A Preview of ‘Under the Vines’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Often times, stories that revolve around starting over in life… are a bit bleak in nature and it does make sense as to why. After all, we tend to associate the fresh start with a catastrophic, life changing event. The kind that involved suffering through great loss or shocking moments that forced us to change course and try something new. Not to mention, starting over can be extremely difficult and upsetting and putting all of that in display in a story, provides the reader or the viewer with a powerful journey. One that will hopefully give them strength and guidance if they ever find themselves in a similar scenario.
​
But while that does indeed make for engaging and engrossing entertainment, it isn’t a perfectly accurate picture of what starting over in life looks like. Because sometimes, the opportunity to do so, presents itself to us in the simplest ways imaginable and sometimes, embracing it can in fact be quite the hopeful and inspiring venture. One that genuinely motivates us to dive in and give this second shot all we’ve got because it has truly awakened something special within us and it just so happens that Acorn TV will soon be host to a series, that works to break the morose mold that starting over related stories have forged, and we here at Nerds That Geek had the opportunity to watch Under the Vines early, and thought it would be nice to preview this new series in a spoiler-free manner.

Because there are a lot of wonderful moments and elements that discussing early would ruin for you the viewer. But what we can tell you, is that it does deliver on its biggest promise. In that, this really is a series that serves as the anthesis to the sour second chance. Because the fresh start that Daisy Munroe and Louis Oakley are given in this tale, wherein they can take over their late father/stepfather’s vinery and forge a new path in life… is handled in a beautiful manner. Wherein both Daisy and Louis come to life when they realize there is a wonderful opportunity in front of them here, one where they can finally find the fulfillment they’ve always craved and genuinely create something special and wonderful and feel utterly alive in doing so.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this journey is handled in a light-hearted and joyous manner. For this is a comedy as well and the jokes stick and work wonderfully. In fact, this writer found himself laughing heartily aloud on several occasions by way of the wonderful comedic timing that Rebecca Gibney (Daisy) and Charles Edwards (Louis) bring to the table and speaking of Rebecca and Charles, they are precisely what makes this series work so well. For their on-screen chemistry is electric and their vast talent allows for them to sell the frustrations that both Daisy and Louis experience early on in this journey in a manner that makes this story painfully relatable at times.

Because we’ve either been in their shoes or will be and being able to connect with the characters on such a fundamental level draws you into the story like never before. But what truly allows for this series to shine, is its depth. Because Under the Vines deals with some powerful themes at times, in a manner that stays in line with the show’s light-hearted nature. Allowing for the viewer to process such messages and lessons in a palatable and subtle manner and well in the end, all of these elements make this series a must-see for certain. Simply because it is a breath of fresh air in an era where storytelling thrives within dark and gritty and concepts and the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait that much longer to partake in this delightful story. For the first two episodes of Under the Vines will be available to stream on Acorn TV on Monday, December 6, 2021, and we here at Nerds That Geek genuinely hope you check out this uplifting and compelling series about the wonder of the second chance.

To learn more about this new series, check out our interview with ‘Under the Vines’ star, Rebecca Gibney, here.

---