Outlander season 7, episode 9 has finally brought Jenny Murray back to the screen, though she looks a little different these days. Jamie's older sister and the matriarch of Lallybroch hasn't been seen in the fantasy series since way back in season 3. Up to that point, she had been portrayed by Laura Donnelly, but since Claire and Jamie's adventures took them far away from Scotland, there wasn't much opportunity for Jenny to return. However, Outlander season 7, episode 9, included a heartwarming reunion, but this time without Donnelly.
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In Outlander season 7, episode 9, Jamie, Claire, and Young Ian finally make it back to Lallybroth in Scotland, something they have been trying to do for several seasons. They are immediately greeted by Jenny, who is eager to see her youngest son again after he was kidnapped and taken to the Americas back in Outlander season 3. It is implied that Jenny will continue to be a presence in Outlander season 7, especially following the death of her husband, Ian Murray. Though it's sad to see Donnelly go, Jenny's return to the story is greatly welcomed, and Outlander's recast is perfectly handled.
Kristin Atherton Plays Jenny In Outlander Season 7, Part 2
Kristin Atherton Joins The Cast Of Outlander
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Jenny Murray is played by Kristin Atherton in Outlander season 7, part 2, who had initially auditioned for the role back when Donnelly was cast. Atherton is a seamless fit, playing both a younger and older version of Jenny than Donnelly ever played in Outlander. This allowed the newly cast actor to bring her own interpretation of the character to the screen while maintaining Jenny's strong will and confidence. While recasts are never preferred, it's clear that Outlander made the right decision with Atherton.
Why Laura Donnelly's Outlander Role Was Recast
Laura Donnelly's Schedule Was Simply Too Full
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Donnelly did a phenomenal job establishing Jenny on the screen in Outlander season 1. Her chemistry with the cast was just as it should have been, perfectly matching the character described in Diana Gabaldon's books. Donnelly was believably a sister to Sam Heughan's Jamie, and her complex feelings about Caitriona Balfe's Claire were right on her sleeves. She kept this going for two additional seasons but stopped appearing when Outlander's story took the primary characters away from Jenny's home in Scotland.
Donnelly did a phenomenal job establishing Jenny on the screen in Outlander season 1.
Over the following years, between season 3 and season 7, Donnelly's career got very busy, as she took on roles in HBO's The Nevers and starred in Broadway shows The Ferryman and The Hills of California. The latter job kept Donnelly from returning to play Jenny in Outlander season 7. Luckily, Atherton took the perfect approach to stepping into Donnelly's shoes. She didn't try too hard to imitate her predecessor's performance but instead paid homage while exploring who Jenny would be after all these years. Overall, it has been as smooth a transition as Outlander fans could hope for.
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34 9.5/10
Outlander
TV-MA
Sci-Fi
Drama
Fantasy
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst political intrigue and danger, she navigates life in the past and becomes torn between loyalty to her husband and the love for a dashing young warrior.
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*Availability in US
- Cast
- Caitríona Balfe , Sam Heughan , Sophie Skelton , Richard Rankin , John Bell , Duncan Lacroix , Tobias Menzies , César Domboy , Caitlin O'Ryan , Lauren Lyle , Grant O'Rourke , Graham McTavish , Paul Gorman , Charles Vandervaart , Stephen Walters , David Berry , Sarah Collier
- Character(s)
- Claire Randall Fraser , Jamie Fraser , Brianna Randall , Roger Wakefield , Ian Fraser Murray , Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser , Frank Randall / Jonathan Black Jack Randall , Fergus Claudel Fraser , Lizzie Wemyss , Marsali MacKimmie Fraser , Rupert MacKenzie , Dougal MacKenzie , Josiah / Keziah Beardsley , William Ransom , Angus Mhor , Lord John Grey , Mrs. Bug
- Release Date
- August 9, 2014
- Seasons
- 7
- Network
- Starz
- Writers
- Ronald D. Moore , Matthew B. Roberts
- Directors
- Metin Hüseyin , Jamie Payne
- Showrunner
- Matthew B. Roberts
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
