Kristin Atherton shines as the new Jenny Murray in Outlander season 7

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As a dedicated Outlander fan who has journeyed through the books and the series alike, I must admit that Kristin Atherton’s debut as Jenny Murray in season 7 has left me utterly captivated. The challenge she faced in portraying a character already brought to life by Laura Donnelly was no small feat, but Atherton not only rose to the occasion, she surpassed it.

In the upcoming season 7 of Outlander, it became necessary to replace the character Jenny Murray. The part is simply too substantial to be overlooked, but Laura Donnelly expressed her reluctance to reprise her role. Luckily, Kristin Atherton steps into the spotlight and brilliantly portrays the new Jenny.

In the ninth episode of Outlander’s seventh season, actress Atherton portrayed Jenny in two distinct time frames. We witnessed her character in 1778 when Claire, Jamie, and Young Ian returned to Scotland, and we also saw her as Roger found himself in the wrong era, specifically in 1739.

Playing two versions of Jenny in one episode of Outlander

Playing a role previously portrayed by someone else was bound to be challenging. However, Laura Donnelly introduced us to Jenny for the first time, making things even more difficult for Atherton as she had to play both a 20-year-old and a 50-year-old Jenny. While we only saw a glimpse of the younger Jenny, it was clear enough that Atherton understood this character would carry herself differently at two different stages in her life.

In her youth, Jenny tended to be rather reserved. Brian observed that there was a man whom Jenny seemed to admire deeply, and it’s evident that Brian liked Ian Murray as well. Yet, Jenny hesitated to discuss this, and there was a certain charm in her coyness about the matter.

At its peak, Atherton truly stood out amidst Older Jenny’s sorrow. Her portrayal mirrored the emotions we readers experienced through the novels.

Jenny fears the loss of Ian in Outlander season 7, episode 9

Witnessing the youthful Jenny in addition enriched the emotional impact of scenes featuring the older Jenny, as it offered glimpses into their shared past love story. This exposure also underscored the extent to which Jenny had admired Ian for years, given their long history and close-knit families. Consequently, the present sorrow over Ian’s loss is even more profound.

As a devoted admirer, I found myself deeply moved by Jenny’s desperation in the story. When Claire uttered the words that no action could be taken to save her husband, my heart ached for Jenny and anger boiled within me. That raw, bone-chilling scream she let out in the woods was a testament to Atherton’s masterful portrayal of Jenny’s agony. The scene where she screamed was a vivid representation of the pain depicted in the book, skillfully captured by Atherton.

The performance effectively addressed some concerns I had regarding the books. One point that particularly resonated was when Claire disclosed the truth about herself to Jenny, Ian, and Michael. It was heartening to see her recognize the need to confide in them for their protection. If they chose not to believe her, the responsibility for any potential consequences would not lie with her. Atherton skillfully portrayed a wide range of emotions as Claire revealed everything, making it apparent she was processing the situation. It became clear that Jenny began to harbor hope.

It seems significant that as Outlander season 7 progresses, Jenny may take on a more prominent role. Given that readers of the books are aware of this, one might wonder if the series will fully deliver on this promise. With some character cuts and scene alterations already made, it remains to be seen how closely the show will adhere to the source material.

Outlander season 7 airs Fridays on STARZ.

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2024-11-23 15:37