Outlander: Blood of My Blood – Slater & Roy Review
Outlander: Blood of My Blood – A Deep Dive with Alexander Vlahos and kate Atkinson
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The highly anticipated prequel, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, is now streaming, offering fans a captivating glimpse into the formative years of beloved characters. Focusing on the early lives of Jamie Fraser’s parents, Ellen and Colum, and the burgeoning friendship between Murtagh and Brian Fraser, the series promises a fresh viewpoint on the Outlander universe.We sat down with stars Alexander Vlahos (Colum) and Kate Atkinson (Ellen) – alongside Roy Alexander (young Murtagh) – to discuss the challenges and joys of bringing these stories to life.
Blood of My Blood delves into the complex relationships that shaped the Fraser clan. The central dynamic between Ellen and Colum is fraught with emotional turmoil, a conflict beautifully portrayed by Atkinson and Vlahos.
“It’s a really tricky situation,” Atkinson explained,detailing the core of their characters’ struggle. “They’re both torn between the love they have for each other and doing what they both think is right for the sake of the clan that Colum has to think about, but Ellen too. And Ellen’s torn because her heart belongs to Brian, and then that’s a really tough situation.”
Vlahos echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the weight of duty on Colum’s shoulders.The series explores the arduous choices made in a time of political unrest and the sacrifices demanded by clan leadership.
A Young Murtagh: Unveiling the Past
One of the most exciting aspects of Blood of My Blood is the introduction of a young Murtagh Fitzgibbons fraser, played by Rory Alexander. Fans familiar with duncan Lacroix’s portrayal of the hardened Murtagh in the original Outlander series will be intrigued to see the origins of his stoicism and loyalty.
Roy Alexander shared his excitement about portraying a younger, more carefree version of the iconic character. “Seeing a younger version of murtagh, I think it could be so different from what fans know in Outlander. And then we see him, this young lad who doesn’t have any, you know, tortured soul. He’s very young and happy and easy-going.I think people are really going to enjoy seeing what made him a little hard.”
He highlighted the strong bond between young Murtagh and Brian Fraser, noting their close friendship and frequent time spent together. “He’s played by Rory Alexander, he’s fantastic, and with Brian they’re obviously best pals, they hang out quite a lot so, I’m excited to see this change at first hand, which is very fun.” This dynamic promises a heartwarming and insightful look into the foundations of Murtagh’s unwavering devotion to the Fraser family.
Scotland as a Character: Immersive Filming Locations
The stunning Scottish landscapes aren’t merely a backdrop for Blood of My Blood; they are integral to the story’s atmosphere and authenticity. filmed entirely on location in Scotland, the series captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of 18th-century Highland life.
Both Atkinson and Vlahos spoke passionately about the impact of filming in Scotland. Roy Alexander recalled his initial awe on set.”For me, it was the first time being on a set that big. Actually in episode 1, when Brian and Murtagh appear at a gathering, it was my first time seeing so many supporting artists, incredible costumes all around, horses, cooking stalls… The attention to detail was so incredible, you honestly think all these guys had been pulled out of the stones you know, and you had been transported to this time. I remember thinking ‘Wow! I really don’t have to use my imagination much here,you’re just surrounded by it.’ It was really quite special.”
Atkinson described a particularly memorable experiance filming outdoors in Febuary. “That’s a really good question. Me and Séamus [Reid] had a similar moment, I think it was week 3 and it was our first day outside. We’d been in the studios for the first 2 weeks, filming inside leoch, which is again an incredible set. But getting outside,there was something so special about that. I remember the weather, it wasn’t great, it was so cold, it was windy and it was raining. It was February in Scotland, so brutal.”
Despite the challenging conditions, the actors embraced the elements, finding that the immersive environment