Outlander Couples Ranked
Outlander Couples ranked from worst to best!
#10 Jamie and Laoghaire
AKA the actual worst. Laoghaire is the character it's the most fun to hate, for so many reasons. There were always going to be a lot of issues between Jamie and Laoghaire, even if he wasn't in love with Claire. Laoghaire is jealous and immature, and becomes positively hateful trying to get Claire killed. Jamie was always plainly thinking of Claire, even when he was macking on Laoghaire, and maybe just a bit using her to make Claire jealous. They might have had a shot at something mildly happy, but after Jamie loses Claire and goes through everything, and Laoghaire is abused and hurt, they had no chance. As Murtagh so perfectly puts it, Jamie needs a woman (read: Claire) and not a girl. Laoghaire is a girl always. The absolute horror she has seeing Claire again is so satisfying, Laoghaire really has to face the fact that Jamie never could loved her. It's sweet how Jamie loves the girls, and it makes sense as to why he marries Laoghaire. He has missed out on his greatest calling, being a husband and father, and he is desperate to get that back. Obviously Laoghaire's dreams of what marriage to Jamie Fraser will be like is not what happens in reality. Laoghaire is awful, but Jamie even admits he's not at his best with Laoghaire; they are the exact opposite of Jamie and Claire, making each other worse rather than better. It's a horrible, horrible marriage, with the only good parts that they both love Marsali and Joan.
#9 Frank and Claire
These two are maybe the most tragic couple in the series. They've been torn apart by WWII, and just as they start to reconnect, they're torn apart again. The moments we see of them in the twentieth century While Claire is missing, Frank's devotion to her is lovely, and the times we get to see his search for her are heartbreaking moments. However, when Claire comes back, things go downhill. Frank taking Claire back, in some ways, is a very noble gesture. Yet he pushes Claire into a very difficult position, not allowing her to even speak of what she has been through. While I understand his position, it essentially ensures that Frank and Claire will never have a real relationship again since Claire has to sublimate all of her pain. They can’t talk about the issues they have, so they simply fester. Regardless of fault or blame, the promise Frank requires of Claire kills their marriage, and instills so much guilt in Claire that, even after Frank asks her for a divorce and dies, after she goes back to Jamie, she still can’t take off his ring. Maybe that’s loyalty, but maybe that’s being gaslit for twenty years.
Obviously Frank loves Brianna, and that is by far his most redeeming quality. He is a good, loving father, but his and Claire's relationship is awful. That's due a lot to Claire's inability to move on from Jamie, but Frank keeping her from talking about Jamie ensures that she'll always be stuck in the 18th century. Frank becomes absolutely hateful when he ruins Claire's graduation, and, worst of all, he keeps the knowledge that Jamie was alive from Claire. Though it was hugely satisfying that before his death he knew his wife went back to the love of her life. Claire and Frank end up being a death by a thousand cuts as they needle each other into misery. Neither of them are remotely happy, and Frank especially becomes a horrible person through that time. He even tries to take Bree from her mother, and is incredibly selfish. Part of it is circumstances, and certainly some of their failure is on Claire, but Frank stomps on any chance they had at being happy, which was small because of Jamie. While the pain Claire inflicted on Frank was inadvertent, Frank hurt Claire on purpose to punish her.
What makes them almost the worst of the series is that it's so obvious they could both be so much happier if things had been different.
#8 Louise and Prince Charles
We don't get to see much of this couple together, but we get to know them as individuals. They exist as twisted mirrors for Jamie and Claire. Prince Charles has all of Jamie's hubris, but without his skill, and Jamie's love of Scotland, but without any practical knowledge of the Highlands. Or, many practical skills at all. Louise is also a mirror for Claire, as she has Claire's wit and passion, but she directs it toward drama and parties rather than healing, or international espionage, for that matter. It follows then that Louise and Charles’ relationship also echoes Jamie and Claire's, but in a twisted expression. Louise is a married woman, falling in love with a Scotsman, and getting pregnant. The rough outlines are the same. Though Louise and Charles have passion and drama, they lack the faithfulness and true, deep love of Jamie and Claire. Obviously Louise and Charles have feelings for each other, and Louise's love for their baby is obvious. The reason they are so low is their immaturity as individuals which leads to an immature relationship. Their relationship drives the plot forward well, but we don't get to see any of their intimate moments together in any form. What makes them interesting is that they help to define Jamie and Claire thematically, but don’t stand on their own particularly well.
