Move over Casablanca. If Outlander has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes a kiss isn’t just a kiss. Here’s our look at the ways kissing in Outlander reflects Jamie’s growth as a man.
As we journeyed our way through Outlander Season 3 and the ultimate reunion of Jamie and Claire, we made a few pit stops along the way that involved Jamie kissing other women (gasp). As difficult as they were to watch, those kisses signaled something that all of us already knew; Jamie and Claire’s kisses are pretty close to magical and everything else is a bit ho-hum in comparison. When Mary McNabb and Jamie kissed in Jamie’s cave version of a walk-up studio, the moment was emotional but not sensual. Jamie’s kisses with Geneva were lusty but they were also cringe-worthy and made many of us turn away, at least until Jamie encouraged her to “move with me,” at which point we probably started paying attention once more. As we careened toward the reunion and waited for Claire to once again slip the bonds of time and space, the words from “As Time Goes By” began to play on a loop in my head. “You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss…” No offense Dooley Wilson, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra, but I couldn’t disagree more. There are times when a kiss is just a kiss and then there are times when a kiss is more than the the sum of the two lives that have come together to share it.
Here are a few of my favorite instances in which Outlander reminded us of that important distinction.
Jamie and Laoghaire
I know. I know. I don’t want to talk about it either, but this is the first time that we see Jamie kiss anyone and it gives us a peek into Jamie’s head. In Season 1’s “Castle Leoch,” Jamie takes Laoghaire’s punishment for “loose behavior” and it lands him with a variety of contusions and lacerations meted out by Rupert. The next time we see Laoghaire and Jamie together in “In the Way Out,” she is pulling him through a doorway while giggling and kissing him. Jamie pauses for a moment. He catches Claire’s eye as he continues to kiss Laoghaire and then allows himself to be pulled out of the frame by the little vixen. Let me say that again. He makes eye contact with Claire while kissing Laoghaire. The object of his desire is clear and she is not the woman with her arms wrapped around him.
This moment could be a thousand things, but it isn’t just a kiss. It might be Laoghaire’s thank you to Jamie for taking her punishment. Maybe it is Jamie’s attempt at making Claire jealous. It could be a little bit of both. We do know that it roused Claire’s jealousy; she said as much in a voice-over. In the moment, we think this might be a castle tryst for Jamie, perhaps one of many that could be had for a handsome, young bachelor. We learn later that this couldn’t have been more than a bit of fun for him as he tells Claire before their wedding that he’s a virgin. This is proof that his moment with Laoghaire went no further than kissing. Jamie then tells Claire on the evening of their marriage that he isn’t a monk. That tells us that Jamie likes kissing and probably does it a lot. Jamie has an interesting way of describing his internal conflicts and Ashley was rightly confused in our Season 3, Episode 6 recap. We find out further into Season 1 that Jamie has loved Claire from the moment that she wept and let him comfort her when they arrived at Castle Leoch. We also know that Jamie has a fine mind for chess. When I think about a man in love who also has the ability to think three moves ahead of his current situation, I tend to believe that this kiss had more to do with Jamie’s longing to be with Claire than with Laoghaire’s scheming and that it is anything but just a kiss.
The Wedding Kiss
With the moment of Jamie kissing Laoghaire still in your head, fast forward to Jamie and Claire’s wedding kiss, and the wedding scenes, in general. At the ceremony, Jamie only takes his eyes off of Claire when looking down at the ring and at their hands while they repeat the blood vow. His sole focus (I know what I did there) is on Claire. As mentioned previously, Jamie has been in love with Claire since their arrival at Leoch. With that in mind, the wedding kiss becomes part confession and part call and response. Jamie kisses Claire in the way that he has wanted to since they first met. He confesses in his kiss what he could not tell her until this moment. Claire responds with an emotion that she has not be willing to admit that she possessed. The book gives us Claire’s perspective on this moment: “It was clear that he intended only a brief and ceremonial touching of lips, but his mouth was soft and warm and I moved instinctively toward him. I was vaguely conscious of noises, Scottish whoops of enthusiasm and encouragement from the spectators, but really noticed nothing beyond the enfolding warm solidness. Sanctuary.” In the midst of the legality of the ceremony and the confession of the kiss, a sanctuary is built, a place where both Jamie’s and Claire’s hearts could rest and beat quietly, if even for just awhile. And we all sighed and watched the episode ten more times.
Wedding Night
At the conclusion of the wedding, Jamie and Claire are sequestered in a room to consummate the marriage and finalize Claire’s transformation into a Scot. As they talk away their nervousness, their hearts grow roots and begin to reach beyond their owners’ bodies to permanently knit themselves together. When they finally do kiss, it is one for the ages. If the wedding kiss is a confession, the wedding night kiss is the creation of a covenant—the linking of two hearts and souls for all time. It is not, however, just a kiss.
Photo courtesy of outlander-online.com
Jamie and Mary McNabb
Prior to Jamie’s staged hand-over to the British and his eventual imprisonment, Mary McNabb visits Jamie in the cave for a meal and no small amount of barbering. When Mary makes her intentions known, Jamie tries to send her away and even threatens to leave. Mary stops him in his tracks with one of the most bittersweet moments of dialogue in Season 3. “I ken well enough what ye’re thinking for I saw your lady and how it was between the two of ye. And it’s not in my mind to make ye feel ye’ve betrayed that. What I want is to share something different. Something less, mayhap…but something we both need. Something to keep us whole, as we move forward in this life.” That single tear on Jamie’s face proves that this isn’t just a kiss. It is two humans, facing the brutality and uncertainty of life, and taking pleasure where it can be found… if only for a few fleeting moments.
