Why I enjoy the changes between Outlander books and show

Seeing other characters develop

I mentioned in the first of my Outlander books review that I don’t enjoy first-person storytelling that much. While I get to know all about the lead character, it’s much harder to learn about the side characters. I only learn from the main character’s point of view.

The TV show gave me the chance to learn more about the side characters–plus there was a character that I loved that wasn’t even in the books. There’s a chance to see personalities shine through and spot different character traits.

Even the main characters’ personality traits can be different on the show. We get this view of a character in our heads but then realize that other people got a different view of their personality. Seeing the changes in the show meant I saw a different viewpoint.

Two different series to follow

With the Outlander books and show having so many differences, they can become two separate entities. As Gabaldon has said in the past, “the books are the books and the show is the show.” I get two bits of Claire and Jamie for the price of one, so to speak.

If I want to re-enter the world Gabaldon purely created, I can read the books and not think about the show. When I want to see more of the side characters, I can put on an episode of the show and see them come to life without thinking about the books.

Two book-and-show series I do enjoy are The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars. Both books and shows are completely different to each other, creating a new world and new story in the same universe. Outlander is close to doing that.

Next: What makes someone a true Outlander fan

Do you enjoy the changes between Outlander books and show? What would you like to see the showrunners do moving forward? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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