#7 Mary and Alex
Mary and Alex are fine. They're not an objectionable couple but they are a slightly obnoxious couple. While I like Mary, I also find her exceptionally annoying, and that puts me on edge about their relationship from the start. But they have a pretty cute story. While she's supposed to marry some old dude, she meets Alex and falls in love. He's caring and gentle after she's raped -- barring that whole weird mix up when he's trying to calm her down by...climbing on top of her rapist-style??? -- and they find their way to each other despite difficulties. In a lot of ways, it’s very inspiring. Mary is steadfast when Alex is dying, which clearly made her have to grow up fast. She goes from a girl who doesn’t know what sex is to a pregnant woman caring for her dying love. It's brave for Alex to have Jack marry his girl, as well. It begs the question of just what Alex knows about his brothers proclivities. Is he ignorant of it, or just trusting that Randall’s love for him will override his perverse desires. There's drama with knowing Mary is Frank's ancestor, but overall, Mary and Alex are a convenient but not the most remarkable couple. There was more potential there, especially in the tragic state of their love, but there wasn’t the dynamism in their relationship to make us addicted. They were there to prop up the more important characters, and in the end, that’s fine.
#6 Brianna and Lord John
This is kind of a weird one because they aren't in a romantic relationship, but they are engaged for several episodes of season 4. Moreover, it's a strong, loving friendship that blossoms quickly and has staying power, as we see in season 5. Obviously John starts off caring for Bree as he sees her as Jamie's daughter, but he gets to know her as so much more than that. They have wonderful give and take, and honestly a much healthier and supportive relationship than her and Roger do at that point. John protects her, but he doesn't keep her from doing what she needs. He helps her go see Bonnet even though he thinks it's a bad idea, and he doesn't put any restrictions on her that would normally come in the 18th century. Bree also sees John's value as a listener, confidante, advisor, and as a father. His perspective on raising a child that's not his gives her comfort, and not a small degree of hope. Leaning on John while her future is so uncertain is what keeps her grounded. Obviously there are some problems with this relationship were it to become a romantic one, ie. John's undying love for Jamie and sexuality. This is also undoubtedly part of the spark that seems a bit like attraction between them, at least on John's part, that he sees so much of Jamie in Bree. They most certainly have chemistry, but part of that is a product of the natural ease and spark that David Berry brings to the screen. Nonetheless, it is delightful to watch. If their relationship developed romantically, though, there could be a strong ew factor, considering John’s very strong feelings for her father. However, John and Bree feel like an interesting road not taken; I think they could have been a strong, healthy, and supportive relationship, under very different circumstances. But Outlander isn't about those. It's about sweeping, messy, intense loves that is sometimes painful and always thrilling. Bree and John don't fit that, but they are a beautiful friendship I'm happy to see more of.
#5 Roger and Brianna
Roger and Bree are possibly the most complicated couple in the series. In season 4, they would have been very close to if not the bottom of my list. They are so far from the same page it doesn’t feel like they should even be together. Roger is controlling, and they are both stubborn to the point of annoying the audience — at least, me. Especially after the festival in 1960s North Carolina, it seemed like they were just...wrong for each other. Their ideas of life and their morals are so different, which is partially a product of them being several years apart in age. Obviously Roger coming through time after Bree is romantic, but that doesn't make them any more compatible. They don’t have the same intensity in their love or their fights that her parents do, partially because they are actually fighting each other rather than fighting the problem. Their separation seems a bit pointless as character elements, as they continue to grow as people, but separately, not as a couple. When they come back together, it makes it feel a bit hollow. Yes, he came back to her, but they still haven’t worked out their problems.
Season 5 is a significant improvement for the pair, though they're still not perfect. Roger's own identity crisis is aided by Bree, and raising a baby together brings them closer. They still have differing opinions of what they should do, particularly with if they should stay in the past. Bree agreeing to go back to the twentieth century feels more like appeasement than what she actually wants, and after all the work they did with Roger that season, I expected him to care more for what Bree wanted. But their time travel arc is quickly undercut.
The early struggles are replaced with some genuinely strong and loving moments, and both Sophie and Richard have grown into their characters well and the chemistry is...better. But let's just say Sam and Cait don't need to worry about being bumped from hottest couple spot. There's a lot to dislike with Roger and Bree, especially about how they got there, but they have ended up with a strong and supportive marriage. They don’t seem destined, and will probably have a lot of struggles on the way, but many good marriages have been made from trying starts. I'm hoping we get to see continued growth and development in this young couple.
#4 Murtagh and Jocasta
These two have a complicated and beautiful relationship. Obviously Murtagh loved Jocasta's sister, Jamie's mother, Ellen, and so Murtagh and Jocasta start out complicated. Murtagh is...prickly...but Jocasta cuts through that impressively with her directness. Murtagh has softness and love with Jocasta we really don’t see anywhere else. It's wonderful to see an older couple actually falling in love, having those first phases of new love, as well as represented in loving and in sexual situations. Murtagh and Jocasta are definitely giving off those sexy vibes, and Murtagh is a silver fox. The tragedy of their love is that Murtagh is still geared up to change things, to be the spark of the revolution, while Jocasta wants to be safe and content after all she’s been through. But their love is powerful, though their timing and worldviews are incompatible. Murtagh showing up on the eve of her wedding to tell her he loves her is gut-wrenching and beautiful. It’s a romantic hero’s move, but the reality is this isn’t a romance novel, and they aren't young, wild lovers. Jocasta doesn't have it in her to go for broke on a love again; she's buried three husbands, and three daughters, and then, has to bury Murtagh as well. Her song at Murtagh's grave is haunting. They undoubtedly have a connection, but for them, it's just not enough. They have a beautiful relationship for how short it is, and it's made especially impressive by the actors. But it unfortunately is cut short. They provide an interesting perspective as people for whom love doesn't conquer all, unlike our central couple of the show. But Murtagh and Jocasta are quite deep for the little time we get with them.
