Outlander [1] fans know that Sam Heughan is a hunk, but they also know he is way more than just a pretty face [2]. So while we love celebrating his smoldering good looks [3], we also want to take a look at his brave, heart-pounding, and even gut-wrenching work on the Starz drama. Here are his 10 best scenes on Outlander [4] . . . so far.
Telling Claire About His Scars in "Castle Leoch"
Season one, episode two
The very first episode of Outlander [6] is largely focused on Claire, but viewers only have to wait until episode two to get Heughan's first big scene: telling Claire about the Redcoats attacking Lallybroch and how he came to have a back covered in scars. For us, it cemented Heughan as Jamie in our minds.
The Shinty Game in "The Gathering"
Season one, episode five
Not all the "best" scenes have to be super dramatic. This delightfully rough shinty game between Dougal, Jamie, and more of their clansmen is hilarious and gives us some wonderful insight into Jamie's relationship with his uncle, who was a formative part of his growing up.
The Wedding Night in "The Wedding"
Season one, episode seven
Jamie is like a nervous teenager when he goes to his marital bed with Claire. They barely know each other at this point and are only marrying to protect Claire from the British. But they quickly get to know each other — and it's one of the most intimate, loving sex scenes ever to grace the small screen.
Black Jack's Torture in "Wentworth Prison"
Season one, episode 15
It's absolutely gut-wrenching to watch Black Jack Randall rape and torture Jamie, who gives himself up to Black Jack in exchange for Claire's freedom and safety. Both Heughan and Tobias Menzies really soar in what had to be a physically and emotionally draining sequence to shoot.
Recovering From the Torture in "To Ransom a Man's Soul"
Season one, episode 16
As hard as it is to watch Jamie be tortured by Black Jack, it's almost as hard watching him try to recover from this ordeal. It really does feel like he might not come back to Claire — and that he is in serious need of her to make him whole again.
The Duel in "Best Laid Schemes"
Season two, episode six
Black Jack and Jamie finally have it out face to face, engaging in a fierce duel after Jamie catches Black Jack raping young Fergus. But it is cut short by the arrival of the law enforcement officials (because dueling is illegal) and Claire's sudden miscarriage.
The Battle in "Prestonpans"
Season two, episode 10
It looks like the Scottish Highlanders might actually pull off Bonnie Prince Charlie's bid for the throne when they defeat the British at the Battle of Prestonpans. It's a great show of strength on Jamie's part, demonstrating his intelligence and strategy, even when vastly outnumbered and outgunned (as it were).
Saying Goodbye to Claire in "Dragonfly in Amber"
Season two, episode 13
Heughan turns in some of his finest work in the season two finale when he must say goodbye to Claire and send her (and their unborn child) back to the 20th century while he turns around most likely to be slaughtered at the Battle of Culloden. The heartbreak is real, for all of us.
The Executions in "The Battle Joined"
Season three, episode one
While Outlander [7] has often been about Claire by herself or Claire and Jamie together, in the first half of season three, Heughan gets some really meaty material of Jamie being on his own. Chief among the best scenes is when the Culloden survivors are rounded up to be executed and Jamie must simply lie there, listening to his kin be shot outside, including Rupert, whose death brings Jamie (and all of us) to tears.
With Willie in "Of Lost Things"
Season three, episode four
For our money, nothing tops the work Heughan does when Jamie gets to help "raise" his illegitimate son, William, but then must ultimately say goodbye to his child when their resemblance starts to show. If you're in need of a good 15-minute cryfest, the end of this episode is the one for you. Heughan is tremendously good in it.
