Outlander fans agree ‘harrowing’ scene can be skipped as it's branded ‘so disturbing'

Outlander’s Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and Claire Fraser (Caitriona Balfe) have been through a lot together over the years. However, many fans of the Starz show are still left shaken by a particularly “harrowing” scene from all the way back in season 2.

The scene, which sees Jamie being brutally raped and beaten by Black Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies) while in prison. It was a shocking moment for the show, and Sam later described the tough day he had on set in an interview with Vulture.

He explained that the director had never called “cut” and so he felt forced to carry on filming.

“It got up to that point, and they didn’t call ‘cut’, so we had to carry on,” he explained. “I remember feeling so scared, and actually feeling slightly like my trust had been broken a bit because it was horrific. Great to play, but horrific.”

The scene, which featured some full-frontal nudity, proved controversial at the time. Fans have since taken to Reddit to discuss whether it's a necessary watch for all viewers.

One fan asked: “To cut to the chase, those of you who have read the book and watched the show - did you get any value from watching the SA of Jamie at the hands of BJR?

“I've never been like this about a TV show but I have avoided watching it for a week despite loving the show because I don't know if I can watch it. Reading it was pretty harrowing.

Has anyone skipped it entirely? Will it detract from the experience of the show or is reading it enough? (The show is the most true-to-book adaptation of any I have ever seen so far IMO).” (sic)

Many long-time viewers of the show quickly jumped in to help, voicing solidarity with those who choose not to watch the scene.

One offered: “It’s more disturbing than anything I’ve ever seen. Very well done, but you can’t un-see it (or ever forget it). Would definitely be triggering.” (sic)

Another chimed in: “This is a very personal decision. I read the books first years ago, and then watched these episodes when they were released. I knew it was going to be upsetting but, it was WAY more graphic than I think was necessary. The acting is superb. The filming and really everything is done very well.

“But....some of those scenes will stay with me forever. That being said, I am glad that I saw it once. But, I wouldn't do it again. And I think that every person must decide for themselves what they are willing to see based on their own experiences.” (sic)

A third suggested the scene was helpful for understanding future plotlines, writing: “Watching BJR manipulate Jamie by emulating Claire, like flicking his hair around, helps one understand why Jamie has PTSD reactions when trying to be intimate with Claire. And helps understand Jamie’s need for revenge.” (sic)

While another said those who know what happens could skip the scene entirely, commenting: “I think since you already know what happens, you could skip the scene. It’s really only impactful if you haven’t read the book to know what happens to Jamie there and why he was so broken. It’s hard to watch.”

The post’s original author thanked fans for their responses, praising Outlander’s online community for their sensitivity around the subject.

Following the closure of Lionsgate+ in the UK, new episodes of Outlander will be available to stream on Prime Video channel MGM+. You must be an Amazon Prime member before you can sign up for MGM+.

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