Blood of My Blood Is Coming Back, And I’m Ready to Go Back to the Highlands
There are certain shows that you watch, and then there are shows that become an event.
You know the ones.
You start thinking about the next episode days before it airs. You have a particular drink you like to make or snack you eat. You know exactly where you’re going to sit. And if someone interrupts you during the first ten minutes, well… they know they’re getting an evil stare.
That is where I am with Outlander: Blood of My Blood.
Season 2 returns to STARZ on September 18, and I am already thinking about my first Friday night back in the Highlands.
And yes, I have a candle planned.
I’m Ready to Go Back
If you watched the first season, you already know why I’m excited.
Blood of My Blood takes us back before Claire and Jamie, following the love stories of their parents (Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser) in 18th-century Scotland, and Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp in the early 20th century. I’ll try my best not to include too much in the way of details because I really don’t want to have any spoilers. In case you haven’t seen season one yet and want to binge before next month.
And somehow, knowing where these families eventually lead makes their stories even more interesting.
Because we know Jamie and Claire.
We know the family they’re going to create.
But we don’t know everything their parents had to go through to get us there.
And isn’t that one of the best things about a prequel?
You know the destination, but you don’t know the road.
Did you watch the first season? I’m rewatching now because yes, I can’t wait for season 2. I will probably plan it out so that I finish season 1 just in time to start season 2. I like to have it all refreshed in my mind. Do you do that too?
And, more importantly, did you get as attached to these characters as I did? Because I definitely did. I won’t say too much but I will say things could have gone differently with Malcolm.
There Is Something About Scotland in the Fall
Maybe it’s the scenery.
Maybe it’s the old stone buildings, the hills, the mist, the horses, the clothing, the music… I loved the festivals from season 1.
Or maybe it’s simply that historical dramas seem to make autumn feel even more like autumn.
Give me a chilly evening, a blanket, something warm to drink, and a story set in the Highlands, and I’m probably exactly where I want to be.
Which brings me to my September 18 plans.
Because I have already decided what candle I’ll be burning.
It honestly feels like it was made for this.
I’m lighting that candle, settling in, and going back to Scotland for the evening. I’m thinking my plaid blue blanket, and maybe spiced cider (which is hot apple cider) for drink. I get mine from Meijer and it’s the Alpine Original Spiced Apple Cider Instant Drink Mix. I don’t do anything extra with this, just follow the instructions. Snack is going to be popcorn with butter and salt. I will be waiting to watch this until the kids are asleep because I expect there will be moments where I don’t want my kids walking in on. This is to be expected with these shows that were books first. Just a heads up.
And now I’m curious—what is your perfect television-night ritual?
Do you have a special candle? A favorite drink? Snacks that mysteriously become dinner because you’re too invested in the show to get up?
Or are you one of those people who can apparently watch television like a normal person?
I don’t know that life. I like to get emersed into shows that I love.
What I Want From Season 2
I don’t necessarily need Season 2 to answer every question.
In fact, I think I’d rather have a few questions.
I want complicated relationships. I want family drama. I want beautiful scenery. I want characters making decisions that have me talking to the television.
You know what I mean.
“Don’t do it.”
“Why would you tell him that?”
“Oh, this is going to end badly.”
And then, inevitably:
“Well, now I have to watch the next episode.”
That’s the kind of television I enjoy. And actually, I can sit and quietly enjoy a movie in peace, no talking, shh, don’t interrupt, talk, pause or turn on the light. But that’s for movies. Some shows I just get involved and this is one of them.
And there’s something especially interesting about watching Ellen and Brian’s story when we already know the family that comes from it.
Their choices aren’t happening in isolation.
We know that somewhere down the road, their family history will eventually connect to one of television’s most beloved love stories.
So I’m watching their story with all of that sitting quietly in the back of my mind.
What about you?
If you’ve watched Outlander, does knowing Jamie and Claire’s story make Blood of My Blood more interesting for you, or would you rather watch it as its own story?
And Maybe This Is the Perfect Time for a Letter
There is another part of my September evening that I’ve been thinking about.
Letters.
Specifically, Letters from Scented Mood.
Because what I love about a show like this isn’t just the story itself. It’s the feeling around it.
The anticipation.
The little rituals.
The things we look forward to.
And that is really what the letters are about too.
Every month, I send out an actual letter through the mail, a little piece of conversation that arrives in your mailbox instead of your inbox.
There are things tucked inside. A story. A little inspiration. Something to make you smile. Something to drink. Something to make. Something to think about.
It is intentionally slower.
And honestly, I think we could use a little more slow.
So if you’re watching Blood of My Blood this season, perhaps we can make September a little more of an occasion.
Light your favorite candle.
Make yourself something warm.
Put your phone down for an hour.
Watch the Highlands.
And somewhere in the middle of all of that, remember that there are other people doing exactly the same thing.
Maybe that’s what I like about both stories and letters.
They remind us that we’re not the only ones sitting quietly in our little corner of the world.
So… Are You Watching?
September 18 is coming.
I’ll be there, candle lit, mood set, ready to return to the Highlands.
And if you’re watching too, I want to know:
Who are you most excited to see?
What are you hoping Season 2 gives us?
Are you a Jamie and Claire Outlander fan who came to Blood of My Blood, or did you discover this story on its own?
And finally…
What are you lighting when you watch?
Because I’m going with Hayride in the Highlands.
Of course I am.
And if you’d like a little something to look forward to arriving in your mailbox this fall, come join me for a letter.
I’ll be writing one for you.
Until then, I’ll see you in the Highlands.
