Outlander turns 10, yet season 1 remains the show at its very best

Outlander turns 10, yet season 1 remains the show at its very best

As a long-time devotee of the small screen and an avid reader of historical fiction, I can confidently say that the first season of Outlander stands as one of my all-time favorites. Having followed this series since its inception ten years ago, I’ve witnessed its incredible journey through time, love, and adventure – and it all started with Ronald D Moore’s masterful adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s books.


2024-08-09 is the tenth anniversary of when Starz led us on a journey through the Craigh Na Dun stones, immersing us in the universe of Outlander.

The series, now in its eighth season (with its final episodes being shot in Scotland as we speak), has been remarkably consistent in both longevity and quality – a rarity among shows. However, it’s worth noting that the initial season continues to stand out as its most compelling to this day.

The primary reason for this is attributed to Ronald D Moore, its initial showrunner. One evening, he had dinner with his wife Terry Dresbach (costume designer for the early seasons) and Maril Davis, his producing partner. During their conversation, they all shared their passion for Diana Gabaldon’s book series. This passionate discussion over their mutual love laid the foundation for what later evolved into the TV show Outlander.

Without a doubt, Moore’s leadership played a crucial role in shaping the series, and even though he relinquished his acting showrunner position around season 4 (he still serves as an executive producer), it was primarily due to his thoughtful development of the show during its early stages, particularly the exceptional first season, that the show gained significant momentum.

Outlander turns 10, yet season 1 remains the show at its very best

As a devoted fan of Gabaldon’s enchanting novels, I fully appreciate that to successfully translate them onto the small screen, it was essential to grasp their fundamental essence – something that Moore and his team seemed to have grasped from the get-go. During the premiere of Outlander, he made decisions that deviated from the source material, which might have ruffled some purist feathers, but instead, these departures provided the depth and complexity necessary for a captivating television adaptation.

The original creator of the series also recognized the significance of Scotland in the storyline, as the scenery took on a character-like role. From Castle Leoch to Lallybroch and even Fort William’s courtyard, the locations portrayed during the first season of Outlander have become instantly recognizable, causing fans to get excited each time they appear on screen.

Anticipation fills the air as we eagerly await the moment when Claire, Jamie, and Young Ian make it back to Jamie’s ancestral home in the seventh season premiere – the cheers are practically audible!

Scotland made Outlander special and vice-versa.

The initial season of Outlander is particularly notable for its remarkable ensemble of characters, several of whom have since moved on. These characters were not only skillfully crafted, but they also displayed exceptional camaraderie – a bond that was evident beyond the romantic pairing of Claire and Jamie (played by Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan). This camaraderie was vividly portrayed in the relationships between Jamie and his uncle Dougal (portrayed by Graham McTavish), as well as Claire and Black Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies).

Indeed, much like how both Frank and his forebear, Black Jack, demonstrated their exceptional acting abilities, Menzies brought to life a character that remains the most captivating villain the series has known up until now.

Indeed, it’s not just the time-jumps or the historical turmoil that make this initial season captivating; rather, it’s the blossoming romance between Claire and Jamie that truly enchants. Even though their love persists in season 7, there’s an unparalleled charm in witnessing their early stages as a couple.

Outlander turns 10, yet season 1 remains the show at its very best

Ever since their initial encounter, these two have weathered storms and calm waters repeatedly. Despite their story being marked by adversity – from repeated separations to instances where death seemed imminent for one or both – the first season depicted their love as most sincere.

Over the course of sixteen episodes, they gradually developed strong feelings for each other, neither connection happening quickly. The series carefully delved into their relationship, and as a result, we also found ourselves deeply invested in them. By now, we’re eager to accompany them through all the ups and downs they’ve faced so far.

In terms of the 16 episodes, what makes season 1 stand out is that it had more time to fully develop its story compared to other seasons. This is unlike the long gap between season 7’s two parts, each with eight episodes, which made us wait a considerable amount before enjoying the continuation.

At this point, season 7 should just be called season 8, if we’re being completely honest…

Regardless of how the story unfolds as it reaches its conclusion, I find solace in knowing that I can revisit Claire and Jamie’s extraordinary love tale anytime by diving back into season 1. Even though Outlander may be nearing its end, its enchantment will persist forever.

As a dedicated fan of historical fiction and time-traveling romance, I’ve eagerly followed the journey of Claire and Jamie Fraser through the Outlander series. With season 7 part 2 finally on its way, I can hardly contain my excitement! In the US, we’ll be able to stream it on Starz, while our friends across the pond in the UK will find it on MGM. If you haven’t read Diana Gabaldon’s books yet, I highly recommend picking them up on Amazon. Trust me; they’re a captivating read that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish!

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2024-08-09 09:34