Evenings At The Shore: Hope At the Bottom of the Box

When Evan talks about his family in this episode of Chesapeake Shores, Mandrake tells him how hope was found at the bottom of Pandora’s Box. The fact Mandrake would say something so profound is not surprising. But what he said was interesting. Pandora’s Box is, more often than not, associated with negativity. I remember hearing a saying about not being able to close Pandora’s Box once it’s opened. When you take “Pandora’s Box” out of the equation, though, you remember how there are such things as good boxes. Presents are a perfect example, as you anticipate what might be inside them. Sometimes, a person is gifted what they need instead of what they want. This is the case for Evan, as Mandrake likely knew hope is what Evan needed.

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

*Chesapeake Shores* season six poster created by Hallmark Media and Hallmark Channel

Season: 6

Episode: 8

Name: I Get a Kick Out of You

Abby and Evan’s story: Evan finally receives his DNA results. Not only does he learn about several of his quirks, he also learns he has cousins in Florida. For the majority of the episode, though, Evan avoids exploring this part of his family’s history. He even takes up magic again, a hobby he had when he was a child. While performing a card trick for Caitlyn and Carrie, Abby talks to Mandrake about Evan’s hesitance. Mandrake explains how Evan has been on his own for so long, he’s afraid of letting others get close to him. Later in the episode, Evan confesses to Abby he’s wanted to know more about his father since he was a teenager. He then tells Mandrake to visit his cousins in Florida. Several days later, Mandrake returns to the O’Brien family home with Evan’s father in tow.

Bree and Luke’s story: Kevin and Sarah’s baby shower is just around the corner. This makes Bree realize she still doesn’t have a gift to give them. Meanwhile, Miranda Livingston arrives in Chesapeake Shores to discuss the movie deal of Bree’s book. Because Bree has never met Miranda before, she doesn’t know what to expect. Miranda’s down-to-earth personality catches Bree off-guard. When sitting in on one of Bree’s classes, Miranda gives Bree some public speaking related advice. Bree isn’t sure what to make of Miranda. At Kevin and Sarah’s baby shower, where Bree gives them a collection of children’s books, Bree turns to Evan about Miranda. Evan reassures her that Miranda is a genuinely good person, recalling their time together on Celebrity Jeopardy. While Luke attends Kevin and Sarah’s baby shower with Bree, he can only stay for a little while. This is because he wants to lay flowers on his parents’ graves. After visiting the cemetery, Luke goes to a convenience store. During this trip, a robber enters the store, demanding the cashier hand over the money from the register. Luke tries to deescalate the situation, even knocking the robber’s gun out of his hand. The scene ends with someone getting shot off-screen.

Jess and David’s story: Jess is hosting a War of 1812 reenactment weekend at The Inn at Eagle Point. While this event is taking place, she has doubts about the longevity of the bed and breakfast. She’s also frustrated she still hasn’t found an investor for her vineyard. She discusses these issues with Bree and David, who assure her she’ll find a way to make things work out. Meanwhile, David believes his father might be innocent. He presents the computer files to Conner and Margaret, who tell David to hand them over to the FBI. Several days later, FBI Agent Malik arrives at The Inn at Eagle Point. She appreciates David handing over the computer files. But she informs him there will still be a trial. David also turns to Mr. Peck’s business associate, Baron. Even though Baron doesn’t know who exactly is guilty, he believes Mr. Peck is innocent. When all of his options to hire a lawyer don’t work, David turns to Connor and Margaret for help.

Image of magic show essentials created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/card”>Card vector created by macrovector – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Some thoughts to consider:

I know Mandrake meant well by bringing Evan’s father from Florida. But the fact he didn’t let Evan know ahead of time was out of character for him. Ever since he was introduced last season, Mandrake always looked out for Evan’s best interests. From what I recall, he never did anything without Evan’s permission. So, all of a sudden, Mandrake does something against Evan’s wishes? To me, that was a break in continuity.
The commercial for this episode was somewhat misleading. When Bree and Luke were featured in the commercial, Luke says something along the lines of how he needs to be on his own. Bree then appears concerned over what Luke told her. That scene’s presentation in the commercial gave the impression Luke and Bree were experiencing another relationship related issue. But in the episode, Luke was telling Bree he was going to visit his parents’ graves.
Toward the end of the episode, Kevin confesses to Sarah how he wants to go back to medical school to become a doctor. While this is a great chapter in Kevin’s story, we only have two episodes left until the show is over. According to the commercial for the next episode, it looks like Sarah might give birth. Maybe there will be another time-jump in the series finale?