Harper and Griffin are learning more about their parents time at summer camp in the days leading up to Savannah’s disappearance in episode four of “Secrets of Sulphur Springs” entitled “Time to Face the Music.” In this episode, we learn that Harper’s mother, Jess, rigged the talent show that Griffin’s dad, Bennett, won back at camp. Savannah should’ve won, but Jess was not a fan of her and rigged it. And, the episode ends with Harper convinced Jess was involved in Savannah’s disappearance and Jess, Bennett and Savannah meeting up for the dance on the night Savannah disappeared.

There are some definite plot contrivances that would be bothersome if the series was aiming for an older demographic, but, it being a Disney Channel show makes it more appealing for younger audiences and somewhat easy to understand. This episode hints that young Jess had a crush on young Bennett, but Bennett seemed to have a crush on Savannah. Jess seems eager to be as far away from Savannah as possible, hinting that she was possibly involved in Savannah’s disappearance. I have sneaking suspicion that both Jess and Bennett, who seem to be who the show creators are focusing on as possible suspects, are red herrings before we find out who was actually involved in Savannah’s disappearance, if anybody.

The fact that Griffin instantly becomes friends with the daughter of a woman who had a childhood crush on Griffin’s dad is certainly convenient. Jess has hinted she already knows who Bennett is, but didn’t let him know how she knows and Bennett seems to not remember her, but anything that’s a reminder of Savannah seems to give him pause. Again, this seems rather convenient, and in a show that is trying to lure in adults would lead to a “roll my eyes” moment, but I’m certain the entire thing is plausible for the pre-teens and younger teenage audience this show is trying to lure in.

All in all, I’m still enjoying the show. This is my least favorite episode to date, but, when reviewing these, I have to remember that I’m not necessarily the target audience and I should try to put myself in their shoes to see if I would’ve liked it then. I can safely say that 12-year-old me would’ve liked this episode and that’s all the show’s creators needed to do. And, I can say my 10-year-old son was thoroughly engrossed in this episode. While that’s not the be all, end all on what is good and what is not, he’s who they are targeting and it works.

Ranking:

Episode: 2.5 stars out of 5

Series: 3.5 stars out of 5

What did you think of this episode of “Secrets of Sulphur Springs?”

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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