A new Outlander season 8 update confirms that one important character in the Fraser family won’t return for the show’s approaching final episodes. Outlander season 8 will be bringing the historical fantasy romance series to a close, ending Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie’s (Sam Heughan) story with one final, ten-episode stretch. While all the seasons so far have been based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series, the final episodes will pull from many of the latest entries while featuring a fitting, original finale for the show. However, this also means some concise changes to what happens.
Now, TVLine has confirmed that Jenny Fraser Murray (Kristin Atherton), Jamie’s sister, will not show up in Outlander season 8. This emphasizes a key difference from the book series, which sees her go to America with him, something co-showrunner Matthew B. Roberts explained was changed to focus more on Claire and Jamie. He explained the importance of staying concise while giving the series a fitting conclusion, meaning some sacrifices for side stories had to be made. Check out what Roberts had to say below:
The brief was: Nothing that doesn’t affect Jamie and Claire gets in. It’s gotta affect Jamie and Claire. All the main characters do, so they’re a part of it. But that’s the drive. [It] makes the books so readable and fun. But when you have 10 episodes, you have to stay literally on track.
What Jenny’s Absence Means For Outlander Season 8
A More Focused Story Will Define The Final Episodes
In Gabaldon’s books, Jenny accompanies Jamie to America, settling down in Philadelphia for a brief time period before joining more characters on another journey. However, the end of Outlander season 7 saw her decide not to go, a departure that could indicate some other key differences to the final adaptation are on the way. However, while changes like her absence are coming, season 8 is still expected to pull from the eighth and ninth books, Written in my Own Heart’s Blood and Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.
Since the tenth book in the series has yet to be released, the TV show’s original ending likely won’t be pulling many elements from how the source material is expected to continue. However, Jenny’s absence points to stark differences that will make the final episodes feel very different from the progression of the books. This could also include potential tie-ins to the upcoming Outlander: Blood of My Blood spinoff, exploring how Claire and Jamie’s parents met in different time periods. However, the character’s absence and Roberts’ statement means streamlining the story will be key as the ending draws near.
Our Take On Jenny Not Being In Outlander’s Final Episodes
A Disappointing Yet Understandable Update
While Jenny’s appearance in season 8 will be missed, especially for those familiar with the books, it makes sense to better streamline the last 10 episodes of the series. This way, the focus will be on Jamie and Claire the most instead of any possible side stories that could crop up, furthering their relationship to whatever conclusion the show will end on. Since Outlander season 8 is still in development, it’s unclear when the new episodes are coming. But they are seemingly going to be less large-scale than much of what’s come before.