Mr. Bug of Outlander features in the Starz prequel show, Blood of My Blood, though his appearance in the prequel features a younger variant of the character, played by Terence Rae. The show positions him as a bodyguard to Clan Grant, adding new dimensions and context to his appearance and role in the main narrative of Outlander.
The mysterious return of Mr. Bug

The long-term success of Outlander does not revolve around its grand romance and rough historical drama, but the characters who inhabit its world through the ages. No character is as mysterious as Mr. Bug, who was originally a determined enemy but suffered a tragic destiny in the original series of Outlander. The news that Mr. Bug would come back in the new prequel of the franchise, Blood of My Blood, brought excitement and speculation to ardent fans.
Does this familiar name suggest a closer examination of the events that influenced his future decisions? Would the prequel rebrand him in a new light, maybe even redeeming or complicating his legacy?
Promotional teasers by Starz and the recent episode summaries point to the idea that viewers are not to expect just a mere cameo. This Mr. Bug, portrayed by Terence Rae, is the muscle of Isaac Grant, a position that demands both fear and fidelity as the Grants deal with emerging dangers and new alliances.
The scowling nature and frequent quarrels, especially over the part Henry played in clan affairs, make him an important figure in the emerging political drama in the Highlands. Instead of being sidelined, Mr. Bug is placed at the heart of the conflict in the plot, which gives the fans a unique insight into the early years of the character and his motivation.
Details of Mr. Bug’s role in Outlander: Blood of My Blood
The appearance of Mr. Bug in Blood of My Blood is not an unnecessary homage; the show takes its time to develop the character as an important member of the supporting cast of Clan Grant. In his performance, Terence Rae makes Mr. Bug a younger, more physically intimidating version of the old housekeeper depicted in Outlander. As Vulture writes:
“Mr. Bug is Isaac Grant’s muscle and mercenary. What he lacks in actual muscle, he makes up for in scowling. He is not thrilled with Henry’s arrival on the scene.”
Several sources verify that Mr. Bug has a recurring role in Blood of My Blood. In some episodes of the prequel, Mr. Bug is directly involved in clan business, i.e., collection of rent and upholding order in the tenants, and tends to belittle Henry Beauchamp with pointed criticism and strict loyalty to the Grant patriarch.
The antagonistic energy, previously known to viewers of Outlander, is here put into context with the chaotic clan politics of the early 18th century. Episode recaps shed light on Mr. Bug’s interventions: When Henry has trouble with his collection responsibilities, Mr. Bug interferes, threatening terrible consequences and eventually intimidating tenants.
The way Mr. Bug shows up in Blood of My Blood is interesting, especially when you remember how his fate was already sealed back in Outlander with the chaotic brawl over the Jacobite gold, whereby Jamie and Ian teared each other apart. Now, this prequel dives into Mr. Bug’s backstory, and he’s not just some side character you barely cared about.
The writers force you to question all your assumptions. It makes you wonder how all these connections in the Fraser family saga are going to come back around again.