Henry's bond with this character in Blood of My Blood mirrors Claire's in Outlander

Starz’s Blood of My Blood, the Outlander prequel series, expands Diana Gabaldon’s universe, but it’s the return of OG characters (like Colum, Dougal and Murtagh) that makes it truly iconic. One such iconic character, who helped Claire in many precarious situations, also befriended her father in the spin-off and their journeys mimic one another beautifully. We are talking about Bill Paterson's Ned Gowan, who is played by actor Conor MacNeill in Blood of My Blood.

Ned, the Clan MacKenzie's legal advisor, makes the prequel's narrative even more exciting and his selfless friendship and kindness towards Henry are highly reminiscent of his bond with his daughter.

Ned Gowan's presence in the spin-off show offers a beautiful generational connection between Claire and her father. While Outlander's time-traveling heroine was parted from her father too soon, these small details in the prequel series suggest that she is still connected with her parents decades later. Ned's relationship with Henry mirrors that of Claire's in the parent series and he offers his legal advice, wit and guidance to the father-daughter duo.

More on this in our story.

Exploring Ned Gowan's relationship with Claire in Outlander

Ned Gowan is among the many OG characters featured in Outlander: Blood of My Blood. He is first introduced in Outlander Season 1 'Rent', where Claire accompanied Dougal and his party on the road to collect rents from the Clan MacKenzie people. When Claire was feeling alienated by the MacKenzie men (except Jamie), Ned welcomed her as a friend. He not only matched her love for poetry and intellectual capabilities but Claire felt as if they were 'kindred spirits'. After Jamie, Ned Gowan was the only member of Clan MacKenzie who welcomed Claire as his own.

While Ned was naturally shocked by Claire's knowledge and intellect (as a woman of the 18th century), he did not held it against her like Dougal. Claire confessed that her journey on the road became a bit bearable, thanks to Ned's company. Additionally, it was Ned who advised Dougal to marry Claire to a Scot and change her status from an Englishwoman. It was all thanks to Ned Gowan that Claire married Jamie in Outlander and escaped the clutches of Black Jack Randall.

Later, when Claire was tried for witchcraft in court, Ned proved his friendship and defended her against Colum's wishes. While he could not convince the judges, he bought enough time in court for Jamie's arrival.

Ned Gowan's kindness shines even in Outlander: Blood of My Blood

Outlander: Blood of My Blood features a heartwarming detail by making Ned Gowan into Henry's confidante in the prequel series. Unbeknownst to the time-traveling bladier, Ned's kindness will also be reciprocated towards his daughter decades later. While Ned and Henry are bound together by their professions, Clan MacKenzie's legal advisor continues to remain Claire's father's friend in the spin-off series.

Ned Gowan not only advised Henry about Clan Grant's infamous reputation but also promised to help him find his wife, Julia. He even took his new friend to a br*thel in search of his Englishwoman. Finally, in the Outlander: Blood of My Blood's penultimate episode, Ned again promised to arrange for transportation for Henry, Julia and their newborn baby.

Without any questions asked, Ned has played the role of Henry's confidante and closest ally throughout the spin-off series and he might even become pivotal in Henry's attempted escape and reunion with Julia in the finale.

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