"Outlander" fans are almost halfway through Season 8, the final season of the beloved Starz show featuring our favorite time-traveler, Claire, and her husband, Scottish hunk Jamie Fraser. They're smack in the middle of the American Revolutionary War, and fans are wondering if Jamie will die in battle or the couple will somehow live on into eternity. (Even Sam Heughan, the actor who plays Jamie, isn't sure if his character dies or not.)

"Outlander" first aired on Starz in 2014 − the show has boasted more episodes and spanned more years than HBO's "Game of Thrones." I've seen all of the seasons, of course, and even traversed the Scottish Highlands since the show began. (Inverness is as lovely as you might expect.)

I'm sorry to confess I've not read Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" series on which the show is based, so I'm excited to see what happens to my favorite fictional couple. Since it's been running so long, I've had a lot of time to think about what's made the show so popular that it's landed among top-rated shows like "Bridgerton."

Though set in the 18th century, "Outlander" showcases Claire as a modern, independent female heroine. I see a lot of myself in her, and I bet a lot of other women do, too. But I think deep down, women love "Outlander" because even strong, independent women are drawn to Jamie Fraser and his irresistible masculinity. The extraordinary way he sees, protects and loves her is enchanting.

Claire's journey begins in the 1940s, then she goes back in time to the 1700s, then forward again. But the appeal of "Outlander" is beyond a specific century. It epitomizes the kind of man most women really want − and they crave the torrid romance they have.

Modern appeal of 'Outlander' thrives on old kind of romance

For the uninitiated, a quick catch-up: Irish actor Caitríona Balfe stars as the gorgeous, determined and opinionated Claire Randall, a military nurse during World War II. She's thrown back in time to 1743, where she meets and falls madly in love with the handsome warrior and brutishly masculine Jamie Fraser, played by the talented Scottish actor Sam Heughan.

Together, the two traverse landmark moments in Scottish history, spend many years apart and wind up together again. Eventually, the couple emigrates to North Carolina just as the colonies are about to declare war on England. Of course, Jamie fights with the Continental Army and for America's freedom, as many real-life Scots did.

Of course, Claire is the heroine, and we see all the major plot points through her eyes. She's a fantastic, complicated character. She's headstrong, intelligent, educated – she became a doctor when she went back to the future – but she's also sensual, feminine and loyal. But then we meet Jamie.

He is the ultimate masculine to her feminine – a perfect picture of polarity. He is her protector and provider, yet holds space for and respects Claire's mind, heart and body. The way he loves her − and she returns his pursuit − is the stuff of internet legend and eight robust series over the course of 12 years.

I think the overwhelming popularity of "Outlander" isn't just due to the compelling plot, lovely romance and stunning Scottish landscape: I think it's because even strong, modern women long for a masculine, secure, emotionally stable man to love and protect them. Women might have started watching "Outlander" for Claire, but they kept watching for Jamie and the couple's incredible love.

Even independent women long for masculine men to love them

I'm aware Jamie is a fictional character and their love is a storybook legend that's inspired commercial sales. It's clear throughout the series that Jamie is written by a woman, but I think when women watch the show, they're really wondering, is it possible there are men out there like him? Men could learn a lot from the way Jamie is portrayed.

He's secure in his masculine strength, and I'm not just referring to bravado, muscles or his ability to wield a sword, though I think women want their male partner to physically protect them.

"The only way to truly protect you and everyone I love − is to fight," Jamie says in the Season 8 trailer.

Even independent women get tired of feeling like they must protect themselves. Experts also confirm what women already know: The traits women value most from their romantic partners are integrity, sensitivity and intimacy. Jamie exemplifies all of these in scene after scene.

On social media, fans laud "Outlander" for portraying a lasting, mature love that is tender yet passionate, and enduring beyond youth. Jamie and Claire’s relationship remains strong as they age, showing "blood of my blood" commitment as their hair grays. Their bond is intensely romantic but also grounded in deep trust, respect and sacrifice. It's also resilient through separation, trauma and war.

I don't know how "Outlander" will end, but I've loved watching a show that highlights just how well a strong, independent woman and a protective, masculine man reinforce the beauty of polarity and commitment, giving the rest of us in the real world a bit of hope for love.

Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox.

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