In the world of Outlander: Blood of My Blood, happiness is often a fleeting luxury. That's exactly what Murtagh (Rory Alexander) discovers in Season 2, Episode 8, “The Dance,” when his budding romance with Grace (Ruby Fubara) hits a major roadblock. Just as Murtagh finally confesses his love and feels truly wanted, Grace learns she's being sent to the West Indies with John Cameron. The news throws Murtagh into a panic, leaving the couple wondering if their time together is already over.
In a recent interview, Alexander opened up about Murtagh's journey this season, the joy of seeing him find love, and the challenges of filming intimate scenes. He also teased what's next for the star-crossed pair.
Murtagh's Long-Awaited Romance
After a rough Season 1, Murtagh's chance at happiness with Grace was a welcome change for Alexander. “It’s a poisoned chalice because you know that if anything looks like it might go well, that might not last for very long,” he admitted. Still, he was “delighted” for his character, especially after meeting Fubara. “I wanted that storyline to keep developing and for us to get to spend as much time together as characters as possible,” he said. “It’s not just him in love. He’s having a pretty rough time. He goes off to war and then off to Fort William. Him having the opportunity to get back and just be with someone that he’s been thinking about so consistently in such difficult times, it’s Murtagh time. Give it to him.”
Murtagh's past is marked by a deep desire to be wanted, a theme that resonates throughout the series. In Episode 7, when Grace explains that her virtue was taken long ago and she wants to give herself freely, it becomes a profound moment for Murtagh. “The first time that they’re really intimate, he’s so aware of not wanting to cross any boundaries and making sure that everything is incredibly gentle and trusting and consensual,” Alexander explained. “He doesn’t want to get that wrong because he doesn’t want to put himself in the lineage of other people who have hurt Grace. And so, when she really chooses to give herself freely to him, that’s just the most loving gesture that he could ever imagine.”
The Awkwardness of Intimacy
Filming those intimate scenes wasn't always smooth sailing. Alexander joked about Murtagh's struggle with Grace's corset, which wasn't in the script. “I wanted him to be a real smooth criminal, but Murtagh does not know how to take off a corset so why not play into that?” he said. The costumes, while beautiful, are complicated, and the actor found the challenge endearing. “It was a real problem. I don’t think it was scripted. I just threw it in.”
Even the setting—rolling around in hay—added to the awkwardness. “Generally speaking, doing intimacy scenes, you don’t feel at your most relaxed and comfortable,” Alexander admitted. “But I do think that it plays into their relationship, which is paradoxically innocent. They should be rolling around in the hay and getting it stuck in their hair, with all of that being a bit giggly and awkward. It’s less about perfect lust. Murtagh is a clumsy guy. He’s a bit of a clown and unfortunately, that doesn’t stop at the bedroom.”
Brian's Heartbreaking Revelation
Meanwhile, Murtagh's friendship with Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) faces its own trials. In Episode 8, Brian finally reveals that Ellen lost their baby, and that his father, Lord Lovat, is to blame. For Murtagh, hearing this from his best friend is devastating. “It’s heartbreaking,” Alexander said. “There’s a resolve with Brian that he’s going to stand on his own two feet and really remove himself from Lovat, which Murtagh has wanted for him for a long, long time. It’s just so rough that that’s the incident that incites it.”
Murtagh has always been fiercely protective of Brian and Ellen, and this loss hits him hard. “He cares so deeply for both of them and has already taken on the mantle that, if anything happened to Brian, then Murtagh would be there every step of the way with Ellen and the bairn,” Alexander added.
What's Next for Murtagh and Grace?
With Grace's departure looming, Murtagh is desperate to find a way to keep her. Alexander hinted that Murtagh won't give up without a fight. “He’s going to do everything in his power to not lose her,” he teased. But in the brutal world of Outlander, happy endings are never guaranteed. Fans will have to wait to see if Murtagh can overcome this latest obstacle.
For those who can't get enough of the Outlander universe, there's plenty to explore. Check out our analysis of the franchise's most hated villain and why he's essential to the story. And if you're looking for another steamy Scottish romantasy to fill the void, The Wolf King might be your next obsession.