Photo courtesy of outlander-online.com
Jamie and Geneva
It’s difficult to write about this because Jamie and Geneva’s encounter is borne of blackmail and coercion and was, altogether, terrible. With that said, there is a kiss and a moment of respite from lives that were neither Jamie’s nor Geneva’s to control. No matter the circumstances that bring Jamie to Geneva’s room, the fact remains that it has been years since he has touched a woman. And in between that moment and this one had been prison, ongoing grief for Claire, loss of his family at Lallybroch, and the loss of Murtagh—all with no reason to believe that he would see any of them again. When Jamie explains to Geneva the difference between lust and love, I don’t believe his words are only for her benefit. Despite what has just transpired between them, Jamie knows that this is merely an act and seems to resign himself to the fact that he will not know love again as the one he has given his heart and soul to is gone and will never return. This wasn’t just a kiss. It is the fulfillment of a contract, a business transaction. It is an assurance that Jamie’s family will remain safe. It also serves as a reminder to Jamie that he will never again be whole.
Photo courtesy of outlander-online.com
Jamie and Claire in the Print Shop
There are so many reasons to love this kiss, but I’ll focus on my favorite. The Jamie that we see in “The Wedding” is full of youthful bravado. He tells Claire confidently that he will ask if he needs guidance. When Jamie suddenly finds himself face-to-face with Claire after their 20 years of separation, his bravado is gone. Left in its place is a man shaking with fear and uncertainty who can barely even find the words to ask Claire if he can kiss her. This from the man who, 20 years before, had demanded that Claire acknowledge that he was her master. Right before the kiss that we are all waiting for, Jamie declares softly, “I havena done this in a very long time.” This could have been a signal to Claire that she need not worry about a jealous wife bursting through the door (not just yet anyway) or it may have been a head’s up not to expect a repeat of the magic that happened during their wedding night. It is a moment in direct conflict with the opening scene of this episode where we watch Jamie walk to the Print Shop looking every bit like a man who has everything under control. This kiss, then, is not just a kiss but instead a soul-baring confessional for both Jamie and Claire. Neither has kissed anyone for a long time, neither has ever experienced a kiss as they did with each other, and both are frightened by the tidal wave of emotions that might be released the moments their lips touch.
Photo courtesy of outlander-online.com
I began this post because I like kissing (true story) and I am fascinated with the way that the show writers delivered Jamie’s and Claire’s kisses to us, by turns chaste and full of lust, and quite frequently with lots of tongue. The kiss is integral to their intimacy and we see the differences in their kisses as they deal with a host of external forces (war, sickness, grief, etc.). What I didn’t realize until much later is that this timeline of kisses chronicles the life and growth of Jamie. He starts off, as we all do, young and full of himself and full of confidence that he has no reason to possess. He finds love, he loses love, he grieves for love and just when he believes that he is meant to live out his days without love, it finds him once again and fills his life with chaos and confusion and contentment.
Do you agree or disagree that sometimes a kiss more than just a kiss?
Do you have other favorite Outlander kisses? I want to hear from you!
I agree completely with your comments here. The growth of Jamie throughout was very well noted.
The way a kiss is carried out can tell so much about needs, character and relationship combinations.
Both Jamie and Claire seem to put real thought behind their kisses obviously wishing to be better understood by each. I think that it is because they do this equally well. that they need fewer words at times when other couples never seem to find the right ones. I really like this article.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Vonnie. I completely agree with you.
Beautiful article well written and so on point! A kiss is so much more, especially between Jamie and Claire??
Thanks so much for reading and for taking the time to comment.
I have been married 53 years and I have always said that when a couple is courting there is one kiss that bonds that couple…You will know it when it happens because I think you feel your souls come together…It is a kiss that is held and there is nothing else existing around you…everything fades away and doesn’t exist any longer…It isn’t a planned kiss it just happens…When you break away from each other you feel something that you have never felt before, but you don’t know quite what it is…It won’t happen when you expect it and it may not be in some romantic location…Ours was in my parents kitchen when he kissed me good night…The next night he told me he loved me and wanted to make a life with me…I knew I loved him too…I may be a romantic but yes I believe there is more to kissing then we know…I loved the kiss just before the storm that brought Jamie and Clair to the colonies…when Jamie had told her what he was going to do to her when they were alone…
PK this makes my heart so happy!!! This is quite literally the best thing that I’ve read all day. Congratulations to you on on 53 years and thank you so much for sharing that beautiful story.
I, too, remember my first kiss with my guy. It felt as though everything around us stopped or maybe I just didn’t care about anything else in that moment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for inspiring me. Much love to you!
It is so incredibly wonderful to read your articles.
I have tears in m eyes as I read your comments as you express my feelings as well. I , too, still remember the first time my husband kissed me 50 years ago and my body still remembers how wonderful this felt. I think this is one reason I am so drawn to the love between Jamie and Claire in Outlander. My husband is no longer alive but his kiss remains in my heart. Jamie and Claire’s kisses remind us their love and how it matures. Kisses are indeed more than kisses: they are magical reminders of what is and what will be.
Pam…bless you…thank you so much for sharing that. I’m sorry about your husband but so glad that his kiss lingers with you. What an amazing gift! Your words have filled my heart on this day of love and I must thank you for that gift.
Yes! I agree with you totally. The kiss just before the storm was playful and provocative. All the trials and tribulations they had during season three could be forgotten for a moment. I believe this was where you started to see the familiarities they had with each other before Culloden. This kiss was definitely more than a kiss. I cannot wait until season four.
