Secrets of Sulphur Springs - As Time Goes By (S1E9)
Once Griffin and Harper learn they can’t reopen the hatch to let Savannah in, they quickly go back through the portal.
| Runtime (min) | 27 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 7.0 (1 votes) |
| Air Date | 2021-02-26 |
| Genres | Family, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy |
| TV Rating | TV-PG |
| Network(s) | Disney Channel |
Storyline
In this pivotal episode, Griffin and Harper face a critical setback in their mission to rescue Savannah from the past. After discovering that the hatch mechanism won't reopen from their side to allow Savannah through to the present, the two young time travelers realize they have no choice but to return through the portal themselves. The episode centers on their urgent decision-making as they weigh the risks of going back in time against leaving Savannah stranded in 1990.
Once they make the difficult choice to re-enter the portal, Griffin and Harper find themselves back at the Tremont Hotel in the past, where they must navigate the challenges of the 1990 timeline while searching for Savannah. The episode builds tension as the clock ticks and the young protagonists grapple with the consequences of time travel, the limitations of the portal, and their determination to bring Savannah home despite the mounting obstacles in their path.
What parents say
Parents have praised Secrets of Sulphur Springs for delivering age-appropriate mystery content that keeps tweens and young teens genuinely engaged without relying on inappropriate material. Many appreciate that the show tackles complex themes like friendship, loyalty, and problem-solving through the time-travel premise while maintaining a family-friendly tone throughout.
Some parents note that the serialized nature of the show, particularly in episodes like this one where stakes escalate, can create cliffhanger anxiety for younger or more sensitive viewers. Parents recommend watching together so families can discuss the characters' choices and the ethical dimensions of their actions. Several parents have commented that the show sparks interesting conversations about consequences and responsibility.
Parents generally find the show's pacing well-suited for its target demographic, though a few mention that the time-travel mechanics can occasionally confuse younger elementary-aged children. Overall, parental feedback emphasizes the show's success in providing suspenseful, plot-driven entertainment that families can enjoy together.
What kids learn
This episode reinforces the importance of adaptability and quick thinking when plans don't work out as expected. Griffin and Harper model problem-solving under pressure, demonstrating that when one solution fails, it's essential to reassess the situation and consider alternative approaches rather than giving up. Young viewers see how the characters evaluate their options, weigh potential risks, and make a difficult decision together, illustrating collaborative decision-making in action.
The episode also explores themes of commitment and loyalty to friends. Griffin and Harper's willingness to return through the portal, despite the unknown dangers, shows children what it means to stand by someone in need. Their actions demonstrate that true friendship sometimes requires personal sacrifice and courage, especially when a friend is counting on you.
Additionally, the episode touches on the concept of unintended consequences. The malfunctioning hatch serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned actions can lead to unexpected complications, teaching children to think ahead and consider what might go wrong. The characters' persistence in the face of these setbacks models resilience and determination, valuable traits for young viewers navigating their own challenges.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why can't Griffin and Harper reopen the hatch from their side? | The episode establishes that the portal's hatch mechanism has a technical limitation that prevents it from being opened from the present-day side to allow someone from the past to come through. This plot point creates the central conflict of the episode, forcing Griffin and Harper to make the difficult choice to go back through the portal themselves rather than bringing Savannah forward to their time. The malfunction raises the stakes and demonstrates that time travel comes with unpredictable complications. |
| Is it scary when they go back through the portal? | The episode maintains the show's signature suspenseful tone without crossing into genuinely frightening territory. The tension comes from the uncertainty of what Griffin and Harper will face in 1990 and the pressure of their mission, rather than from scary imagery or jump scares. Most children in the target age range handle the suspense well, though parents know their own children best. The show keeps the focus on mystery and adventure rather than fear. |
| What should I tell my child about making risky decisions like Griffin and Harper do? | This episode offers a good opportunity to discuss the difference between fictional heroism and real-world decision-making. You can acknowledge that Griffin and Harper are brave and loyal friends while also talking about how, in real life, children should always involve trusted adults when facing serious problems or dangers. Emphasize that the characters' situation is extraordinary and fantastical, and that real-world problem-solving should include asking for help from parents, teachers, or other responsible adults. |
