‘Shiptober: How can ‘Outlander’ season 3 lead to happy times for Jamie, Claire?

Mrs. Carter: What does the future hold for one of the greatest TV couples of all time?

If you are looking for sweeping romance, there is no better destination than the story of Jamie and Claire Fraser on “Outlander.” This is what makes them the perfect feature for today in our month-long ‘Shiptober series. Not only do they love each other, but they would be willing to do anything for each other, and that means at times letting go that the other can move on and have some sort of future. This was a sacrifice Jamie made for Claire at the end of season 2, and for the longest time Caitriona Balfe’s character felt as though the sacrifice led to his death.

Now that we know otherwise, we have the premise laid out for the third season. We are not a reader of Diana Gabaldon’s books, and therefore we cannot speak to what happens next for these characters beyond a time jump that places them at dramatically different point in their lives. However, we can speak from more of a human level, and pontificate on what could bring these two closer when they do eventually find each other in Scotland once more. Basically, we want to treat them as though we were an observer, hearing about their relationship while offering up advice.

1. Look for that touchstone from the past – So much has changed, and yet, at the same time these two are the same people and never stopped loving one another. While we don’t root for hardship, it may take them being reduced to their core once more to find that passion that once existed there. They need to relive the shared memories and experiences, and get back to what it was that made them fall in love in the first place. These memories coming back to life in their minds could be a way to place the sands of time in reverse. Even if they may act at first as though no time has ever passed, there is always the chance of fractures down the road.

2. Don’t be afraid to fight – After all, what makes these two love each other in a way is their stubbornness. Neither wants a partner who will be entirely submissive, so embrace the conflict — while also finding a way to get past it.

3. Search for a new start – Scotland may be good for them in terms of them falling in love, but it has not been so good in terms of other circumstances. The two have experienced war, pain, heartache, and bloodshed. They need to find a place where they can breathe and deal with normal problems once more. Signs point to this coming, but the show could very well offer changes from the source.

If you had some advice for Jamie and Claire moving into season 3, what would it be? Let us know in the comments! Also, be sure to take a look at some more of our recent “Outlander” coverage. (Photo: Starz.)

This column is written by Jessica Carter and you can follow her on Twitter here or Facebook here.