Return to Gilead

We’re fixin’ the leafblower! In this review, Michael and Ryan discuss a great thematic study of telling the truth in love in episode 16 (2-3) of Down Gilead Lane, “Truth and Lies.” Among the subjects talked about are how this scenario is perfect for Timmy at his age, great acting from Nathan Hekman, different ways Beth Culp uses Mary Morrison to resolve conflicts, and the interpretations of Grace’...

The story between Brooke and Becca continues, and Michael and Ryan have thoughts on it in the review of episode 15 (2-2) of Down Gilead Lane, “No Strings Attached.” The podcasting pair discusses Becca’s rationale behind her behavior, learning lessons from the younger characters, and how young Brooke and Becca are severely underrated. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael L...

It’s the start of Season 2! Ryan and Michael kick off the beginning of a new season with a review of episode 14 (2-1): “Pride Comes Before the Fall Festival.” Besides a clever segway from the previous season, discussion is sparked on the introduction of Rebecca Taylor and her history with Brooke, John’s surprising lesson that he learns from Haley, and the “other side of the desert” humor. Plus, an...

For the first interview on Return to Gilead, executive producer Randy Hekman joins Michael and Ryan to talk about the early days of Down Gilead Lane. Randy shares about the origins of the show, how he found the original writers, actors, and crew, and the process of making a God-centered family drama filled with meaningful themes. Links (and buy Randy’s book!): https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Cred...

Hannah Matlock (wife of Ryan) joins the crew of Return to Gilead for the final part of the review of the last three episodes in Down Gilead Lane Season 1. Hannah, Michael, and Ryan discuss Hannah’s history with the show, her thoughts on Grace’s secrets, how cooperative cleaning breeds controversy, and the grace given and received by the Morrisons in this finale. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogi...

The discussion takes a sudden turn to a deep debate in the second part of Michael and Ryan’s review of the Down Gilead Lane Season 1 finale, all hinging on a few tough questions: Why is Grace hiding the truth? Is she covering for a wrongdoing? And could we have avoided the whole opening saga of Gilead if she had revealed what happened? Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael...

It’s the end of Season 1! This episode is the first part of three in a discussion of the finale of Down Gilead Lane Season 1 – episode 11 (1-11): “See No Evil, Hear No Evil,” episode 12 (1-12): “It’s All about Me,” and episode 13 (1-13): “Like a Good Neighbor.” In this part, Ryan and Michael discuss the great way these episodes deal with fear and obedience, the continuing great relationship betwee...

Spoiler warning! A few points brought up in the recording of the review of “The Lonely Ranger” ended up referencing Season 8 of Down Gilead Lane, so we’re putting them in a bonus episode for fans who have heard that season! Plus: Ryan’s gi-ant is back. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver Music post-p...

Justin Morrison takes center stage in Michael and Ryan’s review of episode 10 (1-10) of Down Gilead Lane, “The Lonely Ranger.” Aside from the strangest child acting in the first season, the two co-hosts highlight how well depression is handled on Gilead, some fantastic sound design by Steve O’Dell, and Michael Morrison’s gut imbalance. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael...

There are three Michaels on this podcast! Ryan and his aforementioned co-host dive into episode 9 (1-9) of Down Gilead Lane, “Of Mike and Fin.” In this review, Michael and Ryan talk about Michael Morrison’s arc in one episode, a Biblical parable parallel, what video games shouldn’t sound like, and Beth Culp’s grand vision for Coleraine. Plus, some feedback from Michael (not LaFaver) and Brendon. L...

The review series of Season 1 continues with Michael and Ryan’s review of episode 8 (1-8) of Down Gilead Lane, “Sick of It.” Under the microscope this time are the comparisons between the themes of taming the tongue and the value of hard work, how Justin and Michael Morrison are (for Michael and Ryan) uncomfortably realistic, and how Mary Morrison gives a great counterexample to her sons’ concepts...

In this bonus episode, Michael and Ryan are delving deep into a single scene from “Rumor Has It,” in which John Morrison gives his daughter Brooke advice on dating. What does it mean to “give your heart away,” and how does the context of this episode relate to broader tenets of “purity culture”? Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and mus...

The town of Coleraine is slowly expanding as Ryan and Michael review episode 7 (1-7) of Down Gilead Lane, “Rumor Has It.” The two fans talk about the introduction of Brad Smith, John’s advice to Brooke (in an abbreviated form), how Grace’s advice is different from the parents’, and the great platonic relationship between Brooke and Luke. Plus, some belated feedback from Lisa Rolfop? Links: https:/...

Grace Andrews is here! Ryan and Michael have many good things to say about episode 6 (1-6) of Down Gilead Lane, “Food for Thought.” The two reviewers bring out the episode’s emphasis on avoiding one extreme or another in dealing with topics, along with whether or not Haley needed to fully learn her lesson and how Justin’s cooking failures have anything to do with the rest of the episode. Links: ht...

The introduction of Grace is on the horizon in Michael and Ryan’s discussion of episode 5 (1-5) of Down Gilead Lane, “Brains vs. Brawn.” Among the topics discussed are Steve Wick’s music and how it affects Gilead, how natural conflicts weave in good themes, and lessons on stewardship and sibling comparisons. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Ed...

Moving along through Season 1, Michael and Ryan discuss episode 4 (1-4) of Down Gilead Lane, “Overtime.” Along with a small debate on parental neglect, they talk about the relationship between the two main plots, the beginning of Timmy and Mr. Key’s fishing ventures, and a few tidbits from John Morrison’s past. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock...

In the second part of Michael and Ryan’s review of episodes 2 and 3 (1-2 and 1-3), “The Unloveables,” the two co-hosts bring up the meaning of Gilead and how even these first few episodes relate to it. Discussed along the way are Michael Morrison ships, how story structure mirrors the feelings of the listener, and good character development over the course of a single episode. Plus, some feedback...

The series continues as Michael and Ryan begin to discuss episodes 2 and 3 (1-2 and 1-3), “The Unloveables.” In part 1 of the review, they bring up how to write a good two-parter, handling conflicts and taking responsibility, and how multiple themes are represented in a seemingly simple script. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and musi...

A journey in reviews begins as Michael and Ryan discuss episode 1 (1-1) of Down Gilead Lane, “Meet the Morrisons.” The two reviewers talk about the themes for kids and adults, early character building, and the gold standard for audio drama. Links: https://linktr.ee/returntogilead Credits Hosts: Michael LaFaver and Ryan Matlock Editing and music arrangement: Michael LaFaver Music post-production: I...

Return to Gilead will begin March 21 on Anchor.fm/ReturnToGilead or anywhere podcasts are found.