*Warning - This article contains spoilers for the Outlander television series and book series.*
Outlander fans are split over one romance from the show, with some branding it “boring”. However, other viewers have fiercely defended the couple, insisting they “fit together well”.
Ahead of the Starz show’s return this Autumn, which will finally see the second part of season 7 make its debut, fans took to Reddit to discuss the divisive pairing.
The couple in question is Ian Murray (John Bell), who is the youngest son of Ian and Jenny Murray, and Rachel Murray (Izzy Meikle-Small).
On Reddit, one Outlander fan with the username @Fancy_Discussion_950 wrote: “Unpopular opinion? This is about Ian and Rachel.
“I have been reading the books and I love them. The fact they are so different but yet connected so well is so heartwarming for me.
“But I found many post in tumblr where people were saying that Rachel is a meh character and their romance is such a desespere move to put lan with someone.
“Also many people believe that lan is still in love with Emily. For the record I am not into the outlander fandom that much but I'm curious are they popular?” (sic)
Viewers quickly took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the on-screen romance.
Some fans weren’t too sure about the couple, with one stating: “Rachel is boring. The plain speech always feels prim and better than you when I hear it or read it. Sad Ian and Emily parted ways.
“Emily seems way more fun. I can't figure out why Ian or Dottie fall for these Quakers when the latter are so much more vivacious and interesting characters.”
However, plenty of other fans stepped up to defend the couple, with one writing: “I love them together. I haven’t read the books only seen the show but I ship them.” (sic)
Another added: “I don’t know if they are popular, but I like them. I don’t think there was enough buildup in the book, the show actually does that better. I don’t think Ian is still in love with Emily anymore either.”
A third penned: “I like Rachel and Ian together. They’re very different people, but they fit together well.”
“Rachel is amazing and perfect for Ian,” yet another fan insisted, as one more said: “personally i really like Rachel, and I really like Rachel for Ian. shes a badass, and sticks to her faith, even when its not personally convenient for her to do so. im not a religious person, but i can respect that.” (sic)
The Outlander television show, which first aired in 2014, is based on Diana Gabaldon’s popular book series of the same name.
Following the closure of Lionsgate+ in the UK, new episodes of Outlander will be available on Starz and to stream on Prime Video channel MGM+ from Sunday, November 22. You must be an Amazon Prime member before you can sign up for MGM+.
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