Outlander fans fume over 'huge difference' after season 7 major change

Fans of have expressed their disappointment over a significant alteration the Starz series made from Diana Gabaldon's original novels.

The seventh season was divided into two parts, with the first segment adapting content from An Echo in the Bone and the latter focusing on the eighth book, Written In My Own Heart's Blood, reported the .

The latest series saw Jamie (portrayed by ) and Claire Fraser () journey to Scotland after Old Ian Murray (Steven Cree) fell ill.

They reunited with Ian and Jenny Murray (Kristin Atherton), but tension arose between Claire and her sister-in-law when the 20th-century time traveller disclosed her unique abilities.

Furthermore, Jenny was enraged when Claire admitted she couldn't save Ian from his illness despite her advanced medical knowledge.

Claire was then urged by Jenny to return to the New World and help someone else.

Meanwhile, Jamie remained at Lallybroch until Ian passed away and was buried.

Jenny stayed at Lallybroch with the rest of the family, while Jamie returned.

However, in the books, Jenny accompanied her brother Jamie to the New World for a new beginning.

She and Claire resolved their differences, and Jenny managed to regain her footing after losing Ian.

Numerous fans took to Reddit to express their dissatisfaction with how the showrunners handled Jenny's storyline and deviated from the source material.

One fan expressed their frustration: "They could have recast the actress sooner. But now that they recast her why the hell are they choosing to not sending her to America with Jamie.

"It makes a huge difference cutting her out from what happens in Bees."

A second fan echoed the sentiment: "I miss Jenny a lot too-would have loved to see her in S3 and 4 and coming to America (and almost shooting Hal) in S7 and 8. The closest relationship in Jamie's life (although perhaps coming close to "tying" with Ian), besides Claire [sic]."

A third fan highlighted Jenny's significance: "Jenny is far more than "nice to have". Relationship with Jamie - talking to him about Culloden and so much more.

"Relationship with Claire is outstanding. Recalling seeing Roger in far past confirms more about time travel. Being there for Ian and Rachel [sic]."

A book reader also shared their thoughts on Jenny's storyline in the ninth novel, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone: "I loved the parts of Bees where she was getting to know Rachel and some grandchildren. It just gave me a sense of continuity--just as important in some ways as advancing the plot."

However, some fans defended the showrunners' decision: "The showrunners have said that they have focused the remainder of the show on Jamie and Claire. Jenny isn't necessary to their storylines going forward."

Another fan explained: "Because she was only necessary for Ians's death. She's nice to have but not essential to anything else."

Another viewer commented: "The show has so much to do in S8. Of all the characters/side-plots/moments that the show has left out over the years, I think this exclusion is one of the more reasonable (albeit sad) ones. Especially considering the casting change [sic]."

Regrettably, it appears there will be numerous deviations from the original text in the upcoming season. The eighth and concluding series is set to adapt content from Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.

However, with the show charting a different course following the Faith Fraser plot twist at the close of season seven, the final instalment will diverge significantly from the books.

It's also been confirmed that the series finale will differ from how Gabaldon plans to conclude her book series.

Outlander season 7 is available to buy now on Digital and is streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video now