Under the Vines

I was unsure at first but as the episodes moved along, this series really grew on me. It has heart and is very endearing. I enjoyed all of the characters. I think a second series will be great. I do hope the two main characters do not get together romantically. I think they would make better friends. I watched this marathon style and enjoyed it to bits!

This is a cute show with some laugh out loud moments. Easy to watch. I'll definitely watch the upcoming season. I give it an eight for some of the shoehorned topics. A good cast of characters.

This review is through episode 4 of season 3. I will update the review as needed based on future episodes.

Edit (9/15/24): Episode 5 of Season 3 was particularly bad.

What I like: 1) The premise and setting. Both provide opportunities for unique and compelling storylines. The premise in particular feels very fresh.

2) The cast, in particular the interactions between the four main cast members. The couple running the rival winery is also quite compelling. A show primarily focusing on these dynamics and conflicts would have been enough, in my opinion.

3) Storylines focusing specifically on the six aforementioned characters. Seasons 1 and 2 do this pretty well. Season 3? Much less so.

What I don't like: 1) The overemphasis on the many, many romantic storylines. The writers lean way too heavily into this. And (perhaps intentionally) there's never any resolution to any of these quite tedious subplots.

2) Many of the secondary characters. They start out quirky and sparingly used (which is good), and slowly gain more screentime. They become less quirky and fun. Instead they become somewhat boring.

3) The primary storyline of Season 3 (no spoilers). I get what they are trying to accomplish, but honestly it's just not fun. Nor are the b-plots for this season. A show which already leans heavily on emotion and sentimentality decided to double down.

The first episode just introduces the characters of a rundown vineyard and it's new owners. As the series progresses it begins to show how the two main characters, Daisy and Louis, begin new friendships with people who are strikingly different than themselves. Gone are their days of pretenses and privilege, now they must finally "grow up" and along the way find out what really matters in life. If your looking for a fun little show with heart set in beautiful rural New Zealand this is it.

Not really a comedy, but very engaging with likeable characters, There is easy humour and the two main characters have a good chemistry but there is room to have them find more conflict between them. Love the scenery backdrop and can't wait for another season.

Makes a nice change of pace from heavier fare.