Secrets of Sulphur Springs is a spooky yet family-friendly series available on Disney Channel and Disney Plus. It combines elements of mystery and suspense with important themes surrounding each character's family history. The show centers around two families—the Campbells and the Dunns—as they unite to unravel the mystery of a long-hidden family secret: a missing girl. In this article, we are going to review a few of the bonds featured in season one.

Sarah and Ben Campbell

Sarah and Ben Campbell, along with their children Griffin, Zoey, and Wyatt, seem like a typical family who recently moved to a new town and acquired a hotel. However, Ben harbors a hidden truth about his childhood friend, Savannah, which ultimately strains the family's trust and stability. This initial mystery leads to various other enigmas in the story. As the plot unfolds, the children discover the truth about Savannah, and Ben goes to great lengths to prevent them from accessing the mysterious portal she originated from.

Sarah Campbell doesn't understand why her husband moved their family to Sulphur Springs, Louisiana. At first, she thinks the move from a house to a hotel isn't good for them. She becomes unsure about her husband's relationship with their neighbor, Jess Dunn. However, in season 1 episode 10, she changes her mind about wanting to go back to Chicago after learning more about Jess Campbell's past friendship with her husband.

"It didn't have to be a fight, Ben. All you had to do was talk to me. Instead, you cashed out our savings, bought this place and uprooted our lives. And no one knows why."

- Sarah Campbell S1 E1

Jess Dunn, Ben Campbell, and Savannah Dillon

Jess Dunn and Ben Campbell were close childhood friends. When they were around the same age as Griffin, Jess developed strong feelings for Ben while they were at Camp Tremont, which was owned by Ben's family. The following year, in 1990, Jess realized her crush on Ben, the same year Savannah joined the camp. Ben and Savannah quickly became best friends, causing Jess to feel jealous, as Savannah was wealthier and more talented than Jess. To make matters worse, everyone at the camp seemed to forget about Jess in favor of Savannah, which created a classic scenario of envy toward a new friend.

In episode four, there's a talent show at Camp Tremont. Jess announces Ben as the winner, even though his guitar performance wasn't well-received and his grandpa didn't like it. Savannah's act, on the other hand, impresses both the campers and the Tremont family. On the last night of camp, Jess sees Ben walking with Savannah and overhears them discussing the dance. Savannah claims she can't attend and calls it boring. Jess suggests she come, assuring it will be a memorable night. However, Ben sides with Savannah and falsely agrees that the dance won't be enjoyable, despite his family organizing it, and he had intended to ask her to be his date.

In the following episode, it's revealed that Jess threatened Savannah before the dance, telling her, "Everything will be better when you are gone." This threat marks the beginning of Savannah's disappearance in Sulphur Springs. Ben was unaware of Jess's actions that night and didn't realize that their friendship was damaged due to Jess' jealousy.

Griffin Campbell, Harper Dunn, and Savannah Dillon

Griffin is the eldest son of Ben and Sarah Campbell. He has the personality of young Ben since he is curious, a music lover, and a family golden boy since he got into a music school. On his first day of school, he meets Harper Dunn, who is Jess Dunn's daughter. She is beautiful, rebellious, artistic, and tall. She is a spitting image of her mother at her age, however; she has a different personality than her mother. Harper is curious and an older sibling who can be bossy at times, like Griffin can be.

At the end of episode one, Harper and Griffin are exploring the Tremont Hotel's bunker, which is said to be haunted. While in the bunker, they stumble upon a portal that functions as a time machine. This portal leads them to The Sulphur Springs, which were believed to have dried up. While at the Springs, Harper spots a blonde, harried girl playing with other kids. Griffin notices that the girl bears a striking resemblance to his dad's missing friend, Savannah. This discovery prompts Harper to follow the girl, determined to uncover what happened to her in the 90s. Their first venture into the past nearly lands them in trouble with their parents. Jess Dunn, Harper's mother, learns that her daughter has been spending time at the Tremont Hotel and forbids her from seeing Griffin. This parental conflict marks the beginning of Harper and Griffin's secret bond as they continue to time-travel through the portal together in their free time to find out what happened to Savannah and Ben in the past.

