In the present day, Ellen watches as MacKinny taunts Colum in front of a crowd of onlookers and rushes to stand by his side. His insecurities get the best of him, and he complains to Ellen that he will never be laird. Ellen forces him to remember that a good laird must possess a business mindset, too. It’s not just brute strength and braun.

By the end of Outlander: Blood of My Blood ’s third episode, one thing is abundantly clear: It’s the women in this story who are the bravest among them. In “School of the Moon,” both Ellen and Julia put into motion plans that come with great risk in order to both protect themselves and their families.

Blood of My Blood males attempt to bat Ellen MacKenzie around as if she were a tiny, ginger kitten in this week’s episode. Oh, you silly boys: This kitten’s got claws — and a mind that’s even sharper.