Unscripted Outlander Moments That Were Kept in the Show

Unscripted Outlander Moments That Were Kept in the Show

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best Unscripted Outlander Moments That Were Kept in the Show.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the most notable times the actors improvised, both in specific instances and throughout the series in general. Since some plot points will be discussed, a spoiler alert is now in effect.

Did your favorite moment make the list? Let us know in the comments below!

#6: Small Touches
Various

It’s no secret that the actors behind Jamie and Claire, Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe, have an insane amount of chemistry. Of course, their connection shines through the duo’s numerous intimate scenes. But the characters’ everyday interactions are also extremely romantic – and often improvised. Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed that many of the small gestures, caresses, and passing glances that they exchange appear to be unscripted. Balfe and Heughan seemingly felt comfortable enough with one other to incorporate these important touches early on. In doing so, they made Claire and Jamie’s relationship feel all the more real.

#5: Jamie Fraser’s Red Coat
“The Ballad of Roger Mac”

If there’s one thing Jamie hates, it’s the British. So it stands to reason that many fans were caught off-guard when he donned their army’s infamous red coat in season 5. It was a striking image, to say the least. But the most notable part of all is that Sam Heughan was the one who wanted the moment to happen. Speaking to Vanity Fair, the actor explained that he felt the garment perfectly illustrated all that Jamie’s “fought against” throughout the years. Luckily, the people in charge listened, and we got one heck of a visual!

#4: Taking the Bun & Other Improvised Acts
Various

Despite all of Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe’s impromptu moments, the “Outlander” creators are reportedly pretty strict when it comes to improvisation. But when you’re a cute little French kid, you can get away with having a little more fun. Romann Berrux, the actor who played young Fergus, was apparently able to improvise lines and movements in a lot of his scenes. Remember when he spontaneously grabbed a bun before leaving the room with Jamie? That moment is widely believed to have come directly from the actor himself, which is a true testament to just how well he understood his character.

#3: Suffering Like Christ
“To Ransom a Man’s Soul”

Season one of “Outlander” included a storyline that’s often considered one of the most disturbing fans have ever seen. Of course, we’re talking about the prison scenes. Black Jack Randall, who’s played to horrifying perfection by Tobias Menzies, severely mistreats Jamie. At one point, our protagonist lays across Randall’s lap, looking almost Christlike. This particularly harrowing instance actually came to be courtesy of the actors themselves. They came up with the brilliant positioning in rehearsals, and it was then incorporated into the scene. It wasn’t easy to watch, but Sam Heughan really captured his character’s pain in that moment.

#2: Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall’s Death
“The Battle Joined”

Though many shows reserve their most surprising moments for season finales, “Outlander” flipped the script and shocked everyone during the season three premiere. As Jamie and Randall meet again during the Battle of Culloden, the latter character meets his end. The scene is excruciatingly brutal – and partially unscripted. The final fight between the bitter rivals was described as more of a dance by Tobias Menzies. It culminates in Randall reaching for Jamie in an almost yearning manner. The move was reportedly improvised by the actor, and gave us one of the show’s most intriguing and frighteningly intimate moments.

#1: Numerous Kisses
Various

A huge part of what makes “Outlander” such a popular show is the relationship between Jamie and Claire. That’s thanks in no small part to actors Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe, who flawlessly bring their characters to life. Granted, many of the pair’s passionate kisses are planned - it’s a romantic show, after all! But in comparing publicly released scripts to episodes, fans have noticed that they also often lock lips out of the blue. Yet these moments are always perfectly timed, and never feel out of place. In fact, they solidify the couple’s bond, making them that much easier to root for!