Blood of My Blood
By Sioph W. Leal
Outlander: Blood of My Blood is another love story that spans the constraints of time as it turns the focus on Jamie Fraser’s parents Ellen Mackenzie (Harriet Slater) and Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Claire Beauchamp’s parents Julia (Hermione Corfield) and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine). Blood of My Blood is not a story about its predecessor’s main characters, the first two episodes cement that this is a story about their parents while delving into the complicated political Scottish clan landscape in 1715.
To follow an immensely popular series is no easy feat, but Blood of My Blood feels more expansive all the while focusing on Scotland and the intricacies of that landscape. One of the major differences is that we no longer have a narration, which is to the great benefit of Blood of My Blood. Without the normal outlander voice over, the viewers are able to immerse themselves more into the world and the tone of the series is set perfectly within the first scene. When the MacKenzie Laird Red Jacob (Peter Mullan) suddenly dies without naming a successor, Clan MacKenzie is thrown into turmoil while they all grieve. We get to plunge into the Scottish traditions that the main series couldn’t focus on. We see the mirrors being covered, the Scottish games everything is delivered more effectively and thoughtfully than its parent series.
Ellen MacKenzie is a force to be reckoned with. Slater perfectly balances Ellen’s fierce determination and emotional vulnerability so expertly, she will be an easy fan favourite. She has the MacKenzie hot headedness and stubbornness that is shared with both of her brothers, Colum (Seamus McLean Ross) and Dougal (Sam Retford) that makes Clan MacKenzie and interesting watch. All of the MacKenzie children are forged in the same fire but they each know how to exploit the weakness of each other, while still striving to do what they think is best for their clan. Colum though intelligent and composed, is hindered by a physical disability that undermines his claim in the eyes of others. Dougal, by contrast, is brash and impulsive, too volatile to lead. Ellen, while clearly the most capable, is not a man and that alone creates dangerous friction. The stakes are high and shown brilliantly through The Gathering, and Blood of My Blood makes sure the audience feels them early on.
The passing of Red Jacob has ignited something within his children, and this dynamic is best explored through Colum and Dougal. Unlike the original series, Blood of My Blood isn’t seen through an outsider’s perspective, but through characters that are already cemented within the Clans of the Scottish Highlands. Dougal leads with his temper and emotions more so than Ellen, while Colum is quieter, but more cunning of the MacKenzie children. Dougal is brash and is a man ready to explode, while Colum is the one who knows when to light the match, especially when his brother’s anger can help him solidify himself as the only viable option for Liard. The three MacKenzie children will be one of the main draws of the season and to see how this all plays out is one of the things that I am most looking forward to. This sort of intrigue is what was missing from the main series, and Blood of My Blood appears to throw itself into the Scottish world and culture without reservation!
Of course, the Outlander universe is a love story and Brian and Ellen’s love is not as established as Julia and Henry’s, but their chemistry is undeniable. There’s a gentle spark between Ellen and Brian which contrasts beautifully with Ellen’s inner turmoil of losing her father and the possibility that another could lead her clan. After the first episode, you will be yearning to see more of Ellen and Brian together. I only hope that Blood of My Blood doesn’t repeat the mistakes that Outlander had made with its main love interests and the trauma they had to endure.
Another way that Blood of My Blood stands out is the introduction of Julia and Henry in the 1700s. In the first episode, we see the pair in the past but separated. No names are given in the respective scenes, but Blood of Blood expertly shows us that these characters are important before any formal introductions. From the lingering shots which offer the viewer the visual clue that these two are important, but you can hear that vocally these two don’t belong. They are the only English people surrounded by Scots but forced to integrate themselves within this time. It’s a quiet but impactful way to remind viewers of the larger Outlander timeline, while keeping the focus squarely on this new generation.
Only two episodes were given for review, but these two episodes show exceptional promises that have me eager for the next episode to be released! It looks like each episode will be shifting perspective, but still the episodes flow seamlessly together despite the different time periods. Each shot is handled with clear thought. In the first episode, we are introduced to Ellen’s world through the loss and quiet chaos of the clans, but through Julia’s world we see them through the violence of war and destruction. It’s a sharp contrast but blends together brilliantly with no explanation.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood will clearly stand on its own, if not become a more compelling story to watch. We see Julia and Henry who love each other unreservedly, in the middle of their story and relationship while Ellen and Brian are on the cusp of their story. There is something for everyone, the longing, the political intrigue, the MacKenzie brother’s fantastic dynamic. Blood of My Blood feels more authentically Scottish, more deeply rooted in the land and lore and in Ellen MacKenzie, the show has already found a formidable lead who might just outshine those who came before.
The first two episodes were reviewed.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood will premier on Starz, August 8, 2025