There are certain book storylines that Outlanderfans would love to see in the final season. Well, there’s some bad news for those hoping to see one particular character return in Outlander season 8.
To be honest, the way season 7 was developed hinted that there was a character who wouldn’t return in the eighth and final season. Showrunner Matt B. Roberts has just now confirmed it, making it clear that the two-episode appearance in season 7 was the last.
Jenny Murray won’t be in Outlander season 8
It’s all about Jenny. We knew that this was likely considering the way the season 7 storyline played out. When Claire, Jamie, and Young Ian headed back to Scotland, we had to see how the Murrays were doing. It came with heartache, as everyone learned that Ian Murray was sick and Claire couldn’t save him. He had consumption, and it was too late to do anything.
Claire returned to America before Jamie. That left Jamie with his sister as they said goodbye to Ian and buried him. In the books, Jenny goes to America with Jamie. In the TV series, Jenny made it clear that there was still something for her in Scotland.
Roberts confirmed with TVLine that Jenny wouldn’t be in the story, but it’s got nothing to do with Kristin Atherton, who came into the show after Laura Donnelly couldn’t return for the role. This is all due to the time available.
Jenny’s story doesn’t affect Claire and Jamie in Outlander
Roberts made it clear that there are only certain storylines that can make it to the show. This is still Claire and Jamie’s story, so only those storylines that affect the two directly can be included. While the books have hundreds of pages, the TV series only has 10 episodes in the final season.
"The brief was: Nothing that doesn’t affect Jamie and Claire gets in. It’s gotta affect Jamie and Claire."
This is a shame for book readers, though. Many were excited to see Jenny join Young Ian in America. Fans were happy to see Jenny get to know her daughter-in-law and help raise her grandson, Oggy.
Roberts is right, though. Jenny’s story doesn’t directly affect Claire and Jamie. It would suggest that a certain storyline that involves a dog named Bluebell and her (or his?) owner won’t end up happening in the series. At least, not in full. I would still love to see Bluebell, and as I said previously at claireandjamie.com, I do think some leaked photos hinted that this dog would turn up.
Outlander is available to stream on STARZ.
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