Outlander video: Maria Doyle Kennedy reflects on acting challenges
In the Outlander video HERE (entitled a bit of Wednesday wisdom from the show’s official account), the actress behind Jocasta makes it clear what the biggest challenges are of playing the character. Yet, these are not hurdles that are meant to overwhelm; instead, she sees them more as opportunities and chances to grow. Since Jocasta does not have her sight, she has to find other ways to communicate, whether it be careful listening or through body language. That helped Maria to realize further that there are new ways to carry herself as a performer. She could express vulnerability in a more physical way, or utilize dialogue to portray a feeling that she could sometimes carry through with her eyes.
While Kennedy was not in every episode of Outlander season 5, she definitely did still have her fair share of notable moments. Take, for example, Jocasta and Murtagh discussing what they each had to give, and why the two of them would never work fully. It was one of the more powerful moments of that season, and it made the loss of Murtagh later all the more painful. Jocasta remains a complicated character — there are vulnerabilities she has that are human but also aspects of her life that are indefensible. Outlander does a good job of portraying all of that, and we imagine that this character and River Run overall will still have some sort of role to play in season 6 and beyond. After all, Jamie does not have a lot of family in America that are separate from Fraser’s Ridge, and she has done good by him on occasion — though she also did try to marry away Brianna. Like we said, she’s complicated, to say the least.
What do you think about Maria Doyle Kennedy’s portrayal of Jocasta on Outlander season 5?
What do you think happens next for the character? Be sure to share right now in the comments. Meanwhile, be sure to stick around for some other news.
(Photo: Starz.)