Sunset Over Hope Valley: Achieving Inspiration

Every character on When Calls the Heart has been inspired by something or someone. Once this inspiration is found, each character has been encouraged to either follow their dreams, change their life, or make a difference. Reflecting on the show, even this season, it seems like Hope Valley is abundant with inspiration. Despite the town’s small size, the inspiration found has made a big impact. I can only speak for myself, but When Calls the Heart has inspired me, when it comes to writing my re-cap posts. Things characters say, an overarching theme, or an observation have served as a re-cap post’s title, as well as a main talking point for the introduction. As the sun sets on the tenth season, let’s re-cap the season finale of When Calls the Heart!

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

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

Season: 10

Episode: 12

Name: Starry Nights

Major story:

The Governor election is just around the corner! Everyone in Hope Valley is doing their part to make their votes count. Elizabeth and Rosemary volunteer to run the voting booths. Meanwhile, Lee, Bill, and Mike try to keep the saloon afloat. Ned suggests voters wear buttons advertising they had voted, an idea that helps Rosemary and Elizabeth later in the episode. When the voting polls open, the lines are moving slowly. Rosemary creates more booths so more people can vote. Hours later, when the polls are about to close, Elizabeth and Rosemary discover several residents have not voted. They walk around town, identifying those who haven’t voted by their lack of buttons. Their efforts seem to have paid off, as Lucas wins the Governor election by twenty-one votes! While Hope Valley is celebrating, someone in Capital City is not happy. They meet with Lucas one evening, shining their headlights in Lucas’ face. During this encounter, Lucas seems to recognize the unknown person. The next day, Bill tells Elizabeth and Nathan something has happened to Lucas. The episode ends with Bill, Elizabeth, and Nathan riding on a forest path.

Old fashioned telephone image created by Kues1 at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/vintage”>Vintage photo created by kues1 – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Minor stories:

Goldy’s Baptism is on the horizon. Rosemary wonders who could be Goldy’s Godfather. Lee suggests Henry serve that role, as Goldy seems happy when Henry is around. Lee also brings up how becoming Goldy’s Godfather could give Henry something to look forward to. When Lee asks Henry to be Goldy’s Godfather, Henry turns down the offer at first, saying he doesn’t know much about God or being a father. But he ends up changing his mind, making an appearance at Goldy’s Baptism. Later in the episode, Henry reflects on his time working across the street from Abigail. He tells Elizabeth even though the view hasn’t changed, he has. The next day, Henry visits Abigail at her house.

Mike and Mei want to spend more time together. Because of their jobs, they haven’t picked a day and time. Mei suggests meeting the following day at three, with Mike agreeing to meet. But Mike’s role on election day causes him to be busy, making Mei believe he stood her up. Disappointed with himself, Mike turns to Fiona for advice. She suggests being honest with Mei, a suggestion Mike takes to heart. That evening, Mike apologizes to Mei, explaining why he was late for their date. Mei tells Mike she likes him. Now at a mutual understanding, they dance in celebration of Lucas’ success.

Image by Freepik

Some thoughts to consider:

  • I’m going to be honest; this season finale was underwhelming. If anything, the stories were more predictable than in past seasons. Plus, Elizabeth’s romantic conflict was not resolved. That creative decision is frustrating, especially since it feels like the characters are going back to the beginning of the love triangle. While I’m looking forward to season eleven, I hope Elizabeth’s relationship issues are given more clarity.
  • Season ten of When Calls the Heart was, in my opinion, a little bit better than season nine. Once again, Henry’s story was one of the strongest. Plus, I liked the introduction of Harry and the return of Rosaleen. But some of the flaws of the past season found their way into the tenth season. Madeleine’s story was drawn out a little longer than necessary. Elizabeth’s story was, again, the weakest one. Revisiting the love triangle didn’t help, rehashing a story that should have already been resolved. As I’ve already said, I’m looking forward to season eleven. However, I hope it’s stronger than both season nine and ten.
  • Is it just me or am I the only Heartie who thinks Henry’s fondness for Abigail is random? From what I remember, Henry was never romantically interested in Abigail. While Abigail was cordial with Henry, she was falling in love with Frank, Hope Valley’s former pastor. I know Henry has brought up Abigail for a few seasons now. I would also like to see Henry find true love. But personally, I’d rather witness a new character capture Henry’s heart.
  • There have been several times this season where Fiona gave other characters advice. This advice has solved problems and made people happy. With Fiona’s success and the introduction of Hope Valley’s radio, I would love to see Fiona create her own radio show! Her experience with technology could work in her favor. Plus, she has such a friendly personality, one that listeners would find easy to warm up to. While the sky is the limit for Fiona’s career, a radio show would provide an exciting chapter in Fiona’s story!
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 season ten’s finale? What would you like to see in season eleven? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen

Sunset Over Hope Valley: Everybody, Celebrate

Well, this is it. The final episode of Season 6. I have to admit that this has been one of the most memorable seasons in the show’s history. There was enough content for Hearties to talk about, whether these things happened on or off screen. But, nine episodes later, I’d say that this season was a success! When the seventh season was announced, it proved this season’s, as well as this show’s, success. It showed that When Calls the Heart has the endurance to live on as long as it wants to. If the creative team focuses on making this show the best that it can be and if they fans continue to support it, then this dream can come true. Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for. My re-cap of Season Six’s finale of When Calls the Heart!

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

When Calls the Heart Season 6 poster 2
When Calls the Heart poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel. Image found https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=series&ShowTitle=When%20Calls%20the%20Heart%20Season%206&episodeIndex=6004.

