Isaac Grant's death could give Ellen and Brian more time in Outlander: Blood of My Blood

Malcolm Grant may need to postpone the wedding in Outlander: Blood of My Blood.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood -- Courtesy of STARZ
Outlander: Blood of My Blood -- Courtesy of STARZ

The end of Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1, episode 8 delivered a devastating blow for Malcolm Grant. It was also something that we had to see coming due to the death of an actor.

Caution: This post contains SPOILERS for Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1, episode 8.

For the last few episodes of the Outlander prequel, there have been hints that Isaac Grant’s health was failing. We knew that eventually the series would have to write the character’s death in when the show decided not to recast the role after the death of Brian McCardie. The show handled it respectfully, and it has become a bigger part of the story.

With Isaac’s death, there is a lot for Clan Grant to deal with. Malcolm will need to step up as the new laird, and the estate will need to be managed. As we saw with Colum, it’s not that easy to become laird, even for those who have the backing. After all, you’re leading the clan while mourning the death of a loved one at the same time.

Blood of My Blood - Season 1 2025
Outlander: Blood of My Blood -- Courtesy of STARZ

Malcolm Grant may need to postpone the wedding in Outlander: Blood of My Blood

Now, there are two ways that Outlander: Blood of My Blood could go with Malcolm and the wedding. It could be sped up, with the Grants needing the MacKenzies for stability. However, Malcolm could choose to postpone the wedding as he handles the new laird duties.

In Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1, episode 8, Malcolm made it clear that he wanted to set a date as soon as Ellen had been through the purity test, sure that she was going to pass. The shock of Isaac’s death could change that thought process, as he looks at the books and figures out what is needed.

After all, it’s not like Clan MacKenzie is just going to accept the original marriage contract terms. They can now negotiate a lower dowry offer to offset compensation owed to Ellen for this test. So, this further expands the time for Ellen and Brian to plan.

Blood of My Blood - Season 1 2025
Outlander: Blood of My Blood -- Courtesy of STARZ

This opens the door for Ellen and Brian to run away together

We know that it’s coming up to the point of Ellen and Brian running away together. Outlander did say that the two ran away at the MacKenzie Gathering in 1715, but it’s possible that things changed with this current story. Is it possible that it’s at the Grant Gathering that the two end up running away together?

I honestly thought that Brian would end up whisking Ellen away from the purity test, as I mentioned before on ClaireandJamie.com, but I’m glad to see how it all played out, as there was a lot more at stake by having Ellen go through with it. It also opened the door for Julia and Henry to be in the same place.

As a loyal clan to the Grants, the Frasers are sure to be invited to this. It allows for Henry and Julia to be back in the same room, while it also gives Brian and Ellen a chance to reconnect. While Glenna asked Brian to stay away, we know the two can’t.

So, with the potential delay, it could offer the two more time to plan what’s next for them. At the same time, Malcolm could speed up the process, leading to Ellen and Brian having to act recklessly to be together. There’s all to play for in Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 1, episode 9.

Outlander: Blood of My Blood airs on Fridays on STARZ.

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