Outlander: Blood of My Blood stars explain reasoning behind characters' "painful" season 2 decision

*Warning: This article contains spoilers for Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 2 episode 1.*

Oh, the course of true love never did run smooth but Brian (Jamie Roy) and Ellen (Harriet Slater) are certainly giving that saying a run for its money in the new season of Outlander: Blood of My Blood.

The last we saw of them, they were on the brink of running away together, blood oath and all. But with the fiery crosses being lit across the Highlands, signalling the start of the Jacobite uprising, there are clearly other things to now also consider.

It's a decision we see them wrestle with in the season 2 premiere, coming at it from different points of view but ultimately, they know that if they are to be together then they have to exercise a little more patience.

But how does Brian reckon with his sense of loyalty and devotion to both his clan and Laird, but also to Ellen? Posing that exact question to Roy in an exclusive chat with Radio Times, the actor shared: "He's a smart guy but when it comes to Ellen, so much of his emotions can get in the way of his kind of logical thinking. And so, when he says that to Ellen right at the start of episode one of season two, I think he means it.

"But Ellen kind of talks sense into him, and even though it pains them so much to have to let her go again, he trusts her to make that decision - and that's for the best."

Roy continues: "I think that kind of continues on, like Harriet was saying, this team dynamic between them. He puts a lot of faith and trust into Ellen as an independent woman, which I think is great because in a time where men were making all the decisions, it's nice to see that he allows Ellen to make those decisions and gives her the power. So it's a nice give and take between them."

Read more:

• Outlander: Blood of My Blood cast tease "explosive" season 2: "It’s life and death but on an even bigger scale"
• Outlander: Blood of My Blood star teases season 2 arc: "She's lost a bit of hope"

Similarly, talking about Ellen's thought process around their decision, Slater explained: "Yeah, I think she realises that if they run from the Mackenzie men that they know are following them, they will be running for the rest of their lives – and that's not a life that either of them want to live.

"She also knows that if Brian doesn't answer the call to arms, it's the death penalty for him. So they really would have to hide forever or leave the country and never come back. Neither of them wants that."

Slater added: "So as much as it pains her to let go of him. As Jamie was saying, I think she knows that ultimately it's for the better. She also has a plan up her sleeve, as Ellen often does. She has a plan that will protect both Brian and the clan as a whole."

With this decision only kicking off the season, we'll just have to wait and see how the couple navigates the Jacobite uprising, their love for one another and expected tensions to come – we cannot wait.

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Outlander: Blood of My Blood season 2 will be available to watch on MGM+ from Saturday 19 September. Season 1 is available to stream on MGM+.

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Authors

Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.