Season: 6

Episode: 9

Name: Two of Hearts

 

Major Stories:

  • At the beginning of the episode, Elizabeth’s sister, Julie, arrives in Hope Valley. She and Elizabeth are so excited for Jack’s Baptism ceremony. Before the event, Julie presents her sister with the Christening Gown that all of the Thatcher daughters had worn on their Baptism. The day of this event goes according to plan. Not only does the library officially open, but the Baptism and Baptism party end up being wonderful. At the Founders Day Festival, Elizabeth spends some time with Ally and Nathan. A fishing pole prize at the Strength Test game catches Ally’s eye. Nathan tries to win the prize for her, but fails. Lucas, who approaches the group shortly after, tries to win the fishing pole for Ally. Unfortunately, his attempt fails as well. Finally, Carson, who also approaches the group, tries his luck at the game. He finds success and wins the fishing pole for Ally. Later in the episode, Elizabeth overhears Bill and Henry’s confrontation about Hope Valley’s mining tragedy. When she discusses this with Henry, he reveals that everything in the letter was true and that he felt guilty about the situation ever since. Elizabeth suggests that Henry try moving forward from the past, even though he feels he doesn’t know how. At the Founders Day Dance, when it’s time for the Ladies’ Choice dance, Elizabeth chooses to dance with Lucas instead of Nathan.

 

  • Before the Founders’ Day Festival, Bill is recruited as the judge of the Pie Baking Contest. He also fulfills his responsibilities as Jack’s Godfather. The first order of business is attending the Baptism ceremony. At the Festival, he and Lee bond over their duties as Jack’s Godfather and Guardian. Later in the episode, Bill is searching for something in the Mayor’s office. Rosemary soon enters the office to inform him that some of the pies have already been eaten due to a misunderstanding. After agreeing to help Rosemary with the situation, Bill finds a piece of paper at the back of a desk drawer. He discovers that the piece of paper is a letter from the Northwestern Mining Company to Henry Gowen. In this letter, it reveals that Henry had concerns about the overall safety of Hope Valley’s mine. The Mining Company, however, told him that he had nothing to worry about. Shortly after making this discovery, Bill confronts Henry about the letter. Henry admits that everything in the letter was true and that he feels guilty about the situation. The next day, Elizabeth talks to Henry about his confrontation with Bill. Henry shares with her that he has been haunted by the tragedy at the mine. Elizabeth suggests that he move forward from the past. Henry says that he does not know how to do that.

 

  • After Spencer and Grace receive the iron pills from Carson, the three of them spend some time at the Founders Day Festival. Spencer is still upset, so Grace takes him to various attractions to help lift his spirits. A few things make him smile for a little while, such as winning a Sheriff pin and petting a rabbit at the Petting Zoo. But, no matter what, Spencer returns to his state of unhappiness. When he sees other children with their parents, he decides to run away when Grace isn’t looking. When she discovers that Spencer is missing, she immediately tells Carson what happened. Grace, Carson, and other citizens from Hope Valley join in the search for Spencer. Carson ends up finding Spencer hiding in his office. Spencer tells Carson that he misses his parents. After the Festival, Grace tries to convince Spencer to come to the orphanage that she and her sister are going to own. As she’s sharing her story of what it was like to be an orphan, Grace also shares all the fun things that the orphans and care-givers will be doing at this orphanage. Spencer ultimately decides to go to this orphanage with Grace.

 

  • After the contract gets approved, Lee promotes Jesse to the Manager of the lumberyard. Jesse goes straight to Dottie’s Dress Shop to tell Clara the exciting news. During the Founders Day Festival, Clara volunteers to host a hair-dressing booth. Even though she learned how to create the hairstyle the night before, her execution of the hairstyle at the festival doesn’t go according to plan. She ends up asking Fiona for some assistance. Meanwhile, Jesse asks for Lee’s help in planning a surprise for Clara. At the Founders Day Dance, Jesse surprises Clara with a marriage proposal. With much excitement and happiness, Clara says yes.

Jewels sparkle in the golden wedding rings lying on the leather
Fancy jewelry image created by Freepic.diller at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/wedding”>Wedding photo created by freepic.diller – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Minor Stories:

Because all of the stories surrounded the Founders Day Festival, there were no minor stories in this episode.

59204-O9FTZU-909
Carnival game image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Some thoughts to consider:

  • I was honestly surprised when Elizabeth decided to dance with Lucas at the Founders Day Dance. After her talk with Henry, I thought that Elizabeth would pick him as her dance partner. I understand that the screen-writers of this show want to draw this guessing game of who Elizabeth will fall in love with for as long as possible. But, I think having Elizabeth choose between Lucas and Nathan in this episode was a little too soon.

 

  • I was also surprised that Lee and Rosemary didn’t adopt Spencer. I realize that this creative decision was probably made to a.) provide When Hope Calls with some familiar faces and b.) not overshadow Jesse and Clara’s engagement. However, it just felt like the emotionality of Lee and Rosemary’s talk about the possibly of not having children didn’t have a satisfying pay-off.

 

  • Since we now know that When Calls the Heart will receive a seventh season, I wonder when a Christmas movie will be announced? These movies have acted as a “bridge” between the previous season and the next season. Maybe it’ll be announced at Hallmark’s Summer TCA Event? What would be shocking is if this show didn’t receive a Christmas movie.

 

  • Overall, I thought this season finale was, at best, fine. I understand that after last season’s finale, the creative team behind this show would choose not to include a lot of shocking/surprising moments. The only thing that came the closest to being surprising was Jesse and Clara’s engagement. But even that wasn’t really surprising because it was hinted at in the preview commercial for this episode. To me, there weren’t as many surprises as I had hoped.

Red sunset clouds over trees.
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.

Now that this season is over, what are your overall thoughts on it? Do you think this show will receive a Christmas movie? Let me know in the comment section!

 

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen