There’s no doubt that the chemistry between Claire and Jamie draws people into Outlander. It’s not easy to bring the intimate moments but Season 5 will try.
When Outlander began, the undeniable chemistry between Claire and Jamie drew people into the series. Even those who hadn’t read the books felt this attraction and intimacy between the two. Over the years, the intimate moments haven’t been as common for the sake of the overall story, but that doesn’t mean the show producers aren’t listening to the fans.
Of course, this is their adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s story. The producers have to turn 800+ page books into 13 episodes. “The Fiery Cross” is the largest book of all, making it much harder to whittle down to just 12 episodes in Outlander Season 5. The intimate moments could disappear in favor of the whole story, but that isn’t something the producers want.
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Executive producer, Maril Davis, has previously shared that the intimate moments will be there. She wants to bring some of the fan-favorite moments, the important ones for this power couple of the 18th century. Just like a whole story, the character and relationship developments of all are important to keep the show on the air.
"“We hope that we still get in the fan-favorite moments, and still have those Jamie and Claire connections and those intimate moments that people are looking for.”"
“The Fiery Cross” certainly has a number of intimate moments between the Frasers. This is a novel that focuses more on life at the Ridge, in between the high-intensity moments spaced throughout. Bringing at least some of them is going to be important to see success for the show.
I know a lot of fans are disappointed about the lack of intimate moments throughout recent seasons. Some fans are also disappointed that there are more cut-to-black moments instead of seeing the full scenes (although that could be more of an actors’ choices than the producers’ choices as the show gains ground and the actors are more willing to speak up about what they are/aren’t wanting to do).
I don’t find the intimate moments lacking. I’ve just found they’ve changed, and that’s linked to the life experiences Claire and Jamie have had. Any couple will find their relationship changes over time, even those who don’t quite want to admit that things have adapted. No, it doesn’t mean less sex but it does mean a different type of intimacy from when Claire and Jamie started dating to now being grandparents.
It’s not really the fault of the writers or producers when it comes to the lack of moments. In my opinion, it’s the need to condense a large book into 13 hour-long episodes. It’s not easy and the overall storyline needs to be there. Outlander the TV show needs to work for both book-first and show-first fans.
It needs to stand alone from the books, so fans aren’t forced into reading books they don’t necessarily want to read. Yes, you can say people should read the books too, but there are so many reasons people don’t and it’s rude to force something on them.
However, intimate moments still need to be there. It’s clear that some changes need to be made in Outlander Season 5 compared to the book. For one, Murtagh is alive and he’s the Regulator that Governor Tryon wants Jamie to kill with his militia. However, Caitriona Balfe spotted in her 1968 costume and some filming at Midhope Castle taking place, something is clearly changing in the book story (possibly combining books to make smaller parts of the books a whole).
Hopefully, this doesn’t take away from the intimate moments. The show needs that chemistry.
What would you like to see from Claire and Jamie in Outlander Season 5? Which have been your favorite intimate moments so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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