Outlander fans have been divided over a new post about lead character Claire Fraser, who is played by Caitriona Balfe in the Starz show. One fan admitted that, upon rewatching the historical fantasy series based on Diana Gabaldon’s books of the same name, they found Claire to be “insufferable”.
Moreover, they accused the character of “pick me” behaviour and called out her treatment of Geillis Duncan (Lotte Verbeek) in season one. The Starz show, which will return this Autumn, revolves around Claire and her relationship with Jamie Fraser, who is portrayed by Sam Heughan.
Taking to Reddit, user @fatcatstypefast unpacked their arguments about Claire’s behaviour in a new post. They wrote: “On my first rewatch and I don’t remember being this annoyed by Claire. I just started Season 2 but my thoughts on season 1 is how self righteous, selfish, trouble starting, etc. I know it’s just a show lol and she is this way for the drama but still.
“How she treated Geillis throughout was so…rude for lack of a better term. Geillis shared enough for them to really be great friends but Claire always met her with judgment. Even after G sacrificed herself to save C, C did nothing to honor her/her experience, did nothing to learn more about her journey after knowing she also came from the future.
“I know the story is based on the books but they couldn’t written this storyline so much better,” they continued. “The first time around I couldn’t get myself to watch episode 16, this time I grimaced through it.
“Claire is the whole reason J & R get to the point that they did and she never takes accountability. I also think how she treated him afterwards lacked empathy and understanding.
“Way later on I know Claire looks back on the trip with Murtaugh singing and dancing like it was some bestie road trip, but seeing it again she’s incredibly stand offish, judgmental (shocker), and mean to him the entire time lmao. So odd.
“The beginning of season 2 it’s like she jumps back to the future and becomes a fragile little doll after spending the last few years standing up to Scots/Redcoats and performing acts of bravery. I know the jump is traumatic but not anymore than the things she’s experienced in the 1700s??
“Lastly, and more of a side comment, I enjoy Jenny’s character even more this time around. Even before she called Claire on her attitude when they were tracking Jamie in the woods. I see why Claire has zero friends in the past or the future. Biiiiiig pick me energy.
“Again, all my own opinion and probably unpopular. I hope the dislike doesn’t bother me enough to stop my rewatch because I do love the show,” they concluded.
Taking to the comment section, fans chimed in with their thoughts about Claire, with some leaping to her defence.
One pointed out: “She’s very judgy, self-righteous, nosy, and bossy. She’s also strong, intelligent, loyal, and adventurous.”
A second penned: “I don’t remember much of the first season but I can’t imagine the weight on her being transported 200 years back and she can’t do anything about that. In only 20 minutes after time travelling she’s assaulted, attacked, nearly raped and kidnapped by a seemingly violent group of men who continuously dismiss her opinions. I’m not surprised if she’s not in her best mood throughout the season.”
Another commented: “I love it! I think she’s super flawed and also so many good things, too! It’s realistic to me.”
While a fourth reasoned: “Yeah I really struggle to like Claire but then I sit down and realise that she’s just acting like a man. If she were a man in this scenario we would all be cheering her on… for being independent-minded, for getting along well with the opposite sex, for knowing what he wants, for sticking up for people, for not letting anyone sway him like a good strong man, and occasionally we might say he’s a little arrogant.”
Following the closure of Lionsgate+ in the UK, new episodes of Outlander will be available on Starz and to stream on Prime Video channel MGM+ from Sunday, November 22. You must be an Amazon Prime member before you can sign up for MGM+.