Diving into the Romantic Sagas of 'Too Much' and ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood'

Netflix's ‘Too Much’ focuses on Jess, an American searching for love and excitement in a new country, but finding an unexpected connection with a scruffy musician. A far cry from the fairytales she dreamt of, this story becomes all the more compelling for its raw, unfiltered reality.

Alternatively, Starz’s ‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’ taps into the desirable fantasies made up of romantic soulmates, scenic landscapes, and time-travel elements. This Diana Gabaldon-inspired saga demonstrates the thrilling allure of a well-executed romantic plot, one that remains devastatingly gripping even after the show ends.

‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’ explores two key love stories, one set in 1714 Scotland with the noblewoman, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser, the illegitimate son of a harsh laird. Despite the societal odds against their union due to their rival families, their instant connection ultimately convinces them to fight for their love. In contrast, the second relationship develops two centuries later between Henry Beauchamp, a desolate World War I soldier, and Julia Moriston, a savvy London clerk. Their romance blossoms through letters, eventually leading to a joyous reunion and marriage.

In both narratives, the showrunner, Matthew B. Roberts, emphasizes the tumultuous present circumstances of these characters, rather than their predetermined future. As a prequel to the original Outlander series, this show captures the captivating charm of its predecessor while exploring new narrative grounds. The series is an unapologetic celebration of romantic love, as demonstrated in both the dramatic, impassioned relationship between Ellen and Brian and the slow, grounded relationship between Julia and Henry.

However, despite its focus on the enthralling love stories, the series also effectively paints the broader universe surrounding these characters. Each set is meticulously designed, each costume intricately made, providing a rich, vivid world that grounds these romantic narratives. It also magnifies the challenges these characters face, adding depth and stakes to their love stories. This immersive storytelling design transforms the series from merely a story to be watched to an experience to be part of, making 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' a truly memorable saga.