Since its premiere over a decade ago, Starz's historical romantic drama "Outlander" has captivated fans around the world. The series revolves around Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), whose love story has defied time and continents. Now, with the eighth and final season of "Outlander," likely set to air in 2026, the universe expands. Based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon and adapted for television by Matthew B. Roberts, Starz's latest series, "Outlander: Blood of My Blood," follows two new love stories: one that begins on the battlefields of the Western Front during World War I and the other on the grasslands of Scotland in the early 18th century.
Lush, complex, impeccably shot and structured, this prequel is an exciting addition to a franchise that has captivated audiences from the beginning. Part of the series follows the love story between Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) and Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy), Jamie's parents. The rest of the prequel follows the romance between Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) and Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield), Claire's parents. A completely standalone series, one that those new to "Outlander" will have no trouble following.
Stars: Harriet Slater, Jamie Roy, Hermione Corfield
"Outlander: Blood of My Blood" begins with a death. This story begins in Scotland in 1714. At Castle Leoch, the Clan MacKenzie mourns the sudden death of their Laird, Red Jacob MacKenzie (Peter Mullan). No one is more devastated by the loss than Red Jacob's eldest daughter and closest confidante, Ellen MacKenzie. Unfortunately for Ellen, there is no time to grieve. Their father's death has left the clan vulnerable, and since Red Jacob hasn't named an heir, his two sons, Dougal (Sam Retford) and Colum (Séamus McLean Ross), are locked in a battle for succession. Unfortunately, neither brother seems up to the task. Dougal is all muscle and likes to act before he thinks. On the other hand, Colum, devastated by his disability, receives a cruelty pension.
Red Jacob's death has left Ellen particularly vulnerable. Although her sisters, Janet (Ailsa Davidson) and Jocasta (Sadhbh Malin), have been married for a long time, Ellen's beauty and single status make her a valuable pawn in her brothers' quest for power. Without her father's protection and with few resources as a woman, Ellen tries to take control of her destiny. However, things become even more complicated when she meets and falls in love with Brian Fraser, the bastard son of the diabolical Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat (Tony Curran), who turns out to be a sworn enemy of Clan MacKenzie.
Centuries later, Lieutenant Henry Beauchamp watches his men being slaughtered on the front lines of World War I. It's 1917, and having lost faith in humanity, Henry writes open letters, not only as a soldier in the midst of destruction, but as a witness to it. By chance, one of his letters is intercepted by Julia Moriston, a perceptive woman who has postponed her studies to work at the Postal and Telegraph Censorship Office. Through eloquent prose and whispered secrets, the two form a friendship that grows much more intimate as the war progresses.
Expanding a series' universe can be challenging, especially when viewers are reunited with characters they've already met at different stages of their lives, or when they're brought to life on screen for the first time. Still, "Blood of My Blood" more than handles it. Roy's Brian bears an eerie resemblance to Heughan's Jamie, and Balfe and Corfield bear a striking resemblance. Fan-favorite characters, such as Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser (played here by Rory Alexander), also evoke past versions of their characters.
Moreover, like Jamie and Claire's love story, the romances between Ellen and Brian, as well as those between Henry and Julia, are filled with the same longing and desire that made the original series so captivating. The chemistry between the couples is electrifying and realistic, even when there seems to be little chance of resolution or reconnection. The ten episodes that make up the first season (critics received six for their review) are the basis of the story: a forbidden romance and a once-in-a-lifetime connection cut short by a shocking incident.
Like "Outlander," "Blood of My Blood" doesn't skimp on passionate sex scenes. Still, its sensuality is just one of the great elements of this time-defying series. The historical aspects of "Blood of My Blood" make it especially appealing to both "Outlander" fans and those new to the novel. The series presents a nuanced portrayal of wartime and postwar London in the early 20th century, as well as the rugged Highlands on the eve of an early Jacobite rebellion. While Henry and Brian are undoubtedly captivating and vital characters, the narrative is sharpest when it focuses on Ellen and Julia. Their respective adventures offer audiences a unique perspective on the trials and tribulations of women dealing with the perils of patriarchal societies throughout the centuries. Furthermore, an unexpected twist adds an extra layer of appeal to an already heartwarming and genre-defying series.
Prequels and sequels rarely live up to the original. However, “Outlander: Blood of My Blood” is a rare gem that shines brightly. With an impeccable cast and performances, and respecting the source material, the series retains all the beautiful elements that made “Outlander” so beloved, yet stands on its own. Fascinating and detailed, the series highlights all the reasons why the first season was so addictive, while allowing a whole new cast to shine.
“Outlander: Blood of My Blood” premieres August 8 on Starz, with new episodes every week.
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