All of Outlander Season 1 Episodes: Ranked

16. “The Search” Episode 14

The episode “The Search” is on the bottom of our list for an excellent reason. It’s the slowest and arguably the most unnecessary episode in season 1. We do not say this as hyperbole. Watch it again, and you will see only 15 minutes of the episode was needed. The only redeeming event in the entire episode was Jenny’s take no prisoners attitude and Claire and Murtagh bonding over the loss of Jamie. If you haven’t read the books yet, it also should be noted the only episode that veers completely different direction from the books. Yes, Claire does go to look for Jamie, but not the way it’s depicted on the TV show. There’s no singing or gypsies. It’s just Claire desperately looking for her husband.

Please don’t misunderstand us. Our intention is not to come off as book snobs. We don’t have a problem with Outlander the TV show being somewhat independent of the books. Matter of fact some of the best moments and characters from the show were sometimes written better than in the books. However, at times trying so hard to be different than the original doesn’t always work to its advantage. Some will argue we had to have this episode to set-up for episode 15 “Wentworth Prison.” I understand the point, but with already 12 superb episodes completed, why this lemon?