| Does this episode resolve the Savannah storyline or does it continue? | This episode is part of the ongoing serialized narrative and does not provide complete resolution. Griffin and Harper's return through the portal sets up further developments in their quest to rescue Savannah. Parents should expect that this episode ends with the story still in progress, which may prompt children to want to watch the next episode immediately. It's a good example of the show's cliffhanger structure that keeps viewers engaged across multiple episodes. |
| Are there any positive examples of teamwork in this episode? | Yes, Griffin and Harper consistently demonstrate strong partnership throughout the episode. They communicate openly about the problem with the hatch, discuss their options together, and make the decision to go back through the portal as a team rather than one person acting alone. Their collaboration shows children how effective teamwork involves listening to each other, sharing concerns, and supporting one another when facing difficult choices. The episode reinforces that challenging situations are often better handled together than alone. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Griffin Campbell and his family move to a new town and take ownership of an abandoned hotel in hopes of restoring it back to the lively vacation destination it once was. |
| 1 | 2 | Griffin and Harper realize they've time traveled to before Savannah's disappearance. When they go back again, they think they see Savannah getting taken into the woods. |
| 1 | 3 | Griffin and Harper learn the camp dance is coming up, and that is the day Savannah went missing! Later, Harper meets Jess, and learns her mom did go to camp and hated Savannah! |
| 1 | 4 | Harper asks Griffin to meet her at the portal after school, but, when Griffin gets home, he discovers his Grandfather has arrived for a visit. |
| 1 | 5 | Ben is upset by the flurry of news reports marking the thirtieth anniversary of Savannah's disappearance, while Zoey and Wyatt see it as the perfect opportunity to finally capture her ghost on tape. |
| 1 | 6 | A 12-year-old boy and a thrill-seeking classmate discover a secret portal that allows them to travel back in time and uncover clues about a mystery involving a girl who disappeared decades ago from a Louisiana town. |
| 1 | 7 | Griffin and Harper sneak back through the portal to find a search party looking for Savannah. |
| 1 | 8 | Griffin and Harper realize that Savannah could've traveled back in time. |
| 1 | 9 | Once Griffin and Harper learn they can’t reopen the hatch to let Savannah in, they quickly go back through the portal. |
| 1 | 10 | Griffin and Harper successfully travel to the past, where they find Savannah working at The Tremont. |
| 1 | 11 | Harper travels back in time to the date her father died in hopes of trying to change the outcome. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Griffin, Savannah and Harper find themselves face to face with Harper’s carbon copy, Daisy, and the Tremont ghost sends Harper and Griffin an important message. |
| 2 | 2 | Harper pretends to be Daisy to learn her family’s secrets, and Topher stumbles upon the hidden bunker. |
| 2 | 3 | Griffin frantically searches for the missing crystal and helps a panicking Daisy to navigate her modern surroundings; meanwhile, Harper has a cryptic vision at the springs. |
| 2 | 4 | When Daisy struggles at pretending to be Harper, Griffin searches for the crystal to swap them. After the Twins don't hear from Topher, they try to capture the ghost themselves. |
| 2 | 5 | When Sam can't get his Time Machine to work, Savannah vows to help him! Meanwhile, Griffin tells Daisy that he thinks Topher is hiding something and enlists her to find answers. |
| 2 | 6 | The Tremonts were duped by the Judge and have 48 hours to vacate their land. Meanwhile, when Griffin and Daisy rush towards the portal with the crystal, everything goes black! |
| 2 | 7 | Harper returns home and fills Griffin in on the deed, stolen land, and her visions of a fire. After Sam disappears, Savannah finds a note saying that he’s travelled to the future. |
| 2 | 8 | The Campbell's and the Dunn's prepare for the Tremont’s Grand Re-opening! Harper and Griffin realize that the crystal is cracking which may prevent the Time Machine from working. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | Griffin, stuck in the future, learns the ghost ruins their lives. Harper and Savannah try bringing him back to the present. |
| 3 | 2 | Harper and Savannah retrieve Griffin from the future. Sam and Griffin face the grimmest truth, Topher is in a coma in 2024. The twins and Topher almost catch Savannah’s “ghost.” |
| 3 | 3 | The twins arrive in the past and find Savannah. Griffin and Harper realize they need to go back to 1947 just as Ben makes the bunker off-limits. |
| 3 | 4 | The kids learn the ghost has been listening to them and is changing up his malevolent plans. |
| 3 | 5 | In 1947, Harper and Griffin meet Ruby. Sarah becomes increasingly freaked out by the ghost. |
| 3 | 6 | Returning to the past, Griffin and Harper watch a murder unfold. The twins and Topher go to an unknowingly familiar someone for help. |
| 3 | 7 | It’s time to get rid of the ghost. |
| 3 | 8 | The ghost will go, but will their future be saved? |
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