Everything happened in Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1, episode 8. At least, that’s the way it felt when we took in each of the main characters’ stories.
Caution: This post contains SPOILERS for Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1, episode 8.
There was a lot of fear for Ellen MacKenzie, especially with her knowing that she wasn’t a virgin anymore. It’s sad that back in the day, nobody would have realized that the hymen could break from just riding a horse or other actions. To be honest, even today, a lot of people (mostly men) don’t realize that, and these ‘purity’ tests are still done in some cultures.
They’re degrading and humiliating, and Harriet Slater did a phenomenal job of showing all of that through facial expressions. Now we have to wonder what it means for her relationship with her brothers, and what steps Brian will take to protect her.
On top of that, we got the reunion we’d been waiting for. It’s time to break down the moments of Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1, episode 8 to get the top moments.
Seeing all the instruments
I have to wonder why the MacKenzies thought that the Grants would allow their doctor to perform the purity test, but Colum thought they would. We got a glance at the various instruments that could be used for this, and Colum was immediately disgusted. He didn’t want to see any of that, and he didn’t want his sister to go through it.
However, it wasn’t for his sister’s sake really. He just needed to make sure that Davie Beaton came to a favorable outcome. This is why the Grants wouldn’t let the MacKenzies have the control.
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Here at ClaireandJamie.com, we chatted with Matt B. Roberts about the instruments used for the purity test. There was a lot of research and surprise when it came to items used.
Malcolm showing his discomfort in Outlander: Blood of My Blood
Malcolm Grant is not the man he seems in the Outlander books or the first season of the flagship show. This is a man who cares for Ellen, being interested in her from a young age. We can see that he’s not quite the man his father is, and that is clear as day when he’s on the way to Castle Leoch.
The moment of honesty between Malcolm and Henry is beautiful. Malcolm is able to encourage Henry to get a message to Ellen that he didn’t choose for this to happen. He doesn’t want to start a marriage with resentment and anger. I just wish he actually told Ellen that in person.
Ned offering Henry his help in Blood of My Blood
Henry does get to speak with Ned Gowan, which is when he’s supposed to share that Malcolm didn’t want this. Well, of course, it turns into a conversation about how Henry was supposed to leave, and this leads to Henry opening up to Ned about what happened.
Henry knows that his days are numbered with the Grants. Ned offers his own help at long last. While Henry is trying to make an ally with Malcolm, he seemed to overlook an ally in Ned. It’s about time that this friendship came to something!
Julia and Davina looking out for each other’s son
Davina doesn’t want Brian rushing off to Castle Leoch, but he needs to go. Julia has a way that could help Ellen, but she needs to get to Castle Leoch as well. So, she offers to protect Davina’s son. It means that Davina will need to protect baby William.
Of course, Davina will do that. We’ve come to see just how strong the bond between these two mothers is. As we’ve said at ClaireandJamie.com before, they could be wonderful friends if the fates would allow.
Henry checking that Julia is really Julia in Blood of My Blood
At the end of Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1, episode 8, we get the reunion that we’ve been waiting for. Yes, Henry sees Julia, but he’s not seeing a ghost. He’s seeing his wife, and she spots him and gets him to follow her. It’s all in the touch, as Henry realizes that Julia is still alive.
It’s only a quick moment, though. I would love for more, but at least Julia was able to tell Henry where she is. This opens the door for another reunion before Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1 comes to an end.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood airs on Fridays on STARZ.
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