British drama spin-off hailed 'simply mind-blowing' as first episodes land
Outlander's highly anticipated prequel, Blood of My Blood, dropped its first two episodes, and fans are already hooked.
Diana Gabaldon's bestselling historical fantasy series has been adapted into a hugely popular show starring Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan that has released seven seasons with an eighth and final one on the way.
The Starz show is a veritable feast for period fans as we follow our protagonist, Claire is transported from post-Second World War Scotland to the mid-18th century Highlands, where she meets the roguish Jamie Fraser, who captures her heart.
Given the phenomenal success of the original series, a spin-off has finally dropped, exploring the unique and time-traversing love stories of Claire and Jamie's parents.
Blood of My Blood stars Harriet Slater and Jamie Roy as Jamie's parents, Ellen and Brian; and Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine as Claire's parents, Julia and Henry.
The official synopsis for the series describes it as 'a romantic saga that unfolds across time.'
It continues: 'From the battlefields of World War I to the rugged Highlands of 18th-century Scotland, two fated couples must defy the forces that seek to tear them apart, unfolding in surprising and unforeseen ways.
'After 11 years of epic romance on the groundbreaking series Outlander, the timeless tale continues – or rather begins – on the eve of an earlier Jacobite rebellion. A prequel to Outlander, the series explores the lives and relationships of two couples as they fight against all odds to be together.'
The first two episodes have finally dropped on MGM+ in the UK (an additional subscription accessible through Amazon Prime) to lots of praise.
'WOW – The first episode of Outlander: Blood of My Blood was fantastic. I did not expect the ending,' @jbluvsceltic wrote on X.
'The first two episodes .. simply mind blowing. Can't wait for the third,' x_da_lena shared.
'Now THAT is how you do a prequel series! Outlander: Blood of my Blood is FANTASTIC. It's a perfect balance of new and old. And this casting?? ARE YOU SERIOUS?? 10/10, no notes,' @thattugglife noted.
'It's definitely as good as its predecessor and I'm falling in love with this cast,' Lenora V echoed over on Rotten Tomatoes.
'It's so good I'm already addicted to it can't wait for next week's episode,' Sidny P agreed.
The show has already secured an impressive 92% score from critics as well.
'The first six episodes and the four main characters, especially, easily answer the question of whether we needed this show at all with a big, bold yes,' TV Guide wrote in their review.
'The series more than stands on its own tartan-clad feet, striking a near-perfect balance between the old and the new,' Paste magazine shared.
'Lush, complex, beautifully shot and structured, this prequel is a thrilling addition to a franchise that has enraptured audiences from the beginning,' Variety declared.
In an interview with The Sunday Post, lead star Harriet admitted that she had 'never seen' Outlander but was 'aware it was a huge show'. More Trending
She continued: 'When I got the tape for my very first audition, I started watching it and it probably took me until midway through shooting season one to finish it – it's a long show.
'I especially found it helpful whenever there was a reference to my character in the series. I took that as a little nugget of information and found it really useful. It just helped me immerse myself even further in the world.
'Now I've seen the whole thing, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in season eight with the rest of the fans.'
View More »
The first two episodes of Outlander: Blood of My Blood are available to watch on MGM+ through Amazon Prime now. Episode three comes out Saturday, August 16.
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