Yes Darlene!! I didn’t write about those kisses but felt…um…strongly about those scenes. I think it might be my favorite live scene in all three seasons.
Love this! ? The way Jamie & Claire kiss is probably 90% of why we are all so hooked on Outlander. I’ve never seen better screen kisses anywhere than theirs! Sam & Cait make us believe that they truly are Jamie & Claire in transcendent love — a tribute to their wonderful acting ability. I also like to believe that because they represent the main visible reason that this show has become the sublime creation that it is, that they truly do love & cherish the phenomenal alchemy that they have together. Hopefully, their on screen kisses are borne of that mutual understanding of what a unique & unexpected gift this show is to them as well as their audience. I only hope they can continue to appreciate what that amazing gift truly is to all of us! ?
Absolutely! I can almost feel the connection shared by these two and I don’t recall ever having that experience with a television show or movie before. Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it, truly.
Yes, Nikki, yes! Loved, loved, loved uour analysis. Mr. Heughan has done an exemplary job of revealing Jamie’s heart and journey through his tumultuous life in all his Outlander kisses.
It doea bring to mimd something I don’t like – the parallels between some of the intimate scenes. Two in particular stand out.
Jamie said almost the exact same thing to both Mary in the cave and Claire in the Print Shop before the kisses – his “I havena done this” line. Ms. Gabaldon wrote it that way, I know, but it almost ruined the reunion kiss for me, like bringing Mary into the room with them. Eww!
Then he used some of his same sexy moves with Claire on Geneva. Yes, that may have been him bringing Claire into the room, maybe even using Geneva’s resemblance to Claire to help him through the farce, both of which I’m strangely OK with, but all that kissing, licking and nipping just made me mad. Despite his love vs lust lesson, it seemed he enjoyed that night just a little_too_much.
While we’re on kissing and intimacy, I think we saw way_too_much of Jamie with Geneva in general but especially in comparison to Jamie and Mary. I had hoped that both would be fade-to-black scenes but would have been happy seeing maybe a little more with Mary (#surprisedmyselfthere) and a whole_lot_less of Jamie and that blackmailing Geneva.
Officially stepping off my soapbox…
I definitely agree with you about the Geneva thing. I interpreted it as Jamie bringing Claire into the room with him…just as Claire tried to bring Jamie into the room with Frank. Jamie’s attempt was more successful for me as I felt myself about to get “the vapors” during the Geneva scenes and just reaching for another Goldfish cracker during Claire’s scenes with Frank. 🙂
I’m so glad that you hopped up on that soap box! Please come back sometime and do it again!
I strongly agree with all your points! I was disgusted by the way the Geneva scene was played out, especially how long it went on and the contrast of the way he played homage to Geneva’s breast compared to his lack of it with Claire who is his soulmate. It made no sense to me. I also hadn’t realized that Jamie said the same thing to Claire as he said to Claire, “I havena done this in a very long time.”
So well put Nikki Gastineau – it is so easy to place kissing into the’ life’s a circle’ meme. My take is it is a loop i.e. ancestral ( Mother’s/ Father’s kiss when you’re a babe, begins the biological connection with safety and love) , young teen practice mash-ups for your resume etc. Jaime is busy practicing his ‘skills’ on anyone who will have him , remember he is 18/19 in France with Ian ;). Once any of us has our skill sets mastered, suddenly what the person you are attracted to says/ whispers in your ear, becomes the trigger for the ultimate kiss experience – the kind that kicks your biology in high gear and delivers that Yowzaa confluence of beating heart and zings in your nether region!
For this viewer the print shop reunion kiss read as if a match had been struck between Jaime & Claire. I for one was surprised that as he lead Claire to his back room to find some dry breeks, that the two of them didn’t just drop on the cot to further explore whether or not they ‘still had it’. So cooler heads prevailed as Jaime asks about the child , evidence their kisses beget another human being and Claire has the goods in those photos of Bree.
So all the ka-noodling ( a great Judy Dench reference from As Time Goes By) we adults do, post children being on the menu, just continues the merry-go-round of affirming our need for the company of and kisses from, the object of our desires.
As a book reader I know we will see our couple in series 4, affirming quite a lot of the theory posited above ha ha….. Sam & Cait are just such amazing actors, how they portrayed that eye sex in the queue waiting to meet LJG is beyond me!!
What beautiful comments Mary Beth!
You too, noticed the look between Jamie and Claire while waiting to see LJG. Talk about passion! “Just one look”, as the song says.
So right. I did not know what “a real kiss” was until I was single again in my 30’s. When it happened I could hear my internal shock, so this is what kissing is all about. Not an obligatory fly by – but a connection between hearts. I don’t think I could have fully adored Outlander if this had not happened.
Bear with me on this as I need to make a sports analogy and then I promise I’ll get back to Outlander. When I was a kid I watched A LOT of golf with my grandfather. I knew the rules and the equipment but I couldn’t fully appreciate the skill and thought required to fly a ball over the water on a par three until I was standing in the tee box. It’s one thing to KNOW something but it’s a different thing altogether to FEEL it. Very much like you, there was a kiss that rocked my world and, without it, I’m not sure that I would appreciate this show as much as I do. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and to comment and to remind me that I’m not the only one who feels this show the way that I do.
I totally agree with you. The kisses that they had as they were young were all tender and beautiful but as you said Sandra so elegantly that it is about the hearts connecting as one. I loved that he asked her for permission in the Print Shop to kiss her and that he quivered in his voice. To me when they kiss like the time they reunited on the beach in uncharted to the more playful bolt the door. Still maturity and respect. It melts my heart.
Yes, excellent points on the beach and “bolt the door” kisses!! Sigh…
What a great article! I loved it! Brought a whole new appreciation for the show & the acting. Very insightful & thoughtful. There has been some negativity from fans, including me, about the writing & the direction the show has gone. This is a breath of fresh air. Thank you!
Thanks so much Jill!! I really appreciate it your comments and I’m glad that this interjected some positivity (and maybe fun?) into the discussion.
I have always felt Jamie and Claire’s kisses the best I have seen on screen. Your article put into words why I believe that. Thank you.
Many thanks to you Marie! 🙂
Loved this article, and I agree, only I would attribute it to the actors as much or more than the writers. 🙂
I agree completely Jacquelyn! I have so much respect for Sam and Cait and the way that they seem to magically bring these characters to life!
I whole heartedly agree with you and truly enjoyed your synopsis.
Thanks Jennifer!!
I just watched the episode in the print shop and I can truly say they had the ability to convey the awkwardness they felt, that is until they kissed. I have lived 69 years and watched my fair share of movies and TV, but I have never been moved emotionally as much as I have with this series. The writing, acting and story content just moves me with every new episode. The love portrayed by Cait and Sam as Jamie and Claire is phenomenal and it is real. My heart just melts when they touch, look at each other and especially kiss and make love. Thank you to all involved with this Outlander series, you have moved this audience like no other. Special thanks to Diana Gabaldon.
I agree completely!
Well said Vicki! There has been so much excellent writing, acting, and directing involved in bringing this story tot he screen.
Thank you for sharing. Beautiful article! (Sorry ..English isn’t my first language!) PK you touch my heart! My parents were married for 52 years and I really understand you <3 <3 !!
I never be SO moved for a show in my life.
Thank you to all the Outlander family!
Thank you for reading Cata and for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Nikki, I love your articles. They are sensitive, insightful and done respectfully to the books and series. Reading this article was a breath of fresh air. I follow numerous Outlander groups on twitter and FB that have been posting some pretty negative things about the show, cast, writers, Ron Moore …
I declare here and now I am in love completely with ALL things Outlander both books and TV Series.
I love every word, phrase, comma, period that Diana Gabladon wrote/writes.
I love every adaptation/ interpretation of what was written by Herself by the cast and crew of the series. EVERYTHING.
I am not ashamed of it. I drank the Kool Aid completely when it comes to all things Outlander. I am screaming it loud and proud.
People may call me a Pollyanna and naive.
I dinna care.
Thank you for letting me get that off my chest.
Yes Joanne – be proud and know you are not alone. I too am screaming from the rooftops to anyone who will listen. It’s also why I love websites like this one where I can here and share my love for this story and adoration for Sam and Cait who make me feel a part of their love.
Girl, you pass that Kool Aid over here because I’m drinking it too! I love this series so much that I, admittedly, get a little miffed with the negativity. I gush about this show because I just love it so freaking much. Cheers!
Yes, pass me the Kool-Aid too. 68 years old, 2 husbands, 2 lovers before 1st marriage later, I wholeheartedly agree that a “kiss is just a kiss” is definitely not true. Outlander portrays lasting, fulfilling love in a way I’ve never read or seen before. I’m in love with Outlander and thankful to Herself!
Joanne: you are so right! I am a 74 year old obsessed Outlander fan and proud of it! The article on kissing is so on point! Kisses, if we are listening, tell the whole story! I have never in all my years experienced a television series like this! You know, the production, costumes, crew, sets, locations can be great, but if the acting is not good, the whole thing falls apart. Sam & Cait are to be commended for bringing Jamie & Claire to life as they have. For showing us the passion, commitment, beauty of their love. I think we all want that in our lives and they were somehow destined to play these parts that have effected so many of us around the world. They deserve all the awards. No matter what they do after this, they will always be JAMIE/Sam & CLAIRE/Caitriona to us! Whatever they do, we love & are with them! Sam & Cait Forever! At this moment in time, I think Caitriona is the luckiest girl in the world!
During “Droughtlander seasons” , I watch the online videos, which help to get us through and my group rewatch the seasons/series. We rewatch all the time! I’ll be watching it until my days are done and I can still see 😉 I also have The Outlandish Companion, the Books(which started all this for me), and I even have a BARBOUR catalog with Sam all over it since he is the Brand Ambassador. Thanks for your kissing article and all it represents. None of us will ever look at kissing the same way again! Smooches!
Loved your article. Their kisses are so memorable. My favorite is in “The Search” when he leaves with MacQuarrie. When Claire asks him to “hasty back or else!” That was the longest sensual kiss of all, not counting the Wedding kisses. OH MY!
Oh that’s a good one. I had forgotten about it!
I love that kiss, and also the one before he goes to fight in Prestonpans S1Ep10. So nice to hear positive comments, for a change!
Nikki,
Interesting analysis of the Jamie/Claire relationship as revealed in kissing scenes, contrasted with other kisses he’s given other women. I could add a few more “kiss as communication” moments to your list: Falkirk, when Jamie is going off to battle, contrasted with the huge grin and hug when he returns victorious. The goodbye kiss on the morning he returns her to the stones the first time (book readers know why he brought her there- he’s savouring her before he lets her go). The heartbreak in their kisses when he sends her back through the stones with Brianna. On the humourous side, I thought the merman kiss was totally romantic, like a fairy tale. Thanks for spurring me to think about kisses in a new way, interesting insights!
Thanks so much for the comments! I wish I could have included ALL those kisses and more…those were excellent examples!
