Ellen MacKenzie Defends Castle Leoch in 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' Episode

In the latest episode of "Outlander: Blood of My Blood," titled "Rabbits Don't Swim," Ellen MacKenzie (Harriet Slater) is forced to defend Castle Leoch when it is invaded by James MacKinney and his men. With Dougal leading the MacKenzie and Fraser armies away to fight the British, Colum (Seamus McLean Ross), Ned (Conor MacNeill), and the women are left vulnerable at the castle.

MacKinney arrives, claiming rightful heirship to Clan MacKenzie, and orders the women—Maura (Bobby Rainsbury), Janet (Ailsa Davidson), Letitia (Rebekah Lumsden), Jocasta (Sadhbh Malin), and Mrs. Fitz (Sally Messham)—to be locked up. He intends to kill Colum, but Colum reveals that Castle Leoch legally belongs to Ellen, thwarting MacKinney's immediate plans.

A flashback reveals the origins of Ellen's unconventional nature, stemming from childhood lessons with her father, Jacob (Barry John Kinsella). He advised her to think differently, using the allegory that "When the fox hunts rabbits, he doesna look in the loch," to which young Ellen reasoned, "Because rabbits don't swim."

Employing this philosophy, Ellen, with assistance from Jocasta, manages to kill one of MacKinney's men. She then leads the other women to safety in the chapel. Despite a lack of traditional weapons, Ellen rallies the women to defend their home in a manner reminiscent of "Home Alone."

Meanwhile, MacKinney confronts Colum and Ned in the great hall, intending to force Ellen to sign over the deed or marry him. MacKinney mocks Colum's disability and reveals that Dougal is in danger due to Lord Lovat's betrayal of the Jacobites to the British. Colum, however, warns MacKinney that he will pay for harming Ellen, hinting at a formidable protector.

The MacKenzie women begin to fight back. Ellen uses a trap involving oil and a portcullis, and sickens dogs on attackers. Maura, initially complaining, ultimately remains loyal. Ellen's actions take a tragic turn when Janet is fatally wounded while luring attackers into the chapel. In her dying moments, Janet reveals she is pregnant.

Despite her grief, Ellen continues her defense, using bats in the belfry to incapacitate two more men before slitting their throats. With only MacKinney and his son remaining, Ellen, Jocasta, Mrs. Fitz, and Letitia confront them. When MacKinney takes Maura hostage, Ellen is prepared to kill her to stop him. Colum manages to stab MacKinney in the leg, allowing Maura to escape. Ellen then shoots MacKinney, telling him, "Rabbits do swim," before he dies, and his son flees.

With the immediate threat neutralized, Colum and Ned deliver news of Lord Lovat's treachery, putting Dougal and Brian at risk. Ellen and Maura reach a truce, and Ellen, accompanied by her servant Grace (Ruby Fubara), sets out to warn her husband. The episode also touches upon Lord Lovat's deceitful actions at home, involving Julia (Hermione Corfield) and Seema (Lauren McQueen), and his manipulation of forces heading into battle.