Outlander: 25 most gut-wrenching moments so far

22. Slaves

Slavery is heartbreaking no matter how it’s discussed but Outlander really shows some of the horrors in the most respectful way.

Season 3 featured slaves in the Caribbean (and the book went further in depth), but it was really a particular episode in Season 4 that touched a nerve. Here’s our recap of that episode in regards to slavery.

"Claire and Jamie find that a slave has drawn blood on a white man and must be put to death. Claire begs Jamie to save him so Jamie orders the man down. The slave has a metal meat hook logged through the middle of his body. They bring the slave back to the plantation where Claire performs surgery to save the slaves life. Men from the neighboring lands bring torches to River Run and threaten to burn the house down if they do not produce the slave. They grant Jamie the opportunity to execute the slave as was meant to be done before the law stepped in, but only until midnight. Jamie asks Claire if she can aid the slave to death as she did with Colum when they realize it will impossible to help him escape. Jamie thinks Claire might prefer the slave have a peaceful death rather than the one awaiting him outside the window. The slave looks at Claire, acknowledging the plan. She explains that she will make him a tea that will help him to sleep. Jamie stands by as she holds the slave’s hand. Jamie brings the salve outside to the men where they sting him and drag him through the grass and hang him, not knowing he was already dead."

This scene is probably like many from that time and it’s hard to watch.