Under the Vines

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.