Outlander fans have been left divided over a new post about lead character Claire Fraser, who is played by Caitriona Balfe in the Starz show, as one fan branded her ‘insufferable’
Outlander enthusiasts are at odds over a recent critique of the show’s protagonist Claire Fraser, portrayed by Caitriona Balfe. A fan confessed that upon rewatching the Starz series, which is adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s novels, they found Claire “insufferable” and slammed her for exhibiting “pick me” behavior, particularly in her interactions with Geillis Duncan (Lotte Verbeek) during the first season.
The drama, set to return this Autumn, centers on Claire’s adventures with Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan. A Reddit user, @fatcatstypefast, voiced their grievances about Claire’s character in a detailed post: “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.”
They continued to criticize Claire’s treatment of Geillis, saying, “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,”, reports the Daily Record.
A passionate viewer had quite a bit to say about the writing and character development on the hit TV series “Outlander,” voicing their opinions on an online forum: “I know the story is based on the books but they couldn’t written this storyline so much better,” they began. The fan expressed difficulty in watching certain episodes due to the way Claire’s character was portrayed, noting, “The first time around I couldn’t get myself to watch episode 16, this time I grimaced through it.”
The viewer didn’t hold back their feelings about the protagonist Claire, pointing out, “Claire is the whole reason J and R get to the point that they did and she never takes accountability. I also think how she treated him afterward lacked empathy and understanding.”
Reflecting on how Claire looked back on her travels with a different perspective later in the series, the commenter laughed at the inconsistency: “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 standoffish, judgmental (shocker), and mean to him the entire time lmao. So odd.”
Discussing the beginning of the second season, the fan critiqued Claire’s sudden change in demeanor after returning to the future, questioning the plausibility given what she had endured in the 1700s: “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? ? “.
Also, the viewer threw in an appreciation for another character: “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.”
Despite their critiques, the fan wrapped up their thoughts with a desire to continue enjoying the show: “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.
Other fans joined in the conversation, sharing their impressions and opinions of Claire’s character, with some coming to her defense in the comments section.
One person criticized: “She’s very judgy, self-righteous, nosy, and bossy. She’s also strong, intelligent, loyal, and adventurous.”
Another shared their view: “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 traveling 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.”
Someone else remarked: “I love it! I think she’s super flawed and also so many good things, too! It’s realistic to me.”
Meanwhile, another person reflected: “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.”