Outlander: 25 best Claire and Jamie moments thus far

18. The time Claire chose Jamie

When it happened: Season 1, Episode 11

Any tension between Claire and Jamie? Tension disappeared in the moment as Jamie learned of Claire’s decision.

Why it’s the best: It was clear that it had to happen to keep this love story going, but it wasn’t clear how it was all going to play out. Would Claire just never find her way back to Jamie?

Instead, what did happen was beautiful, sweet, and perfect. Claire had the chance to make her choice. After Jamie made a sacrifice to send her back through the stones the first time—to the world she was so desperate to return to at first—Claire had to decide what she wanted; who she wanted to be with.

And in the end, she chose Jamie. This scene was certainly done differently to the books, but in a good way. It was clearly for budget purposes, but this gave us that element of clear choice and love. She followed her heart, which told her to remain with this 18th-century Highlander despite the risk.

But it wasn’t just because of the choice that this moment is on the list (otherwise it would just be one of Claire’s best Outlander moments). It was when Claire reutnred to Jamie’s camp. He’d remained behind overnight just to make sure she had gotten through the stones safely. After all, neither of them knew if she could get back through the stones.

We got to see that love and devotion. He was always going to protect her, and he did that knowing she may choose another man. The reunion between them was beautiful as Jamie knew she had chosen him.