‘Under the Vines’ Recap: ‘Season 2, Episode 6’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Under the Vines’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Acorn TV series, Under the Vines, it truly seemed as though better times were ahead for the good folks at Oakley. After all, Philippe was finally exposed, by Tippy no less, putting an end to his reign of terror and outright control over Tippy. Plus, it seemed as though Daisy and Louis finally gave into the strong feelings, they have for one another that they have harbored for some time now… setting the stage for a season finale that should have seen everyone embrace their future and their true north and settle into the next stages of their lives no problem. However, you will note that the word ‘should’ was used in that sentence and with good reason.
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Simply because… that’s not exactly how the season two finale of the show played out. Because the finale episode of year two was a story… that opted to remind us that wonderful moments don’t always immediately lead to happy endings and smooth sailing. Ad evidenced by how… Tippy’s confidence continued to slide in this story. Because despite standing up for herself, she was still concerned about her palate and the Broken Barre blend… so she quit. For she believed that was that and Philippe had won. Which forced Louis and Daisy to taste it and its wonder, and reach out to Tippy to rebuild her confidence and her love of making wine, and in order to hammer home that her palate was indeed correct, as were her instincts, Louis even had Philippe come down and taste the blend and be honest for a change. Which finally allowed for Tippy to try again at what she does best.

Which was a fine way to point out how one good day doesn’t equate to a perfect future, and that was hammered home further by Louis and Daisy’s journey in this tale. Because despite finally opening up to one another in a classy and non-sexual manner on that fateful night, and finally filling in the blanks regarding what was said, they never once expressed their true feelings and went in vastly different directions instead. Louis for instance decided that declaring his love for Daisy with a beautiful showing of it involving the rocket that he spent so long building with his son, and her for that matter would do the trick. Whereas she opted to return to Doctor David and explore that further and lean into the love-bombing he offered her by agreeing to marry him. Putting this duo on a unique path in the future, one where Louis shot his shot and endured heartbreak and where Daisy took the safe route. All serving to remind us… that joyous moments of connection mean nothing without direct line communication. For had that taken place instead of all the pussyfooting that happened here, who knows where this would have gone.

If anything, the only flawlessly happy plot thread in this tale came forth from Gus and Griff. Who decided that a couple’s trip to Los Angeles was the only way to live and grow their relationship, and oddly… that came about through direct communication and time and openness. Perhaps further reinforcing the importance of being open with those we love. But alas, that little moment of joy was grossly overshadowed by the other big surprise in this tale. In that, a man came calling at the end of this story, one that knew Stanley and seemingly wanted to pay his respects. But alas, there was more to him than met the eye, since he announced loudly… that he owned half the vineyard, winning his share in a poker match ages ago with Stanley. Setting the world on fire for this team since once again, complications have arisen in truly grabbing hold of their second chance and that is… a brilliant way to end this season.

Since it served to remind us… that there is no quick rush to the finish line to starting over in life or even in grabbing hold of what we want. There’s doubt, there is indecision and hesitation and sometimes… curveballs still come into play regarding our new path, because that is life. Sweet and frustrating and wondrous life, and how we deal with those moments are more important than how they played out. Because it is the only way we grow and understand what we really want and those struggles also help us to understand just how badly we want that fresh start and how far we will go to have it and well, what an incredible way to set up a third season of the show. Which as of press date, has not been announced, but we here at NTG certainly hope Acorn TV gives it a green light. Since this is that rare story that truly reflects the ups and downs of life and how hard starting over can be and well… it deserves to come to its logical conclusion, one that will undoubtedly be real and raw. Until next time.

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