Return to Gilead

Ryan and Michael’s discussion of Tom Richter’s journey of healing reaches its true conclusion in Part 5 of the continuation of the Secrets of Grace. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver Music post-production: Israel Ownbey and Micah Touchet Cover artwork: Allie Barrett and Bethany Burnett Return to Gilea...

Tom Richter reaches a turning point in episodes 90 and 91 (7-6 and 7-7) of Beyond Gilead, “Unfinished Business, Parts 1 and 2,” and Michael and Ryan are ready to review Part 4 in the new finale of the Secrets of Grace. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver Music post-production: Israel Ownbey and Micah To...

Three weekends in and the Return to Gilead Sunday Special is still going strong! Continuing from last week, Michael and Ryan have some theories and critiques about the next episode in Keys for Kids’ Red Rock Mysteries, episode 2, “Haunted Waters, Part 2.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver Cover artwor...

This bonus episode includes a conversation between Michael and Ryan that was too long to fit into the last review, discussing an odd quirk in a scene from “Closer Than a Sister.” Michael breaks down an even deeper reason why the misunderstanding plot is rather weak, while Ryan uses that reason to jump into a larger discussion of the real source of conflict in the episode... that is completely unad...

What happened to Michael Morrison? Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock are asking that question in this review of episode 89 (7-5) of Beyond Gilead, “Closer Than a Sister.” The two hosts look at the miscommunication plot, Mikey’s disregarded emotions, and whether this episode was actually about jealousy in this shortened critical analysis of Lori Twichell’s fourth episode. Plus, Michael brings some u...

With John Fornof’s second episode of Gilead comes high drama, heavy stakes, and huge emotional development for Luke Taylor... and a praiseworthy episode for Ryan and Michael to review: episode 88 (7-4) of Beyond Gilead, “Why, God?” Up for discussion in this glowing review are some massive version differences, great sound design, references back to Season 5, and a thematic plot that possibly surpas...

As Brooke’s journey to Peru continues, so does Michael and Ryan’s review of Lori Twichell’s writing in episode 87 (7-3) of Beyond Gilead, “Go Ye Into All the World, Part 2.” In a similar vein as last review, Ryan brings out how this episode’s structure around inactive scenes and long prayers is a detriment to the plot, while Michael explains how the prayer scenes’ music adds to the emotional core...

Welcome to the second edition of the Return to Gilead Sunday Special! This week, Ryan and Michael are continuing their review series of Keys for Kids’ Red Rock Mysteries, with episode 1, “Haunted Waters, Part 1.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver Cover artwork: Bethany Burnett The Return to Gilead Sun...

Lori Twichell’s second episode is up for discussion as Ryan and Michael jump into a review of episode 86 (7-2) of Beyond Gilead, “Go Ye Into All the World, Part 1.” Michael’s extra positivity continues, but the two hosts find meaningful critiques of this episode’s inactive and expositional plot, questions about Timmy’s and Haley’s unprovoked responses, praise for Laurie Krieg’s beautiful acting, a...

IT’S THE SOCK EPISODE!! As Michael and Ryan move fully into Beyond Gilead territory, the two hosts kick off the Season 7 review series with episode 85 (7-1): “Whatever You Do.” The Mighty Socks, a huge voice change, aimless inner monologue, lapsing creativity, and misleading hooks all factor in to Ryan’s criticisms of this episode... but Michael has a different take. Our site: https://returntogile...

The time is finally here to review Lori Twichell’s first episode of Gilead, 84 (S-10): “O Little Town of Coleraine.” Austin Peachey again joins Ryan and Michael to engage in a little well-natured debating over the merits of this soft season premiere. While all three hosts appreciate the much-needed respite after the Whitlock trilogy, opinions are mixed on the overall plot, the final scene’s twist,...

It’s the Return to Gilead Sunday Special! This week, Michael and Ryan will be reviewing episode 0 of Keys for Kids’ Red Rock Mysteries, “From Down Gilead Lane to Red Rock Mysteries.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com Download “From Down Gilead Lane to Red Rock Mysteries”: https://shop. KeysForKids.org Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver...

In this second part of Michael and Ryan’s bonus review of “Reuben Get Your Gun,” the reviewers attempt to take a more evenhanded look at the two-parter, exploring ways that, with a little reworking, might have made W. Mark Whitlock’s Joseph parallel really good. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver Music...

