Ranking the Outlander Season 5 episodes from worst to best
The second half of the rankings
Now we come to the second half. Yes, it’s made up of the second half of the episodes. From Episode 7, things really picked up in terms of the storytelling. We got stylized episodes that spoke volumes if you were willing to take a step back from the initial annoyance and appreciate what the scenes were showing.
My two favorite episodes of the season are the most stylized and most horrific at the same time. Here’s a full ranking of the second half of the season.
Episode 10: Mercy Shall Follow Me
We’ll start with the episode that pushed us into Book 6 territory. Oh how I’m glad that I didn’t stop reading with “The Fiery Cross” and jumped into the storylines from “A Breath of Snow and Ashes!” This was a strong episode for Brianna, and is my favorite Bree episode of all time.
It did so much right, especially when it came to showing Brianna’s heart. She wants the best for people, even if they don’t deserve it. It’s what makes her such an empathetic person, and we’ve certainly had the chance to see her grow this season.
Episode 9: Monsters and Heroes
The episode involving the snake bite is certainly a standout episode. Sam Heughan deserves an Emmy for his performance. But it wasn’t just about him.
This was an episode that gave so many other characters a chance to shine. Most importantly, we got that scene between Young Ian and Jamie, as Young Ian made his thoughts about his uncle’s shame for potentially losing a leg clear.
Episode 11: Journeycake
The penultimate episode brought some excellent moments from the books and I can see why this would be a favorite episode for many book fans. From a TV point of view, this was more of a bridge episode into the finale. It was a chance for Bree and Roger to realize that Jemmy could travel.
The best thing for me about this episode was Young Ian. He finally got to learn the truth, become an important member of that small circle. And as angry as he was to learn he couldn’t travel, deep down he would have appreciated being trusted with so much.
Episode 7: The Ballad of Roger Mac
The episode involving the Battle of Alamance was one that I’d been waiting all season for. Maybe that’s why I didn’t find the first half of the season as invigorating as the second half.
There was so much going on. We got an excellent battle sequence that felt like not just Diana Gabaldon had done her research in creating the novels but the crew had done the research into the battle tactics used.
Of course, Jamie and the red coat stands out. There’s the fact that Tryon physically puts him into the coat, but also the way he throws the coat on the ground at the end.
We definitely can’t forget about the devastating ending, the mixed emotions from everyone, and the surprise return of Graham McTavish. And that cliffhanger ending.
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Episode 8: Famous Last Words
It only seems fitting that the cliffhanger ending takes us into the next episode on the list. This is what sold Episode 8 being the second favorite episode. It is more of a double episode with Episode 7.
This is an important one for Roger, my favorite male character—okay, Young Ian is a very close second. In fact, this episode involves both of them, which helps cement it as an all-time favorite episode. We don’t just get a little story about them both, but it’s one that focuses on their shame, their loss, their darkness, and their survival.
The silent movie flashbacks continue to be an important part of the storytelling for this, giving us an insight into Roger’s mind and pain. I love the last one with the color, the sound, and Brianna showing up at the very end. She is his light in the darkness.
Episode 12: Never My Love
Finally, it’s all about the Outlander Season 5 finale. I didn’t think anything was going to beat Episode 8 throughout the season, but this one managed it thanks to the disassociative scenes. That dreamscape was beautiful, haunting, and essential for the story.
One thing that makes this episode stand out the most is the ability to rewatch and always see something new. There’s always going to be something else in the scenes that stands out from previous episodes. There will always be something that you suddenly notice that you never did before.
Then there’s the ending. With so much trauma, it would be hard to end the episode on a light note. The show doesn’t try. There’s a heaviness of the actual storm and the threat of the Revolutionary War rolling in. And it all ends with the haunting rendition of “The Skye Boat Song.”
The full Outlander Season 5 ranking from worst to best
Episode 6: Better to Marry Than Burn
Episode 4: The Company We Keep
Episode 5: Perpetual Adoration
Episode 3: Free Will
Episode 2: Between Two Fires
Episode 1: The Fiery Cross
Episode 10: Mercy Shall Follow Me
Episode 9: Monsters and Heroes
Episode 11: Journeycake
Episode 7: The Ballad of Roger Mac
Episode 8: Famous Last Words
Episode 12: Never My Love
Next. Grading the Outlander Season 5 episodes. dark
What was your favorite episode from Outlander Season 5? Is there one that you can rewatch over and over again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.