‘The Way Home’ Recap: ‘Somewhere Only We Know’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Chyler Leigh, Sadie Laflamme-Snow, and Andie McDowell as Katherine ‘Kat’ Landry Dhawan, Alice ‘Ali’ Dhawan, and Delilah ‘Del’ Landry in Episode 207 of ‘The Way Home’ – ‘Somewhere Only We Know’. (Photo Courtesy of Peter Stranks/Hallmark Media.) ©2024 Hallmark Media.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘The Way Home’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that when we settle in to watch a story about healing or processing grief and trauma, that we are quite curious as to what the story is going to present us with from a lesson standpoint. Simply because, we know in our core that the process of grief cannot be compartmentalized or narrow focused. It’s complex and requires so much work and we need to see a bigger picture instead a story that looks at one step. Which is likely why we more so seek out stories in this vein, that do offer that global look, and that is why the Hallmark Channel series, The Way Home is of note. For this is indeed that rare story that explores the entire healing process when we are struggling to overcome grief.

Which is why it has spent a fair chunk of season two showcasing the pratfalls and problems that come forth from not dealing with our grief, to show us the next steps and how we begin to escape such problems. Which was indeed a focus of this week’s tale… after of course… offering up some fine love stories and surprises. Since ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ took the time to have Del establish some boundaries in her new potential romance and where Alice, finally had that all-important first kiss with her own new beau, who also helped her begin to solve the grand mystery of 2007. Which set the stage for a new juicy plot point involving Elliot to be dealt with down the line, who also spent a lot of time here, catching up with Nick, who returned to this story, all-grown up.

But truly, the centerpiece here was the grief that Kat continues to struggle with in this story, and well… she fell further from grace here. Because the Mayor was livid over the poor quality of the paper and Del was upset over having to cover for her, and of course… Kat felt no need to be held to account over this. Because she truly believed all that mattered in the moment was Jacob and his health and being by his side. To which there was merit, but this was nothing more than an extension of last week’s exploration. Of how not dealing with our pain can create major problems and put us on a destructive path and that was important to showcase and revisit so the series could explore a key element in the healing process.

Specifically, how do we break that cycle of self-destructiveness and start to heal and move forward? Which the show correctly pointed out, that we need some sort of epiphany or rock-bottom moment if you will. Where we see the damage, our grief is causing both externally and internally, so we can change course and well, Kat finally had that happen here. Since she had to finally face the possibility that a badly wounded Jacob might die and that she might not get to fulfill her wishes of spending time with him. Which brought about a rock-bottom moment that was relatable and powerful and allowed for the course change to come forth via Thomas. Who helped her realize a key truth we need to heal. In that, we have little control in this life and only have the moment really, and to embrace that since we don’t know what is coming.

Which helped Kat cope with the reality that she might lose Jacob, and well… in many ways she already did. But what mattered most here, was that at last, we saw the moment, where each of us must come to understand Thomas’ advice through our own journey or through someone that supports us. Because only then do we realize how precious life is, and how we must treasure the moments we have and honor those who go before us, so that we can live life to the fullest and grieve in a manner that is constructive instead of destructive. Granted, Kat might get a different shot at that based upon how this ended, but the core message is there, and this was a turning point for Kat, and a reminder that this show really is going to showcase the process of healing in stunning detail. Until next time.

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