Sunset Over Hope Valley: Knock Three Times

As a piece of advice to Lucas, Minnie says in order to seek reconcile, you have to knock three times. This was Minnie’s way of encouraging Lucas to reach out to the person he had a disagreement with. Despite not hearing Minnie’s advice, Earl Wyatt came back to Hope Valley and “knocked three times”, seeking reconcile for bullying Opal years ago. But reconciliation is not the only reason characters, figuratively, knock on each other’s doors on When Calls the Heart. Sometimes, it’s in search of help, like when Oliver sought Elizabeth’s guidance on his Mountie writing sample. Other times, characters “knock three times” to find answers. One example is Rosemary’s quest for the origin of a valuable coin. The idea of characters, figuratively, knocking on each other’s doors shows how the residents of Hope Valley, and even guests, rely on each other when it matters most. This is an example of the kind of place Hope Valley is.

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: 3

Name: All That Glitters

Major stories:

Oliver’s one-month evaluation is fast approaching. The only step left is his writing sample. After Oliver submits the writing sample, Nathan takes note of its weak writing quality. When Elizabeth makes this discovery, she volunteers to help Oliver improve his writing sample. At the Jack Thornton School, Oliver shows up for his first tutoring session. He claims he attended a school in Hamilton called Briarcliff. But later in the episode, Elizabeth finds out the school closed five years prior to Oliver’s arrival in Hope Valley. This fact, along with Oliver’s decision to resign from the Mounties, raises alarm in Nathan. So, he and Elizabeth confront Oliver at the stables. Oliver confesses he lied about attending Briarcliff. His reason is how he sought a better life for himself, due to being a foster child. Oliver also reveals how he didn’t finish school because his foster parents believed working on their farm was more important. He explains to Nathan his decision to resign from the Mounties was due to not wanting Nathan to get in trouble. Oliver’s loyalty gives Nathan a reason to not give up on Oliver. Later in the episode, Superintendent Hargreaves arrives for the one-month evaluation. Oliver passes with flying colors.

Rosemary has two mysteries on her hands. The first is why Lee is so secretive. She becomes curious after being told Lee created a will and recently had a doctor’s appointment. As Rosemary shares her concerns with Elizabeth at the Mercantile, they overhear Lee telling Ned he’s going on a hike. So, Elizabeth and Rosemary follow Lee and Mike into the forest. After Mike and Lee discover the women’s hiding place among the bushes, Rosemary and Elizabeth learn the purpose of the hike; so Lee could create a hiking trail named after Goldie. Lee explains how he hopes the trail will remind Lucas of the national park’s importance. The second mystery revolves around a coin bearing a double headed bird. When Ned discovers a rare coin, Rosemary makes it her mission to track down its original owner. She writes an article about the coin in The Valley Voice. But no one comes forward. Bill volunteers to help Rosemary crack the case. After he retrieves the Mountie file about the coin, Bill shares with Rosemary how the coin was one of twenty thousand coins stolen in the Rocky Mountain train robbery of 1907.

Silver coin image created by Welcomia at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/american-one-dollar-coin_1180385.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/money”>Money image created by Welcomia – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Minor stories:

At Capitol City, Edwin and Lucas learn Jeanette’s trial is coming up. Edwin encourages Lucas to leave Capital City to avoid more negative press. Lucas takes Edwin’s advice and goes back to Hope Valley. On the train ride home, Lucas learns Edie is also headed towards Hope Valley, in order to take care of her uncle’s ranch. Once in the town, at The Café, Edie reveals to Lucas how she’s considering opening a law firm in Hope Valley. But those plans are on hold because she can’t find the space.

Earl Wyatt returns to Hope Valley and apologizes to Opal for bullying her when she was younger. Earl’s arrival intrigues Allie, as he shares how his father works for the railroad, allowing him to travel wherever he wants. Before meeting Earl, Allie tries to decide what she wants to do for her upcoming 17th birthday. What she does know is she wants to host a party among her friends. At the Queen of Hearts saloon, Allie and some of her friends hear dance music. When she sees Earl dancing, Allie chooses to have a dance party for her birthday.

