In the latest episode of Outlander: Blood of My Blood, Lord Lovat is strutting through the halls of power like a peacock in full plumage. Fresh off being celebrated as the Hero of Inverness, Simon Fraser (Tony Curran) is basking in royal favor, but his newfound status only amplifies his most insufferable traits. He's vain, scheming, and utterly convinced of his own brilliance—a combination that makes him one of the most deliciously detestable characters on television.
Curran, who brings this Machiavellian lord to life, recently sat down with Collider to unpack Lovat's behavior in Season 2, Episode 8, titled "The Dance." The actor revels in the role, even embracing the hate mail he receives from fans. "I get hate mail, which I take as a badge of honor," he says with a laugh. "I've played some despicable characters, but he's particularly Machiavellian."
A Villain with a Silver Medal and a Silver Tongue
Lovat's presence at the Loyalist Lairds' event is a masterclass in self-congratulation. He's clean-shaven, dressed in his finest, and practically glowing with pride. "He's like an old dame going to the ball," Curran describes. "He's an old peacock. He wants to look pretty for the upper echelon." But beneath the preening exterior lies a man who will stop at nothing to climb higher—even if it means destroying those closest to him.
When Lovat meets Lady Margaret Grant (Erin Shanagher), the attraction is immediate and electric. But there's a complication: he's already married to Julia (Hermione Corfield). Malcolm, ever the pragmatist, hints that if Lovat wants Margaret, he'll need to dispose of Julia first. Julia, however, is far from naive. She sees the writing on the wall and begins to wonder whether her husband will choose divorce—or something far more sinister.
The Poison That Changed Everything
One of the most shocking moments of the season came when Lovat poisoned his own daughter-in-law, Ellen (Harriet Slater), causing her to miscarry. It was a cold, calculated act designed to ensure his family line would produce a child destined for the throne. Curran doesn't believe Lovat felt a moment's hesitation. "No. I don't think he ever hesitated," he says. "That's what's so surprising and shocking about it."
What makes it even more chilling is Lovat's lack of remorse. When Julia confronts him in his bedchamber, he doesn't deny it. Instead, he proudly admits, "I bloody well did poison her because we need to have our son go on the throne." It's a moment that lays bare his utter lack of morality—a trait that has made him one of the most compelling villains in the Outlander universe.
The Unintended Hero of the Franchise
But here's the twist: Lovat's villainy may have inadvertently saved the entire franchise. As Curran points out, "They've got me to thank for eight seasons of Outlander because, basically, it didn't actually work." The poison didn't fully succeed—Ellen and Brian (Jamie Roy) eventually have a child, setting the stage for the epic saga that fans have followed for years. It's a delicious irony that the man who tried to manipulate fate ended up being the reason the story exists at all.
Curran's performance has been a highlight of Blood of My Blood, and his character's arc is far from over. With Margaret Grant now in the picture, Lovat's ambitions are only growing. Will he risk everything for a chance at even greater power? And what will Julia do when she realizes the danger she's in? The answers promise to be as dramatic and twisted as Lovat himself.
For fans of the franchise, this prequel series continues to deepen the lore of the world they love. And if you're looking for more gripping drama, check out our list of the best crime miniseries or dive into The Wolf King, another steamy Scottish romantasy that might fill the Outlander void.
New episodes of Outlander: Blood of My Blood air Sundays on Starz.