Nikki,
On this Valentine’s Day, love seems to be a perfect topic for discussion. Your article and analysis, Nikki, are right on target from my perspective. Not only have you reminded me of times in the books and series that I love to relive (again and again!), but you have put words to what I have known for 35 years. Some connections are exceptional. Love changes. Relationships mature. Lust might continue-but it, too, takes on different forms. For those who have found the soul connection that we see so amazingly portrayed by these two characters, please realize and revel in your blessing. Your situation is special. I am fortunate to count myself in that rare club. I can only hope that your readers do also and that Sam and Cait, in their “real” lives, will know those connections as well. Never a better feeling (or portrayal!) Excellent article. Thank you!
Thank you so much Dorrie! You made my heart smile with your kind and sweet words. I’m glad that your in “the club”. 🙂
Great article, well said…. my favourite kiss after the wedding kids is when he bids her goodbye before Prestonpans. The kiss become very sexual almost to the point of them hitting the floor but she halts him; “on your way, soldier”, leaving him with strong emotions to begin battle and when he steps away and with a smile and graceful bow, acknowledges her, what she is to him, what he has to fight for…my heart still thumps even just writing this. Powerful. The other beautiful kiss is when Jamie, with Fergus in his arms, leans over his shoulder to kiss Claire..he has already kissed her hand acknowledging her waiting up for him.
Those are both great examples Sherenne! I also love that kiss when he’s holding Fergus. I believe that, in the book that’s also the scene where he says “God, you are so beautiful,” he said softly. “Unkempt and unslept, wi’ the waves of your hair all about your face. Bonny love. Have ye sat here all night long, then?” Soooo love this.
thought it was a lovely article and I totally agree.
and when Fergus got married, and Jamie gave him his name, well that was outstanding too
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment Sara!
You are so right. I enjoyed your article so very much. Its 3:30 in the morning and I can think of no better way to end my day than reading your article again and dreaming about kisses. Thank you for sharing.
You can’t know how perfect this comment is! I dreamed up this article at 1:00 in the morning several months ago when I couldn’t sleep and I was missing my love’s kisses. I hope that you had pleasant dreams. 🙂
This is wonderful Nikki. Thank you. I have always said it was not the sex scenes (although love those too) that got to me, it was the frequent quick pecks and hugs they shared throughout the series. I felt their love for each other (and anguish at separation) but really missed this connection during the first five episodes of S3.
I particularly liked your comment about Jamie’s journey. In season 3 from the awkward first kisses in the Print Shop to that beautiful sensual kiss in the finale when he laid her on the back bench of the cabin, I saw both of their journeys through all they went through. It made me feel that this last scene in the cabin was their true reunion scene.
I do agree with you. The Print Shop was when they physically met each other again. The scene onboard the ship was, for me, the reunion. It was my favorite love scene of all three seasons.
Loved that scene too! thanks so much for you wonderful article. All their kisses on the ships were just terrific – SWOON-WORTHY!
What a perfect subject for Valentine’s Day! Kissing.
I completely agree with you Nikki. It is the kisses between Jamie and Claire that are the most romantic, that express the intimacy between them: I thought kisses between Jamie and Leghaire (yuck) was just a young man’s “sowing his wild oats,” as it were with the village “loose woman”, with Mary McNabb it seemed like a revisit to heartbreak as he had let Claire go, with Geneva, Gag—that was even worse than Leghaire–That so didn’t even need to be written.
But the kisses between Jamie and Claire spoke of such multilayered, powerful emotions: Emotions of lust, of caring, of soulmates.
It’s so hard to decide on a favorite, but I love all the ones for the Wedding (of course)
It’s just another kind of journey for Jamie.
Thank you so much Dawn. You have to know that I always look forward to your comments! I really wanted to gag at the Geneva scene but…well…I just couldn’t look away. Is that wrong?!
I am so glad you wrote this. It adds so much to a love story we all know but may have not thought about in this way. It just makes me love the story all the more
Thanks so much for your kind words Suzanne!!
Loved your insight. I think your spot on. As a reader and dreamer of “what if this was in a series or film”? I must say that every kiss up to the print shop, was perfect. But every kiss after that was lack luster. I never thought the passion was there. There was no tongue, no sweet touches, no chemistry. The first two years Sam and Cait breathed life into the characters that, we all have loved for years and we went willingly into, their world and loved every moment.
Thanks so much Beth for reading and taking the time to comment! What about the scene in the finale on board the ship? Weren’t there touches there?
Hi again Nikki, Thank you so much for your kind words!
I look forward to reading these blogs and reading what you and everyone else has to say regarding Outlander and these wonderful topics.
Of course it’s not wrong that you couldn’t look away from Jamie and Geneva–I thought that was only me. (wink)
That’s why it’s called a guilty pleasure, I guess.
Quick question for you regarding Jamie and kissing: I am not sure but had Jamie ever kissed Willie, Marsili, or little Joan?
I think I’d just melt if he’d ever kiss those he considers his children. Jamie may have, but I am not sure.
Thanks so much
I read all this with enthusiasm! Have not seen S3 yet. Probably in 2 weeks I will finally have the DVD! I Will drink champagne and not allow anyone to call me over the telephone. It will be splendid evenings, because I am going to taste and savour it slowly and immensely. Have heard so much about it and seen so many spoilers and extracts. My patience will be rewarded.
