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Reviews
When Calls the Heart: Believe (2024)
The smartest and best WCTH episode I've ever seen
This episode went full on with high stakes and unsanitized grit. Elizabeth faces a formidable adversary from her past and has to suffer his sexual harrassment.
We could all feel her fear, confusion, and belittlement.
For once, the writing prioritized the main conflict of the episode, so that it could be adequately dealt with with beginning, middle, and an epilogue and the scenes were long enough to let the audience fully experience the emotions.
This episode accurately shows how sexual harrassment affects a woman's whole world. For example, she and Nathan were taking steps forward in their relationship, but when Mr Higgins showed up, she was unable to be honest with Nathan or spend time with him. Writer Elizabeth Steward said that since she couldnt' trust Higgins, it bled over into her relationship with Nathan as well.
The resolution of the conflict was well done and allowed Nathan and Elizabeth to grow closer together.
I do want to point out that this Mother's Day (May 12, 2024) episode ended with Nathan and Elizabeth in a more romantic position than we've ever seen them in before, which was incredibly gratifying and healing for Nathan Grant fans because it was three years ago on Mother's Day 2021 that our hearts were broken over the season 8 finale. This is serendipitous timing.
There were only small scenes for the "Who Shot Lucas" investigation, the Canfield family conflict. More time was given to Lee getting into his new role as mayor and a big romantic date for Mei and Mike. We didn't see much of Henry or Allie, and Faith was absent from this episode. That was okay for this episode because there isn't time to fully involve each character in every episode with such a large cast. I know they will make up for it in later episodes.
Cinimatography, music and editing were also very good in this episode!
I give this episode a rating of 9.5 -- the highest score I've ever given!
When Calls the Heart: Stronger Together (2024)
We're getting to the good stuff now -- ever so slowly!
Nathan and Allie open and close this episode, and they always deliver on memorable scenes. Allie's concerns for Nathan finally are a reason for Nathan and Elizabeth to stop talking in code and start speaking openly -- finally. The closing scene when Elizabeth comes to find Nathan was worth the wait, although it did feel like the writers are throwing crumbs to the fans. This was a very important very delicious crumb!
There was a lot of talk about the resort and negotiations between Hope Valley and Benson Hills. A mayoral change happens for Hope Valley, and now Hope Valley's mayor is someone who was "born" for the job, according to his wife.
Henry wrestles with how to use his giftedness to help the town without turning back into his old self that he hates.
Elizabeth made a decision about the Hope Valley school felt very surprising.
There are school kid storylines in the episode -- When Calls the Heart at its best.
The Canfields have deep and meaningful scenes.
Lucas starts to remember what happened the night of the shooting -- Once again we see how the cinematography department has upped their game for season 11. They included some great visual and sound effects for a mysterious flashback. We still don't know who shot Lucas Bouchard, but I'm beginning to wonder if he might?
A great episode and worth the watch!
When Calls the Heart: Along Came a Spider (2024)
Lucas just got a whole lot more interesting, Easter fun, and and baby steps to romance for Nathan and Elizabeth
It's the first Easter episode for When Calls the Heart, but you wouldn't know it by the episode title "Along Came a Spider."
The Spider, Jeanette Aucoin, immediately made the character of Lucas Bouchard a whole lot more interesting. I don't think I'll spoil anything if I say that she is a shady and untrustworthy character and Lucas is not happy to see her and wants nothing to do with her.
When Lucas arrived in season 6, there were a lot of things mentioned that indicated he had a colorful past. And some of that past came to make problems for Elizabeth and others. Jeanette was (mentioned but never seen) was part of that -- so fans have always been curious about her. In subsequent seasons, Lucas' character was increasingly white-washed which just didn't make sense being that he was a saloon owner and we KNEW he had secrets and things he wished to hide.
Now the arrival of Jeanette answered a lot of questions, and has given us an idea of how much Lucas has overcome and how much he changed. His past with Jeanette is something he clearly wants to leave behind, however he has to face it and be honest about it. Lucas is having an amazing season this year, and these revelations about him do not diminish his character at all. Rather they ADD to his AUTHENTICITY and make him more congruent with the threads of his character that have been present since the beginning.
In other stories,
Nathan and Elizabeth had several scenes together that brought their romance along by baby steps, but there were also two scenes that show us how far they still have to come.
Elizabeth reflects a little bit on her for relationship with Lucas, but she's staying surface level.
Mike and Mei had a couple big milestones, and we also met a member of Mike's family -- and she's got the strength of 5 characters in one!
Rosemary and Bill discuss a clue.
The Canfield kids initiate an intervention.
Toby learns to compute fractions while connecting with his ethnic heritage.
All the little kids are adorable.
A very well written and enjoyable episode!
When Calls the Heart: Steps Forward (2024)
Well written, good pacing, along the theme of wishing for "normal"
Because I have hopes for my favorite characters which were unmet this episode, I initially felt disappointed in this episode, but after processing and giving it some time I'm able to see that it's actually quite well put together and makes excellent use of the ensemble cast.
In particular, the Canfield family had three family scenes which were an excellent story arc in this episode alone, but which I think set us up for more in upcoming episodes. The Canfield kids are fighting a lot, and Joseph gets very vulnerable with them and shares a secret he's been keeping for a long time.
What I did not like is that Nathan and Elizabeth aren't really communicating well, although they seem to like each other. They always sparkle on screen together, but we've been doing the miscommunication thing for so long , it's time to talk TRUTH and talk DEEP and LONG about it.
Lucas' story line as Governer is getting more interesting all the time, especially since he's seeming more and more compromised to me after his severe injuries, and it seems like his one assistant in town is not trustworthy.
Rosemary and Bill are really amping up their investigation and their scenes together are really enjoyable.
This season we continue to see new parts of Hope Valley -- Nathan and Elizabeth's scene in the backyard of the rowhouses was beautiful, refreshing, and felt like new territory.
When Calls the Heart history was made as Nathan Grant accidentally appeared shirtless to Elizabeth in the Mountie office. The actual shirtless part of the scene lasted just 6 seconds, but it made quite an impression, while remaining completely innocent!
So while episode 3 of every season is usually kind of a downer, this episode broke the mold!
When Calls the Heart: Tomorrow Never Knows (2024)
An abundance of everything I want to see!
After a very exciting season premiere, this second episode brought in some more drama, some uncomfortable feelings, and a bit of a disappointing shocker in the last scene -- that said, as part of the big picture, it's a necessary part of the season as a whole. The end goal is secure, we just have to experience the journey week by week.
Since the overall theme of the episode was Miscommunications, it's natural that the audience has some confusion along the way, but all becomes clear in the the end.
There are 4 great scenes between Nathan and Allie -- they finally get to go fishing together, and they talk about Allie's mom Colleen.
As well as 4 great scenes between Nathan and Elizabeth -- these two have sparks between them in every scene. The make the most of every line of dialogue. They are always enjoyable to watch!
Storylines of the other characters -- Faith and little Lily, Rosemary and Lee, Mike and Mei, Bill, Henry and the Canfields are all enjoyable as well.
Something happened at the very end that brought some drama -- it felt uncomfortable but I know it's a catalyst to bring events forward. So I recommend you watch for yourself!
Legend of the Lost Locket (2024)
Fresh, unique, personal, natural- Pure Magic
I'm having overwhelming feelings of happiness and satisfaction with my first viewing of Legend of the Lost Locket!
Natasha Burnett and Viv Leacock and the entire cast and crew did a wonderful job creating an exquisite story portrayed seamlessly on screen with so many of the right feels.
The two leads have already worked together for 4 seasons as long married Canadian-American couple Joseph and Minnie Canfield on When Calls the Heart. In Lost Locket, they play couple who have just met and fall in love - and they are successful with "new love" too.
I was drawn in from the first scenes of both of the on-screen couples. There was laughter, angst, romance, mystery, suspense, even a little danger. I JUST LOVED IT.
When Calls the Heart: When Stars Align (2024)
Fully enjoyment, lots of wish fulfillment, and a good set-up for the season!
I really enjoyed this episode -- I can't give it a 10/10 because there has to be room to go up, but I do think it was perfect in many ways. Also to have balance, I will tell you a couple things I did NOT like about the episode.
The episode opened with a No Gaps scene that picked up immediately after the s10 finale cliff-hanger. This was a new thing for WCTH, and much appreciated. Then after a diary montage, there was a four month gap.
I was happy to see a lot of sparks between Nathan and Elizabeth, strong friendship feels between Elizabeth and Rosemary, a wonderful surprise scene between Nathan and his daughter.
Lucas had a really strong presence in the episode, after a sad and scary s10 finale for his character. I feel a lot of purpose and momentum in him and am excited for the rest of the season.
I was impressed that there were actual outdoor scenes of Union City and at least one new set there. For ages now, When Calls the Heart has only had scenes in Hope Valley and it felt lame and cheap. I'm glad that is changing.
Also the ciniematography is improved this season -- more attention is given to colors in the background, to angles, close-ups and etc. It really improves the viewing experience.
I was loving the story so much that I was easily able to suspend disbelief over the little things -- but there are some nagging questions. For example, why did it seem like Nathan rode his horse home from Union City which was a 22 train ride away? Why was Lucas' head bandage just a single ply of roller guaze around his head?
I fully recommend that everyone and everyone watch season 11. I seems like the cast and production team are thriving creatively under the leadership of showrunner Lindsay Sturman!
The Wedding Veil Expectations (2023)
Romance after marriage, real problems, such GREAT talant!
This movie was SUCH a delight, and made me smile, laugh out loud, and be silent with a content full heart so many times.
Kevin McGarry and Lacey Chabert have gotten even better as an on-screen couple. They have wonderful timing together, true warmth and affection and do a great job bringing these characters to life.
While they are living in a somewhat unrealistic dream world, they also encounter many every-couple challenges small and large. Examples of the unrealistic dream world: he gets up before her every day and wakes her up with a fresh rose, she wears romantic dresses and 6 inch heels almost every day, they have bought a classic mansion that is clean and furnished beautifully, they both are working their dream jobs and apparently have enough money to impulsively make large expenditures multiple times a week without looking at the budget. Examples of every-couple challenges: canceled meetings, casual full-coverage pajamas, unexpected house repairs (MAJOR ones), conflicting goals (in small stuff), spats, emotions, throwing decorative pillows on the floor and ordering take-out for dinner. She wants to nest and decorate. He wants to protect and bring the house up to code on earthquakes.
The friendship between the three ladies continues and I enjoyed their scenes in this movie more than I did in the first trilogy.
Karen Kruper brought life and depth as Peter Hasting's mother. I also applaud Hallmark for putting her story in this movie -- mature widowed women have wonderful interesting stories too. It was lovely to have a character-story arc for Kevin McGarry here -- many opportunities to tell a story of grief and growth on this part, and with a lot of comedy thrown in. A large part of this movie's success is due to his performance, although Hallmark would like us to think it's all about the ladies.
It's such a lovely movie and Hallmark has done a great thing by continuing this series with these great characters.
I would love for the Wedding Veil Trilogy to become a yearly series -- a new trilogy of movies every January, following these characters through decades, would be lovely and the fanbase would show up for sure.
My Grown-Up Christmas List (2022)
Highlights military sacrifice, perfect leading couple, stellar romantic moments
Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace bring the sparkles of great chemistry, a fully satisfying romance, and a story that respects the service and sacrifice of our military service members and their spouses.
This story is not the typical Hallmark plot line, with the romance unfolding over four years.
The multigenerational relationships are solid and fulfilling. Jim Jenkinson brought so much warmth as Taylor's grandfather, that I will be watching for his future projects.
Kayla Wallace truly brought me to tears twice during this movie -- she is more than capable of carrying the leading role!
So much more than just a small kiss in the closing scene, this movie has several satisfying kiss scenes that bring the heat and big smiles.
Kevin McGarry -- my favorite leading man. He delivers every time.
Director Andrew Cymeck made the most romantic movie that Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace have ever done. It was incredibly satisfying to see them together as a leading couple again after Feeling Butterflies -- this was a much better script and story for them.
On the negative side: Unfortunately, most of the military details were not correct in this movie, and there were several distracting "Wait What" moments. I felt the HEART of the movie more than made up the errors, and I was joyfully able to suspend disbelief for a truly delightful movie that I will watch again and again.
My new favorite Christmas movie!