Outlander has faced scrutiny for its decisions, particularly a notable deviation from the source material that may create challenges for the forthcoming spinoff series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood. While the adaptation has made numerous changes from Diana Gabaldon’s books, some have received mixed reactions from fans. These alterations typically have minimal repercussions for the original series; however, certain controversial choices—especially those linked to characters appearing in Blood of My Blood—might pose more significant issues as the franchise progresses.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood is set several decades before the eventual meeting of Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall. This series will center around the stories of their parents: Brian Fraser and Ellen MacKenzie, Jamie’s parents, and Henry Beauchamp and Julia Moriston, Claire’s parents. Fans of the original show will likely be excited to reconnect with many familiar faces from Jamie’s lineage. Yet, this familiarity could lead to complications due to prior character developments in the series.
Murtagh & Jocasta’s Romance: A Departure from the Source Material
A TV Series Invention
Murtagh Fitzgibbons is a cherished character in Outlander, beloved by fans for his protective relationship with Jamie. This affection likely influenced the showrunners’ decision to keep him alive beyond the book’s plot, where he dies in the Battle of Culloden. Instead, his reunion with Jamie in North Carolina signifies an enriching change in the TV adaptation. However, the subsequent romantic storyline between Murtagh and Jamie’s aunt, Jocasta, has not resonated positively with viewers.
Blood of My Blood is anticipated to premiere in the summer of 2025, but this controversial romance adds complexity to Murtagh’s character. In the original storyline, Murtagh harbored deep feelings for Jamie’s mother, Ellen, which justified his unwavering loyalty to Jamie. However, the introduction of a romantic subplot with Jocasta—Ellen’s sister—has left fans feeling that Murtagh’s arc has been diminished, especially since this relationship served little purpose in the narrative. Murtagh’s demise and Jocasta’s exit from the story render this connection seemingly unnecessary.
Implications for Blood of My Blood
Character Ties to Brian Fraser & Ellen MacKenzie
As Blood of My Blood introduces younger versions of both Murtagh and Jocasta—portrayed by Rory Alexander and Sadhbh Malin, respectively—their previous romance adds an odd layer to the narrative. During this time in the timeline, Murtagh will be infatuated with Ellen, and audiences are aware of the dedication this leads him to have towards her son, Jamie. However, Murtagh’s implied affections for Jocasta may pose further issues with audience perception as they might not accept a romance that feels forced in light of established relationships.
The past discussions between Murtagh and Jocasta regarding his feelings for Ellen may contribute to further narrative confusion if not addressed properly in the spinoff. Ignoring their connection would be a significant oversight, leaving the show’s writers in a challenging position as they seek coherence with the established lore while attempting to engage the audience effectively.
Potential Positive Changes for Blood of My Blood
The Impact of Knowing Murtagh’s Fate
Despite the complications introduced by the Murtagh and Jocasta romance, there are traces of hope for enhancing Murtagh’s character in Blood of My Blood. While his storyline in the books culminates tragically with his death at Culloden, the series improved upon this by bringing him back to reunite with Jamie in North Carolina. Following his involvement in the fight for freedom during the American Revolution bolstered Murtagh’s narrative significance, offering fans an enriched emotional journey.
As audiences await the spinoff, knowing Murtagh’s eventual death will add depth to his storyline. His unreciprocated love for Ellen, alongside his dedication to her son Jamie, can play a pivotal role as viewers witness Murtagh’s journey through Blood of My Blood. Even with the complexities introduced by Jocasta’s character, there is much to anticipate in this unfolding Outlander narrative.