*Warning – This article contains spoilers for the Outlander television series and book series.*
The time-travelling drama Outlander has sparked fierce debate among fans after a controversial scene in season 3 that saw Claire Fraser (played by Caitriona Balfe) making a heart-wrenching decision to leave her daughter, Brianna Randall Fraser (portrayed by Sophie Skelton), causing division among viewers.
In a riveting twist of the Starz series, Claire takes the bold step to leave her grown-up daughter in search of her long-lost love Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), igniting controversy over her maternal priorities.
As we eagerly await part 2 of season 7, discussions are heating up regarding this complex mother-daughter dynamic, with some slamming Claire for “abandoning” Brianna.
Devotees of Diana Gabaldon’s novels from which the show is adapted have noted distinct differences between the on-screen adaptation and the original literary narrative.
Reddit was alight with opinions when user @Excellent_Young9312 ignited the discussion with a thread titled: “Claire leaving Brianna behind.”
The post expressed ambivalence towards Claire’s choice, reading: “Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore Claire… but am I alone in wondering how a woman could leave her daughter behind for a man?”
Questioning the mother’s sacrifice, they continued with scepticism: “I know Brianna was an adult at this point but leaving your daughter knowing you’ll never see her again? It’s kind of whack.”
They also added emotional context by recounting Claire’s own childhood, adding: “Especially because Claire lost her parents young and never had her mother for anything special, we know how much that bothered her.” (sic)
Yet, opinion wasn’t one-sided, as several Outlander enthusiasts jumped into the fray to back Claire’s decision with passionate defences.
One commented: “This ‘for a man’ doesn’t fit, is like the love of her life, and Briana is an adult, and she agrees like…is Claire supposed to be miserable for the rest of her life? I don’t get it.” (sic)
Another opined: “Brianna is over 20 years old, she can understand logic and she is able to talk and think.
“If you are a parent with grown children, are you not allowed to move or do whatever you want? Claire left the house to Brianna and the bank accounts. I really don’t see the problem actually.” (sic)
Some fans pointed out that the show’s events differ from those in the novel, as one fan shared: “Brianna forces her mother to go in the books. She threatens that if Claire doesn’t go, she will. Claire has no choice but to take her seriously.
“She shows up at the stones in similar clothing to what Claire puts together to go back and gives Claire the choice, insisting she is okay with the decision. So Claire goes back to Jamie, with Brianna’s full blessing.” (sic)
Source: express.co.uk