Ava is a new character introduced in this episode of When Calls the Heart. She claims she wanted to come to Hope Valley to experience what Elizabeth wrote about in her book. In a conversation with Elizabeth, Ava says the town is “just like in the book, but real”. Though Ava’s adventure is not as simplistic as she expected. While the story of When Calls the Heart (and its respective source material) are fictional, the time period the characters exist in actually happened. Places like Hope Valley did exist; where neighbors looked out for each other, children grew up, and people fell in love. It can, sometimes, be easy to forget these facts because most of When Calls the Heart’s audience is far removed from the 1910s to 1920s and the Hearties are so caught up in what is happening on screen. What’s also easy to forget is how different life was during the early 20^th century. But the timelessness of family, friendship, and community can thrive in any era! Another thing that can thrive is good-storytelling.

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

Season: 12

Episode: 5

Name: Mom’s the Word

Major stories:

Nathan confirms the mysterious coin is from the Rocky Mountain train robbery of 1907. Jed also confesses where he received the coin; from a man named Toddy Davis in a poker card. As Rosemary and Bill brainstorm how to reach Toddy for information, Nathan volunteers to go undercover. For about half the episode, Bill and Rosemary create a new identity for Nathan. Before leaving Hope Valley for his undercover mission, Nathan adopts the backstory of an estate dealer trying to reclaim his wealth. Within the second half of the episode, Nathan loses a poker game to Toddy. But after the game, when Nathan brings up the coin, Toddy confesses how rare coins are one of his interests. He even gives Nathan one of his business cards.

Lee and Lucas are still avoiding each other. This friction between friends bothers Joseph and Mike. So, they come up with a plan to bring Lucas and Lee together. Joseph tricks Lee into going on a hike. Meanwhile, Mike lies to Lucas about taking him on a horseback riding trip. Once all four men reach a spot next to a river, Lucas and Lee quickly realize what’s going on. But before they can do anything about it, Mike and Joseph leave with all four horses, instructing Lee and Lucas to walk back to Hope Valley and work out their differences. So, Lucas and Lee do as they’re told. During this walk, Lee shares how he didn’t like it when Lucas took Edwin’s advice over his own. Lucas confesses how Lee’s sudden departure from Capitol City caught him off guard. Back in Hope Valley, Rosemary visits the Queen of Hearts saloon, looking for Lee. A few seconds later, Lucas and Lee are shaking hands, agreeing to work together again.

Minor stories:

Elizabeth introduces project-based learning to her students. Even though the primary theme is nature, the students are eager for Elizabeth’s idea. Since Allie is still interested in the Great Timber Wolves, her project is about finding a way to bring them back around Hope Valley’s surrounding areas. Oliver even volunteers to help Allie with the mapping portion of her assignment. Before introducing the concept of project-based learning, Nathan shares his concerns with Elizabeth about Allie developing a crush on Earl. Elizabeth insists she isn’t getting involved in business that is not hers. She says the exact same thing when Rosemary suggests Elizabeth become a mother figure to Allie. Nathan’s concerns are confirmed when Allie asks Earl to go on a picnic with her. This is when Earl tells Allie he doesn’t like her in a romantic sense. When Allie shows up at Elizabeth’s house, Elizabeth senses Allie is upset. Allie eventually tells Elizabeth what Earl told her. Understanding Allie’s heartbreak, Elizabeth says how “the right one” will, indeed, come along someday. She also encourages Allie to call her “Elizabeth” at home.

Fiona comes back to Hope Valley! While the town’s residents are excited about Fiona’s return, Fiona doesn’t plan to stay long. In a conversation amongst Mei and Faith, Fiona shares how she is in the process of selling the barber shop. She also says she plans on marrying a man she’s been corresponding with some quote some time. Fiona didn’t come to Hope Valley alone, providing Ava with a ride to town. Ava claims to be a debutante whose parents are on vacation. She also claims all her luggage, including her money, was stolen. So, for the time being, Ava stays at the Queen of Hearts hotel, where her bill becomes concerning. The reason for Ava’s trip to Hope Valley is to experience what Elizabeth wrote about in her book. Ava shares how she wants to become a teacher as well. Elizabeth invites Ava to join her class on a nature walk. Unfortunately for Ava, this trip turns sour because Ava walks into poison oak. Despite this mishap, Elizabeth encourages Ava to stay in Hope Valley.

Some thoughts to consider:

• In the commercial for the next When Calls the Heart episode, it was announced there was a scheduling change. This upcoming episode will premiere on February 8^th at 10pm/9c. I first learned this information on the blog, It’s a Wonderful Movie. So, if you haven’t seen It’s a Wonderful Movie’s announcement or When Calls the Heart’s commercial, I wanted to inform other Hearties so they didn’t miss the episode.
• When I re-capped last week’s episode, I wondered if When Calls the Heart’s creative team wanted to create another love triangle featuring Allie, Earl, and Oliver. With Earl expressing no interest in dating Allie, there won’t be any more love triangles anytime soon. I have to give When Calls the Heart’s creative team credit for avoiding a second love triangle. But I also have to give some credit to Earl. Allie could have started dating Earl, only to have that relationship be strung along and Allie receive false hope. But Earl decided to be honest about his feelings and tell Allie the truth.
• So far, the coin mystery is one of the best parts of season twelve! It has prevented episodes from becoming complete “filler”, consistently giving me something to look forward. But the more Rosemary is involved in the case, I wonder where she will find the time for her radio show? Rosemary did such a good job with her first episode, gathering various perspectives on comic books. I hope the radio show makes a return this season.

What are your thoughts on this episode? Do you like the show’s new character, Ava? Tell me in the comment section!

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen