‘Under the Vines’ Recap: ‘Episodes 1 & 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Under the Vines’.
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When we set out into the world as an adult, we are full of optimism and hope and a plan. One that will help us achieve our career goals and help us to make an impact upon this world, so we are fondly remembered and what’s wild about this part of life, is that all of those things go the wayside quickly, once we immerse ourselves into the realities of the world. For we quickly come to learn that chaos is everywhere, and struggles find their way to us and that forces us to adapt and survive and abandon grand plans sometimes. To complicate matters further, sometimes our career goals falter and we are robbed of what we believe to be our purpose in life and when these things happen… we are simply left beside ourselves and haven’t a clue what to do.

Which seems like a bleak way to look at the world and adult life in general, but let’s be honest, those are realities that a great deal of people will deal with somewhere along the line and it is important to point that out. Not to instill fear mind you, but to prepare folks so that they can handle the curveballs that life throws our way, appropriately. Because what matters more when life sows chaos and places us in situations that we aren’t comfortable with, is how we respond to it all. Since that response will determine a great deal when it comes to our future and really, all of this is relevant to our discussion today… since this harsh aspect of everyday life is featured prominently in the new Acorn TV series, Under the Vines.

For the first two episodes of this dynamic series, introduces us to a pair of people that have been dealt quite the sour hand. For Daisy Munroe is a socialite that really hasn’t made an impact upon the world or found direction in life and Louis Oakley… is a man that has seen his dreams dissolve before his eyes. To the point where he’s no longer able to practice law, his first love, and he’s dealing with the painful and embarrassing reality of becoming an internet sensation for prancing about Piccadilly Square, naked and drunk. But the death of Louis’ father and Daisy’s stepfather will put this duo in quite the unique situation. For the late Stanley Oakley has left them his dilapidated and disorganized winery and now… Daisy and Louis must figure out what to do with the facility, and their lives for that matter as well, and that brings about some powerful moments.

For we are privy to a great deal of honesty from these characters. Since Daisy and Louis bare their souls to us over the course of these first two episodes and make it clear that they are at their lowest and frustrated with their lives and where fate has taken them. And that kind of raw honesty catches you off guard since most characters in shows in this vein, are never this vulnerable or this real or relatable. But this series is clearly interested in keeping things honest and real seeing them in this light, immediately allows for the viewer to care about them and their journey deeply, and root for them every step of the way and our reward for sitting through such cutting honesty… are some beautiful moments and genuine growth from these two characters.

Because as these episodes unfold, it becomes clear that Daisy is taking an objective look at her life and the new hand she’s been dealt and that allows for her to realize that this is her moment. That this is the universe handing her the opportunity she’s been waiting for and if she sticks with this, she will indeed accomplish wonders and leave a lasting impact upon this world. Provided of course she can get Louis on her side. For he displays all the fear and terror that comes with life shaking things up, and well, watching him come round to Daisy’s teachings, allows for a beautiful future to be setup for this season. One that will be inspirational in nature as we watch this duo, who know nothing about wine, seize the day and go for it and the message lying beneath this portion of the story is clear.

In that, we cannot fear change and we cannot allow for the swirling chaos of the universe to beat us down. Instead, we need to embrace what it sends our way and learn the lesson it is teaching us. For there is a fair chance that the universe or whatever deity you embrace, shakes things up to let you know you’re on the wrong path and this will put you on the right one and that is a powerful and wonderful message to find within this dramedy. And what allows for said message to stick with us, is the fine acting from Rebecca Gibney (Daisy) and Charles Edwards (Louis). Because their earnest performances and comedic timing, sell every powerful moment through and through and keep us engaged and well, this is a series that you absolutely need to watch when all is said and done. Because it really is a breath of fresh air, and it does lift your spirits and it compels you continue the journey… so one can see what other powerful and uplifting life lessons this series is going to send our way as season one rolls along. Until next time.

To learn more about the show, check out our interview with series star and Executive Producer, Rebecca Gibney. 

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