Matthew B. Roberts Annotation

This scene represents what is a major departure from the book because it’s here we reveal that Murtagh is still alive: not necessarily alive and well, but he is indeed alive, having survived Culloden and having been brought to Ardsmuir Prison. In terms of the overarching development of the story, we knew we wanted to keep Murtagh alive ever since the middle of the second season, but it was essential for us to find the right time and place to reveal this to the audience. Ultimately, this seemed to be the most appropriate time, coinciding very organically with the natural progression of the story.

We love Duncan Lacroix as an actor (and as a person too!) and wanted to ensure that Murtagh wasn’t simply an ‘accessory’ to the scene here, but an integral part of the storytelling process. This was the perfect place for him to reappear and for us to see Jamie taking care of his Godfather. We tried to carefully balance Murtagh’s time on screen with that of some of the other characters such as Lord John Grey.