The “lost” episodes of Gilead continue with the first in a bonus two-part review of 7-2a and 7-3a, “Reuben Get Your Gun,” by W. Mark Whitlock. Ryan and Michael delve into questions we’ve always wanted to know, such as: What is the Valkyrie file? What stereotypes a hacker? Does the FBI call you to threaten seizure? Who are the Pythons? What are Vinnie and Morrie’s (or, for that matter, the Colerain...

As Michael and Ryan begin the transition from Down Gilead Lane to Beyond Gilead, Return to Gilead picks back up with a review of the first “lost” episode, 7-1a, “A Morrison by Any Other Name,” by W. Mark Whitlock. In this bonus extended review, the two avid fans of Beth Culp explain all the reasons why this episode is unreleased... and whether it deserves to be. Our site: https://returntogilead.co...

Return to Gilead will resume on Monday, October 24 with episode 7-1a of Beyond Gilead, “A Morrison by Any Other Name.” Our site: https://returntogilead.com

Return to Gilead presents a review of episode 83 (6-12) of Down Gilead Lane, “Blessed Are They,” as well as a look back at the entire series as created, written, and directed by Beth Culp. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Return to Gilead is a review podcast based on episodes, logos and artwork, and music produced for and with permission from Keys for Kids Ministries.

As the review of the original series of Down Gilead Lane draws to a close, Return to Gilead welcomes Simon Guevara, the second executive producer, to the podcast for a special interview! Simon shares how he came to work for CBH Ministries, his involvement in the development of Seasons 4 through 6, a different focus he and Beth Culp brought to Caleb Richter’s arc, and memories of intermittently tak...

We’re approaching the end of Season 6, and Caleb has at least one more lesson to learn. In this review of episode 82 (6-11) of Down Gilead Lane, “Pick Your Battles,” Ryan and Michael highlight Beth Culp’s excellent message of the struggles we face even after coming to faith in Christ. Along the way, they bring up how Caleb has changed from earlier in the season and in the series, Caleb’s reflectio...

For Caleb Richter, everything has led to this.... In this review of episode 81 (6-10) of Down Gilead Lane, “The Price of Peace,” Michael and Ryan take a look at Caleb’s low point, the people who help him out of it, and the Person he turns to for hope. Additional topics discussed include the rivalry between Vincent and Michael Morrison, a debatably cut scene, and Tiffany’s fallout from the previous...

More drama comes to Coleraine, and Michael and Ryan are ready to defend the narcs (not really) in this review of episode 80 (6-9) of Down Gilead Lane, “Fair Warning.” Before our intrepid hosts spend years upon years coming up with a better title, they talk about this episode’s connection to the Secrets of Grace, Tiffany’s rapid downward spiral, possible chemistry between Brooke and Anthony, and Mr...

Caleb is missing, but the story doesn’t stop! Ryan and Michael’s review series of Season 6 of Down Gilead Lane continues with a Haley-centered episode, 79 (6-8): “No Good Thing.” Topics covered on this review include Haley’s dramatic irony, Tiffany’s tragedy, Maya’s friendship, John’s superiority to Nicolae Carpathia, and... Richter racism...? Plus, some feedback from Emily and Jeremy! Our site: h...

It’s a perfect pun and a great episode on Michael and Ryan’s review of episode 78 (6-7) of Down Gilead Lane, “Split Decision”! While Caleb is split between making a new path for himself and following his old life, there’s much to be said about Caleb’s thought process, an arc redone, an ideal scene, a suspenseful ending, and (of course) Tiffany being terrible. Our site: https://returntogilead.com C...

As Ryan and Michael’s review of “Hometown Heroes” continues with its second part, the discussion shifts to some smaller issues from this sportsbally two-parter, including a few unintelligible references to teachers’ names, how Mikey and Anthony both spur Caleb on for good, giving glory to God in the culture regardless of success, and a reiteration of Tiffany’s contrasts with Anthony. Our site: htt...

Spoilers for Beyond Gilead... In this bonus clip from the review of “Hometown Heroes,” Ryan and Michael talk about the direction Tiffany Richter takes in the final episodes of Gilead and whether her story could have ended up differently. Our site: https://returntogilead.com Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver Music post-production: Ryan Ma...