Throughout this episode of Chesapeake Shores, Caitlyn is searching for a gift. In an attempt to find it, she asks Abby what the other characters’ gifts are. This question actually brought up a really good point that I hadn’t thought about until Caitlyn mentioned it. Chesapeake Shores is a show that has a larger cast. Because of this, each character has their own unique gift they bring to the show’s table. As Abby herself points out, her gift is numbers. Arthur’s gift is art, but he sees more as a curse. In this episode, we learn Evan’s gift is thinking. During the duration of Chesapeake Shores, the characters have used their gifts to their advantage. Still, there are characters whose gifts are unknown. Like any gift, the anticipation and excitement of discovering what it is makes that moment so memorable. But until each character’s gift is revealed, let’s re-cap this episode of Chesapeake Shores!

Just a reminder: If you did not see this episode of Chesapeake Shores, there are spoilers in this re-cap.

Season: 5

Episode: 7

Name: What’s New

Abby’s story: One morning, Evan arrives at the O’Brien family home. He’s there to give Abby the legal papers related to his departure from the hotel project. While looking at O’Brien family photos, Evan accidently drops Mick’s childhood portrait. As he’s attempting to pick the picture up, Evan has a back spasm. When Nell hears about Evan’s unfortunate circumstance, she insists he stay on the O’Brien family’s couch until his back heals. For Abby, this is an awkward situation. But for Evan, he makes the best out of his troubles. He is able to work on his phone and laptop, even teaching Caitlyn how to create a video game. Mandrake, Evan’s chauffeur and personal assistant, is able to help Evan wherever help is needed. In a private conversation with Abby, Mandrake reveals Evan was diagnosed with Dyslexia later in life, which explains why Evan tries to avoid reading. He also reveals how Evan originally hurt his back in an accident, but hasn’t been told any of the details. After receiving all this information, Abby sees Evan in a new light. But her opinion on him hasn’t completely changed. A few days later, Evan’s back has finally healed. He also rips up the aforementioned legal documents. When Abby asks why he made such a dramatic gesture, Evan explains how his time with her family has given him an idea. Instead of scrapping the hotel project altogether, he shares his plans to build the hotel on the lot next door, a lot he already purchased. On the original hotel lot, Evan plans to build a museum to house all the artifacts that are found on the excavation site. His problem-solving skills prove Abby right, showing how his gift is thinking.

Kevin and Sarah’s story: With Gahagan stepping down from his Fire Chief position, new leadership positions are available at the fire station. One of the members of the station, Chief Lee, tells Sarah she’s eligible for the Lieutenant position. This news puts Sarah at a crossroads. Later that day, Sarah shares this news with Kevin, mentioning how she’s always wanted to be Lieutenant. But she wants to try to have a baby. This frustrates Kevin, as he’s worried he and Sarah are not on the same page. While helping Connor renovate his law office, Bree can sense that something is bothering Kevin. After Kevin shares his concerns with Bree, she reminds him how the point of marriage is figuring out how to navigate life while on two separate pages. Bree’s words of wisdom make Kevin feel better about his situation. The next day, Kevin tells Sarah how he supports whatever decision she makes. After Kevin leaves on a call, Sarah is asked to help fix a nearby banner. But while she’s on the ladder, Sarah falls off due to dizziness. At the hospital, Sarah is fine, despite still feeling dizzy. As the doctor is releasing Sarah from the hospital, the doctor reveals that Sarah is pregnant.

Jess and David’s story: After their first night as a married couple, David tells Jess how she kicked him in her sleep. This information makes Jess feel self-conscious. While spending time with Abby, Jess tells her about David’s discovery. Abby reminds Jess of when they were younger, how they would share a bed while on vacation. She recalls Jess kicking her while they were sleeping, but quickly points out that started happening after Megan left the family. Abby tells Jess that maybe she is anxious about something. Later that night, Jess decides to wear socks to bed. When David points out the socks, Jess tells David that she’s anxious about this new chapter in her and David’s life. David reveals how he’s anxious too, but it’s important to know they’re in this together. After their heart-to-heart conversation, both Jess and David have a more restful night’s sleep.

Bree’s story: Bree and Luke volunteer to help Connor renovate his law office. During this activity, Bree tells Kevin how she likes both Luke and Jerome. But she doesn’t know how to let one of these men down gently. Kevin tells her being honest as soon as possible is the best way to go. The next day, at the University of Maryland, Bree tells Jerome that she doesn’t see him the way he sees her. This means that Bree is not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with Jerome. Jerome takes this decision well by agreeing to just be friends with Bree. Meanwhile, Luke is dealing with his own dilemma. While removing the floorboards from Connor’s law firm, Luke shares with Connor how he has gone to prison. He also tells Connor that Mick already knows this information. Luke wants to share this part of his story with Bree, but is waiting for the right time. Connor reassures Luke that Bree is a good sister, but reminds Luke that he needs to tell her his news. He also agrees to help Luke after Luke mentions how he’d like to switch parole officers.

Nell and Arthur’s story: Nell and Arthur have been spending more time together. Because Arthur has been providing Kerry art advice, he has been making visits to the O’Brien family home. Nell and Arthur reminisce about the past. They even do this during their outing in town. Arthur and Nell appear to enjoy each other’s company. He even secretly sketches Nell, applying he is learning to enjoy art again. While all of this is taking place, Megan is planning an art show to showcase Arthur’s art. After making several failed phone calls, she reaches out to an art dealer in New York. Megan makes the discovery that this art dealer owns the rights to Arthur’s art, with the pieces increasing in value after Arthur dies. The art dealer plans to go to Chesapeake Shores to check out Arthur’s pieces, but Megan is not intimidated.

Some thoughts to consider:

• While I’m glad Bree’s love triangle with Luke and Jerome was shorter than When Calls the Heart’s, I’m not surprised she chose Luke. This decision gives Luke a reason to stay on the show longer. He also serves as the O’Brien family’s only connection to The Bridge. It also helps how Stephen Huszar appears to fit right in with Chesapeake Shores’ series regulars. With any new cast additions, it can be hit or miss. In Stephen’s case, it feels like he was meant to be on this show.
•  With Megan trying to host an art show without Arthur’s knowledge, I wonder if Arthur is going to find out about Megan’s plans? If he did, how would he react? Arthur is still distancing himself from art. But he did secretly sketch Nell while he and Nell were in town. So maybe he’s turning over a new leaf?
•  I don’t think the creative team behind Chesapeake Shores is considering a spin-off show. But, if they did, I wouldn’t oppose to having a spin-off story revolve around Connor and his law firm. Because Connor is a character who regularly appears on Chesapeake Shores, he has a direct connection to the main story. But his work at his own law firm would allow a new story to be told. As of late September 2021, Hallmark Channel only has two television shows on air; Chesapeake Shores and When Calls the Heart. Maybe Hallmark would consider giving Chesapeake Shores a spin-off and have it air during the Spring?

What do you think of this episode? Do you have any predictions for the next episode? Please let me know in the comment section!

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen