Murtagh was saved from his permanent fate in Outlander Season 3. Diana Gabaldon shared her thoughts with the writers on how he could be used in Outlander Season 4.
Fans are on either side of the show keeping Murtagh alive. Some love it (partially because they love Duncan Lacroix and partially because Murtagh is awesome) and others hate it (preferring that the show just stuck to the book storyline). Either way, there are lots of questions about his future in Outlander Season 4 and beyond.
It turns out that Diana Gabaldon made suggestions in the writers’ room about how to use the character moving forward. She wouldn’t share exactly which suggestions she made, but there were two and the writers have run with them. So, for anyone who does complain about the way the story develops with him, you’re complaining about Gabaldon’s suggestions.
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For a long time, Gabaldon has said that Murtagh doesn’t replace Duncan Innes in the story “Drums of Autumn.” However, this has been the theory for a long time and with sound reasoning. After all, he’s not been introduced yet and had been in the books. It makes it hard to see how this character could become so important for the storyline he has. Putting Murtagh in that place would seem to make more sense on a connection point of view.
As a consultant, Gabaldon doesn’t need to be listened to and her suggestions don’t need to be followed, but they’re not just going to completely ignore her. However, there are times that the showrunners have to go with their plan and not always what Gabaldon would like, whether due to cost, time, or even the overall story the show has become.
In this case, it looks like Gabaldon’s suggestions have been wholly followed. But don’t worry about Murtagh returning in the book. He’s dead and Gabaldon doesn’t regret killing him off.
What do you think about Murtagh’s future in the show? Are you excited to see how he’s used in Outlander Season 4? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outlander Season 4 premieres on Nov. 4 at 8/7c on STARZ.