Outlander: Blood of My Blood continues to expand the franchise’s universe by introducing characters connected to familiar faces from the original series. In Season 2, Episode 5, titled “Forgive Me, Father,” viewers meet Lord Gerard Grey (Digby Edgley), a character whose arrival brings a beloved Outlander family into the prequel’s storyline.
Warning: Spoilers for Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 2, Episode 5 follow.
With the Jacobite rising of 1715 underway, the episode places the MacKenzies in conflict with loyalists, including the Grants, who fight alongside the redcoats. Lord Gerard Grey is among the soldiers present when the battle ends. As Henry (Jeremy Irvine) takes a moment to regroup, the redcoat approaches and introduces himself, setting up a connection that longtime fans of the franchise may recognize.
Although Lord Gerard Grey has not appeared or been mentioned in the original Outlander series, readers of Diana Gabaldon’s books will already be familiar with his significance. His introduction raises questions about how the prequel will connect his story to the characters and events audiences already know.
Who Is Lord Gerard Grey in ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’?
Lord Gerard Grey is the father of Lord John Grey, played by David Berry in the original Outlander series. He also holds the title of Earl of Melton.
However, fans should not expect to see Lord John himself in the prequel just yet. The character is not born until 1729, placing his birth well after the events currently unfolding in Blood of My Blood.
Introducing his father allows the series to explore the Grey family’s history without relying on time travel to bring Lord John into the story. It also creates an opportunity to expand the background of one of the original show’s most beloved characters.
How Does Lord Gerard Grey Fit Into the Story?
In Diana Gabaldon’s books, Lord Gerard Grey is established as having fought during the Jacobite rising of 1715. His appearance in the prequel therefore fits the historical setting of Season 2.
What remains uncertain is how his role will develop alongside Henry’s storyline. Henry and Julia (Hermione Corfield) are believed to have died by the time their daughter, Claire (Caitríona Balfe), was five years old. That raises questions about how the events of Blood of My Blood will unfold and what Lord Gerard Grey’s involvement could mean for the characters at the center of the prequel.
For now, his introduction establishes a connection to the wider Outlander universe, but the full significance of that connection remains to be seen.
Will Lord Gerard Grey Become a Villain?
Throughout the original Outlander series, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) faced a formidable enemy in Black Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies), a character whose cruelty helped shape the show’s portrayal of British redcoats. Lord John Grey’s eventual introduction offered a very different perspective, making it clear that not every British officer was an enemy.
Lord Gerard Grey now raises a similar question. Could he become an adversary for Brian (Jamie Roy), Dougal (Sam Retford), and the other Jacobites, or will he prove to be an ally?
It would be difficult to assume that the father of someone as good-hearted as Lord John must be evil. At this stage, Lord Gerard Grey appears to be on friendly terms with Henry, which could prove useful as Henry continues trying to protect Brian. During the battlefield confrontation, Henry did not raise his weapon against him, leaving room for their relationship to develop further.
Whether Lord Gerard Grey ultimately becomes a friend or a foe remains unclear. His introduction, however, gives Blood of My Blood another way to deepen the connections between its characters and the original series.
As Season 2 continues, viewers will have to wait to see how the character’s story unfolds and whether his presence will significantly affect Henry, Brian, and the other Jacobites.
Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season 2 airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Starz.