Outlander's Most Controversial List: 5 Episodes We'd Rather Forget (But Can't)

Throughout its six and a half seasons, Outlander has had its share of horrific moments. Torture, sexual violence, and abuse are commonplace for the Starz show. But aside from these gut-wrenching scenes, which are usually very well done in terms of acting and production, there are other types of episodes that very few fans will not skip on rewatch.

Here are five Outlander episodes that reflect poorly on the show, either through writing and overall quality, or out-of-character behavior.

The Search (S1E14)

The episode in which Claire and Murtagh go looking for Jamie adds nothing to the plot of the show. Above all, it's just plain boring.

Their search seems to go on and on, wasting precious screen time that could be used to show some happy time in Lallybroch, for example.

Do No Harm (S2E4)

The episode in which Claire and Jamie visit Aunt Jocasta's plantation and Claire tries to save a slave being tortured there is one of the most heartbreaking in the series. Clearly, there is no good option for what the character could do in this situation.

While Claire is driven by morality, her behavior raises many questions. She doesn't seem to consider the ramifications of her actions, and that's just annoying.

The Fox's Lair (S2E8)

The episode in which Claire and Jamie return to Scotland after Paris is simply flat. Almost all of the storylines were not taken from Diana Gabaldon's books but were written from scratch, which is probably why the characters act so strangely.

Laoghaire begging for forgiveness, Jamie almost signing away Lallybroch, Claire's vision — everyone just felt out of it.

Eye of the Storm (S3E13)

The episode in which Claire has her final showdown with Geillis is not a worthy season finale for a show like Outlander. It is chaotic and spends screen time on the wrong scenes, like the long and unnecessary voodoo ceremony.

At the same time, the episode leaves us with so many questions. Why was Claire up on deck? How did Jamie find her? Where did the ship go? That's all very confusing and not realistic at all.

The Fiery Cross (S5E1)

The episode in which the characters celebrate Brianna and Roger's wedding was a total cringe-fest. Even if you're a fan of the Bree/Roger pairing, you have to admit that the three-way sex montage was super awkward.

Add to that terrible dialogue, absolutely no 18th-century vibe, and the weird Jocasta/Murtaugh thing, and you've got the cheesiest episode of Outlander.