The first season of the Outlander prequel, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, concluded with a feature-length finale that left its central couples at a crossroads. While Brian and Ellen are finally together, and Julia and Henry are reunited, their futures are filled with uncertainty. As production on Season 2 is already underway in Scotland, fans are left with several burning questions that the next chapter will need to address.
The Fate of the Time Travelers
The Season 1 finale ended on a massive cliffhanger for Julia and Henry. After escaping Castle Leathers with their son, William, they reached the time-traveling stones at Craigh Na Dun. As Arch Bug pursued them, Henry made a split-second decision, grabbing Julia’s hand and pressing it to the stone. The screen cut to black before viewers could see the outcome.
This leaves several possibilities: did they both travel? Did only one of them make it through? Were they captured? The show has set up a “heart-wrenching” twist for Henry at the start of Season 2. The actors have hinted that the new season begins in a surprising place, with Jeremy Irvine stating, “I went in for a costume fitting and they showed me the outfit, and I went, ‘What? What the hell is that for?’”
Hermione Corfield, who plays Julia, added: “We’re now filming episode seven of season 2, and I could not tell you what is about to happen to Julia. I’ve got no idea myself!”
A Political Crisis for the Highlanders
For Ellen and Brian, their hard-won freedom is immediately threatened by a political crisis. The final moments of the season showed the fiery crosses lit on the hillsides, a signal calling all clansmen to report to their laird for the coming Jacobite rising.
This creates a difficult choice for Brian. As Jamie Roy, who plays Brian, explained, “They think they’re safe but does Brian go and do the right thing, which is report back to his Laird for war and get ready for that, or does he choose to stay with Ellen and they run away and become fugitives and leave Scotland forever?” His decision will define their future and set the stage for the historical conflict that fans of the original Outlander series know is coming.
The Consequences of Malcolm’s Death
In their escape from Castle Leoch, Brian and Ellen were confronted by a drunken and jilted Malcolm Grant. A struggle ensued, and Brian killed Malcolm in self-defense. While this act was necessary for their survival, it will not go unpunished.
The series shows that Malcolm’s body has not yet been discovered by Colum MacKenzie or Malcolm’s uncle, known as Uncle Mac. When they do, they will undoubtedly seek vengeance. Brian could face not only the wrath of the Grant family but also legal repercussions, adding another layer of danger to his and Ellen’s life on the run.
The Truth About Julia’s “Kidnapping”
To cover her escape from Castle Leathers, Julia made it appear as though she had been kidnapped. Her husband, Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, believes his wife and the son he believes is his heir were taken from him.
Should Julia and Henry successfully travel through time or find a way to evade capture, this deception cannot last forever. Season 2 will likely explore what happens when Simon discovers the truth. Will he use his resources to hunt for them? What would he do if he found Julia and learned she left willingly? This revelation could put the entire Beauchamp family in even greater peril.
A Love Tested by Family and War
Brian and Ellen’s love story has been a battle against their families from the start. Ellen broke a sacred promise to her clan by escaping her arranged wedding, bringing dishonor. Brian is the disowned son of Simon Fraser, the sworn enemy of her family, the MacKenzies.
Although they are now handfast, their troubles are far from over. As Harriet Slater, who plays Ellen, noted, “They left their entire lives behind for each other.” To survive, they may be forced to seek support from the very families that rejected them. Brian, with no land or money, might need to appeal to his despised father. Ellen must face her brothers, Colum and Dougal, who will never accept Brian as her husband. Their love will be tested by the politics of family and the looming war.
Also Read: Outlander: Blood of My Blood Fan Theories Taking the Internet by Storm