"Griffin, I can't go back. That's what I've been trying to tell you. My mom doesn't want me hanging around Tremont ...This isn't something that just blows over. I've never seen her so upset. She said we can't be friends. I'm not even supposed to be talking to you." - Harper Ep 2

Zoey and Wyatt Campbell

Zoey and Wyatt Campbell are the youngest members of the Campbell family and happen to be twins. Unfortunately, they often feel excluded from important family discussions. When Harper visits Griffin Tremont's house for the first time, she shares a spooky tale with the twins about the house being haunted. This sparks Zoey's fascination with the enigma of Savannah. Meanwhile, Wyatt, known for his mischievous nature, is determined to team up with his sister to determine whether this mystery is genuine or just a prank.

In one instance, during a dinner in the second episode, a brand-new chandelier installed by their father suddenly crashes, prompted by Zoey's mother's loud request for her to stop talking about Savannah. In the third episode, they decide to have a sleepover in one of the hotel rooms to see if Savannah might make an appearance at night. These eerie incidents culminate in a seance. In the sixth episode, the twins attempt to contact Savannah's spirit by conducting a seance in the basement, while they use an old lamp, some of their dad's possessions, money, and a summoning prayer. As viewers follow the series, it becomes evident that the twins' bond is deeply tied to the mystery surrounding Savannah.

"I think we should ask for Savannah or else a bunch of other ghosts might crash our seance." -Wyatt Ep 6

Harper and Topher Dunn

Topher is Harper's younger brother, often covering for her when she's time traveling with Griffin. Their sibling bond is strong, but it differs from Zoey and Wyatt's close relationship. While they get along well, they're not as inseparable as Zoey and Wyatt. When we first meet Topher in season one, he's a teenager who enjoys video games and scary movies. In contrast, Harper prefers exploring with Griffin and pursuing her interest in art. Initially, the Dunn siblings have little in common and mainly interact when they need something from each other. Harper occasionally exploits Topher's trusting nature to sneak out and spend time with Griffin through the portal.

In episode nine, it's evident that Harper is curious about their dad's death. Her mom never brings him up, and the Dunn kids assume he's a touchy topic. However, Harper meets her father while time-traveling with Griffin. Demanding answers, she confronts him during a drive, learning that he tragically drowned while attempting to buy the Tremont Hotel. This revelation leaves her speechless and even more curious than before.

At the start of episode 10, Topher and his mom sift through old family pictures from the attic. One particular photo piques Topher's interest, reigniting his questions about his dad's passing. This moment becomes a chance for mother and son to bond and for Topher to connect with Harper, who holds knowledge about their father's past. Having met their father in the past through time travel, Harper's mischievous behavior influences Topher to become more rebellious, setting the stage for his increased role in season two.

"Harper said Dad used to go for rides around The Tremont. But, that morning he got into an accident... Bad things do happen at that place." - Topher Ep 10

The Dunn and Campbell families exemplify the power of friendship forged in the pursuit of solving a mystery. Savannah's vanishing act serves as the central enigma that unites these two families in their quest to unravel the hidden truths of Sulphur Springs. Griffin and Harper stand as living proof that a steadfast, secret friendship is the key ingredient in cracking a mystery wide open.

Fun Facts:

"The actual farmhouse is haunted," says Secrets of Sulphur Springs showrunner and executive producer Charles Pratt Jr. "Everybody has said this. There's no warm and fuzzy feeling in that place; even when it's 115 degrees outside, you could just feel the ghosts."- Via D23

Preston Oliver, who plays Griffin Campbell, was a star on the hit TV show, This is Us

Kylie Curran who plays Harper Dunn, was in the cast of The Lion King On Broadway.

Questions:

Where do you want to time travel to and why?

Would you want to live in a hotel?

What would you do if you found a secret portal in your house?