‘Good Grief’ Recap: ‘Hearth and Home’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘Good Grief’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we are working to put our lives back together or move forward in a new venture, we struggle with knowing exactly what kind of progress we are making in our endeavors, and understandably so. After all, we have our eyes on the prize and are only worried about achieving those goals. So, it can be easy to miss the fact that we are making progress and that we are moving forward and getting closer to obtaining what we want and believe it or not… there are ways that we can recognize our progress. Some of which were put on full display in the season two finale of Good Grief on Sundance Now. In fact, ‘Hearth and Home’ took the time to explore three specific ways that we can measure said progress.
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For instance, sometimes it just makes itself apparent to us, through our actions and the response to those actions. Something that was explored by way of Gwen in this tale. Because she continued to work toward being a better daughter and person all around, to the point where she let Ellie know she was going to buckle down and do her best to get out on her own, and she also took the time to properly apologize to Stu. Allowing for peace to come into her family life at last and well, it was Stu’s all out acceptance of her apology and the positive response she received to trying to get her life together that informed her, and us, that progress was being made. 

As for the second way that we can discover we are on the right path, well that can come forth when we find ourselves supported on our journey. Since that means others believe in who we are and what we are doing. Which was handled by Dean in this tale. Because all season long, he’s wanted to feel like a man that inspires others to do kind and beautiful things, and when he decided to put the world on his shoulders since his father passed away, he saw that support come into play. Because he stumbled hard when emotion took over, but Gwen was there to stand by him and everyone else was there for him as well. Making it clear that he was indeed the inspiration he wanted to be, since everyone was eager to exercise kindness.

Not to mention… sometimes we come to learn what kind of progress we are making, in the most direct manner… through people just plain pointing it out. Since everyone came to learn at dinner, that their work was well-regarded amongst the community. Since they received a thank you from a former client and a free dish as well, and there’s no more direct way to understand that you’re on the right path and that your actions are paying off in spades and well, all of these elements truly made it seem as though this season was going to end on a supremely high note. With everyone looking toward their better tomorrow with hope and confidence and joy. 

But alas, the universe can be a bear regarding that… and continue to push us on our journey, as evidenced by how this story ended. Since the closing seconds of this tale saw the Loving Tributes Funeral Home burning brightly in the middle of the day. Making it clear that in many ways, it is back to square one for Gwen and Ellie, and Dean and their good friends and that should make for a powerful third season of storytelling and we certainly hope this show gets that third season order. Because it really is just a unique and beautiful series, one that offers great laughs and thoughtful moments and of course, we also want a third season… to learn what comes next for these sisters with their funeral home in dire straits.

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