String of musical notes image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/pentagram-vector_710290.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com. 

Some thoughts to consider:

  • You’re probably wondering why I spelled Goldie’s name with an ‘ie’ instead of with a ‘y’ like I usually do. That’s because her name is spelled G-O-L-D-I-E in this episode. When it comes to characters’ names, I try to spell them how the show’s creative team intended. So, from now on, I will spell Goldie’s name with an ‘ie’ in future re-caps.
  • Thinking about the mystery of the coin and Earl Wyatt’s return to Hope Valley, I wonder if Earl’s family has something to do with the Rocky Mountain train robbery of 1907? As I mentioned in this re-cap, Earl said his father works for the railroad. Plus, Earl’s arrival and the discovery of the coin took place around the same time. This would explain why Earl and his family left Hope Valley all those years ago.
  • In this re-cap, I said Rosemary becomes curious after being told Lee created a will and recently had a doctor’s appointment. In a scene where Lee pays Faith a visit, it’s revealed Lee’s father died of an unnamed medical condition. Lee is not only concerned about developing this medical condition himself, he’s also worried about leaving a legacy behind for his daughter. Faith reassures him that he has a clean bill of health. However, I wonder if Lee’s medical history will become an overarching story this 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? Who do you think is behind the Rocky Mountain train robbery of 1907? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen

Evenings At The Shore: There’s An App For That

While preparing for their hiking trip, Thomas talks about the different apps that are on his phone. Even during the trip, Thomas uses an app that will record his voice and document information. As I write this re-cap, I just realized that television shows are similar to apps. There’s an abundance of them, sometimes feeling like too many. Prices also vary, some shows becoming free with a cable or dish plan. Other shows might cost extra due to their existence on a streaming service or a premium channel. At the end of the day, what matters most is if a television show is going to pull through for you. There are always reviews to read, just like apps, that can help sway an opinion. Accolades, like awards and records, can also serve as a deciding factor. But you are the only person who can ultimately make that choice.

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

Chesapeake Shores Season 5 poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel.

Season: 5

Episode: 4

Name: Happy Trails

Abby’s story: Abby is constantly receiving phone calls from Evan. While he only appears in one scene, Evan tells her he is now considering a brewery should be placed in a different location. For most of this episode, Abby is trying to find a building plan for a client named Mr. Chang. According to her, if she can’t find this building plan, the project can’t move forward. She asks Connor to help her find these documents, even offering to buy him dinner. Over the weekend, Connor meets Abby at the O’Brien firm. Because the aforementioned business plan was recorded in 1988 and digitized in 2000, it is located among the other paper files in the storage room. While sifting through these files, Connor finds one with the date of his 7th birthday; March 11th, 1999. He recalls how it was his best birthday, as that is when the O’Brien family went to Walt Disney World. Both Abby and Connor come to the realization that Dilpher must have forged Mick’s signature on the March 11th file. Back at the O’Brien family home, Connor and Abby find a photo from the Disney World trip, proving Mick was out of town that day.

Mick’s story: Mick and Thomas prepare to embark on their hiking trip through the Appalachian Trail. While Mick chooses to rely on a paper map, Thomas primarily utilizes his smart phone. During the hike, they reminiscence over several subjects, such as getting older and how their father treated them. When the brothers find the boulder they believe is in their photograph, Thomas tumbles down the side of the trail. In an attempt to save Thomas, Mick tumbles down as well. Mick is unscathed, but Thomas receives a sprained ankle. But when Mick tries to climb back up the trail’s side, he ends up with a minor shoulder injury. Mick thinks up a plan to create a pulley system. However, Thomas finds a path up the trail, helping both of them get back on track. Toward the end of their trip, they meet two younger hikers. These hikers help Thomas walk more comfortably. They also take Mick and Thomas’ picture, after the brothers find their boulder.

