Well then! STARZ sure came in hot with this show. I had to take a few days to process (and watch the episodes a couple times because I’m already obsessed) before sitting down to review them. If you can’t already tell, I’m loving this show! I went into it thinking that I would definitely favor the story of Jamie’s parents. But they’ve pulled me in and I’m just as invested in the story of Claire’s parents. And I can’t wait until these characters really start fleshing out and we seriously get into things. But for now, keep reading below for my Outlander: Blood of My Blood 1×01 review!
Of Loss and Love
You know, I thought going into this knowing who Jamie’s parents were and that they would end up together would make this less stressful to watch. But it truly didn’t. This show wasted no time showing us foreshadowing for how many struggles our characters are going to have to face. And this was just the first episode! I will say though, I’m already absolutely in love with Ellen. It was so clear to see how strong she is from her first moments on screen. The fact that the first moments we were given were of her mourning the loss of her father while they prepared him for his funeral cemented that she obviously has a spine of steel. Which comes as no surprise. Jamie clearly gets his strength from both of his parents.
With the death of her father, and Ellen not being the oldest son, there is a real power struggle. Flashbacks to time with her father show that he clearly respected her and also looked to her for a lot. He didn’t seem to treat her in traditional ways and respected her as much as he would if she had been a son. Then you have her clearly hot-headed brothers who don’t hesitate to start a fight, even when it isn’t necessary. And you have a recipe for what I’m sure is going to be an action and drama packed first season. There was a lot happening for a premiere episode and I imagine it only gets more intense from here.
The Love We Came For
If there is one thing the Outlander crew at STARZ excels in, it’s romance. Clearly, they excel in many different areas with how successful Outlander has remained over the years. But they create some intensely swoon-worthy romance. And they made it clear in this first episode that they have no plans to slow down on that. From the moment Ellen and Brian see each other, the sparks are flying. It’s a love at first site for the ages and it’s clear in their gazes that they are immediately willing to take on the risks. And with their love, there is certainly going to be risks. Neither of their families are going to approve of them being together, and there is a war brewing as well. But I don’t think it’s even going to slow them down. And I can’t freaking wait!
As for Henry and Julia, well their relationship was equally as swoon-worthy. In the start, we meet them already married and traveling, speaking about Julia’s pregnancy with their second child and their first child, Claire, staying with Henry’s brother. They also don’t hesitate to give us the action with the car accident they get into, landing them into some rushing water. We certainly didn’t get as much screen time with Henry and Julia in this episode but it’s enough to keep me hooked. Especially hearing Julia scream at the end of the episode and Henry rushing off after her. Ugh, you’ve already got me in a chokehold with this one STARZ.
Connections Through Time
Maybe I missed something along the way, but I wasn’t expecting that Julia was going to travel through time the way that Claire did. In the same spot, no less! I may be alone in not realizing it, but there it is. Though I do find it wildly intriguing and after my second watch, I did catch that Julia had been seen earlier on in the episode. As Simon Fraser’s freaking maid! During the first watch when I realized what was going on, I got really excited and intrigued. And it leaves me wondering just how connected these two love stories are going to be. Did Claire and Jamie’s parents know one another? I literally cannot wait to find out and am so happy that we got two episodes to kick this show off!
Have you checked out Outlander: Blood of My Blood 1×01 yet? Have you fallen in love with it as much as me? Or do you prefer the OG Outlander? Personally, I’m loving both of them, just differently. There will never be another Jamie and Claire for me. But I always have more room to love another ship. Be sure to stick with me as I continue reviewing the rest of the season and check out our site for other articles, quizzes, and more on all your favorite shows, movies, music, and other entertainment! You can also check us out on Facebook or Instagram to talk all things Outlander: Blood of My Blood 1×01?
