Both theOutlanderTV show and book series revolve around the central relationship between Jamie and Claire, but each iteration of their love story is different. Though theOutlanderseries is faithful to the novels by Diana Gabaldon in many ways, some ofthe trends of how the narrative creates drama and intrigue for Jamie and Claire are handled better on the page.However, it’s almost universally agreed upon that Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe were cast perfectly as Jamie and Claire and have made the series relentlessly compelling thanks to their chemistry and longing for each other.
Though theOutlanderseason 8 releasedate is drawing closer, audiences will first witness the conclusion of season 7, with part 2 likely putting Jamie and Claire in another impossible situation. The season 7, part 1, finale saw Jamie and Claire heading back to Scotland, butit likely won’t be long before they’re separated by oceans, time, or circumstanceonce again. While there are plenty of other storylines and character dramas outside of Claire and Jamie’s relationship arc, they have been apart too many times, and the show doesn’t handle this as well as the books.
Outlanderseason 7, part 2, will premiere on Starz on Friday, November 22nd, 2024.
Outlander Has A Frustrating Jamie & Claire Problem That’s Less Obvious In The Books
Jamie & Claire’s constant issue works better in the novels
When it comes to Jamie and Claire’s relationship inOutlander, many different plotlines have arisen to drive the tension and drama. However,the series returns to the trope of them being physically apart and trying to return to each othertoo many times. It could be argued that these separations follow the books' stories, but the series has strayed from the exact beats of Gabaldon’s work before. It’s been confirmed that season 8 will differ from the finalOutlanderbook, so this opens the door for the writers and creators to explore new obstacles for Jamie and Claire to overcome.
All 7 Seasons Of Outlander, Ranked
Each season of Outlander brings something new and exciting to the table, but not every season is created equal, as some rise to the top as the best.
The way theOutlanderbook series lines up with the TV showshows how differently the screen adaptation is laid out compared to the novels. This is the case with most screen adaptations of fantasy novels since the world-building and intersecting plotlines must be shortened to fit into a streamlined season. However, one of the biggest pitfalls of this storytelling style is thatClaire and Jamie’s relationship lost some of its explosive tension as the seasons progressedbecause their separation isn’t heartbreaking anymore; it’s frustrating.
Why The Outlander Books Handle This Recurring Theme Better Than The Show
The books have the time and space to make the separations feel natural
The first time thatOutlanderseparated Jamie and Claire was heartbreaking,and the show successfully raised the stakes several times throughout their separations, but it soon grew repetitive. At this point in the series, the audience knows that no matter what happens, Jamie and Claire will find their way back to each other, which makes it easy to disregard the events that drive them apart. It seems as though every season, something pushes the pair apart, making it less climactic every time this happens. However, Gabaldon has found a way to make this recurring storyline less obvious in her writing.
8 Burning Questions Outlander Needs To Answer Before Its Season 8 Ending
As Outlander season 7, part 2 draws closer, there are plenty of storylines that might not be resolved until the explosive conclusion of season 8.
TheOutlanderTV series faces a similar pitfall to most screen iterations of books; it must condense the plot and keep the story moving at all costs. This means that some ancillary side stories and downtime between the larger plot thrusts are dropped, adapting only the pivotal narrative moments. While this initially created strong stakes and a high-drama series, it’s lost its spark.Jamie and Claire’sOutlanderrelationship timelinehas only grown more tired and predictable, instead of more. TheOutlandernovels have more plots for Jamie and Claire, but the show doesn’t have the same luxury of time.
Outlander
Cast
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst political intrigue and danger, she navigates life in the past and becomes torn between loyalty to her husband and the love for a dashing young warrior.