But about KISSING… In the two first series I already thought there was something special going on and that the strenght of their love increased the time and warmth of their kisses. The wedding ceremony – did you see the deleted scene where Dougal separates them as they are lingering on kissing in the church? – and the weding night. Kisses are improving and further on it is obvious, they are alone on the world when they kiss! Do not forget the Reckoning! One of my preferred scenes! It goes on and on and I also like it when Jamie leaves his Lady – bowing – before the battle of Prestonpans. When he comes back, it is even stonger! And then the last one, before her leaving through the stones.
When Jamie and Claire kiss, they are like melting metal, pouring themselves in the same bowl, whirling, collapsing, being ONE.
I have seen images of the kissses of S3 and think the one on the ship is fantastic, but there is one moment that I love: when he says she has a smear of silver moonlight in her hair. Such a sweet and tender short kiss while he strikes her arm and back. Complete abandon of themselves. They found each other again and are mated for life. I think so, as far as I can make out…
And, well I do not want to talk about the boyish kisses with “Leerie”. By the way, when he meets Anne Lise de… in Paris (do not remember her name), he does not kiss her but there has been something between them too. A young man alone in Paris. I know he was a virgin. Do not forget that Diana Gabaldon wrote somewhere that he preferred to marry than to burn elsewhere…
And the kisses with Mary McNab and Genova Dunsanny were not Jamie’s true expressions of love. The only person who can “taste” them fully is Claire. Thanks to the actors Sam and Caitriona. And thanks to the wwriters all together. Do not forget that Matt Robet said it is a special love story. Not one that ends withe the film. It is the story of a love sory!
Sorry for being so long.
Thank you again and it is midnight here in Belgium. Must be the fault of Outlander. We stay up so late!
So beautifully said! you’ll dream of kisses tonight!
Re-read Nikki’s lines and the other comments and responses. Have learned a lot about Jamie and Claire’s kisses that way. Interesting and – well I have to admit – exciting! Just smiling because I had a marvelous husband for 50 years and I loved when he kissed me (Happened more than often… Hum…). But he always left the room when there was a kissing scene in a film or TV series. Some sarcastic remarks were flying in the air and he only came back when it was all over. I asked him once if he was jealous, but realized that it made him shy and almost blushing like a teenager! As excuse… he was brought up by very decent and discreet parents, and he sometimes was astonished when I just told him to be free and natural. But we were terribly happy. Water and Fire!!!
See you have all made up an almost complete list of Jamie and Claire’s kisses. You forgot the one when he brought her to the stones the first time and when she came back, choosing him instead of Frank and saying “bring me home to Lallybroch”. He kisses her very “thoroughly” as Diana Gabaldon explains in the books! So passionnate and thankful!
But the ones I prefere – besides S1 – are in S3, when they are on the ship – “just you and me” – looking at the moon, then, when he kisses her in the moonlight with the “silver” in her hair, later when they reunite on the island before Mr. Willoughby takes care of her arm before the turtle soup and the last ones on the ship. Terribly erotic and heartwarminig. This last scene was more similar to S1 or S2, more felt and real than in the rest of the season. But as someone said, it is 4 years now that they work together and “kiss”. More routine? And they can control it better too? Sam says in an interview that they were “so fresh and green” in the begining! The chemistry was still working there. Does it still now?
Maybe, after the first reunion kiss in the printshop, when they were interrupted the first time by Geordie, there was a little wee spark of the past? Anyway, I love the kising scenes very much and am not hiding that I review all three seasons with pleasure. Thank you for allowing us to read your opinion and comments, and allowing us to put a grain of salt in the “kissing-soup”!
Such a beautifully written piece. Thank you. Agree completely.
So beautifully said!
Not sure if I should be ashamed, but I only saw Outlander for the first time in the fall of last year, and I was not even familiar with the books.
Right after I watched it, I started a rabid search to see if approaching 50 has melted my senses or I’m simply not imagining things and finally I get to watch something like never before.
I was pleasantly shocked to see and read comments, reactions, testimonies, and a whole palette of emotions genuinely displayed by people I was now so close to, because we were getting it!
Indeed, I have never before felt this way watching a love scene, as I did with them. I even symphatized with the ones upset by the fact that Sam and Cait were not together in real life!
Now, the funny thing is that this is a first for me: never watched a show or movie and afterwards started a search for other people’s feelings and emotions related to it.
Their kisses were, literally, making me spring off the couch, run to my hubby (who’s quietly watching something in the other room) and give him a mouth full, breathtaking smooch. No comment here about his reaction:)!
Their kisses were never just a kiss, but always had a deep, solidifying meaning, and too many times it made me feel like I’m peeking through the window in the intimacy of their space. Now, that’s why I call Outlander a masterpiece (and it is not the only reason)!
I now like to say that I start my day with coffee and prayer, and end my day with prayer and Outlander.
I just started this past January 2020! I’ll be 50 this year. What you wrote is exactly everything I have felt and done (including “involving” my husband when he came back from a work trip in early February ?) after watching. I have watched each season twice. And want to watch a third time but announced to my family that I couldn’t do that or else I would have to admit that I’m crazy. ? So to pass the time during this quarantine I read the blogs on this post and the replies from fellow like minded fans. Waiting anxiously for Book 1 that I ordered yesterday, and S5 Ep 8.
Wow, what an article and to the point. I loved kissing, when I met my husband(at 17) he kissed me like no one ever did, it could be that I was totally infatuated with him, it was a kiss that I was waiting a long time to say “where have you been?” so yes kissing was the #1 in my relationships. Now back to Jamie and Claire, I do have 2 favorite scenes #1 was when Jamie kissed Claire on the night of the wedding, I think I felt that passion running through my veins and of course thinking how my husband and I kissed, thats what I got from a NYC guy, Passion. the #2 kiss was on S3, The eye of the storm, when Jamie and Claire are back in the ship, and while he’s shaving, she’s telling him not to, and sat on Jamie’s lap, that was such an intimate moment, and those kisses were too sensual, the look of love in their eyes were off the charts. Looking forward to Season 4.
