5 reasons Vida will get you through Droughtlander

Vida is now two out of six episodes in and already will help you make it through Droughtlander. And if you’re getting through Droughtlander in other ways, it’s a show you don’t want to miss.

Starz’s two new shows are certainly gaining attention on social media. Vida, especially, is helping to bring people together and show different latina and gay characters in many different and realistic ways. While it’s not a direct replacement for Outlander (in fact, there is no replacement for Claire and Jamie), it does serve as a way to get through Droughtlander.

Even if you don’t need another way to get through this long hiatus, it’s worth watching the show. Quite honestly, this is one of those half-hour programs that will have you thinking about all sorts of topics and issues of the day. Here are five reasons to watch Vida to get through Droughtlander.

#1. Emma is a strong and independent woman

More from Opinion

• Droughtlander suggestions: Check out Silo on Apple TV+
• Outlander season 7 episode 8 review: The Frasers are back in Scotland!
• Outlander Season 7 episode 7 review: Does Jamie die in Outlander?
• Outlander Season 7 episode 6 review: Claire meets William (again)!
• Outlander Season 7 episode 5 review: Does Young Ian have a son?

If you like Claire for her independence and strong character, you’ll like Emma. This is the elder sister and the most estranged from her mother. It’s clear that this has something to do with sexuality but after two episodes, we haven’t quite got to the exact reason why yet. But the reason doesn’t matter.

Within two episodes, you get an instant idea of this character. She makes mistakes and she can be selfish (sometimes a little like Claire) but she has her head screwed on. When she realizes she’s made mistakes, she owns them and starts working on the next step to rectify issues.

#2. Lyn is flirtatious and fun

Sometimes you want a character that can make you feel young again. You want someone who doesn’t feel ready to be an adult, so you can watch them grow. That’s certainly the feeling I get about Lyn, the younger sister.

Sometimes, she reminds me a little of Marsali, just not ready to settle down in the way Marsali was. Lyn wants to have some fun, is kind-hearted and good-natured, but can certainly wind you up now and then with some of her actions. Although, in Episode 2 there’s a moment that will make you smile through the hatred she has for another character.

#3. There are gay and straight characters

Outlander doesn’t shy away from homosexuality. While that is in the 18th-century world, there are both gay, straight, and likely bisexual characters in Vida. One of the sisters strikes me as closeted gay and the sisters’ mother was married to a woman before her death.

Then there are the issues that come with being gay. There are those who are prejudice simply because it’s not what they agree. This is something the main characters are clearly going to need to fight against, but this is likely to be a story about overcoming those struggles and the prejudice, very much in the way that Outlander helps with other storylines.

#4. It’s about family

Outlander has the focus on family. It’s not always the most conventional family, but there is family in there. Season 4 will have the theme of home, which Claire and Jamie have already said is where each other are (that was in Season 2). Vida is also about family in some unconventional way.

At first, it’s about two sisters who return home after the death of their mother. However, they start to learn secrets about their family and realize there’s a world that they never knew about. Now they have to come together with their widowed stepmom to succeed in ways they didn’t realize they’d have to.

#5. There’s plenty of action, but not in the way you know it

Vida doesn’t have action in the way that Outlander does. This isn’t about stopping the Battle of Culloden or getting ready for the Revolutionary War. However, there are battles to be won and action to be taken. It’s what comes from living in a neighborhood with both legal and undocumented Mexicans.

You’ll see all types of battles–through the likes of vlogging statements and financial problems. This is a story about life and it doesn’t sugarcoat it. But that’s a good thing! It’s also created by a fan of Outlander, so she knows what keeps fans glued.

Next: Starz brings Sweetbitter to get you through Droughtlander

Have you given Vida a chance yet? Will you try it to get you through Droughtlander? There are only six episodes, so what have you got to lose? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Vida airs on Sundays at 8:30/7:30c on Starz. It’s also available early on the Starz App, just like Outlander.