It took years to build the concrete walls that now stand between Wynonna and her mother, Naomi. From welfare to millionaire, Naomi had to work hard…and she expected even more from her daughter. Originally with her mother as the head of the group, Wynonna struggled to find herself and her OWN self esteem. It didn’t help that Naomi was tough and even manipulated her. THEN compound that with lies and family secrets which reinforce the walled barriers, it seemed as this mother-daughter duo may never come together and find peace.

For those who don’t know the Judds story…at first these women come across as a bit harsh. But as the episode progressed it began to appear as if the pain was merely a mask that both women wore to protect themselves. There is clearly a disconnect but also clearly a love. If not, they wouldn’t have bought houses next to each other.

“We’d give the kindness to strangers but we kind of forgot to give it to each other” Wynonna shared. However there appears to be a constant power struggle. Wynonna discussed the opening song…her sitting there alone and then her mother joining her on stage. As if Naomi wasn’t even hearing her daughter, she called for Art, the Production Manager, to run the idea of her being brought on stage by a bunch of guys. I couldn’t help but think she wanted it to be all about her….with no regard to Wynonna. The idea of her standing lit in the back as if watching over her daughter proudly simply seemed “a little corny” to her. As I watch it appears Wynonna danced around delicately to politely not say what it seemed she needed to.

The one thing that may save them…is Dr. Ted Klontz. Since 2003, he has been a life coach for both Wynonna and Naomi. He helps them to communicate in a healthier way. However, communication is not there only issue…there are wounds that are far deeper.

This episode we learn a lot about Naomi and the secrets she carried her whole life. As she opened up about being molested at the age of 3 ½ years old…a picture of her and the offender brought her to tears. Still, no one knows, including her daughters. A family of secrets…suddenly it makes a little sense. As Wynonna shares that her home represents her life…she walks us through the unfinished construction. Wanting to add 5,000 square-feet, I can’t help but wonder if she is hoping to get lost in it.

Now for a silly moment in a rather heavy episode…Naomi gets a shot in her knee to help her with pain. She grabbed for Mr. Boo Boo…her stuffed animal. TOO FUNNY!

As they prepare to sort of “do over” this tour, they meet regularly with Ted to help them not repeat the past. Naomi seemed to be in a better place now. One that is safer for her daughter and her relationship. Wynonna…both emotional and stronger…looked as if she has found a new appreciation for her mother and what she had been through. Needing to feel perfect for her mother, Wyonna worried about how it would go…..knowing that her mother “casts a mighty shadow”. However she realized that “we placed so much emphasis on controlling and being right, that we forget to be loved”. There is no doubt that there is a lot of love between them.

Throughout the episode both women work to break down their defensive walls. Wynonna noted that there is such a bond, however she recognizes that some of it is what she referred to as “trauma bond”. When there was no running water for days, your pipes freeze or you struggle to put food on the table…all considered trauma bonds. But I think many of us find our relationships get closer during difficult times. When times at there worst…families are reminded how grateful they are for all this is right. As I watch them both in pain as they relive some of the good and the bad, I can’t help but wish they could unleash the chains of the past. It pulls their arms down and stopping them from embracing each other completely.

I was pleasantly surprised…the OWN Network delivered a much more thoughtful and deeper look into Wynonna and Naomi relationship than I expected. The Judds truly are off to a great start!