Outlander: Blood of My Blood Episode 1 Recap

Vibrant green meadows & the sound of bagpipes return in Outlander: Blood of My Blood. If you haven’t watched its predecessor, Outlander, I suggest that you do. You can watch Blood of My Blood without it, but knowing Outlander makes the experience richer. As someone who kept up with Outlander from pilot episode to season finale, having that story at the forefront of my mind gave me a deeper appreciation and sense of nostalgia while watching Blood of My Blood.

The Mackenzie Family Is in Mourning

Jacob Mackenzie, the Laird of Clan Mackenzie, has died. Leaving behind his 5 children, the biggest question becomes who will succeed him as Laird: Column, who uses a cane due to his physical disability & the hotheaded Dougal. The 2 men regularly bump heads on who will take their father’s place. If times were different, there would be no question that his daughter Ellen would lead. However, the 3 must do what they can to show a united front during the Mackenzie gathering. This gathering is a time for tenants to pay rent, celebrate, & to swear an oath to their new Laird.

Meanwhile, Murtagh Fitzgibbons is trying to convince his cousin Brian Fraser to go to the gathering for fun & to accompany him to see his crush that hardly knows he exists. Since the MacKenzie's and Fraser's have beef, Brian is pressured to go by his father, Simon Fraser.

A Fraser and a Mackenzie Meet

At the gathering, Ellen is swarmed by multiple suitors, including a very wealthy Malcolm Grant whose family heavily supports the British government. Because of this, Dougal is not a fan of the Grant clan. In an attempt to have a moment to herself, Ellen runs into Brian Fraser while he is hiding from Mackenzie clan members who would do him harm. Their time is short, but the connection is instant. Brian boldly asks her to meet him tomorrow in secret during the hunt, so they have time to get to know each other. They do not exchange names; only a promise to see each other again.

Fast forward to the next day, Ellen attempts to sneak off, but is interrupted by an eagerly chivalrous Malcolm Grant. Brushing him aside, she is able to go off to meet Brian. Butt hurt by the polite rejection, Malcolm leaves the gathering to go home.

At their meeting spot, Ellen and Brian exchange names and discover their families hate each other. Very much a Shakespeare Montague versus Capulet situation. They decide it doesn’t matter.

Back at the castle, Dougal and Column cannot find Ellen. Fearful that she has been taken by Malcolm, Dougal & his cronies chase him down while Column waits for the backlash that his brother will cause. Of course, Ellen is not with Malcolm. Eventually returning home, her brothers are outraged by her disappearance. Especially now that Dougal has created conflict with a clan the MacKenzie's need on their side.

The Craig na Dun Connection

In the 20th century, we meet Henry Beachamp and his wife & Julia enjoying a drive through the countryside. They discuss their trip away from home, their daughter Claire & their unborn child. For those of us who have watched Outlander, the mention of an unborn child immediately raises questions because Claire's family history never included a brother. Unfortunately, their peaceful drive comes to a sudden end when they crash, are thrown into the river, and become separated near the familiar Craig na Dun—the same stones Claire will one day encounter. It's one of those Outlander moments where we know exactly where this is headed, even though the characters have no idea what the stones will eventually mean to their family.”

Spoilers Ahead: Did anyone else notice the boar tusks Murtagh receives after the hunt? If you're an Outlander fan, they might look very familiar. They appear to be the same tusks that are eventually made into bangles and given to Claire as a gift.