Outlander's Biggest Problem? Too Many Side Characters Nobody Cares About
Fans have grown weary of the show's storylines.
Starz's Outlander is often hailed as one of the best shows on television right now, and for good reason - the breathtaking cinematography and period details pair seamlessly with a talented ensemble cast. Heartfelt performances by Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe keep the show consistently engaging and endearing to fans.
However, considering the series first premiered in 2014, it's understandable that some fans are becoming somewhat jaded with the show and its characters.
While Jamie and Claire's romance remains as captivating as it was nearly a decade ago, certain elements of the show are starting to feel dated. The production appears less lavish, and the overarching storyline is becoming increasingly reminiscent of a soap opera. But that's not Outlander's core issue.
Too Many Characters
It's widely acknowledged that most viewers tune into Outlander primarily for Jamie and Claire's romance. Hence, the writers' recent shift towards the supporting characters in the latest season hasn't been well-received. Many feel uninterested in these auxiliary characters, arguing that the writers seem to be pushing narratives that don't significantly influence Jamie and Claire's journey.
'I really only care about Claire and Jamie. I don't care about Roger, Brianna, Ian, Jenny, any of the British or American army or battles and I don't care about the Greys including William. I would rather watch Jamie and Claire spend a season/book growing and preserving food for winter than anything to do with any of the others,' a fan said.
A Change In Perspective
That said, fans could benefit from broadening their horizons to embrace other characters' arcs. Even if these tales don't rival Jamie and Claire's in terms of intensity, they bring depth and authenticity to the show, enriching the overall viewing experience.
'I would have lost interest long ago in the show if it was still just Claire and Jamie focused. The strongest bits of the recent season were Roger and Brea. I still want Jamie and Claire stuff but it's gotten pretty repetitive,' another fan confessed.