Why you shouldn’t compare other shows and books to Outlander

Many Sassenachs will compare other books and shows to the standard of Outlander. Try to avoid this. It’s like comparing apples to oranges.

Something I see happen a lot is Sassenachs comparing other books and TV shows to Outlander. Whether it’s the TV series or Diana Gabaldon’s words and storytelling, try to avoid comparing. It really is like comparing apples to oranges.

Let’s admit, there’s a reason we fell in love with the Outlander universe and why we’re still around. The books are beautifully written, with plenty of detail. Okay, there are times I think some of the extra details could be removed and still offer an excellent book, but many love the tiniest of information shared.

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When it comes to the series, there may be a love-hate relationship with it for some, but it’s certainly brought the tale to live. The acting is excellent, the costumes exquisite, and the sets really pop out. This is a series for the masses but it’s only just growing.

However, falling into the trap of comparing the series or books to others out there will just end up limiting enjoyment. It’s like comparing “Drums of Autumn” or Season 4 with “Outlander” or Season 1. The stories adapt and change, new characters gain more focus, and the settings are completely different.

Comparing the world that Diana Gabaldon has created and the books she’s written to other books just isn’t fair on anyone. Authors have their own styles. They’ll have different editors and publishers who want different things. They have different views on how historical fiction or fantasy books should be written.

As for the TV series, there are different ways adaptations can happen. Writers will have different views of character and story development. The worlds are entirely different.

Each book and show should be enjoyed (or even disliked) for its own reason. I see a lot of people comparing Ross Poldark to Jamie Fraser. Well, Poldark was never written to bring about a man we’re going to like all the time. Ross was never written to be Jamie.

That’s like comparing Donald Trump to Barack Obama or Margaret Thatcher to Theresa May. They are completely different people, with their own ideals and their own goals in life. It just doesn’t make sense to compare! You want to say “X did this so why can’t Y” but it’s important to question whether X is even trying to be Y in the first place — does X even want to be Y?

Instead of comparing another author’s writing to Diana Gabaldon’s or a world to the universe set in Claire and Jamie’s story, consider looking at what do you and don’t like about the show or book in its own right. What is it about the specific character you do or don’t like? What could the author have developed differently to make you like it more? What is it about the writing or the series that draws you in?

I’m not sure why it’s become common practice to compare shows or movies. It’s like comparing an avocado to a mango, or a pop band to a rock band. While they have similar reasons to be around, the two are entirely different. Start treating other books and shows the same way. There’s a whole wide world of entertainment out there. Grasp it with both hands and find something else you’ll enjoy during Droughtlander.

What other books are you reading right now? Which TV shows have you entranced? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Outlander Season 5 continues filming. Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for the latest updates and news.