Sunset Over Hope Valley: Hope Valley’s Strongest Warriors

On By 18cinemalane

I’ve heard a quote about God giving His toughest battles to His strongest warriors. What reminded me of that quote is Faith and Mei telling Elizabeth how strong Jack Jr. is. This exchange between Elizabeth, Mei, and Faith also caused me to think about how strong the other characters on When Calls the Heart are. With Hope Valley’s residents possessing their own perspectives, dreams, and lives, strength is going to look different for each character. Last season, Toby’s strength was overcoming his struggles in math. Earlier in season twelve, Jack Jr. helped Lily find her strength on their first day of school. Dottie even had the strength to start her own business within When Calls the Heart’s first few years. Since the start of the show, there have always been tough battles woven into each story. But because of how strong the characters are, battles have been both fought and won.

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

When Calls the Heart season twelve poster created by Hallmark Media, Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel

Season: 12

Episode: 11

Name: Having Faith

Major story

Since Jack Jr.’s Diabetes diagnosis, he has become weaker and more tired. Hope Valley’s residents do whatever they can to help Elizabeth, from Bill tracking down Pal (who became lost, but was found toward the end of the episode) to Rosemary delivering food to the family. During this period, Mei finds an article about a study in Toronto using a new treatment called Insulin. Hoping to get Jack Jr. included in the study, Mei and Faith encourage Elizabeth to write a letter advocating for her son. Volunteering to raise awareness for Jack Jr.’s health, Mike and Mei travel to Toronto on Elizabeth’s behalf. Unfortunately, Jack Jr. can’t be included in the study because he’s a young child. The Insulin also can’t be easily transferred due to the medicine needing to be refrigerated shortly after it is manufactured. However, Faith and Mei are encouraged to start their own clinic, if they can find ten Diabetes patients. Ten patients are eventually found before the end of the episode. Despite a railroad delay, Mei and Mike bring the Insulin back to Hope Valley. After receiving the medicine, Jack Jr. experiences positive results. Hope has, once again, saved the day!

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Minor stories:

Due to this episode revolving around Jack Jr. and his health, there were no minor stories in this episode.

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Some thoughts to consider:

  • Because of Jack Jr. becoming too sick to play baseball, some of Elizabeth’s students organize a radio broadcast of a local baseball game. Toby and Cooper are the sportscasters, while Oliver and Allie deliver what’s happening on the field for the radio program. Watching this scene reminded me of when Hallmark Channel would organize the Kitten Bowl and the Kitten Summer Games. For readers who are unfamiliar with these events, the Kitten Bowl and Kitten Summer Games were television specials featuring kittens playing sports themed games, in an effort to raise awareness for pet adoption. Looking back on these programs, I wish some of the stars of When Calls the Heart had become sportscasters for the Kitten Bowl and Summer Games. Perhaps the kittens could have been named after some of the show’s characters.
  • Before Mei and Mike left for Toronto, Joseph conducted a prayer with some of Hope Valley’s other residents. He also hosted a small service where the town’s animals were blessed. Hearing prayer and seeing church services incorporated into the script was a breath of fresh air. This is because these elements are infrequently found on the show. If When Calls the Heart receives a thirteenth season, I hope Joseph uses faith more often.
  • During a conversation at the Queen of Hearts saloon, Lucas makes a comment about how he will likely lose his re-election. If his statement is true, I wonder if this is the creative team’s way of keeping Lucas in Hope Valley? I also wonder what Lucas will do if he’s no longer Governor? From what I remember, he sold the saloon/hotel to Lee either during season ten or shortly before that season.
Sunset image created by Photoangel at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background image created by Photoangel – Freepik.com</a>.<a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/red-sunset-clouds-over-trees_1254327.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What are your thoughts on this episode? Which stories do you think will be wrapped up in the season finale? Tell me in the comment section!

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen

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