Return to Gilead

Sometimes, the most seemingly trivial episodes are the ones that spark the most discussion. “The Key to Happiness” ended up doing just that, setting Michael and Ryan off on a debate about “cleaning days”: Are they good in general? How should parents tell their kids about them? Whose priorities take precedence? And should the parents provide incentives for their kids? Hear all these points and more...

A simple Timmy-centered episode may be more than it seems in Ryan and Michael’s review of episode 38 (3-9) of Down Gilead Lane, “The Key to Happiness.” Responsibilities for chores, new child actors, family camaraderie, and references to a larger controversy are all discussed thoroughly in this packed review. Plus, some feedback from Emily and Bob! Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Ho...

Down Gilead Lane is one of the most spiritually deep audio dramas due to Beth Culp’s well-written episodes dealing with mature themes. Today’s episode, 37 (3-8), “Beauty and the Beast Within,” is one of those shows, covering the themes of pornography, lust, and self-image. Michael and Ryan take an extended session to review the ways the Morrison parents broach the issues with their kids, how porno...

The Richters go rogue and Michael and Ryan are ready to find out why in this review of Down Gilead Lane episode 36 (3-7), “Deadlines and Date Books”! The two hosts bring up what Tiffany’s plan actually is and whether it works for the story, Brooke’s storyline and everyone’s reactions to her, and how the theme of the episode ties in well to both subplots. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Cre...

It’s a patriotic review (maybe?) as Ryan and Michael dive into the themes behind episode 35 (3-6) of Down Gilead Lane, “Stars and Gripes.” Among the topics discussed are whether Ryan has his own gripes about this episode, what “non-involvement” means, how and if we should pray for our nation, and solid story structure. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan...

WE STAN TIMMY! Michael and Ryan have a grand ol’ time reviewing episode 34 (3-5) of Down Gilead Lane, “Teed Off.” On the menu today are raspberry squares, popcorn, and brownies... and also how this theme compares to that of “When Push Comes to Love,” Tiffany’s growing hostility, and the right way to make a humorous flashback. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver a...

Caleb Richter makes his debut on the show and Ryan and Michael are here to talk about it in episode 33 (3-4) of Down Gilead Lane, “Second Chances”! The crew discuss contrasts between the Richter kids, Maya’s character development through how she treats her brother, great chemistry between the Taylors, and a tangent on possible foreshadowing of the Great Burger War between Zach and Jacob.

It’s a tough episode up for discussion today as Michael and Ryan continue Season 3 with episode 32 (3-3): “Love Rules.” The podcasting duo discusses how the Morrison parents administer discipline, Roger Mueller’s appropriately reserved emotions, contrasts between Haley’s (not Tiffany’s) and Maya’s perspectives on family, and Michael Morrison’s “mistake” of eating Fruity Puffs. Links: https://linkt...

What are the sounds of the Great Potoo? Find out in this review of episode 31 (3-2) of Down Gilead Lane, “Ruffled Feathers”! Ryan and Michael cover the ways this episode gives to deal with anger, Maya’s renewed agitation with her sister, what “the Kopek fiasco” actually was, the introduction of Janet Grey, and more! Plus, some feedback from Samuel and Jennifer! Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogil...

Things are looking bright at the start of Season 3! Michael and Ryan dive into the season opener, episode 30 (3-1) of Down Gilead Lane, “Power Play.” In this review, the two reviewers discuss the elegance of the theme presented, differences between the Morrisons and Richters with Maya caught in the middle, and questions about the Richters’ “Let’s discuss our evil plan” scene. Plus, a voice message...

Laurie Krieg (née Hekman) joins the hosts of Return to Gilead to relive her memories of playing Brooke Morrison for all twelve seasons of Down Gilead Lane. Laurie shares her experience acting with a dogpile of little kids (including Chris Blair), contrasts between Beth Culp and the other writers and directors, how her lives on and off the show continue to intersect, and much more! Links: https://l...

On Austin Peachey’s third of three guest episodes, the podcasting crew reviews the first Easter special of Down Gilead Lane, episode 29 (S-4): “Dressed for Sacrifice.” Highlighted in this review are the many contrasts between the Morrisons and Richters, whether this or the first special is the better episode, Maya’s first scenes as a Christian, and how the theme of sacrifice is woven throughout th...

Michael and Ryan’s reviews of the special episodes of Down Gilead Lane continue with episode 28 (S-3): “The Girl Who Assumed Too Much.” Is DGL’s second Bible story actually biblical? Do Haley and Naaman really show prejudice? And what does speech and debate have to do with anything? Plus, some time-traveling feedback on the beach from Austin! Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts:...

It’s Christmas in the summer this time on the podcast as Ryan, Michael, and Austin review the second special episode of Down Gilead Lane, 27 (S-2): “From Mary, with Love.” Each reviewer shares his own thoughts on how the story was different but relatable, whether Brooke’s narration was too much, and how Brooke develops emotionally outside the Bible story. Plus, some feedback from Brendon and Samue...

Today, we invite one of the original fans of Down Gilead Lane onto the podcast! Austin Peachey (The AIO Blogcast, Odyssey Geek) joins Michael and Ryan to review the first Thanksgiving special, episode 26 (S-1): “Peas and Thank You.” The three avid hosts discuss the different emotional pulls of the episode, Ben Taylor’s first appearance, and a shared disgust at peas and cheese. Plus, a clip of a re...

For the final part of the Down Gilead Lane Season 2 finale, Hannah Matlock joins again to look back on another set of thought-provoking episodes. Hannah, Ryan, and Michael talk about some of the same themes as in the last two episodes from Hannah’s perspective, along with a discussion of the culmination of Maya Richter’s journey to salvation. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts:...

For this bonus segment, a couple lines from the second part of the Season 2 finale review just couldn’t seem to come out right. So, naturally, they’re here for you to enjoy! Plus, Ryan getting ambushed by another arthropod, and a random discussion about when April Fool’s Day 2023 is. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangeme...

Last time, Ryan and Michael covered the positives of the Down Gilead Lane Season 2 finale. In the second part of the review, we turn to a few negatives: the lack of story and strange messaging of Justin’s plot in “Theories,” and the ongoing question of Grace’s prerogatives in “Connections.” Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music ar...

We’ve reached the finale of Season 2! This podcast starts the first of three parts of a discussion of three episodes of Down Gilead Lane – episode 23 (2-10): “The List,” episode 24 (2-11): “Theories,” and episode 25 (2-12): “Connections.” To start off this long review, Michael and Ryan highlight some of the better moments from the episodes, such as the tasteful introduction of the Richter parents,...

References abound! In this podcast, Michael and Ryan have a blast reviewing episode 22 (2-9) of Down Gilead Lane, “The Giving Spree.” The two co-hosts talk about intersecting and likeable characters and storylines, contrasts between this episode and a show on Odyssey, using the word “superfluous,” and the economics of Grace’s lemonade stand. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: M...

It’s a big episode for Maya Richter this time on Down Gilead Lane, as Ryan and Michael review episode 21 (2-8), “All 4 One.” Aside from the massive character development for a former antagonist, this episode also shows contrasts between the Morrisons and Richter families, a competent incorporation of a real-life ministry, how a heart for service changes people, and still more hints about Grace And...

Things are starting to unravel in Michael and Ryan’s review of episode 20 (2-7) of Down Gilead Lane, “Bo-ring.” In this discussion of a more laid-back episode, the two reviewers bring up Timmy and Michael Morrison’s consistent writing, foreshadowing of the underlying plot, comparisons and contrasts with other episodes, and an unnerving retcon for Mr. Key. Plus, feedback from two surprise listeners...

It’s the halfway point of Season 2! Michael and Ryan discuss the proper introduction of Ms. Kopek in episode 19 (2-6) of Down Gilead Lane, “When Push Comes to Love.” Hannah Matlock comes on again to talk about her experience with abusive managers at work and how the episode’s advice may fall short. Also, Ryan and Michael explore what it means to “turn the other cheek,” the Cinderella parallel, and...

Do you know the best way to cook brussels sprouts? Well, you will after this review of episode 18 (2-5) of Down Gilead Lane, “Whine Not”! Co-hosts Michael and Ryan talk about the first plot that Michael’s lukewarm about, Haley’s internal resolution to her internal conflict, name brands in Coleraine, the tragic disappearance of the storyline of Haley’s bugs, and Freddy Falstaff getting dunked on. L...

On today’s episode, the Freddy Falstaff special extended edition (not really), Ryan and Michael explore the topic of cheating and enabling in episode 17 (2-4) of Down Gilead Lane, “The Cheater.” The two hosts bring up whether Freddy is or isn’t actually a good character, how to write characters who aren’t Christians and how Gilead does it well, Tiffany’s terrible lying, and contrasts between hosts...