Can Outlander really pull a Game of Thrones when it comes to villains?

Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO; Acquired via HBO Media Relations
Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO; Acquired via HBO Media Relations

Outlander’s Stephen Bonnet is said to be worse than Black Jack Randall. Is it really possible to pull a Game of Thrones when it comes to villains?

Game of Thrones did something many people didn’t expect. After finally getting rid of the whiny but dangerous Joffrey Baratheon, George R.R. Martin went one step further with Ramsey Bolton. Fans didn’t think they could hate someone anywhere near as much as Joffrey until Ramsey came along.

Well, it looks like Outlander is attempting the same. Stephen Bonnet is going to be worse than Black Jack Randall.

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It’s not going to be easy as a show-first fan to get the imagery of Black Jack Randall out of my head. He isn’t quite on Ramsey Bolton scale, but he was sadistic and pure evil. There’s no doubt that he’s a character you hate; just hate. There’s nothing to love about him (except that it’s Tobias Menzies playing him).

Could it be possible for Outlander to pull off the idea that there’s a worse character out there? Stephen Bonnet is going to have to be one special guy to do that.

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I will state that I haven’t read all the books yet. I stay a book behind the show, getting the show’s version and then delving into the deeper details with the book afterward. That’s the way I enjoy doing things, but I’m completely up to date with the main storylines. I can tell you what basically happens in each book.

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room
Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room

What I don’t know is the details about Bonnet. I know he’s a pirate and dastardly, but not whether he’s any worse. And then he may not be anything like his on-screen adaptation. After all, Frank certainly wasn’t much like the character developed in the books, especially at first.

Bonnet is supposed to be a chameleon, according to Sam Heughan and Ron D. Moore. He’s a character who can pretend to be whoever he wants to fit in but will always do it for his own gain. That’s a little like Ramsey Bolton to begin with. He charmed Sansa at first, only to rape her on their wedding night. I know who Bonnet will rape, but will that scene be anything on the scale of BJR against Jamie in Wentworth Prison?

I’m not sure Outlander can pull a Game of Thrones. But then, I didn’t think Game of Thrones would have anyone I’d hate more than Joffrey. It’s going to be interesting out Season 4 plays out.

Next: Another Outlander companion book is hopefully coming

Do you think Outlander will pull a Game of Thrones when it comes to villains? Is it possible to hate Bonnet more than Black Jack Randall? Share your thoughts below.

Outlander Season 4 is still filming. Like Claire and Jamie on Facebook for more updates straight to your feed.