New images from Outlander-prequel Blood of My Blood

When I first heard about Blood of My Blood, the Outlander prequel, I thought it was a bad idea. Honestly, I still feel the same way. I’ve always considered Ellen, Jamie’s mother, to be such an intriguing character precisely because, despite hearing about her beauty and her fierce personality, we never actually see her. ¹ Seeing her on screen might ruin the mystique of her being extraordinary.

I’ve always been fond of storytelling where a pivotal character never physically appears; their influence is felt only in subtle, deeper layers of the narrative.

That said, while I may object to the idea from a theoretical point of view, it doesn’t mean I’m ignoring the latest news about the production. After all, it’s a story set in the 18th century, performed predominantly by British actors (and I love discovering new faces). So yes, I’ll probably watch the series—and I’ll likely complain incessantly about the flawed concept behind it.

Thus I’m obviously excited, when I see some new promo images.

Colum and Dougal MacKenzie

There was so much left unexplored about the dynamics between the two brothers, Colum and Dougal MacKenzie, in the original series. Of course, the focus of that story was on other issues. However, I’m hopeful that this new series will dedicate more time to showcasing their interactions and delving deeper into their relationship.

Ned Gowen

I’m a bit surprised to see this character among these people. Doubtlessly, Ned Gowen was a fun character, but really a minor one. Anyway, I’m looking forward to see how he would get involved in the life of the previous generation of MacKenzies and Frasers.

Simon Fraser

In the original series, the infamous Fraser grandfather (or I should say grandsire) appeared in only one episode (S02E08). Clive Russel was a very good casting choise, partially because he is a very-very tall man (taller than the Heughan-MacTavish-Lacroix trio), and I think  this fact was an integral part of his character. And it was good for this brief encounter with him.

But Tony Curran is a different type of actor, amd we will see a different type of Simon Fraser, not just vecause he will be younger.

Also, don’t forget, that among the closest family members, Simon Fraser is the onlycharacter based on real historical person. It is always an exciting auestion how real history blends into fiction.

Murtagh, Mrs Fitz, and Jocasta

In the original series Murthag was an enjoyable character. I don’t think it was a bad decision to keep him alive longer than in the books. But it was definitelly a terrible decision to create that utterly nonsense love story  between him and Jocasta.

I’m quite affaid of that the creators would try to put somehow this stupid plotline into this prequel story. The fact that shared an image of Jocasta insists, that she will play an important role in the upcoming series. (Yes, she is Ellen’s sister, after all.)

Speaking of intention, putting together Murtath and Mrs Fitz in the same promo picture is a great reminder of the fact that they have been related in some way. Maybe their family backstory will get bigger attention too.

FOOTNOTES

1. Yes, book readers know she’s the spitting image of her granddaughter, Brianna.[]