The show, which has been a critical darling since it debuted in 2013, has drawn some critical backlash with its return.

"[The kids] have been around previously, but never intrusive or — more importantly — essential," wrote Showrunner Michelle Ashford is aware of the criticism and insists that the show is not reinventing itself as an ABC Family drama.

Some persons listed might no longer be registered sex offenders and others might have been added.

Some addresses or other data might no longer be current.

Letters, 1889-1896, from Fannie [-----] in Nottoway County, Virginia, to her relatives consisting of news of her family, information on her crops and livestock, and news of people in Nottoway County including deaths.

C.; commenting on rumors of the death of Confederate General Joseph Johnston at the battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks); noting that the Confederates have improved in their treatment of Union wounded and prisoners; and complaining about an address given by Massachusetts Governor John Andrews, stating that Massachusetts men are fighting for the Union, not to abolish slavery.

Letter, 23 July 1893, discusses the unveiling of the Confederate soldiers monument in Nottoway County, at which General Fitzhugh Lee (1835-1905) spoke. The subject of the letter includes, the officers tooth ache and extraction, his wifes tooth extraction and gold filling, being charged in error for light blue military pants, studying field and light artillery, and the 1864 election of William Alfred Buckingham as Governor of Connecticut. Letter, 9 April 1864, from an unknown Union officer named Andrew, stationed at Fort Scott, Arlington, Virginia, to his wife Sarah. "I do sense that people are a little worried that somehow we’ve turned into some kind of weird family show," she tells , insisting that the children will not remain the focus as the season moves along."It’s still very much grown-up subject matter." Ashford acknowledges that the new season brought a lot of changes at once.