Outlander star returns for 'epic' season 2 of 'best police drama' based in Scotland
Outlander sensation Lauren Lyle, known to fans as Marsali in the Starz fantasy hit, is poised for a television comeback.
The star, fresh from her role in Netflix's Toxic Town, will reprise her lead role in ITV's crime thriller Karen Pirie.
Hailed as 'the best police drama this year' upon its 2022 debut, Karen Pirie is anticipated to make an 'epic' return for a second season, with the air date still under wraps.
Lyle will return as DS Karen Pirie, the tenacious young detective at the helm of a reopened 25 year old murder case that has piqued the fascination of true crime podcast aficionados in the initial season.
Adapted from Val McDermid's acclaimed Inspector Karen Pirie series, season one brought to life the author's novel The Distant Echo, delving into the unresolved murder of teenage barmaid Rosie Duff, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
In its second outing, focusing on McDermid's A Darker Domain, viewers will see Karen unraveling the mysterious 1984 abduction of heiress Catriona Grant (portrayed by Julia Brown) and her son.
The official synopsis delves deep into the heart of the story: "In the turmoil of 1984, when young heiress to the Grant oil fortune Catriona Grant is kidnapped at gunpoint with her young son, it's assumed that the motivation is political.
"The huge investigation creates an uncontrollable press storm... but when the culprits unexpectedly fall silent, the case runs cold. Cat and Adam are never seen again.
"Forty years later, when a man's body is discovered, Karen Pirie is assigned to reopen the case in complete secrecy.
"With the first key piece of evidence in decades, Karen must try to unlock one of Scotland's most infamous mysteries, whilst battling increasing media attention.
"What happened to Cat Grant and why do sinister forces want the secrets of her disappearance to remain hidden?"
The ensemble cast for the much-anticipated return of Karen Pirie is nothing short of stellar, featuring talents from across the television spectrum. Among them are Outlander's and World on Fire's Brown, Sex Education's Chris Jenks, The Witcher: Blood Origin's Zach Wyatt, Harry Potter's Steve John Shepherd, and Unforgotten's Frances Tomelty.
Joining the lineup is Lyle's Outlander colleague Jack Stewart, known for his portrayal of Charles Morgan in the series, who will also embody the character of young Fergus.
Emer Kenny, who has made her mark both as a writer and executive producer, as well as through her acting roles in EastEnders and Father Brown, takes on the role of River Wilde in the drama.
Reflecting on the show's comeback, Kenny shared her thoughts on the unique connection she feels with the character of Karen Pirie.
"When she's laughing, I'm laughing. When she's stressed, I'm stressed. When she turns to drink... well, you get the idea," she said.
Kenny expressed her excitement about bringing the character back to viewers, now promoted to Detective Inspector, exuding more authority, confidence, and sporting some of those signature sweater vests.
"We have a dazzling cast, an heroic crew, and epic plot-twists. If Karen Pirie isn't already your favourite detective, I promise she will be soon," she added.
Karen Pirie season 1 is available to stream on ITVX. Outlander season 7 is available to buy on Digital and is streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video.
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