The stakes have never been higher for Brian Fraser and Ellen MacKenzie in Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 2. After being forced to return home to fight in the 1715 Jacobite Rising, the couple now faces a new twist: Ellen has revealed she's pregnant. The news gives Brian even more reason to survive the coming conflict, but it also puts Ellen in a precarious position with her formidable brothers.
In a recent interview, stars Harriet Slater and Jamie Roy opened up about the challenges their characters face this season, from Ellen's bold defiance of her family to Brian's unexpected emergence as a leader. They also teased the explosive dynamics that will unfold as the season progresses.
Ellen's Unyielding Resolve
When Ellen returns to Leoch, she doesn't shy away from confronting her brothers, Dougal and Colum, even though she knows they could easily overpower her. Slater explains that Ellen isn't actually afraid of them. "She doesn't really feel threatened by them, if I'm honest," Slater says. "Yes, they might beat her, but she's made of sturdy stuff and she knows she can handle that if that's what happens, because it's also for the greater good."
Ellen's decision to face her brothers is a calculated one. She realizes that staying on the run with Brian and Murtagh would put their lives at risk, and if Brian refuses the call to arms, he faces the death penalty. "It's the best of two bad options really, to go back and face them," Slater adds. "And then, they immediately lock her up in a church in a secret chapel, which isn't great for her, but she'd rather that than lose Brian forever."
Brian Steps Up as a Leader
In Episode 2, Brian delivers a powerful speech in support of his father, Lord Lovat, despite the man's cruel history. The speech not only rallies the troops but also impresses his father, marking a turning point for Brian. Roy shares that it was a thrilling scene to film, though not without its challenges. "It's really fun because Brian is such a different character this season," Roy says. "He's not a natural leader, I would say, as opposed to this leadership was put upon him."
Roy admits he was nervous before filming the scene, which involved a crowd of about 70 extras. "I was doing this big speech and people were heckling through it. It was pretty funny, actually," he recalls. The moment also highlights Brian's growth, as he learns to command attention and inspire loyalty, even if his motivations are personal.
The Brutal Fight Between Brian and Dougal
One of the season's most intense moments is the brutal fistfight between Brian and Dougal, which takes place when Brian arrives at Leoch. Slater and Roy describe filming the scene over two days, with Roy taking several punches. "I was knackered by the end of it because we filmed it so many times," Roy says. "But it looked great."
For Ellen, watching the fight is a mix of terror and satisfaction. "She knows how brutal Dougal can be," Slater explains. "There was also slight satisfaction at seeing her brother beaten up by the love of her life. Kind of hot." The scene also reveals a telling reaction from Maura, who seems to enjoy the violence, hinting at her suspicions about Malcolm's death.
Ellen's Leadership Among the Women of Leoch
This season, Ellen gets to spend more time with the women of Leoch, a rare opportunity for her. Slater says she loved exploring that dynamic. "Ellen gets to spend so much time with the women and that's so rare for her," she notes. The show delves into how Ellen navigates her role within the clan, balancing her fierce independence with the expectations placed on her as a woman of her time.
As the season unfolds, viewers can expect more twists and turns as Ellen and Brian fight for their love and their future. With the pregnancy reveal, the stakes are higher than ever, and the couple must navigate a world that is determined to tear them apart. For fans of the Outlander universe, this prequel continues to deliver the drama, romance, and intrigue they've come to love.
For more on the cast's other projects, check out our interviews with Carrie stars Matthew Lillard and Amber Midthunder and East of Eden stars on tackling Steinbeck's icons.