Thanks so much Adele! I’m a bit of a kissing fan myself which, I think, is why these onscreen kisses resonated with me. I agree with you on those scenes in Eye of the Storm. Whew girl!! I’m not even going to tell you how many times I’ve watched that…for…umm…research…ya know?
I am so grateful to have this opportunity to read your thoughts/comments on our shared love of Outlander. Though I’ve read many different blogs to try to fill up this Droughtlander, your comments are especially thoughtful and I look forward to indulging more often at this site. Nikki, your understanding of Jamie”s journey through his manhood by analyzing his kisses was eye opening. I’d like to bring up an important part of those magical kisses that was not mentioned, and that is that those beautiful words spoken by Jamie and vocalized by the low, soft Scottish burr of Sam, are to me, the foreplay of those heart melting kisses. Though Diana’s books have much more of this dialog, the series has enough to lead up to the perfectly performed onscreen kisses that cause butterflies to stir in your womb. Whew!
Great article, this time. A kiss can say so much and is very personal. My 2 favorite ones are in A. Malcolm on the reunion, because of the longing and the fear of being accepted again. The next one was reunited once again on the beach..both were afraid they had lost one another again.
Loved this article. And agree. So many changes and so much of life changes expressed in these kisses. I love how they all tell a story. But some of my favorite are when he grabs her hand to kiss it, just because or the tender kisses on the head. No matter their argument they turn to each other knowing that arms are waiting no matter what.
You’ve done it again Nikki. You’ve covered my 2 favorite kisses of all time in there.
“Neither has kissed anyone for a long time, neither has ever experienced a kiss as they did with each other, and both are frightened by the tidal wave of emotions that might be released the moments their lips touch”.
That sentence did hit home for me.
Thank you, always
Hello, Nikki. Just read your “kissing” article and enjoyed it immensely. I certainly agree with your choices and appreciate your observations of all we love about Outlander. I have been kissing the same man (my husband of 49 years) for over 50 years….and a kiss can indeed tell you when you have met your life’s soulmate. One of the kisses between Jamie and Claire that I love is a “goodbye” kiss. Colum sends Dougal away from Castle Leoch and orders Jamie to accompany him without Claire. Dougal says “I told you to kiss her…not swallow her”!
beautifully depicted, good job on every step of your explanations. I too had a thing about kissing, as a teen(moons ago) if the guy didn’t kiss right or there was nothing there from a first kiss, that was the last. To me a kiss had to mean an attraction or some type of commitment which meant a closer relationship. Going back to Jamie and Claire, while married and him being on the go, watching them kissing while he’s on the go or coming back, leaves a beautiful sense of their love and commitment, anyway at those times a woman never knew whether she would see her husband again and that made me think back that while my husband and I were driving, on the opposite direction there was a fatal accident, the body was already covered and my husband turned to me and said “that man/woman, will never come home from work. How true, so I would sneak those little kisses that Jamie and Claire often had and say that it could’ve been their last kiss.
Wow, Nikki, you certainly have crystal clear insight and you can surely write. What a wonderful article…..thank you so much!
I enjoyed the comments and discussion even if it’s seven months after the initial posting. My burning question regarding kissing is- does the director give specific instructions as to what he/she wants to see or do the actors put their own spin on their kisses? Seeing Sam and Cait kiss intimately using their tongues is quite erotic for me. I can’t imagine anyone kissing that way and just be playing a role. As for my favorite kiss? It has to be in the goodbye scene before Prestonpans. That ‘s very sensuous. Makes me weak in the knees.
I met my sweetheart when I was 12 and lost him just 3 years ago, at 70. We were blessed to both being hopeless romantics and loved kissing. Your article is right on the money. Jamie is my Billy, even though I will forever miss my other half, the love and romance portrayed by Sam and Cait, so believable, reminds me of what I had. Fabulous job with this series , could not be with any other actors.
I loved your article and even read all of the replies. It may be too late to reply but I just had to do it. Note; now that I have discovered your blog I will definitely be reading more of the articles.
Nikki, I know it’s been months since this was posted, but your lovely thoughts have resonated with me ever since. So I looked you up again, and this article still grips my heart. Because there have been so many different writers and directors, I can’t help but give the actors full credit for delivering such nuanced kisses, however sweet, or passionate, or painfully sad – exactly what the moment calls for! Delicious reminders of the power of intimacy!! Thank you for sharing your enlightened insights. Love your perspective, always.
This was beautifully written and so on point. The kisses between Jamie and Claire are so sensual and sexy that you can watch them over and over again and get lost in them! They are the reason why most of us watch Outlander I think. There are so many great romantic and funny love scenes between them that make the show!
Since S 1, E 1 I have believed Jamie and Claire’s kisses to be the best on any screen. I could not have said why, but you were able to explain so perfectly what I felt watching these 2 characters through all seasons and episodes! Thank you!
