As we’ve moved on in Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 2, our central couples are split up again. Once again, we’re trying to see if they can find their way back to each other and back to the happy ending we all hope is coming.
There are plenty of obstacles — from prickly family members and clan rivalries to time itself. Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 2 episode 2, “The Veil of Time,” is particularly focused on the latter.
Henry’s Chance
After a cold open that shows Claire trying to manage in a world without her parents, we swing back to Henry (Jeremy Irvine), who is in 1924 but not in control. He is struggling to try and remember who he is and where Julia (Hermonie Corfield) is, but it’s not easy with his electro-shock protocol. He fears he’s beginning to lose himself and lose hold of his mission.
But he’s found someone who believes him and believes in him. That someone is Mrs. Graham (Emma Hartley-Miller), who has a more open mind about magic and the supernatural world around them than the religious folks who are in charge of Henry’s care. She knows the power of the rocks and believes that might hold the key to what Henry needs. She visits him in the facility, helping him hold his memories and remember who he is.
Now, she’s taking it even further. She’s come up with a plan for Henry to slip out on Halloween, when the veil is thinner, and try to make his way back through the ruins. She’s even provided an outfit for him as a disguise. As the episode ends, Henry is free and trying to make his way back to the 1700s. But what will await him when and if he arrives?
Rallying the troops
Meanwhile, we hit the campaign trail with Lord Lovett (Tony Curran). His speech attempting to gather forces is somewhat less than inspiring. It feels more like a command than a commanding performance. But, fortunately, Brian (Jamie Roy) is there to smooth things over. He gives the rousing speech that brings everyone back and rallies them to the cause. So, the numbers swell, and Lord Lovett is pleased with his son. He also seizes the advantage to head home for a bit, leaving Brian to continue on the road, rallying men to the cause.
Brian does just that, swelling the ranks. He’s due to meet his father on the road, but Brian seems to have a bit of a different plan. Meanwhile, Lord Lovett returns home to see that Julia has taken some bold actions of her own. She’s called the Maisri (Katharine O'Donnelly) for protection and advice.
Maisri believes she’s there to help protect Julia and her son in case Henry should return. But really, Julia is trying to get as much information about the stones and the magic of the region as possible. She accomplishes some of her goals, but when Lord Lovett returns, he’s displeased a guest was called without him. Still, he understands the need and seems content to let it slide.
But is it possible that Julia has opened herself up to new suspicions? And what of Maisri’s assertion that Julia holds no magic? Does that mean she needs Henry to be able to cross?
Ellen’s Bargain
Ellen (Harriet Slater) is back, but it’s not a warm homecoming from her brothers, Colum (Seamus McLean Ross) and Dougal (Sam Retford). They want to punish her for disappearing, but Ellen throws back in Colum’s face his failed promise. She also comes with a plan, warning that the coming fight puts their property at risk — if it remains entrusted to them. She suggests that she remain the steward.
After mulling the proposal, Colum agrees. But he adds his own stipulation that she must remain unmarried. If she marries before the conflict is over and the land is safely returned, she forfeits it all. Ellen agrees, putting her family over her personal desires. But that makes things tricky when Brian arrives.
Brian shows up as Dougal, Colum, and others are rallying forces for the fight. His arrival leads to a fight with Dougal, but it’s stilled when he shares that he’s brought an army to join the cause. So, for the time being, Brian and Dougal are united by a common enemy. It also gives Brian a chance to reunite with Ellen, briefly, to learn of the new barriers to his plan of getting married within the year.
It makes sense that Henry would return to the 1700s, which would make the most sense. Can he get back there, and will he get back there quickly? That’s a question. It’s also a question of how he’ll be received when he returns since many view him as crazy, a criminal, or both. That’s a challenge for him when it comes to trying to rescue Julia and his son.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood airs Fridays on Starz. You can check back next week as we recap all the action from season 2.
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