We’ve been on a journey in Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 2, and that journey takes its next big turn in episode 8, “The Dance."
The King of England arrives in the Highlands, as does the King’s justice. That leaves our heroes making moves and preparing for the future. Let’s dive in.
In the King’s Presence
The King has arrived, and he’s come to reward his loyal subjects. That leaves both Grant (Simon Merrells) and Lord Lovat (Tony Curran) earning his favor. They are given new titles and celebrated. That makes them the focus of the evening, but it’s also a gathering where Henry (Jeremy Irvine) and Julia (Hermione Corfield) are hoping to make some moves.
Lovat recognizes Henry, who offers apologies. It seems it’s been accepted, which allows him and Julia to slip away. But Julia has some bad news for Henry — she can’t travel. She urges Henry to leave with William, but he can’t stand the thought of being parted from Julia. So, he suggests some other plans. None of them make a lot of sense.
Meanwhile, Lord Lovat has turned his attention to Margaret Grant (Erin Shanagher). She’s the Laird’s sister, and an eligible woman. He’s drawn to her, and they’d make a good match—if he was free. His conversations with Grant seem to indicate a possible future alliance, especially when he points to Brian (Jamie Roy) as the cause Grant’s nephew’s heartache and untimely passing.
That leaves the question of Lovat not being free yet. Julia and Henry can’t help but notice that Lovat is taken with Margaret. A divorce would be a scandal, but if he was to be widowed, Lovat would be free. That presents a new challenge — and a new danger —f or Julia moving forward.
Love denied
In season 2 episode 7, Grace (Ruby Fubara) and Murtagh (Rory Alexander) managed to find love in a hopeless place and situation. Though she remains in service to John Cameron, Grace has pledged her love to Murtagh. He’s pledged his love and future to her, despite the time challenge. Now, they’re dealt a new blow.
Cameron announces that he’s taken land and a position in the Caribbean, and he intends to head out with Grace in his service. She tries to find a way out of it, but the lady of the house backs her husband. So, Grace tries to make peace with leaving, even if Murtagh can’t make peace with it. It seems the new lovers will soon be parted unless something can be done.
The King’s Justice
Meanwhile, while Grant and Lovat are honored, the MacKenzie clan is struggling. Captain Grey (Digby Edgley) arrives looking for Dougal (Sam Retford). He finds Colum (Seamus McLean Ross) and decides to hold him accountable. He wants to seize Castle Leoch in the name of the King, but soon, he learns the property resides with Ellen (Harriet Slater). As she remains blameless in the uprising, the property is safe.
So, Captain Grey decides that he is going to take Colum in his brother’s place. When Dougal arrives to surrender, Captain Grey decides he’s going to take both of them. And he plans to execute both as traitors, to serve as an example of what happens when you cross the King. Ellen begs mercy for prayer, and it’s granted. It’s really a part of her plan.
Ellen meets with Colum and Dougal and makes a deal. She’ll keep them from death if Colum surrenders part of their family land for her and Brian, and if Dougal pledges to be the War Chief in name only, leaving all tactical decisions to Colum. Neither brother is pleased with the deal presented, but neither has a choice.
Ellen turns her skills to Captain Grey. She parleys with him, and using a bit of political savvy, he is able to convince him it’s better to let Colum and Dougal live. He ends up agreeing and leaves them at Castle Leoch. With the day saved, Ellen extracts her tract of land and promises her brothers will never set foot on her territory. Colum agrees but makes sure she knows she will always be welcomed at Castle Leoch.
There was a lot of heartbreak this episode. Grace and Murtagh are to be parted, and Julia faces new threats and challenges. The most heartbreaking part was seeing Ellen break free and break away from her family. Colum seemed a bit hurt by her decision. Ellen, tired of being treated as lesser or property, is finally leaving her family behind. Will that be permanent? It’s hard to say, but it made for an emotional hour.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood airs Fridays on Starz. Check back next week as we recap all the action of season 2.
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