Jamie and Laoghaire kissing in the alcove still sits weird with me. I cannot reconcile it, even after all these years, subsequent books and re-readings. The night before the alcove scene, Jaime had asked Claire to tend to his wounds… and, the were both clearly flirting. Before leaving her, he stops and invites Claire “to come to the stable next day and see a newborn foal.” Claire said she would. What I want to know is how the hell Jaime came to be in an alcove making out with Laoghaire instead of Claire seeing the foal? The day after the invitation, Claire is working with patients in the morning… and then walking around the castle in the afternoon. Did she not go to visit Jaime and the foal? Did she forget? Furthermore, did Alec let Jaime off work early so he could go up to the castle? Usually, Old Alec made Jaime work through lunch and he was often too tired to go to dinner. Suddenly, Jaime is hanging out with Laoghaire, knowing full-well Claire might be coming to visit the pastures to visit? That just does not make sense. Those actions are more like the villain boyfriend in Adventures in Babysitting than Mr. I-Know-What-I-Want-and-Stayed-a-Virgin-Because-Honor. To that end, why would he put Laoghaire in danger (of being publicly beaten) and mislead her if he wasn’t actually interested? Playing with her heart AND potential physical danger is very careless indeed. As others have pointed out in this thread, Jaime later claims he was already in love with Claire at this point. Alec had teased him about both Laoghaire and Claire (right in front of a supposedly sleeping Claire). Certainly, kissing is something he enjoys (that is established) BUT at what cost? I remain confused by the eye contact with Claire as he went on kissing Laoghaire. Some say, he was thinking of Claire (there is good evidence for that, including graphic novel). But, he looked at Claire…and… well, most women I know would just write a guy off if that happened. His actions he could have destroyed any chance with the woman he (supposedly) actually cared about. Why? Was he considering marrying Laoghaire at this point, and testing it out because she would be the safer choice? He claims he never really considered that. People do stupid stuff and act irrationally when it comes to passion… and he basically claims that as the reason later. But, if he is willing to give into the passion there, why not with Claire? And how did he remain a virgin, if he lacks self control? Maybe, because he recognized Claire was conflicted. But, still, he broke a “date” with her and ended up kissing some teenager instead. I cannot seem to find satisfaction on that point. And considering that kiss haunts his later relationship with Claire, it seems important.
I’ve noticed that Jamie appears to reveal
more about his feelings in the moments when he’s about to kiss or doesn’t kiss. We see glimpses of yearning that Claire’s character lacks. These moments make me feel like Jamie is more invested in the relationship than Claire. Perhaps he’s just ahead of her emotionally. The reminder of his chess acumen helps me understand why his feelings are deeper, sooner. Specific moments that come to mind: 1) wedding night when he tries to kiss her and she asks a question, 2) printshop when he leans in and backs off, 3) the reckoning after he pledges his loyalty to her, etc.
What I can’t process are: 1) Why doesn’t he steal a kiss before they are married? There was plenty of opportunity. 2) He got caught by Claire with Leoghaire in the alcove and seemed embarrassed about it when she alluded to it at supper. This doesn’t mesh with the chess master theory. 3) He sure seems to have a hard time turning down Leoghaire by the steam. Which makes he seem more driven by lust than love.
I agree that Jamie and Claire’s kisses have evolved throughout their relationship and have expressed different things at different times. The only thing I’m hoping to see in Season 5 is a return to more passion. I’ve been married over 25 years, and my husband and I have never stopped French kissing when we’re alone. 🙂
Such a well written, thoughtful, and on-point article! I especially like How you explain the development of his kisses as time goes on and he gets older. (I cannot say it as eloquently as you)
One point I’d like to bring up…Maybe it’s because I haven’t read the books, but the scene with Geneva didn’t bother me as much. After he doesn’t seem as angry with her anymore (and if he was angry why does he tell her that she can watch him undress? I still don’t get that), and after she reveals her insecurities, I felt sorry for her. And it was almost like he then viewed what he was doing as something nice for her. I’m not saying that right but hopefully you know I mean.
Beautifully put.
I was so very glad to find this article! I was very disappointed with the reunion kiss. After 20 years of yearning and NEVER thinking he would see Claire again I expected fire works like the atomic bomb. The wedding kiss on steroids!
Then just a gentle brief lips touching. Ok after reading your take on the kissing I can appreciate it better. I forgot the chess player. I loved the response to seeing her again. I screamed with laughter. Best surprise in a very long time. I can only get seasons 1 – 4. Haven’t seen any of season 5 yet.
Interesting Thoughts. The kissing is an integral part of the their relationship and it does seem to mean different things at different times. Most often it seems their kissing will lead to some hot sex. And the chemistry between these two is off the charts!! I wonder sometimes if these two are “really acting.” Guess it is partially my fantasy combined with the fantastical nature of the series. Overall, it is the best series I have ever watched!! Thank you ??
Definitely. There are kisses … and then there are KISSES. J&C’s goodbye kisses before the battle in Prestonpans comes to mind. The first few aren’t visible, but then the camera moves in closer. First a wee kiss. Then Jamie licks his lips and you know what’s coming. A couple kisses in, there’s a hint of tongue, and that’s all she wrote. No sex. Just a few passionate kisses of two people who realize their time together is precious and these kisses may be their last.
And speaking of kisses, my favorite NON-kiss moment has to be in The Devil’s Mark after Claire has revealed she’s from the future. She’s sleeping and Jamie decides a little “fondling” is in order. More importantly, he purposely WITHHOLDS his kisses, because he wants to “watch her,” and hovers over her face, smiling, his mouth this close to hers, until she’s satisfied. It’s the kind of “sex” scene that stands out in OL, specifically for the ABSENCE of kisses (and nudity).
You are so off, it’s not even funny. Jamie and Geneva are soulmates. Their chemistry is out of this world. Besides, a beautiful girl like Geneva didn’t need blackmail to seduce a red-blooded male like Jamie. That’s just Diana Gabaldon’s pathetic attempt to demonize her. She’s making Claire look bad, you see.