Outlander: Breaking down the unique bond between Jamie and Lord John Grey
By Amy Kaplan
Breaking down the sometimes controversial relationship between Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser and English Red Coat Lord John Grey.
I’m sure we can all relate to having someone in our life that we love in a way that cannot be defined. We have those friends that seem closer than blood or a mentor who has taught us more about ourselves than we ever thought possible, and of course, we have all felt the pull of our heartstrings when in romantic love with our partner.
The same can be said for the characters in Outlander. Of course, we all know that the bond between Claire and Jamie Fraser is something beyond the love of a husband and wife, but it’s not their love I am referring to.
It’s the bond between Jamie and Lord John Grey.
It’s an unlikely (and sometimes uncomfortable) friendship; not just due to the unrequited love that John feels for Jamie, but because they are set up to be natural-born enemies — John a servant to the English crown, Jamie an outlaw from the Scottish Highlands.
Yet, somehow they have come together to share a bond that even Claire can never have.
They met during Season 2 when John – then a young Redcoat – encountered Jamie at Carryarick Pass, It’s here where Jamie spared his life and a set off a chain of events that see both Jamie and Lord John indebted to each other.
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The pair were later reunited when the tables had turned and John was the new governor of Ardsmuir Prison, where Jamie was a prisoner. It was there that the friendship began to blossom over weekly chats. It was over one of these chats that John professed his feelings for Jamie.
Even though Jamie was unable to return the romantic sentiment it’s proven as time goes on that Jamie does love John, similar to the way that Claire loves Frank upon her return.
Both Claire and Jamie have a need for Frank and John and though neither can love them in the way that the men would hope — there is still a connection unlike the one they have for each other.
Jamie’s only experience with homosexuality up until his friendship with John was through his rape and torture at the hands of Black Jack Randall. Without even trying John came along to teach Jamie that, despite his views on the matter, homosexuality does not always lead to pain.
For Jamie and John, this connection (and subsequent trust) is what leads Jamie to intrust his son in the care of John. Though Jamie is pained to see him go, he knows that John’s love will keep him safe and John is honored to have a piece of Jamie forever. He also finally trusts that John’s sexual desires will not translate into an attack on an innocent child.
Next: Top 7 Jamie moments from Outlander season 3
Next season we are sure to see how that friendship can grow and perhaps even include Claire.
Outlander Season 4 premieres sometime in fall 2018. Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for more updates on filming and a premiere date.