#3 Jenny and Ian
I wish we got more of these two! Jenny is a spitfire with an iron will and stubborn strength to rival her brother's. Ian is loving, steadfast, and patient, making him a perfect match for Jenny. We get the chance to see them early and later in their marriage, and it highlights different aspects of their relationship. In season 1, it's obvious that Ian is Jenny's rock and she is his light. Jenny has been through so much after Randall, the death of her father, and the disappearance of her brother, not to mention losing her mother and older brother in childhood. Ian is always the steady hand to help her. Ian, too, has a lot of trauma. He's lost his leg in France, and that can really shatter a person's identity, but especially an 18th century man. Jenny loves him and sees him as whole, gives him love and life always. While Jamie and Claire might politely be described as "iron sharpens iron," Jenny and Ian are the quintessential "opposites attract" pairing. This is on full display when Claire comes back after twenty years and Jenny is less than understanding. She can’t comprehend how all that tumult can be happiness, but Ian helps her see that, though it's different than their love, it's powerful and can be healthy, as long as it's worked through. Jenny is plainly a pot-stirrer who obviously wants what's best for her brother, as long as he gets better her way. She certainly thinks she knows best, even when she doesn’t have all the information. Ian is fully aware of that, and isn't happy about it. He speaks up, correcting her, but is loving and supportive. That's a healthy relationship that grows and changes. The success of their marriage is also shown in their children, and though we only get to know Young Ian well, he's amazing. Jenny and Ian are a remarkable couple that isn't perfect, but that's what makes them one of the absolute best of the series.
#2 Fergus and Marsali
The runners up, Fergus and Marsali are an incredible couple with a fabulous story. From the start, Marsali is a badass who knows what she wants even though she's young. Fergus is significantly older, but Marsali is clearly the force to be reckoned with. She stands up to Jamie, and she and Fergus have no secrets. Fergus has told her about his romantic history, and she accepts him for all he is. They are adorable and obviously in love. Marsali is a remarkably modern woman, and her views about sexuality and love are impressive for her time. She is also a gentle and incredibly reliable person, while Fergus is similarly caring and steadfast. They are well matched as Marsali has that fire and Fergus is more relaxed, but they compliment each other beautifully. Their wedding is truly sweet and wonderful, with the anticipation of Jamie’s blessing giving weight and excitement to the courtship.
After their marriage, they still hold a strong relationship, through various trials. When Fergus goes through insecurity about his missing hand, she wrangles Murtagh to help Fegus. She does not take anyone’s crap, and gets things done like a young Claire. All while popping out babies at a crazy rate. They have an incredibly loving, supportive, and fertile marriage. They are honest and real about what the other person wants and needs. They support each other and their growing family through adventure and drama, and through daily life as well. They are the unsung heroes of the show, constantly supporting the other characters and each other. I want more of them always.
#1 Jamie and Claire
Of course, our main couple, the central figures, and the reason Outlander is a great show, are the best couple. There are a myriad of reasons they are incredible. Their love literally breaks open time. It is a love that is passionate and powerful, so much so that Claire leaves behind everything she's known to stay with Jamie, and that Jamie gives up everything he loves to protect Claire and their children. While they're together when they're young, they face horrible obstacles including sexual assaults, the loss of their fist child, and an actual war. But they face it together, in love and support. Their incredible vulnerability is impressive, as they open themselves up to the joys and the incredible pain that comes with that kind of exposure. Things don't go well for them so often, but as long as they are together, they can make it through anything. They make huge sacrifices for the other person, and they see each other for their virtues and faults, and love every bit. They never stop loving each other, even after twenty years, and when they're back together, it's never easy, but it's still a beautiful, amazing love. Not to mention their unparalleled passion, essentially unmatched in all of TV. They show falling in love and young love, as well as what it is to be married for more than a quarter century, as parents and grandparents. Theirs is a romance for the ages, an absolute fantasy, but a grounded fantasy, with realistic problems and personal struggles accompanying the time travel and crazy adventures.
The beginning and end of Outlander is Jamie and Claire, their love, their connection, their passion, their relationship. They are what keeps us coming back, for all the perfect, romantic moments, for their sizzling fights, and for a love that truly conquers all. It does not matter what comes at them, from crazed English captains to hurricanes. Through all of it, they are strong, supportive, and caring. It is impossible to talk about Jamie and Claire without highlighting the incredible chemistry between Sam and Caitriona, who bring an authenticity and a rawness to their performances that is absolutely intoxicating. They are certainly the best couple of the series, and one of the hottest, cutest, and most aspirational couples in modern fiction.