Thanks for coming back for another re-cap post for When Calls the Heart! One thing I like about this show is each character has a quality about them that makes you want to root for them. Everyone on When Calls the Heart is special in his or her own way, offering their talents and perspectives to each story as it unfolds. Speaking of stories, it’s time for me to talk about the second episode of the fifth season!

Just a reminder: If you did not see this episode of When Calls the Heart, there may be spoilers within this re-cap. 

Season: 5

Episode: 2

Name: Heart and Minds

Major Story:

• A representative from the railroad company informs Abigail and Bill that a depot will not be built in Hope Valley. He explains to them that the railroad company has made some contractual negotiations and decided to build the depot in a neighboring town. Upset about the railroad company not keeping their word, Abigail invites the representative to talk about the issue in her café. During their conversation, the representative reveals that he is also a lawyer, explaining that he has extensive knowledge about contracts like the railroad company’s. Still feeling troubled about the situation, Abigail decides to host a town meeting to discuss this very issue, even inviting the representative to hear what the people of Hope Valley have to say. At the town meeting, other Hope Valley citizens have expressed their concerns about the absence of a depot, this moment occurring after days of uncertainty and fear of Hope Valley’s future. Toward the end of the meeting, Elizabeth and her class come into the saloon to show the representative that the depot’s absence also affects Hope Valley’s children. After Cody makes a heartfelt speech about his mom’s honesty and his teacher’s lessons about telling the truth, the representative starts to reconsider. The next day, it is revealed that the depot will not only be built in Hope Valley, but also in the originally planned neighboring town.

  

Minor stories:

• Julie is still under the apprenticeship of her sister, Elizabeth. When a student’s piece of artwork gets destroyed accidentally, Julie tries her best to handle the situation. However, Julie’s choices involving that situation have led one of the student’s parents to be critical of Julie’s ability to teach. After hearing about this criticism, Elizabeth makes an effort to guide her sister with some helpful teaching advice. Toward the end of the episode, Julie decides not be pursue teaching as a career, but instead focuses on being an artist. Also, Elizabeth fears for Jack’s life after reading a troubling headline from a local newspaper.

 

• While Rosemary is working at Dottie’s dress shop, she notices one of the women from Hope Valley, named Wilma, admires one of her dresses in the window display. Wilma explains to Rosemary that the dress would be perfect to wear on her anniversary. After some encouraging from Rosemary, Wilma finally agrees to try on the dress. When Wilma does try on the dress, everyone in the shop, including Wilma, marvels at how great the dress looks on her. After Wilma expresses her concern about the dress’s price, Rosemary offers a discount to help her afford the dress. The next day, Wilma and her husband bring the dress back to the shop, sharing their need to spend money on more practical items. Discouraged by the situation, Rosemary decides to give the dress pattern to Wilma so she can make a replica of the very same dress herself. On the night of their anniversary, Wilma surprises her husband by wearing the finished dress that she made. She also reveals to her husband why she wanted the dress in the first place. Rosemary and Lee help finalize the couple’s anniversary plans by letting them borrow Lee’s car.

  

Some thoughts to consider:

• Has anyone else noticed that Rip (Jack’s dog) and Dasher (Cody’s dog) have been omitted from the show? I know the dog who played Rip (Oscar) passed away last year, but I’m surprised that the show wouldn’t provide a brief explanation of their absence.

 

• I find it very odd that in the entire duration of When Calls the Heart, no one has mentioned the Titanic tragedy. The show takes place in the 1910s, so I would assume, as a Heartie, that at least one of the characters would have heard about it or would be affected by it in some way. I guess the characters on When Calls the Heart don’t pay attention to what’s going on in the world outside of Canada.

  

What did you think of this episode? What was your favorite moment? Please let me know in the comment section.

 

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen