‘Under the Vines’ Recap: ‘Season 2, Episode 4’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Under the Vines’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It’s been a little while since we’ve talked about one of the central themes of the Acorn TV series, Under the Vines, and understandably so. After all, the last few episodes of season one and the opening of season two, have been about the power of growth and accepting our new path. Which would absolutely put explorations about learning to acclimate to your new life and your new setting on the backburner. Since personal growth does matter above anything else in this life. But now that Daisy and Louis are in a bit of a better place mentally and doing their best to continue on the right path, that made the next episode in this wondrous journey… the right time to explore what goes into settling into one’s new home when starting over. 
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A feat that this story accomplished through two key storylines. One of which, involved Louis. Because to date, he’s taken from the community more than he has given back. But alas, since Hilary was losing her eyesight and her harvest and wines… Louis thought now was a good time to step in and help and be part of the community and do something for it for a change. Which mostly went over well, despite his inability to not point out who was struggling since Hilary asked for anonymity on the matter. But he got her enough barrels of fermented wine to save her harvest, and while she wasn’t thrilled about word getting out, and a bit salty on the matter… it was wonderful to see Louis take part in a cardinal rule of adjusting to a new life. Specifically, engage with the community and be part of it and give back.

As for the other storyline regarding this, well that was handled by Daisy’s journey. Because in order to properly start over, we need to lay down roots. Which involves meeting new people and making new friends to have a network beneath us and of course… it doesn’t hurt to settle down either. All of which Daisy worked to do here. Since she joined Marissa’s stuffy book club to build that network, which she was able to do by reading the wrong book. For that exposed the pretentious nature of the book club and that helped her make nice with the rest of the club, since they felt the same way, and of course… she grew closer to Doctor David. In fact, the L word came out of his mouth in this story, and she was even able to meet his daughter Sienna. As to whether or not that love will last, time will tell, since Sienna had some harsh things to say about their love. But the important thing was… Daisy worked to build a life here.  

However, there is of course, a bigger plot building in the background of this story. One involving Tippy’s journey into becoming a master vintner and Marissa and Philippe’s plans to ruin that, and that’s important to discuss here because… it advanced in an ugly way. Because the first batch came to life in this tale after harvest and Philippe’s feedback upon it was pretty nasty to say the least. Sure, he didn’t insult or talk down, but he didn’t have to. He was subtle and rude enough to make it clear to Tippy that he didn’t like it, which was problematic. Since eventually, Daisy and Louis enjoyed a taste of what was… brilliant. But sadly, Tippy was so in her head and so busted by her cousin’s poison palate, that she changed the blend, leaving all of us to wonder… what the wine will become before the big show that awaits.

But while we wait to learn just that, we can celebrate, another amazing chapter in this story. For this story got back to basics regarding starting over and the struggles that go into that and the acts we take part in to achieve the fresh start, and that led to wonderful growth for our lead characters as they used what they learned here to help them in the process. Especially Daisy, since she was more cautious about her feelings and what she wants out of love, and of course… big moments await us on the horizon thanks to a pair of jerks across the way. Which demands that we continue the journey. To see what will become of Oakley Wines’ newest batch, now that the best vintner in the land is second guessing their skill set. Until next time.

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