie

While aboard the Porpoise, Claire learned that Captain Leonard was going to turn Jamie over to the authorities in Jamaica. There was a warrant out for both sedition and murder. Claire wasn’t about to let that happen and she jumped overboard with the help of Annekje, when the goats’ help failed.

This moment reminded fans of the strong-willed, protective woman Claire could be. Regardless of everything that had happened leading to this point, she deeply loved Jamie and would risk her own life to save him. It was reminiscent of Outlander season 1, when she arranged to storm Wentworth Prison to get Jamie out.

Of course, fate brought the two back together in “Uncharted.” In the end, it was Lord John to the rescue for Jamie.

#6. Connecting with Brianna

It wasn’t easy for Brianna learning that she was the daughter of an 18^th century highlander and not the 20^th century professor she called “Daddy.” It’s really not that surprising she lashed out, quit college, and moved out of the family home. But this moment did lead to a future, beautiful moment.

Brianna was able to open up about her fears. She worried Frank had hated her and Claire had resented her. The two had a chance to reconnect in that moment, as Claire admitted Brianna was the best thing that had happened to her in the last 20 years.

#5. Attempting to reconnect with Jenny

When Claire returned to Lallybroch, she didn’t get the warm welcome she expected. Jenny was distant, refusing to allow Claire to hold Young Jamie’s baby. Claire expected some animosity but not everything that was thrown against her. Definitely not having Jenny arrange for Laoghaire to come to Lallybroch and learn about Claire’s return.

However, the animosity did lead to a beautiful moment as the two tried to reconnect. Claire told Jenny half-truths, as she realized that she actually wanted this friendship with Jenny. Let’s not deny that Claire definitely needs a female friend and Jenny would have been perfect.

#4. Helping to Settle Marsali’s nerves

Before Marsali’s wedding to Fergus, Marsali was understandably nervous. Of course, she couldn’t admit that, especially not to the Sassenach who dropped out of the sky and ruined her mom’s marriage to her stepfather. However, Claire soon proved to be a loving and kind person (when she wanted to be) and settled Marsali’s nerves about losing her virginity, prevent pregnancy, and falling in love.

The moment helped to start that bond that just has to follow. Marsali realized that Claire wasn’t the devil, and Claire accepted that Marsali was just a young girl with a spiteful woman for a mother.

#3. The shock after killing Geillis

Claire was willing to do everything necessary to save Young Ian and Brianna. She wasn’t going to let Geillis go to the future. That led to a fight and taking Geillis’ head almost clean off. It led to the connection back to the bones Joe had delivered to him in 1968.

However, it was the shock that made this moment so powerful. As Jamie and Ian hugged, Claire just stared at machete in her hand. She couldn’t believe she’d taken a life and it linked closely with that need to save the excise man in “Crème de Menthe.” This moment also linked back to when she killed the Redcoat in the first season.

#2. Saying goodbye to Frank

While it’s a heartbreaking moment, it’s also an important one for Claire’s character. After years of arguing and fighting, Frank was taken from Claire in an instant. Their last words together had been more hatred, as Frank had brought Jamie up. Frank felt like Claire could never love him.

In the end, Claire realized that she did love Frank. It was a different sort of love compared to her love for Jamie, but it was there. She never really wanted to lose him, especially not like this. The emotion was raw, but Claire was kind, gentle, and apologetic; even if it was too late for Frank to know.

#1. Giving Elias Pound the death he needed

All fans wanted to see young Elias Pound make it through the ship’s sickness in “Heaven & Earth.” It looked like he might, especially when he was given the task to watch over a man with alcohol poisoning on his last night. Unfortunately, Claire realized too late that he was sick and she’d missed all the signs.

However, rather than fight to save him, Claire gave him exactly what he needed. She pretended to be his mother, so he could pass in peace. It brought out the war nurse in her again; something we hadn’t seen since season 1. It reminded fans of Claire’s original character. It would be followed up with the goodbye to Elias, but it’s this moment that stands out the most.

Next: Top 7 Jamie moments from Outlander season 3

Do you agree with this list? Share your best Claire moments in the comments below.

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