The first season of Outlander: Blood of My Blood concluded with a breathtaking finale, featuring a shocking and unscripted death that fundamentally altered the course of its central romance. The demise of Malcolm Grant, Ellen MacKenzie’s betrothed, at the hands of Brian Fraser, was a last-minute creative decision that sent ripples of surprise through the cast and promises significant repercussions for the future of the beloved prequel series.
The world of Outlander has always been one where love and danger walk hand-in-hand, and its prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, proved no exception in its dramatic first season finale. Fans witnessed pivotal moments for both 18th-century lovers Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) and Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater), as well as 20th-century time-travelers Julia and Henry Beauchamp. However, the most unexpected turn of events involved a sudden, horrifying death that was never initially planned.
Malcolm Grant’s Tragic End: A Shocking Last-Minute Decision
The finale, titled “Something Borrowed,” delivered on its promise of surprises with the brutal death of Malcolm Grant (Jhon Lumsden), the kind-hearted man betrothed to Ellen MacKenzie. In a dramatic confrontation during Brian and Ellen’s desperate escape from Castle Leoch, Brian fatally stabbed Malcolm in self-defense. This pivotal moment left a bloody body in the corridor and set the star-crossed lovers on an irreversible path.
What makes this death even more impactful for fans and cast alike is the revelation that it was not part of the original script. Actor Jamie Roy recounted to Entertainment Weekly a late-night call from producer Michael Wilson, who informed him of the major plot twist. Roy recalled his reaction: “I was like, ‘Woah.'”
Harriet Slater further clarified the timeline, stating to RadioTimes.com, “We’d already done the read-through and that death wasn’t in the read-through. Then, there was a rewrite and suddenly Malcolm died. It was a huge shock to everyone, especially coming from Brian, who’s the most gentle, loving guy.” The surprise extended beyond the immediate cast members involved, with Jeremy Irvine (Henry) and Hermione Corfield (Julia) also expressing their shock and sadness over Jhon Lumsden’s character’s fate.
The Fateful Confrontation and Brian’s Desperation
The tragic clash unfolded as Brian and Ellen attempted their escape. Malcolm Grant, understandably furious and fueled by his uncle’s advice for revenge, intercepted them. Despite Brian’s attempts to de-escalate the situation and Ellen’s pleas, Malcolm drew a dagger, forcing Brian to defend himself. Jamie Roy emphasized that Brian had no intention of killing Malcolm, but desperation in the moment led to the fatal blow.
For Ellen, this moment solidified her commitment to Brian and their escape. She had initially been prepared to honor her betrothal to Malcolm, but the ultimate betrayal by her brother, Colum (Seamus McLean Ross), who had tried to have Brian killed despite Ellen ending their relationship, freed her conscience. Slater explained that Colum’s lies and refusal to admit his treachery made it “easier to shut that door forever” on any future relationship with him and to leave everything behind with Brian, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
Profound Repercussions: A New Path for Brian and Ellen
The death of Malcolm Grant carries immense weight for the narrative of Outlander: Blood of My Blood. Not only are Brian and Ellen now deeply entrenched in a forbidden romance, but Brian has also killed the new laird of Clan Grant. This act ensures that their flight is not just an elopement, but a true and irreversible severance from their former lives. Harriet Slater reflected that this extreme turn of events “made sense” of their need to leave everything behind.
The alternative, allowing Malcolm to live, was simply not viable for the lovers’ freedom. Slater noted Malcolm’s deep and pure love for Ellen, stating he “wouldn’t have given up. He would’ve looked for her. He had to die in a really sad way in order for them to truly be free and be together, unfortunately.” This narrative twist ensures their journey forward is fraught with danger and the constant threat of retribution from Clan Grant.
The Enduring Legacy of Ellen’s Wedding Pearls
Amidst the chaos, the finale also cemented the origin story of a highly significant artifact in the Outlander universe: Ellen’s wedding pearls. These pearls, famously passed from Jamie Fraser to Claire, and later to Brianna, hold deep sentimental value in the main series. However, at their inception, they were merely an unwanted gift for a wedding Ellen never desired.
Harriet Slater shared her anxiety about filming the scene where Ellen handles the pearls, knowing their future importance. “It’s interesting that the pearls go on to mean so much in the future, but when they’re first given, Ellen doesn’t want them because she doesn’t want any of this,” Slater told Entertainment Weekly. This contrast adds layers to the pearls’ history, highlighting the sacrifices and reluctant acceptances that define the lives of the characters.
Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead for Season 2
The shocking death of Malcolm Grant is expected to be a major talking point among the dedicated Outlander fanbase. Jamie Roy predicted to RadioTimes.com that the event “is going to split fans,” given Malcolm’s likable portrayal throughout the season despite his eventual vengeful turn. This division highlights the moral complexities of the story, where even well-intentioned characters are driven to extreme measures.
The finale left several major cliffhangers, setting the stage for an intense Season 2:
- The immediate aftermath of Malcolm’s death and the pursuit from Clan Grant.
- The dramatic lighting of fiery crosses, signaling the call to the Jacobite Rebellion, which Brian feels compelled to answer to avoid being branded a traitor.
- The forced marriage of Dougal MacKenzie to Maura Grant (Malcolm’s sister), an unintentional consequence of Brian and Ellen’s escape, which Harriet Slater noted to Cosmopolitan highlights Ellen’s own hypocrisy regarding arranged marriages.
- The perilous situation of Julia and Henry Beauchamp at the standing stones, facing Arch Bug and the profound risk of time travel with their son, William.
The challenges ahead for Brian and Ellen are immense, including navigating the wrath of Clan Grant and the demands of the upcoming war. Jamie Roy teased that the Jacobite call “is definitely going to cause some rifts in several relationships.” Despite these formidable obstacles, Harriet Slater remains optimistic about the couple’s bond. “They’re stronger than ever,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “Whatever struggles they face next, they’ll do it as a team.”
With formidable new enemies identified, such as Uncle Malcolm Grant and Lord Lovat (Brian’s father), Season 2 promises to delve deeper into the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped Jamie Fraser’s parents, ensuring fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter of their epic saga.
