Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season-Finale Recap: A Little Escape

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Last time we saw Brian and Murtagh, they were escaping after being attacked by hired assassins—the gallowglasses—at Braemar. Luckily, both are skilled riders and manage to find a secluded shelter where they can rest and discuss what happened. Murtagh tries to figure out who would want Brian harmed, but Brian is too upset about Ellen breaking up with him to focus on it. Murtagh advises Brian to ignore Ellen’s words and trust what he saw in her eyes – that she still loves him. While advice like that could be questionable coming from anyone else, Murtagh always knows best. We learn that Ellen ended the relationship to protect Brian from her brother, Colum, and that her feelings for him remain strong. However, generally speaking, it’s always wise to pay attention to what a woman tells you.

It seems logical that Brian and Ellen would quickly realize the connection between Ellen pushing him away and someone wanting him dead. However, they don’t put it together. It takes the Gallowglass finding them again – and a fight where Brian and Murtagh skillfully defeat all but one of the attackers – for things to move forward. They capture the last assassin and demand to know who sent him. He quickly reveals Colum MacKenzie as his employer, but Brian is forced to kill him anyway, as the man attempts to escape. It’s a grim fate, but that’s the life of an assassin.

Brian is even more determined to reach Castle Leoch and speak with Ellen before her wedding to Malcolm Grant, and he needs to act fast. They’re heading to a wedding, but unfortunately, Murtagh’s injured leg prevents him from joining, forcing Brian to go alone – significantly increasing the risk. Brian manages to infiltrate Castle Leoch with surprising ease. He quickly disguises himself by knocking out a Grant clansman and stealing his tartan, then enters through the cellar. He pretends to be delivering a gift from Malcolm to Ellen, using it as an excuse to search for her throughout the castle.

Despite all the careful planning, things don’t quite go as expected when Brian unexpectedly encounters Jocasta, who immediately recognizes him as the man who was with Murtagh at Beltane. Surprisingly, this turns out to be a positive development. Before the wedding, Ellen and Jocasta reconcile. Ellen apologizes for not including Jocasta when their father arranged her marriage, admitting she should have fought for her sister’s opinion. Though the apology comes late, Jocasta is touched by Ellen’s honesty. In fact, during a traditional hen party activity (yes, they were actually plucking chickens!), Jocasta gets tipsy and fiercely defends Ellen’s feelings for her brother when Malcolm’s sister, Maura, questions them. She even calls Maura a rude and snobbish Grant! This version of Jocasta, known for being lively and fun, is exactly what fans of the original Outlander series would expect, and it’s great to see that personality shine through.

It’s such a relief that my sisters are finally speaking again! And it’s really timed well, because now, when Brian tells Jocasta everything – including the shocking news that Colum wanted him dead – Jocasta is completely on his side. She immediately takes him to Ellen’s room. Hearing that Colum broke his promise – the one where he wouldn’t harm Brian if Ellen married who *he* wanted – finally frees Ellen. Brian pours his heart out, telling her he loves her forever, and she responds with everything right back. They’re completely devoted to each other, but she has one last thing she needs to do before they run away together. She needs to confront Colum, to see if he’ll admit what he’s done. He’s practically glowing with satisfaction when she walks into his room, still in her wedding dress. You can just *see* he thinks his plan worked perfectly. He even has the nerve to say he hopes they can still be friends! She asks him if there’s anything he wants to get off his chest. But in his mind, everything is fine. And honestly, the look in Ellen’s eyes at that moment… it was like she was screaming, “You’re a terrible person!” She leaves, and Colum has no idea what she’s planning.

So, what’s the plan? Disguised as a maid, Ellen and Brian intend to escape Castle Leoch. Of course, there are a few hitches. The big wedding is already underway, with all the guests seated and the ceremony supposed to have started. When Ellen’s disappearance becomes obvious, Malcolm and Uncle Grant are understandably furious – and Colum isn’t pleased either. Uncle Grant makes it clear that if they don’t find a bride, there will be serious consequences, even bloodshed. He bluntly tells the MacKenzie leader, “We’re not leaving Castle Leoch without a head or a hand.” Once again, Uncle Grant is providing the sharp, confrontational energy the show needs.

Colum swiftly devised a new plan. Since he couldn’t offer another bride, he proposed his brother, Dougal, as the groom. I couldn’t help but laugh when I understood what Colum meant by needing ‘skills’ from his brother – he was talking about experience with women! This marriage between Dougal and the outspoken, snobbish Maura Grant will ultimately save the fragile alliance between the MacKenzies and the Grants.

Uncle Grant appears content with the recent alliance, but Malcolm is devastated. Jilted at the altar and forced to witness his beloved marrying another, he turns to heavy drinking. So, when his uncle suggests revenge, it’s not surprising that Malcolm attacks Brian and Ellen as they try to flee the castle during the reception. He’s determined to stop them, even as they beg him to lower his sword. A fight ensues, and unfortunately for Malcolm, he’s no match for Brian, who is forced to defend himself and ultimately kills Malcolm. (Brian is certainly racking up the kills in this episode!) It’s hard not to feel sympathy for Malcolm – he seemed like a good guy simply in love with someone who didn’t reciprocate his feelings, caught in the crossfire of another couple’s romance. While it would have been interesting to see him become a villain, his story is ultimately a tragic one. And Uncle Grant is sure to be furious when he finds out what happened, meaning Brian and Ellen aren’t out of danger yet.

For the moment, they’re safe, having reached the bothy where Murtagh is waiting. They haven’t made any firm plans for the future, but are relishing this escape from everyday life. Brian and Ellen are particularly amused when Murtagh, a master at matchmaking, notices their connection and tells his cousin he’s going hunting overnight – hinting that he’ll give them some privacy despite his injured leg.

The two quickly fall into a passionate relationship, sharing an intimate moment by the fire. Afterwards, they reaffirm their commitment to each other with a dramatic blood oath, promising to stay together through whatever life throws their way. They accept the uncertainty of the future, as long as they have each other. However, their peaceful interlude is shattered when Brian sees burning crosses on the hillsides – a signal that the Jacobite Uprising of 1715 has begun. He’s obligated to join the fight, but doing so means almost certain death, while refusing means certain death as well. Despite the danger, Brian knows he must answer the call, and Ellen vows to stand by him, declaring their unity as husband and wife. Though their love is strong, the reality of war has brought their brief happiness to an end.

You might be wondering what about the other couple on the show. I found myself asking that question repeatedly while watching this episode. Henry and Julia really get shortchanged here, and honestly, they’ve been treated that way since getting back together. It feels like a mistake in what was otherwise a really strong first season.

The situation becomes incredibly urgent at the episode’s climax. Arch Bug is pursuing them, and when they reach the stones, they realize they don’t know how to use them. If they all go through and William can’t time travel—he remains unresponsive even with the strange buzzing sound his parents hear—he’ll be left behind. They quickly plan for one of them to go with William while the other stays in 1715 until the first one returns. It’s risky, as they don’t know if Claire can travel either, but it’s their best option. However, when Arch Bug and his men approach, Henry, desperate to keep his family together, seems about to abandon the plan and have them all touch the stones. The audience is left wondering if it will work, where they’ll end up, or if they’ll be stopped. One thing is certain: next season will bring new and difficult challenges for them, staying true to the spirit of *Outlander: Blood of My Blood*—which, despite the hardship, is often a good thing.

Clan Business

The scene where Murtagh and Ellen share a moment with the boar bracelet in the bothy is genuinely touching. Murtagh admits his feelings for Ellen, but asks her not to feel sorry for him. He simply wants to remain a part of her and Brian’s lives, and Ellen happily agrees, promising to always value their friendship. It’s a little sad that Murtagh doesn’t find lasting love until much later with Jocasta – he truly deserves happiness!

Ellen receives another wedding gift just before things start to fall apart. MacRonnach, who was being considered as a potential husband for her by Dougal if he’d become chief of Clan MacKenzie, gives her a pearl necklace that plays a significant role in a well-known scene from *Outlander*.

Maura Grant clearly has a powerful effect on Dougal, expertly playing him both romantically and otherwise. He’s both captivated and unsettled by her self-assurance, and they make a compelling pair. Viewers of *Outlander* know their relationship continues for quite some time—until the arrival of Geillis Duncan creates complications.

Seriously, how good can Dougal be with women if he doesn’t even know when one is having an orgasm?

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2025-10-10 11:56