‘Keeping Faith’ Recap: ‘Series 3, Episodes 1 & 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers Episodes 301 and 302 of ‘Keeping Faith’.

When we go through some genuinely tough times, the kind that test us and break us, we outright hope for a happily ever after to follow those dark days and understandably so. After all, we went through utter hell, so it only makes sense that we are due the opposite of that. But alas, that kind of ending is rare, especially in everyday life since it ebbs and flows with good times and bad times. Which means that what we went through, simply made us stronger for the next challenge and our true happy moment is being able to handle what life throws our way and it just so happens, that the two-hour series 3 premiere of Keeping Faith on AcornTV, takes the time to remind us of the back and forth that accompanies what comes next… when we’ve survived quite the personal disaster.
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For when we catch up with Faith Howells here, she’s going through some stuff. Such as having to deal with her soon-to-be ex-husband. Because now that Evan has landed back on his feet… thanks to an assist from his father, he’s eager to get more time with his kids and deep down, he wants to reconcile with Faith and that leads to a lot of conflict in this opener. The kind that sees Faith have to remind Evan of his place in their relationship, something that doesn’t sit well with him. Since he really does believe he can just waltz back into family life and enjoy quality time with Faith, as though nothing has happened. And to complicate matters further… he’s still keen on doing shady things to get what he wants, since he snoops on Faith often in this tale in the hopes of garnering the upper hand. 

But there was mention that both sides of the proverbial coin were on display in this tale, and that was accomplished by having the series show us… all the wonderful things that Faith has accomplished since the harrowing series 2 finale. For she left Howells to start her own law firm with Cerys and they’re having magnificent success, to the point where they are taking on some big cases and some morally important ones as well. Such as one that revolves around the fate of a young man and his health, and well, it is quite wonderful to see that Faith is betting on herself these days and that such a gambit is paying off. And also, that she’s still got her wonderful moral core after everything she’s been through, since that is one of the biggest reasons that fans love her and this particular show.

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However, while it was wonderful to once again catch up with Faith and her friends and family, and be plunged into this world once more, what would this series be without a little crime related drama? And well, that came about by way of the introduction of a mysterious woman named Rose. For she was quick to step in and ask the always eager to please Steve Baldini, to help her collect on some debts of Gael Reardon’s. Which in turn brought about all kinds of trouble for Steve, and left the viewer believing that perhaps Rose was going to come after Faith for debts unpaid as well, since her arrangement with Gael ended in a sour manner when Ms. Reardon had to vacate the country quickly after committing just a touch of murder.
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But as it turns out, that was merely the gateway to quite the surprise. In that, Rose is actually Faith’s biological mother, and she is clearly suffering from some kind of awful and life-threatening ailment and her return here… revolves around her desire to make amends before she dies. An act that will be easier said than done, since Faith is not happy to see her in the slightest in this tale, and she’s eager to do whatever it takes to keep Rose away from her kids and her family… regardless of the situation and well, this adds another fascinating analysis to a series that is already loaded with phenomenal commentary on the troubles we face in life. In that, clearly this whole mess is going to teach Faith and us, of the importance of facing one’s past and how confronting it can bring us a unique peace.

If anything, this was quite the solid premiere when all is said and done. Simply because it really did set the stage for one epic and final series, one that will apparently wrap up every last loose end both storytelling wise and character wise. Since facing the past and the mother that hurt Faith deeply, is a perfect way to close the books on Faith's incredible saga, since it would signify complete growth and control over a life that has been sometimes filled with chaos. And it will be quite incredible to see how Faith stands up to her greatest challenge yet, and what will become of her friends and her enemies as we barrel toward the conclusion of one powerful and moving saga. One that has done an incredible job of reminding us that life can be pure chaos… and how we respond to that, is what truly defines us. Until next time.

‘Keeping Faith’ is available to stream right now on AcornTV.

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