Connor’s story: After another successful day at the firm, Connor is invited to share cocktails with a fellow lawyer named Bob. During this get-together, Bob and Linda ask Connor questions about his work experience at his father’s firm. Refusing to answer these questions, Connor says by asking those questions, Bob and Linda are crossing a moral line. While working on a Saturday, Margaret warns Connor not to put important files inside his desk. This is because keys can not only be copied, but Margaret also makes a reference to the “firewall” surrounding Connor. Connor tells Abby about how he feels paranoid at work, almost like he is being spied on. He even suspects one of the O’Brien firm’s inspectors of being a suspicious character.

Interior image of detective’s office created by Vectorpocket at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/vintage”>Vintage vector created by vectorpocket – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Kevin’s story: At the fire station, Kevin and the firefighters try Captain Gahagan’s chili recipe. This meal ends up being too spicy for anybody’s liking. Kevin notices the Captain has not only called him “Carl” again, but that he also put baking soda in the recipe. As Kevin’s concerns continue to grow, Sarah reveals she had a firefighting partner named Carl, but he passed away on the job. She suggests to Kevin that he might remind Captain Gahagan of Carl. Later in the episode, Captain Gahagan is struggling to find his keys. Kevin helps in the search, finding the keys in the fridge. The next day, he addresses his concerns to the Captain. Captain Gahagan tells Kevin he is seeing his doctor, due to his insomnia.

Jess and David’s story: Jess and David’s B&B hosts a Snallygaster related event. As explained by the O’Brien family, a Snallygaster is a mythical creature that has never been seen in person before. During the weekend, Jess and David are astounded by the equipment the attendees have brought, such as night vision cameras and infrared technology. David also doesn’t believe the Snallygaster exists. On the night of the Snallygaster search, Jess explains to David how the Snallygaster is a reminder that there is beauty in everything. She also tells David how the event’s attendees want to believe the Snallygaster is real. Meanwhile, Jess and David continue to make wedding plans, such as choosing the type of cake they want and who will be Jess’ Maid of Honor.

Luke’s story: While Luke is sweeping the floors at The Bridge, his parole officer, Mr. Sampson, shows up unannounced. He asks Luke about his new job, specifically asking why he wasn’t informed about it yet. Luke explains that everything has happened so quickly, also telling Mr. Sampson how Mick already knows about his past. Luke tells Mr. Sampson that, due to his arrest record, it has been difficult finding a job. Even though Mr. Sampson lets the situation go, he warns Luke to stay in line.

Breakfast tray image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/composed-healthy-fruit-and-coffee-on-tray_1441643.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background image created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Some thoughts to consider:

  • Even though the wedding episode is just around the corner, I’ve already found Jess and David’s storyline getting stale. This is because they rarely experience conflict. In the times David and Jess have faced a conflict this season, such as the pre-nuptial agreement, it was resolved easily and quickly. The timing of some of these conflicts also doesn’t seem realistic. In the commercial for the next episode, Jess tells David she might not want to have kids. Personally, I think this conversation should have happened before they got engaged.
  • Similar to this season’s second episode, the fourth episode felt like “filler”. While there was conflict to be found, most of it was weaker than others. The only storyline that was intriguing was Abby and Connor’s discovery at the firm. Hopefully, the storylines in episode five will be stronger.
  • In the last episode, Luke told Mick he got into a bar fight because a patron was harassing a woman. This makes me wonder if this woman will track Luke down and, possibly, fall in love with him? Even though it seems like Luke is in the middle of a love triangle right now (Jerome and Luke trying to win Bree’s heart), I’d much rather to see him enter a romantic relationship when he’s in a more stable place in his life. I also think Jerome is a better match for Bree.
Evening view from the shore image created by 0melapics at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/landscape-in-a-swamp-at-night_1042860.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by 0melapics – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What are your thoughts on this episode? Are you excited for Jess and David’s wedding? Tell me in the comment section below!

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen