The thrilling finale of Outlander: Blood Of My Blood Season 1, episode 10, "Something Borrowed," finally brings the much-anticipated wedding day— but not in the way fans might have expected. Brace yourself, because this episode is packed with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
The episode kicks off with an adorable scene: Claire’s second birthday celebration. Baby Claire happily devours cake alongside her loving parents and Uncle Lamb, who expresses big hopes and dreams for the little girl’s future. This moment offers a comforting glimpse into Claire’s safe, joyful world—something to hold onto while her parents face life-threatening struggles in the past.
But then, comes the moment everyone is waiting for—the bride’s walk down a beautifully decorated aisle. Oddly, it’s not Ellen MacKenzie standing there. Through her thick veil, not a trace of Ellen’s signature fiery hair is visible. Who could the bride be? That mystery will unravel shortly.
Rewind to a day prior: Brian and Murtagh have patched up their friendship following an assassination attempt. Brian is distracted, upset over Ellen’s sudden rejection, rather than focusing on his looming danger. Murtagh advises him to trust his instincts and chase after Ellen. Before they can act, the pair is attacked again by the relentless Gallowglass mercenaries. Although Brian and Murtagh fend off their foes, Murtagh suffers an arrow wound to the leg. It’s uncovered that the treacherous Colum MacKenzie is behind the mercenary attack. Brian, determined, rides off alone to Leoch while Murtagh stays behind to recover.
Meanwhile, wedding preparations at Leoch are in full swing. Ellen crosses paths with Marcus MacRannoch, who presents her with a meaningful wedding gift—the same pearls that, in future tales, Jamie gifts to Claire on their wedding day. For longtime Outlander fans, this is a delightful nod to the original series.
Dougal MacKenzie, in his usual fashion, celebrates his sister’s upcoming wedding by charming a woman against a wall. He is interrupted by Maura Grant, the bride’s soon-to-be sister-in-law, whose indifferent attitude piques his interest. She leaves him to finish his dalliance, making their dynamic intriguingly complex.
Inside Ellen’s quarters, the bride appears downhearted as she apologizes to her sisters for their father arranging these marriages without their input. Jocasta, ever sharp-tongued, reveals a rare moment of vulnerability in defense of Ellen during a hen party. There, Jocasta confronts Maura Grant, who openly questions whether Ellen’s love for her brother is as strong as he believes.
Away from the wedding’s buzz, Julia and Lord Lovat find themselves indifferent to the celebrations. Lord Lovat is reeling from a public shaming by Uncle Malcolm ‘Mac’ Grant. Julia’s charm manages to soothe him, yet the night brings tension as he summons her to his chamber. Luckily, Henry arrives at Castle Leathers, and Julia concocts a clever scheme pretending to be a captive to shield Davina from Lord Lovat’s wrath. Henry swiftly subdues Balloch, freeing the 20th-century couple and baby William to embark on their journey to the mystical stones.
Back to Brian’s covert mission, he sneaks into Leoch and encounters Jocasta. She recognizes him from Beltane and forces him to explain why he’s disguised as a Grant and seeking to see Ellen. When Brian reveals that Dougal attempted to have him killed, Jocasta is moved and accompanies him to Ellen’s room to reveal the truth. Brian openly declares his unwavering love for Ellen, which she returns wholeheartedly—heart, body, and soul. If Colum betrays Brian’s safety, Ellen feels freed from her promise to marry Malcolm Grant.
Colum is given a chance to confess, but he remains silent, setting Ellen’s course.
Julia and Henry’s journey to Craigh na Dun is interspersed with flashbacks to simpler times by the English seaside, where Julia joyfully announces her pregnancy to Henry. This contrast between past peace and present danger underscores the couple’s tenuous situation.
At Leoch, Ellen has vanished, causing anger in Malcolm who feels jilted. Uncle Mac bluntly warns that the MacKenzies owe another marriage—otherwise, bloodshed will follow. Colum commands Ned to summon Dougal back. His brother’s involvement is crucial.
The wedding aisle finally reveals its bride—none other than Malcolm’s own sister, Maura Grant. To honor his oath to the Grants, Colum hurriedly arranges for Dougal to marry Maura. While Outlander fans might have anticipated this twist, many wedding guests—and Dougal himself—are caught off guard. Maura wastes no time in pushing for consummation after the toasts, and in their bridal chamber, Dougal experiences a surprising awakening to true intimacy for the first time. Maura makes sure this unexpected union is anything but dull.
Meanwhile, Ellen remains at Leoch disguised as a maid, hiding with Brian as the wedding festivities distract everyone. Malcolm, consumed with heartbreak and revenge, drinks alone. Uncle Mac gives him the grim advice that only vengeance will mend his pain. This sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
Malcolm eventually confronts Ellen and Brian during their escape. His fury leads to insults, labeling Ellen a deceitful woman and Brian a despicable scoundrel. When Malcolm attacks with his sword, Brian initially tries to avoid violence but ultimately kills Malcolm in self-defense.
Ellen and Brian hastily flee on horseback to reunite with the wounded Murtagh. Ellen is resolute that she has no regrets about abandoning her old life for love.
On a separate front, Simon learns of Julia’s disappearance. Fortunately, Arch Bug is on the trail, intent on capturing Henry and returning Julia and her baby to Lord Lovat. The chase intensifies.
A quiet moment between Ellen and Murtagh reveals a bond of trust and hope. Brian gifts Ellen with boar’s tusk bracelets — a keepsake Murtagh promises to someday share with Claire. Even injured, Murtagh steps back to give the lovers privacy, exemplifying his loyal and kind nature.
Following an intimate moment, Ellen recites from the Book of Ruth, sealing a blood oath between her and Brian—themes echoing the show’s title, Blood of My Blood. Their tender moment is shattered by a sight of glowing fiery crosses—an ominous summons to join the Jacobite uprising. Brian must choose to fight or flee Scotland. Ellen pledges her unwavering support, declaring, "I’m your wife. We are one."
Meanwhile, Julia and Henry reach Craigh na Dun, anxiously debating whether to risk time travel with their infant son William. With danger approaching in the form of Arch Bug’s men, Julia insists Henry return alone to protect the baby. After a heartfelt farewell, Henry appears ready to leave—until he places baby William back in Julia’s arms and insists his heart remains with her and their child, no matter what.
Their fate remains a mystery as the episode closes with the family back in the 20th century, boarding a train to Scotland and waving goodbye to young Claire.
And that concludes the dramatic and emotionally charged first season of Blood of My Blood! Ellen and Brian face a daunting future amidst the Jacobite war, yet nothing compares to the unknown perils Julia and Henry confront with time travel.
But here’s the controversial question: Was Ellen’s decision to flee her arranged marriage and follow her heart reckless or brave? And what do you think will happen to Julia, Henry, and William trapped between centuries? Feel free to share your thoughts and debates below—after all, isn’t this storytelling what keeps Outlander fans coming back for more?
Caitlin Gallagher, a New Jersey native living in NYC, writes passionately about television and the entertainment world. When she’s not diving into her latest TV obsession, you might find her planning creative Halloween costumes, getting emotional over rescue animals, or singing the praises of The Leftovers’ second season.
