Tag: legal

Take 3: Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery Review

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Since 2023, when I reviewed Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, I have expressed my frustrations over the re-brand of the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series. It got to the point where, by the time I wrote about Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, I wasn’t looking forward to future installments. But that started to change when I saw Pie To Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery. Even though the movie was just ok, it was slightly better than its predecessor. Then, when I reviewed Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, I found that film ok as well. As I learned about another chapter in the series, Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, I was ready to discuss the film with an open mind! Would that movie be ok like the previous two chapters? Keep reading my review to find out!

Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery poster created by Hallmark Media and Hallmark Channel

Things I liked about the film:

Incorporation of Delores’ private investigation business: When I talked about One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery in my list of the worst movies I saw in 2024, I criticized the creative decision of allowing Delores to become a private investigator. At the time, I believed this creative choice went against Delores’ character, especially after spending years objecting to Hannah getting involved in cases. But in Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, Delores’ role as a private investigator made sense within the context of the story. One of the plots of this chapter is a court case involving fraudulent coins. Not only did Chad use Delores’ evidence in the case, Delores also testified during the case’s trial. Along with making sense, incorporating Delores’ private investigation business into Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery gave Delores more involvement in, at least, one area of the script.

Michelle’s wardrobe: Since her debut in Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, Hannah’s younger sister, Michelle, has been known for being a free-spirited and creative woman. These personality traits have been reflected through her wardrobe, with Michelle’s wardrobe in Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery being no exception! When Michelle visits The Cookie Jar (Hannah’s bakery), she wears an outfit consisting of a black shirt, black leather jacket, a short yellow plaid skirt, black tights, and black boots. Michelle even wore a pair of yellow smiley face earrings, providing a nice bridge between the black and yellow hues of the outfit. During another trip to The Cookie Jar, Michelle’s outfit boasts a brown and white color combination. But this time, she wears an ensemble made up of a long brown and white cow print skirt, a white shirt, brown sweater, and brown boots. Earrings were, once again, the statement accessory. However, Michelle’s earrings looked like cowgirl boots. Kelsey Baran, the costume designer of Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, did a great job putting together attire that complements both Michelle and the actress who portrays her, Tess Atkins!

Utilizing Hannah’s “quirk”: I’ve mentioned in the past how detectives in pop culture, especially those that are more well-known, have a “quirk”. This “quirk” helps set fictional detectives apart from other fictional detectives, whether it’s a catchphrase, special interest, or having a signature style. However, a “quirk” isn’t always utilized in solving cases. Hannah has gained a reputation for being a respected baker, as well as the successful proprietor of her bakery, The Cookie Jar, setting the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series apart from other Hallmark mystery series. From what I remember, though, I don’t recall Hannah using her baking skills to solve a case. But in Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, Hannah was able to use her baking skills in her favor! I can’t say exactly the role Hannah’s skills played in the film’s mystery, as I don’t want to spoil the film. What I will say is the way they were written into the story was not only clever, but also unique for the series. Sometimes, a fictional detective’s “quirk” can contribute to their perspective, especially when approaching a case. Hannah’s baking skills certainly achieved this, as she was able to notice details overlooked by other characters! The utilization of Hannah’s “quirk” was refreshing, especially compared to a movie like One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, where Hannah didn’t even solve the mystery.

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.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Lack of urgency: I brought up earlier in this review how one of the plots of Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery is a court case involving fraudulent coins. The other two plots were a murder mystery and a missing person case. While these three plots interconnected with one another, the court case was prioritized in the script. This creative decision caused the story to lack urgency, which seems to be a consistent flaw in the more recent Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen movies. With so much emphasis on the court case, it felt like characters were taking their time solving both the missing person case and the murder mystery. Intrigue was decreased because of the lack of urgency.

Limited number of suspects: Like I just mentioned in my review, the script of Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery emphasized the fraudulent coin court case. Few key characters were involved in the court case, which provided a limited number of suspects. When a mystery story features a collection of suspects, it can add to the fun of trying to figure out “whodunit”, as the audience plays an engaging guessing game. It can also maintain a sense of intrigue to help viewers hold their interest in the film. Sadly, these elements were absent due to how few suspects were in Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery. This creative decision made the mystery’s reveal feel a bit predictable as well.

Underutilized part of the story: Toward the beginning of Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, Hannah is testing new recipes for an upcoming baking contest. She even offers one of her new pastries to Delores. But other than being brought up in two scenes, this baking contest barely plays a role in the script. In fact, it’s never revealed which pastry Hannah will submit to the contest. I found this underutilized part of the story disappointing because of its wasted potential. I recall the baking contest being international, which could have served either an interesting subplot or main plot. Looking back on Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, as well as the more recent Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen movies, it seems like underutilizing elements of the story is a trend within this series.

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.

My overall impression:

When I talked about Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery in my list of the best and worst movies I saw in 2025, I said if the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series continues in 2026, I’d like to see the quality become more consistent. Reflecting on Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (as well as Pie To Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery and Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery), I would say this consistency was achieved! Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery was, in my opinion, just ok. However, this movie improved upon some of the series’ flaws. Not only was Delores’ antics toned down again, her private investigation business was incorporated into the story in a way that made sense. This latest chapter in the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series contributed its own set of strengths, such as Hannah’s “quirk” becoming utilized within the script. But there are weaknesses in this series, including in Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, I wish were not consistent, like the lack of urgency and underutilizing parts of the story. According to IMDB, ‘Cooked to Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery’ is currently in pre-production. There also appears to be an Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams project in development. Even though no official word has been made about the future of the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series, it’ll be interesting to see where this story goes from here.

Overall score: 6-6.1 out of 10

Have you seen Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery? Would you like to see the Murder, She Baked/Hannah Swensen series continue? Please tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at The Cookie Jar!

Sally Silverscreen

IMDB pages I referenced in this review: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt40629979/?ref_=tt_mlt_t_1, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt34094007/?ref_=tt_mlt_t_7

Sunset Over Hope Valley: Heroes in Disguise

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

The trial over the fire investigation has finally taken place. But as the trial goes on, hope seems to be slipping away from Hearties’ favorite characters. Until a hero in disguise swoops in to save the day. Throughout the lifespan of When Calls the Heart, heroes have come and went in Hope Valley. Sometimes, their actions have been grand, attracting the attention of everyone affected. But other times, these heroic actions have been quieter, causing a ripple effect that is felt by the other characters. What the heroes of Hope Valley have in common is how they are disguised as neighbors, friends, and family. They are ordinary residents who go the extra mile for the people around them. When the heroism of Hope Valley’s heroes is recognized, they don’t allow the attention to get to their head. Instead, they remain humble and continue to be their genuine selves.

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 thirteen poster created by Hallmark Media, Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel

Season: 13

Episode: 11

Name: Trials and Trails and Tribulations

Major story:

Because Benson Hills’ courthouse is still under construction, the fire investigation’s trial is taking place in Hope Valley. The judge overseeing the trial is Judge Wakefield. When both sides are questioned, they recall information that was discovered in this season’s previous episodes. However, Judge Wakefield won’t allow the information discovered from the “drip test” to be used in court, as he feels it is entrapment. As a final effort to find Christopher, Elizabeth suggests having Henry contact his son through Rosemary’s radio show. This plan ends up working, as Christopher shows up to court with the buried transformer. His confession helps Judge Wakefield declare National Insurance and Pioneer Electric guilty of starting the fire.

Courtroom image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/isometric”>Isometric vector created by macrovector – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Minor stories:

Nathan prepares to propose to Elizabeth. But, as he tells Allie, he wants the proposal to take place after the trial. When the trial eventually concludes, Nathan decides to propose to Elizabeth during dinner. As he’s about to ask Elizabeth the long-awaited question, the dinner is interrupted by Allie. According to Allie, LJ climbed up a tree but had difficulty climbing down. When Elizabeth and Nathan rescue LJ, LJ expresses his frustrations over not being allowed to travel to Parson’s Peak. Elizabeth worries about LJ missing out on adventures. However, Nathan reassures Elizabeth how she’ll know when it’s the right time to let LJ spread his wings and fly.

Lucas works on preparations for his re-election campaign. One of those preparations is practicing for an upcoming debate. As Lucas makes his case for why he deserves to be re-elected, Maisie acts as his debate opponent. When Lucas expresses his frustrations over how little he believes he accomplished, Maisie encourages him to love the game or find a new one. Meanwhile, Joseph is hesitant to forgive Christopher for not coming forward with the truth about the fire sooner. Cooper, on the other hand, is willing to forgive Christopher, even pointing out how Joseph’s recent sermon was about forgiveness. Joseph explains to his son how he isn’t ready to forgive yet.

Small, western town 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:

  • While I’m glad the fire investigation and its trial was resolved, the resolution was, in my opinion, a bit predictable. In season thirteen, episodes one through six prioritized the mystery surrounding the fire. But since episode seven, the priority shifted toward stories with lower stakes, such as Rosemary’s silent movie. Even in this episode, it almost feels like When Calls the Heart’s creative team wanted to complete this story just so they could move on to something else. I wish the resolution to the fire investigation and its trial had included a plot twist to add some excitement to that story.
  • According to the commercial for the season finale (as well as fan responses on social media), a lot of people expect Elizabeth and Nathan to become engaged at the end of season thirteen. But I think Nathan’s proposal will become interrupted (again), with the cause of the interruption dealt with toward the beginning of season fourteen. One possible interruption could be Toby, Cooper, and Rupert experiencing an emergency on Parson’s Peak. I did notice how these three students were not featured in the season finale commercial.
  • After Christopher shows up at the trial and comes forward with his confession, Henry lets his son know how he’ll support him any way he can. Reflecting on how Henry’s and Christopher’s story turned out, I noticed how they have paralleled one another. Both Christopher’s and Henry’s redemption arc started with a trial, with their actions and choices impacting multiple lives. Though Christopher’s redemption arc just begun, he is seeking forgiveness, similar to how Henry has sought forgiveness in seasons’ past. Henry’s redemption arc led him to become Hope Valley’s “Voice of Reason”. So, it’ll be interesting to see who Christopher becomes as his redemption arc continues.
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 of When Calls the Heart? Do you think Nathan’s proposal will become interrupted again? Please tell me in the comment section below!

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: No Postage Necessary Review

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

For my review of No Postage Necessary, my original plan was to publish it on Valentine’s Day. This decision was made because, last year, I wrote about Evan Williams’ Hallmark film, The National Tree, in honor of the Christmas season. While working on my aforementioned review, I was also finding research for my upcoming Sally Solves a Mystery article. However, locating research for my Sally Solves a Mystery entry took longer than I expected. That means I ran out of time to publish my review of No Postage Necessary as originally intended. But I haven’t reviewed a movie since last week, so that’s why I’m still publishing my No Postage Necessary review. When it comes to “chick flicks” and “rom coms”, Hallmark has capitalized on both genres. But Hallmark is not the “end all, be all” when it comes to romantic comedies. Will No Postage Necessary mirror the quality viewers come to expect from Hallmark? Keep reading my review to find out!

No Postage Necessary poster created by Two Roads Picture Co. and Deep C Digital

Things I liked about the film:

George Blagden’s performance: While I liked the acting throughout No Postage Necessary, the strongest performance, in my opinion, came from George Blagden. That, along with how George is the reason why I sought out this movie, is why I’ll be highlighting George’s performance in this review. The most notable aspect of George’s portrayal of the protagonist, Sam, is how effortless he makes his performance appear. Toward the beginning of the film, Sam is a pessimistic man, using sarcasm to combat disappointment. During these moments, the sarcasm rolls off George’s tongue, with the delivery being sharp. As the story progresses and Sam becomes attracted to the film’s female protagonist, Josie, his attitude begins to soften. George adopts a calm, yet playful demeanor to show Sam’s changing persona. The aforementioned effortlessness, along with George’s ability to readily change emotions and expressions, allows Sam’s transformation to come across as believable!

The on-screen chemistry: For any romantic comedy to work, there needs to be, at least, some on-screen chemistry between the lead actor and actress. If this on-screen chemistry is strong, it believably sells the protagonists’ romantic relationship to the audience. As I previously mentioned in this review, Sam becomes attracted to Josie. Throughout the story, Josie and Sam spend time together and eventually fall in love. While interacting with each other, I could sense on-screen chemistry between George Blagden and Charleene Closshey. These interactions were not only very sweet, but it seemed like their characters developed a sense of understanding between each other. I also want to point out how natural Sam and Josie’s interactions were in No Postage Necessary. The acting abilities of George and Charleene worked in this movie’s favor!

The messages and themes: Similar to other romantic comedies, especially from Hallmark, there were some good messages and themes within the script of No Postage Necessary. One major theme is taking responsibility for one’s own actions. Prior to the events of this movie, Sam was arrested and faced accountability for the crime he committed. He is on probation during the events of the film. But when he discovered a letter from Josie, Sam takes the initiative the turn his life around. He seeks out better employment so he can prove how self-sufficient he is. Sam even purchases a new car, trying to give Josie a good impression of himself. Because of the screenwriting and acting performances, this theme was delivered well in this movie!

Envelope with hearts image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/hearts-and-pink-envelope-for-mothers-day_1950691.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/love”>Love image created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

The cyber security/Bitcoin subplot: George’s character, Sam, is a computer hacker who was arrested for his crime. Despite his criminal past, he still believes he could use his skills for good. Throughout the movie, Sam is accused by Agent Ames of stealing Bitcoins, even though Sam has never worked with Bitcoins before. While I’m aware Sam needed a conflict to work through, as well as a reason to change his ways, the overall tone of this subplot clashed with the cozy, sweet nature of the main romance plot. It felt like a Hallmark Channel movie tried to incorporate a Lifetime movie conflict into their script. This aforementioned subplot also, at times, seemed to serve a talking point for bigger, real-world issues. That prevented the film from completely adopting escapism.

Underutilized conflicts: In one of Josie’s letters, Josie shares how she wants to enroll her daughter, Daisy, into a prestigious school for gifted children. This decision was sparked by Daisy’s inability to socialize with her peers, to the point she is physically harming other students. But during the movie, Josie spends more time talking about what she wants to do instead of creating a plan to accomplish her goals. I know achieving goals and dreams takes time as well as determination. But in an hour and forty-four-minute film that prioritizes the main romance plot and the cyber security/Bitcoin subplot, this is one example of a conflict becoming underutilized.

Omission of George’s musical talents: When I published my editorial about why George Blagden and Evan Williams should go to Eurovision 2024, one of my arguments was George and Evan’s musical talents. I highlighted how both Evan and George are not only musically gifted as individuals, they also sound good together. With that said, I feel it was a missed opportunity not to include George’s musical talents in No Postage Necessary. In this movie, Josie shares with Sam how she has dreamed of becoming a singer. There’s even a scene where Josie performs with her former band at a local pub. If the creative team behind the movie knew they would be incorporating music into their production, they should have given George an opportunity to perform at least one acoustic musical number. Even a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” playing over a scene would have made sense.

Hand-written letter image created by Veraholera at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Veraholera – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/love-letter-pattern_1292902.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

Hallmark has gained a reputation of having some of their movies look and feel too similar to each other. This creative choice has caused viewers like myself to crave creativity and uniqueness from the network. No Postage Necessary tries to give their romantic comedy a different identity from other movies of this genre, including those from Hallmark. While I appreciate this effort at creativity, the tones of the main romantic plot and the cyber security/Bitcoin subplot clashed with one another, causing them to feel mismatched. When the movie focuses on the romantic plot, the story feels reminiscent of a Hallmark production. Even though there is cozy, sweetness shared between the protagonists and the messages and themes within the script are good, the creative team behind No Postage Necessary still found a way to tell their own story without appearing to copy Hallmark’s homework. If you’re a fan of George Blagden or have enjoyed his performance in other programs he has starred in, I’d recommend watching this film for his performance!

Overall score: 6.8 out of 10

Have you seen No Postage Necessary? Are there any romantic comedies you’d like to read about on my blog? Tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: True Justice: Family Ties Review

On By 18cinemalane6 Comments

Recently, I’ve been referencing the newest Hallmark Movies & Mysteries title, True Justice: Family Ties; within my list of the top ten best movies I saw in 2023 and when I talked about CrimeTime: Freefall in a Word on the Street story. Because the mystery genre is the most popular one on my blog and since I haven’t reviewed a mystery film since last October, I chose True Justice: Family Ties as the first movie to review in 2024! The 2020s has, so far, not been a strong decade for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. When it comes to their mystery programs, the network has produced more stand-alone films, leaving only two series to continue. But as I mentioned in my aforementioned Word on the Street story, the three new mystery films premiering on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries this year, so far, have potential to create a multi-story series. It should also be noted how each of these three movies seem to have their own unique identity, allowing them to stand out against one another. Could True Justice: Family Ties be the start of a new chapter for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries? Turn the page on this review to find out!

True Justice: Family Ties poster created by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: Katherine McNamara portrays the film’s protagonist, Casey. Throughout the movie, she tries to prove her brother, Marcus, was falsely accused of committing a murder. Even though Casey and Marcus shared only a few scenes together, both Katherine and Sam Ashe Arnold, the actor who portrayed Marcus, sold the idea their characters were siblings who truly cared about one another! In the scenes where Casey visits Marcus in prison, there is very present fear in Marcus’ eyes. You can even hear concern and uncertainty in his voice. While in prison, Marcus seems shaken up due to his surroundings. Meanwhile, the tears Casey sheds for her brother appear genuine. She looks and sounds heartbroken by Marcus’ fate. Because of Sam and Katherine’s performance, I wish these characters shared more scenes together.

True Justice: Family Ties is about a team of characters who come together to solve the film’s mystery. In order for this idea to work, it’s important to cast a group of actors who will make that on-screen teamwork appear believable. That was achieved in this movie, as the friendship among the “Justice Warriors” felt genuine, showcasing the camaraderie between these characters! One example presents Sarah and Liam discussing their plans for the future and what inspired them to make certain choices in their life. With Sarah being a law school student and Liam having his own private investigation business, differences are set aside to show them forming a friendship and getting along well with each other. Because of Alexander Nunez’s charisma and Marisa McIntyre’s believable performance, I could honestly see their characters forming a romantic relationship if True Justice: Family Ties became a series!

Utilized talents and skills: As I previously mentioned in this review, True Justice: Family Ties is about a team of characters who come together to solve the film’s mystery. To create a story with a good team of characters, each character needs to receive an opportunity to utilize their respective skills and talents. This movie allows Casey and her friends to use their talents, skills, even their intern/business experiences to their advantage. Because each character brings something different to the table, every character plays a role in solving the case. Sarah is a law school student who is also an intern at a forensic office. She is able to utilize her knowledge of the law and her internship to find fingerprints and rule out suspects. This was a great way to make Sarah a valued member of the “Justice Warriors”!

A unique perspective: A decade ago, Hallmark created the Darrow & Darrow mystery series. In that series, the characters solved mysteries by approaching each case from a legal perspective. If someone were to only read the synopsis of True Justice: Family Ties after watching Darrow & Darrow, they would wonder what the difference between these two titles are. Casey and her friends are law school students in True Justice: Family Ties. The only exception is Liam, as he has his own private investigation business. The overarching story in the Darrow & Darrow series primarily revolves around Claire Darrow and Miles Strasberg. As I mentioned in this review, the story of True Justice: Family Ties focuses on a group of characters instead of just the male and female protagonist. These creative differences allow the 2024 mystery film to adopt an identity that sets it apart from its predecessors and other current mystery titles!

Law school textbooks image created by Peter Skadberg at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Peter Skadberg.”

What I didn’t like about the film:

Situations happening too quickly: Fans of the mystery series from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will know that solving a mystery is a process. This process involves multiple steps, with these steps broken down to allow the audience to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist(s). In True Justice: Family Ties, however, situations happened too quickly. From discovering suspects to finding clues, these steps were sped up, making the mystery solving less interactive. Even the reveal of the guilty party happened so fast within the film’s last ten minutes.

Weak on-screen chemistry: In most of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ mystery series, the main male and female protagonist will form a romantic relationship over the course of the series. Sometimes, the foundation of that relationship will be set up in a series’ first film. If True Justice: Family Ties becomes a series, it is assumed Eli and Casey will become the main romantic couple. But, in my opinion, Katherine McNamara and Markian Tarasiuk did not have strong on-screen chemistry. This is because their characters went back and forth between disliking each other and being friends. I recognize the screenwriters were attempting to incorporate the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope into the story. But in True Justice: Family Ties, that trope was not effective.

A random romance: Nikki Deloach and Benjamin Ayres star in True Justice: Family Ties as Professor Ambrose and D.A. Quinn. When returning to class to retrieve her notebook, Casey discovers Professor Ambrose and D.A. Quinn are sharing a romantic relationship. To me, this part of the story was random. That is because a) prior to that scene, there was no indication these characters even knew each other and b) these characters appeared in only a handful of scenes. Maybe if D.A. Quinn and Professor Ambrose had been given their own subplot where they built their relationship over time, their romance wouldn’t seem so sudden.

Magnifying fingerprints image created by Balintseby at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/glass”>Glass vector created by Balintseby – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/fingerprint-investigation_789253.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

As of the release of this review, two other mystery films are scheduled to premiere on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers and CrimeTime: Freefall. These movies, including True Justice: Family Ties, have potential to spark a multi-story series while boasting distinct identities. Even though it’s too early to determine what is in store for these titles, I can share my thoughts on True Justice: Family Ties! The first film to be released on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries this year was, in my opinion, just ok. The mystery wasn’t interactive enough for the audience because situations happened too quickly. Not only was D.A. Quinn and Professor Ambrose’s romance random, Katherine McNamara and Markian Tarasiuk’s on-screen chemistry was weak due to the screenwriting. However, the movie did have its strengths, such as the acting performances and how each character was able to utilize their skills and talents. It was also nice to see a story focus on a group of characters, providing a different type of story for Hallmark’s collection of mystery titles. At the end of the year, it’ll be interesting to see how True Justice: Family Ties compares to Hallmark’s other 2024 released movies!

Overall score: 6 out of 10

Have you seen True Justice: Family Ties? Are you excited for Hallmark’s other mystery movies? Please tell me in the comment section below!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Sunset Over Hope Valley: It Starts with a Question

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

“Will Rosemary and Lee’s child be a boy or girl”? “How much longer do we have to wait for Elizabeth and Lucas’ wedding”? Did they really have swim goggles in the 1920s”? These are questions some Hearties might be asking themselves while watching this episode of When Calls the Heart. During the third episode of the tenth season, I even found myself asking questions about the story, such as why Henry is so reluctant to accept redemption. Asking questions is a necessary component to good story-telling. It can help resolve conflicts, like how Hope Valley will acquire financial stability. Questions can build anticipation to upcoming events, from the arrival of Lee and Rosemary’s baby to Elizabeth getting re-married. The direction a story goes can also be determined by asking questions. If a viewer can ask questions, that shows they are invested in the story. And if a show’s creative team can continue asking questions, their story has material to keep moving forward.

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 ten poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel

Season: 10

Episode: 3

Name: Oh, Baby

Major stories:

Rosemary is excited and nervous for her upcoming baby shower. She’s looking forward to how much fun she and her guests will have, but worries about the party planning process. Little does Rosemary know, Elizabeth is planning a surprise baby shower for her friend. Recruiting other women from Hope Valley, like Mei, Florence, and Fiona, they work together to create a baby shower fit for Rosemary. On the day of the shower, Elizabeth distracts Rosemary by taking Rosemary to the barber shop for a spa day. Coming closer to the time of the event, Elizabeth lies by telling Rosemary her guests will be playing a game called “Don’t Say Baby”. Unhappy with this news, Rosemary rushes to the café in order to voice her concerns. When she gets there, Rosemary is surprised and pleased with the baby shower’s reveal. All of the guests are supportive of Rosemary’s journey into motherhood. Minnie even introduces a tradition of lighting a candle to mark the baby’s arrival. After the shower, Lee surprises Rosemary with a basinet and matching rocking chair.

For a class assignment, Ally, Toby, and Cooper have teamed up to learn more about the creation of the hot springs. Since the assignment requires an expert on the chosen subject, the children have recruited Bill for their project. As the group is about to embark on their way to the springs, Bill brings Jamie St. John along. Jamie and his mother, Madeleine, are guests of Hope Valley, with the springs being the reason for their arrival. While studying the hot springs, Jamie speculates a crack in the earth could be the reason for the hot springs’ creation. After their trip to the springs, Cooper, Ally, and Toby discover Jamie’s speculation was correct. They also learn the hot springs were born due to Henry’s destruction of the mines. When Ally tells Henry the good news, he’s pleased, but not excited by this revelation.

Image by Freepik

Minor stories:

Jerome is still in town for Henry’s pre-trial. In an attempt to help Henry, Lucas shares with Jerome how there was a safety report written about the mines. This safety report could be used as evidence in the pre-trial. But Jerome claims that report was retracted before its author passed away. Finding a trick up his sleeve, Lucas reveals he has a signed testimony from the safety report’s author, given to Lucas by the author’s widow. Lucas tells Jerome if he doesn’t drop the charges against Henry, he will hand over the testimony to the judge. After Jerome agrees with this plan, Mike discovers the testimony doesn’t exist. When Henry learns of the charges being dropped, he feels Lucas shouldn’t have gotten involved. Henry also seems hesitant to ask for help.

Faith still feels she does not need Nathan to protect her while she makes her medical rounds. With the bandits still at large, Nathan believes it’s necessary to protect Faith. One day, during Faith’s medical rounds, Nathan tags along, bringing Scout on the trip. While on their way, Scout runs after what Nathan thinks is a bandit. However, it turns out Scout was chasing a squirrel. With the bandits still on the loose and patients to take care of, Faith, Nathan, and Scout continue on their journey.

String lights with hearts created by Freepik at freepik.com <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/valentine-s-day-background-with-string-lights_1476879.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:

  • While clearing out a room for their baby’s nursery, Lee discovers a chest. After Lee asks about the chest, Rosemary says something along the lines of “it’s in the past”. In the previous episode, Rosemary shares how her mother left her family when she was younger. Perhaps the chest is connected to Rosemary’s mom? Maybe Rosemary’s mom will visit her daughter in Hope Valley in an effort to receive forgiveness?
  • In this episode of When Calls the Heart, Nathan claims the bandits are still at large. However, in the previous episode, there was a headline in a newspaper claiming the aforementioned bandits were “busted in Jamison”. Now, I’m confused; were the bandits captured or not? I really hope this part of the story is clarified in an upcoming episode.
  • There have been a few occasions on When Calls the Heart where Lucas has talked about his childhood. From what I remember, he mentioned traveling the world and spending time with his mom. With the arrival of Jamie and Madeleine, I am reminded of Lucas’ recollection of his past, as Jamie’s statements in this episode sounded so similar to what Lucas has said. Because of their similar upbringings, I hope Jamie sees Lucas as a role model and someone to aspire to be someday.
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 of When Calls the Heart? How do you feel about the St. Johns coming to Hope Valley? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen

Sunset Over Hope Valley: A Magical Place

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

While visiting Elizabeth in Hope Valley, Julie tells Aunt Agatha how the town is “a magical place”. Meanwhile, as she’s talking to Bill about the medical benefits of the newly found hot springs, Faith cautions claiming the springs contain “magical powers”. Until seeing this episode of When Calls the Heart, I didn’t realize just how magical Hope Valley was. Yes, I’ve been watching the show since the very beginning. However, this particular chapter of this season showcased how the idea of “magic” can come in different forms. In the case of When Calls the Heart, “magic” means finding a solution to complicated, drawn-out problems, receiving second chances, and carving out new paths. It can be found in the little things that might be taken for granted. Every smile and every greeting includes a hint of “magic”. This “magic” is what keeps Hope Valley surviving and thriving. Now, let’s start this re-cap of When Calls the Heart!

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 ten poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel

Season: 10

Episode: 2

Name: Hope Springs

Major stories:

Aunt Agatha and Julie pay Elizabeth, Jack Jr., and Lucas a visit in Hope Valley. During this visit, Julie and Aunt Agatha provide their input on Elizabeth and Luca’s upcoming wedding, promoting wedding dress sketches fit for a princess. As Elizabeth looks flustered over these ideas, Rosemary saves the day by sharing Elizabeth’s vision of a rustic, other worldly ceremony. The wedding plans are not the only way Elizabeth’s family tries to intervene. Julie confesses to Elizabeth how their father hopes Lucas will take a job in Hamilton, in order for Lucas, Jack Jr., and Elizabeth to move to the city. Aunt Agatha even brings up this idea while she and Lucas play poker at the saloon. Elizabeth is upset over this discovery, as she’s concerned Lucas might be persuaded by her family’s offer. But when she tries talking to Lucas about this idea, they are interrupted by a saloon related matter. While discussing the farewell luncheon for Aunt Agatha and Julie with Rosemary, Elizabeth comes up with the idea of hosting a community wide picnic near the hot springs. At the picnic, Aunt Agatha and Julie learn about the community dinners the town frequently hosts. This is one way Aunt Agatha realizes the Thatcher family’s efforts are fruitless. Lucas also reveals to both Elizabeth and Aunt Agatha how he’d love to visit Hamilton in the near future, but has no plans to move there.

Despite placing a “no swimming” sign near the hot springs, Bill makes frequent swimming trips there. Yet, he’s keeping his trips a secret. Mei, Faith, and Fiona discover Bill’s secret during their picnic to the springs. Faith is quick to note how the springs seem to be helping Bill’s medical ailments. After their picnic, Faith and Mei do some research about the medical benefits hot springs have to offer. Fiona suggests turning the hot springs into a tourist destination, recognizing how the hot springs could help other people. But when he overhears this suggestion, Bill is hesitant about the idea. At the farewell luncheon picnic for Aunt Agatha and Julie, Rosemary and Lee discover Fiona’s idea for the hot springs. They feel it’s a great idea, as the tourists could bring in more income. Plus, Cooper comes up with an official name for the springs; Hope Springs.

Lee has an upcoming meeting with a potential client; Laurence Barnaby. He is a big project in mind, so Lee is hoping Laurence accepts his lumbermill for the job. On the day of the meeting, Lee confesses to Rosemary how he’s unsure how the meeting will go, as he discovered how much the competition was offering Laurence. Unknown to Lee, Rosemary decides to eavesdrop on this meeting, taking Elizabeth with her. During the meeting, Laurence shares with Lee how he’s paying for his project with his own money. After turning down Lee’s lumbermill, Rosemary crashes the meeting, remembering Laurence from a convention several years ago. Her friendly encounter seems to have done the trick, as Laurence ends up giving Lee and his lumbermill a two-year contract. Toward the end of the episode, Rosemary tells Elizabeth about her concerns relating to motherhood. Rosemary’s mother left the family when she was a little girl. However, Rosemary claims her father was an excellent parent. Despite these aforementioned concerns, Elizabeth reassures Rosemary she’ll make a great mother.

Poker neon sign image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/poker-neon-lights-background_1137542.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.

Minor stories:

Nathan visits the pharmacy for a refill on his painkiller prescription. He explains to Mei how he received the prescription from a doctor in Benson Hills. Mei thinks it is odd how Nathan didn’t get a prescription from Faith in Hope Valley, also thinking he is intentionally avoiding Faith. Meanwhile, Faith is making medical rounds to Jamison and Rock City, as those towns don’t have a doctor. Mike is concerned for Faith’s safety, as there has been bandits on the loose. During her trip, Faith is stopped by one of these bandits. However, she doesn’t seem afraid, as she tries to persuade the bandit to turn himself in. Nathan confronts both Faith and the bandit, as he’s making safety rounds in Hope Valley’s surrounding area. But just as everything seems to be under control, Faith starts her wagon, causing the bandit to fall off and run away. Nathan catches Faith as she’s about to fall out of her wagon. After returning to Hope Valley, things seem awkward between Faith and Nathan. Nathan wants to talk about everything that’s happened between them so far. Faith, however, thinks there’s not much to talk about. At the farewell luncheon picnic, Mike mentions the aforementioned bandits, emphasizing how Faith shouldn’t travel alone. Ned and Florence agree with Mike’s sentiment, but they believe Faith should travel with Nathan.

Bill informs Henry how his pre-trial hearing is the next day. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if Henry’s charges are legitimate. Henry feels the whole situation is out of his hands, accepting whatever fate he receives. At a meeting for the pre-trial hearing, Bill is frustrated because Henry is late. He later finds Henry mucking out the stalls at Hope Valley’s stables. When confronted about his tardiness, Henry confesses he isn’t enthusiastic about reliving some of the worst moments of his life. The next day, at the pre-trial hearing, Jerome shows up with his lawyer. When the judge asks Henry how he’ll plead, Henry declares “guilty”. Shocked by his answer, Bill explains to the judge how Henry isn’t in the right headspace. So, the judge gives Henry a week to make up his mind. At the saloon, Lucas begs Jerome to have mercy on Henry. But Jerome digs his heels into Hope Valley’s dirt, believing Henry deserves to be behind bars.

Picnic basket in Autumn image created by Stockgiu at freepik.com. Picnic basket vector created by stockgiu – www.freepik.com

Some thoughts to consider:

  • Toward the end of this episode, Bill is seen reading a newspaper at the saloon. One of the headlines on the front page read “Bandits Busted in Jamison”. I was disappointed this conflict was not only resolved, but also resolved in such an unceremonious way. That conflict could have served as an over-arching story for this season. But since season ten just started, I’m guessing the show’s creative team has a different idea for an over-arching story.
  • In this episode, it was revealed that Julie is currently attending art school in London. But her father wants her to become a lawyer, as he claims she has “a mind for strategy”. With that said, why didn’t Julie consider becoming a lawyer for the art world? If the movie, Woman in Gold, has taught me anything, it’s that artists, museum directors, and collectors need lawyers to help them navigate art related legalities. Were Julie to choose this career path, she would be making herself and her father happy.
  • I know it’s only the beginning of season ten. However, I really hope Henry’s “redemption arc” is coming to an end. He has been on a quest for redemption since either season three or four. At this point, Henry should be moving forward with his life and finding peace with himself. In season eight, when he reconnected with his son, Christopher, I thought Henry had taken a step in a better direction. But in season nine, his story was, primarily, a repeat of past seasons. Henry has come such a long way since When Calls the Heart began. I just wish his story was a better reflection of that.
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 of When Calls the Heart? What do you think Henry Gowan’s fate with be? Please tell me in the comment section!

Have fun in Hope Valley!

Sally Silverscreen

Evenings At The Shore: When in Doubt, Choose Joy

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Ever since she found out she was pregnant again, Sarah has been unsure how to feel. On the one hand, she wants to be excited about this new life chapter. But, she’s also afraid of losing the baby again. In an effort to give her sister-in-law some heartfelt advice, Abby tells Sarah “When in doubt, choose joy”. In my re-cap posts, I always try to incorporate some direct aspect of the show into the introduction. This could be one of the character’s quotes, a specific theme, or an event that occurred in the story. As soon as Abby told Sarah the aforementioned quote, I knew it was going to be the title of my re-cap post. Not just because I like her quote, it could also be said about a favorite television show. Why do people choose a given show as their favorite? Why do viewers keep coming back to a specific story? It’s likely that show gives them joy.

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: 6

Name: Straighten Up and Fly Right

Bree and Luke’s story: Bree and Luke haven’t spoken to each other in a week, due to their last interaction at the Seaside Festival. While she misses Luke, Bree worries he has already moved on. But when she tells her dad how she feels, Mick suggests she should go to The Bridge and talk to Luke. Later, at The Bridge, Bree visits Luke and gives him a house-warming present, as he is moving into The Bridge temporarily. During this interaction, Bree apologizes for not believing Luke about the fortune cards. She also explains how she has, historically, been anxious about being in a serious relationship. Not only does Luke forgive Bree, they both agree to trust one another and let go of their insecurities. After receiving a tour of Luke’s new apartment, Bree receives a text from an actress named Miranda. Miranda wants to adapt her book into a movie, the same book that was based on the O’Brien family. Before she makes any decisions, Bree asks her family for their blessing. The family unanimously agree to the adaptation, discussing which actors and actresses should portray them as well.

Mick’s story: Mick continues to attend NA meetings. While things seem to be going well, he hasn’t found a sponsor yet. Meanwhile, Mick is planning a trip to Red Rock with Megan. But when Megan falls ill, the trip is postponed. Mick asks Luke if he’d like to be his sponsor. Luke turns down the offer, as he feels that would be a conflict of interest, since he and Mick are friends. At the most recent NA meeting, Mick confesses to encountering temptation, sharing how he found some leftover painkillers in Connor’s bathroom, during a visit to his son’s apartment. But in a one-on-one conversation with the leader of the NA meetings, Mick reveals he actually took one of his son’s painkillers. The meeting leader tells Mick he is already working on the first step; admitting you have a problem. The leader also agrees to be Mick’s sponsor.

David and Jess’ story: In an effort to take her mind off of David and his issues, Jess plans to purchase a vineyard. While practicing her business pitch with Abby, Jess reveals how she has done plenty of research and taken some business classes. Impressed by her sister’s efforts, Abby tells Jess she will share her idea with a business associate she knows. Later in the episode, Abby shares with Jess how the business associate loves Jess’ idea. This gives Jess the confidence to follow through on her plan. Meanwhile, David receives a phone call from his dad. Mr. Peck claims he is innocent and someone within his company framed him. David is unsure whether his dad is telling the truth. However, he and the FBI agent from the season premiere agree to wire tap his cell phone. The next time Mr. Peck calls, David confesses how his phone is tapped. Mr. Peck tells his son he is planning to come back to the States, in an effort to prove his innocence.

Vineyard on a sunny day image created by Jcstudio at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/green”>Green photo created by jcstudio – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Margaret and Connor’s story: Margaret finally receives the results of her Bar Exam, which reveal she passed the Bar. Connor and Margaret are thrilled with these results. After posting them on social media, Margaret receives an offer from a large, well-known law firm in Washington D.C. Margaret was not planning on working at a large firm, especially since she enjoys working with Connor. But Connor feels she should, at least, see what their offer is, as he doesn’t want to hold Margaret back. Several days later, Margaret pays Connor a visit at his apartment. She tells him she met with the D.C. law firm, sharing how they wanted her to join their partner program and retreat in Belize. However, Margaret turned down this offer, stating how she wants to continue working with Connor as an official partner. Connor likes Margaret’s proposal and agrees to this business arrangement.

Sarah and Kevin’s story: Sarah accepts an invitation to the spa, as Bree has a gift certificate that is about to expire. Besides Sarah and Bree, Jess and Abby also attend the spa trip. At the spa, one of the employees offers all four women some complimentary wine. This puts Sarah between a rock and a hard place. Because she is pregnant, Sarah wants to refuse the alcoholic beverage. But since she never shared this news with anyone other than Kevin, she’s unsure what exactly to say. Fortunately, Abby saves the day by asking for a fruit smoothie for her and Sarah. In a private conversation, Abby reveals she knew about Sarah’s pregnancy, but only because she correctly guessed this information during her conversation with Kevin in the previous episode. She reassures Sarah she hasn’t shared this news with anyone. Toward the end of the episode, both Kevin and Sarah share their pregnancy with Bree and Jess.

Image by Racool_studio on Freepik

Some thoughts to consider:

  • While at the spa, Abby receives a phone call from the school nurse. The phone call is about Caitlyn, as she’s been spending more time in the nurse’s office lately. But when questioned about this by Jess, Caitlyn says these trips are nothing serious, that it’s just “whatever”. This explanation is so vague, Caitlyn’s “whatever” could be anything. So, I’m curious to see what’s going on in this part of the story.
  • After reading this episode’s synopsis on Hallmark Media’s website, I had assumed Jess bought a vineyard in a spontaneous, leap-of-faith. So, I was pleasantly surprised to discover she put a lot of thought, time, and research into her decision. Jess has impressed me this season. In the previous episode, she was the “voice of reason”, giving Bree realistic dating advice. Now, she’s expanding her business ventures in a way that is practical and has potential for long-time success. Jess and her possible vineyard could lend themselves to a spin-off show!
  • During the scenes involving Mr. Peck and his son, Mr. Peck is talking on the phone in a phone booth. The phone booth itself looks like the red booths typically associated with London, England. However, the nearby tents, wardrobe of the background characters, and limited amount of lighting indicate an outdoor market in the evening. I know Mr. Peck’s specific whereabouts are supposed to be kept a secret. But I kind of wish the show’s creative team had told the audience where Mr. Peck was.
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? Do you Jess’ business plan is a good idea? Please tell me in the comment section!

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen

Evenings At The Shore: Behind Closed Doors

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

I want you to think of your favorite character from a tv show. You might have been following that favorite character’s story for years. Maybe that character grew on you so much, they recently became your favorite. Reflect on their story; the journeys they’ve taken, the trials they may experience, and the successes they will achieve. No matter what their story entails, the creative team behind that respective character’s show gives viewers moments they want them to see. Now, think about your favorite character’s story outside of their show. How different would their journey be? Would their story be as exciting or interesting as the show depicts? This is the case for Mick on Chesapeake Shores. In this episode, he is struggling with a very serious issue. However, this particular story is what the show’s creative team wants the viewer to see. Think about what Mick might have gone through outside of Chesapeake Shores’ overarching story.

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: 4

Name: That’s All There is to That

Mick’s story: Because Mick’s doctor refused to refill his painkiller prescription, Mick receives a refill from two different doctors. He creates fake stories in order for his plan to work. To hide his addiction from his family, Mick stores the pills in his car’s glove compartment. However, he is not doing a good job of hiding his problem as he thinks he is. When Mick passes out in his office, Abby becomes alarmed. This is because he forgot to pick up his granddaughters from tae kwon do practice, something he promised to do the day before. When Thomas is paying Megan a visit at the O’Brien family home, he asks her where a series of important documents are located. After she suggests looking in Mick’s car, Thomas not only finds the documents, he also finds the pills. Later in the episode, at a party to celebrate Carrie’s latest art award victory, Thomas privately confronts both Abby and Kevin. All three of them agree to approach Mick as gently as possible when it comes to this subject. That same day, on the O’Brien family driveway, Mick frantically searches for his pills. This is when Thomas confronts his brother, with pills in hand. The conversation does not go over well, turning into a huge, heated argument. Even when Thomas reminds Mick of their father’s alcoholism, it isn’t enough for Mick to come clean.

The next day, Mick crashes into a parked car, due to the effects of the pills. While no one is hurt, the parked car did receive heavy damage. Several moments later, Kevin arrives to help out his father. But inside of calling for a tow truck, he calls Thomas about the incident. Later that day, at the O’Brien family home, Thomas, Megan, Abby, Kevin, and Bree stage an intervention. When Mick arrives, they confront him about his addiction. Feeling cornered, he angrily storms out. Kevin and Abby then follow their dad to confront his addiction further. This doesn’t work either, with Mick going to The Bridge. This is where Mick talks to Luke about his alcohol addiction, with Luke claiming treatment saved his life. Because of this heart-to-heart discussion, Luke successfully encourages Mick to get the help he needs.

Connor and Margaret’s story: Connor is ready to go back to work. Before this happens, Margaret shares the law firm’s financial woes. But they also received a divorce case, involving the couple who owned the pet store the law firm now resides in. Another order of business is having a secretary. This is something Margaret and Connor work on the following day. At the law firm, they meet a potential candidate named Harper. Despite not attending college, she does have secretary experience. Due to this, Connor and Margaret decide to hire Harper for the job. They also agree to make their relationship official.

Breaking heart image created by Kjpargeter at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/broken-heart-valentine-background_1041991.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Kjpargeter – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Bree and Luke’s story: Luke receives news his apartment now has black mold in the floorboards. This means he’ll have to find a new home. Bree volunteers to help him locate another apartment. But every time they check out a place, Luke faces one dilemma: his criminal record. Bree feels Luke is being treated unfairly. Luke has grown used to it. In the meantime, she has offered Luke an invitation to stay at her house.

Kevin and Sarah’s story: Kevin and Sarah have returned from Maui, refreshed and reconnected. Several days after their return, Sarah invites Megan for a visit. During this visit, Sarah reveals she is pregnant again. Megan encourages Sarah to tell Kevin, even though Sarah doesn’t want to get Kevin’s hopes up. Toward the end of the episode, Sarah does share her pregnancy with Kevin. While they are both excited by this recent news, they agree to take things one day at a time.

Travel suitcase image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/water-color-travel-bag-background_1177013.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:

  • This is one of the heaviest episodes Hallmark has ever created. When a show introduces a serious topic, like addiction, into their story, the overall tone is going to be darker. However, the other plots in this episode couldn’t balance out the heaviness of Mick’s narrative. With Mick’s story specifically, I found the dialogue inconsistent. While some of it sounded realistic, other dialogue felt like it came straight out of a PSA (public service announcement).
  • Maybe it’s just me, but Kevin and Sarah’s story felt a bit cruel. This is the same couple who experienced a miscarriage a season ago. To add to that, this is the last season of Chesapeake Shores, meaning the viewers won’t be able to witness Sarah and Kevin’s journey as parents. I do like how this is another loose end getting tied up. However, it kind of seems like the show’s creative team is making a promise they know they can’t fully keep.
  • It was nice to see Megan in this episode. However, I was really confused by her presence. In the previous episode, Megan was preparing to leave for Los Angeles. She and Mick have said they will try to maintain their relationship long distance. Unfortunately, there was no clear explanation for why Megan was still in Chesapeake Shores. In this same episode, the disappearances of Nell, David, and Jess are explained. Nell is visiting a friend in Ireland, while Jess and David are out of town with David’s mom and sister.
  • As I said in the premiere episode re-cap, it’s a shame this is the last season of Chesapeake Shores. Another reason is how the viewers are going to miss out on Harper’s inclusion in the overarching story. Despite appearing in one scene, I ended up liking Harper as a character. If Hallmark’s upcoming shows, Ride and The Way Home, don’t work out and the network is looking for new ideas, maybe Connor and Margaret’s law firm could serve a spin-off!
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? What do you think of Kevin and Sarah’s news? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen

Evenings At The Shore: You Fit In Just Fine

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

Now we are coming to the end of another season of Chesapeake Shores. With this story complete, I can now give my honest opinion on the season as a whole. This has been one of the strongest seasons in the show’s history! That balance between character and plot driven stories has returned! One of the strengths was the addition of new cast members. Because Robert Buckley was promoted the most, I’ll talk about his character, Evan Kincaid. With new characters, it can be hit or miss. But with Evan, he fit in just fine. In fact, it felt like he was meant to be on Chesapeake Shores all along. Evan was a well written character, with each layer being pulled back as the story went on. Robert also presented a personality that hadn’t been seen on the show before. Despite joining Chesapeake Shores this season, I can’t imagine this story without him. As this chapter of the show comes to a close, let’s re-cap the season finale!

Just a reminder: If you did not see the season finale of Chesapeake Shores, there are spoilers within this re-cap.

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

Season: 5

Episode: 10

Name: As Time Goes By

Abby’s story: Abby comes back home from her business trip in Cleveland. She is surprised to discover Evan waiting for her at the airport. Afterwards, they agree to have lunch at Sally’s Café. During their meal, Evan confesses how he might have romantic feelings for Abby. She turns down this possibility at first, as she and Evan are business partners. But Evan convinces her to, at least, think about the idea of them together. The next day, Evan visits the O’Brien family home to deliver some homemade brownies. Abby is not only amazed by how good the sweet treats are, but how Evan created the brownies so that Caitlyn, who is lactose intolerant, could eat them too. In the middle of this exchange, Evan shares with Abby how he learned to bake from a man who used to date Evan’s mother. When Abby asks Evan if she can meet this man, Evan says he’ll try to locate him, as he is a truck driver. Later in the episode, Jay reveals how every year, he takes a picture for his “Best Moment of the Year” collection. For the previous year, he shows Abby a picture of her, indicating how she was his “Best Moment of the Year”. Jay also confesses how he has romantic feelings for Abby. But he says he has romantic feelings for a female guidance counselor named Cam as well. The information Abby received from Evan and Jay puts her at a fork in the road. After consulting with Bree, Abby calls someone and tells them how she has feelings for them too. But the identity of the receiver is not known.

Mick and Megan’s story: One morning, Mick and Megan share the news that not only are they taking a trip around the world, but Mick is also taking a year off work in order to make this trip happen. While the family is shocked by this news, there are happy to see Megan and Mick move forward with their relationship. While she’s at the location where the art show took place, Carter tells Megan how she has received multiple job offers due to the art show’s success. Megan says she has given up that life, indicating her disinterest in these offers. Then, Carter reveals how a prestigious art gallery in Los Angeles wants Megan to join their team. Because she has always dreamed of working with that particular gallery, she thinks twice about her future. Mick ends up finding out about this job offer from Carter, as Carter is on his way home to New York. When Mick addresses this piece of news with Megan, she says she hasn’t made a decision yet. But, by the end of the episode, she questions if she can have both the job and the trip. This makes Mick wonder if she’ll leave the family again.

Connor’s story: While Luke’s court hearing has received a different judge, the date is scheduled for the very next day. Even though this concerns Connor, he continues to look for a way to help Luke. Meanwhile, Margaret has her concerns about Connor’s well-being. Remembering what Connor said in the previous episode, Margaret brings s’more ingredients to the firm, in an attempt to help Connor relax. Connor likes Margaret’s gesture, which ends up with both of them kissing. But, the following day, Luke and Bree discover Connor slept at the firm. Because of this discovery, Luke reveals how he takes sleep medication. This information gives Connor an idea. He recruits his doctor as an expert witness, in an attempt to show how Luke’s sleep medication could be mistaken for amphetamines. The plan works and Luke doesn’t have to go back to prison. Toward the end of the episode, Margaret visits Connor at the O’Brien family home. While they are kissing, Connor collapses. The cause of his ailments is unknown.

Courtroom image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/isometric”>Isometric vector created by macrovector – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Kevin and Sarah’s story: At the beginning of the episode, it is revealed Sarah had a miscarriage. Devastated by this latest heartbreak, Sarah tells Kevin to keep it between themselves. But, later in the episode, Kevin shares this information with Mick and Megan. They tell their son how they suffered a miscarriage years ago. Through the interaction, they show their support for Kevin and Sarah. When Kevin tells his wife what he told his parents, Sarah is upset. However, she comes to appreciate Mick and Megan’s support when Megan pays her a visit. Megan tells Sarah how her miscarriage happened after Jess was born. She also tells Sarah how, in time, she will get through this tragedy.

Jess and David’s story: Jess has a lot of thoughts about Mick and Megan getting back together. So, at three in the morning, she decides to write Megan an email, which contains her real thoughts. Later that day, Jess freaks out because she actually sent the email. When David reads it, he thinks it is brutally honest. So, Jess goes to the O’Brien family home to talk to Megan. She apologizes for the email, telling Megan how she’s actually happy for her and Mick. But Megan responds by saying she hadn’t checked her email yet, but appreciated Jess’s honesty. Meanwhile, David discovers his trust fund has been cleaned out. Only his father has access to this fund, but he is nowhere to be found. David goes to Boston to find out more information on his father’s whereabouts. When he returns, David tells Jess his father flew out of the country, with the FBI looking for him.

Money image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/bills-and-coins-in-isometric-design_1065328.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/business”>Business vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Some thoughts to consider:

  • Looking back on the show as a whole, it seems like Kevin and Sarah can’t win. First, they don’t have the wedding of their dreams because season four only contained six episodes. Now, they are dealing with a miscarriage. I understand things do not always go according to plan, in real life and in fictional stories. However, I was hoping the writers would try to make it up to the fans after the omission of a wedding in the previous season. If Chesapeake Shores receives a sixth season, I hope Kevin and Sarah meet happier circumstances.
  • While talking to a family member about this season, I realized injuries and falls seemed to be a common theme. Sarah fell twice, Thomas fell while hiking, and Evan fell in Tae Kwon Do class. There was also Mick’s plane accident, Thomas’ sprained ankle, Evan’s hurt back, and Connor’s medical issues. I’m guessing this was all a coincidence. But, as a fan, I found it concerning how five of the show’s characters were in harm’s way, sometimes on more than one occasion.
  • While I know cliffhangers and season finales can sometimes go hand-in-hand, I thought it was risky for the season to end with four cliffhangers. As of October 2021, there has been no announcements about a sixth season. This means if the show were to be cancelled, several stories would receive no resolution. Personally, I think one or two cliffhangers would have been just fine. Some of these cliffhangers could have been introduced earlier in the season, such as the whereabouts of David’s dad. Had this been the case, David and Jess’s story could have contained more depth.
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 the season finale? Would you like to see Chesapeake Shores receive a sixth season? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen

Evenings At The Shore: The First To Know

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

After watching this episode of Chesapeake Shores, one of my family members brought up how Mick has suddenly been playing a father figure to Evan. I then mentioned that Mick was the first character to receive the details of Evan’s accident, the same one that Mandrake brought up two episodes ago. He was also the first character to learn about Luke’s past. With all this said, it seems like Mick is, sometimes, the first to know if a character has something important to say. He not only provides a listening ear, but also a strong shoulder to lean on. Even though Nell seems like the glue that keeps the O’Brien family together, Mick is the heart of that family. So, let’s get to the heart of this episode by starting this re-cap of Chesapeake Shores!

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: 9

Name: What a Difference a Day Makes

Mick’s story: Hours after he crashed his plane due to a storm, Mick is found on a nearby island by the Coast Guard. He is taken to the hospital because he obtained injuries, including a broken arm. When he arrives home, his family is happy he is alive. But Megan is upset that Mick would leave without letting anyone know where he was going, as she feels he would have left behind a loving family if something had happened to him. The next day, Evan comes to visit Mick at the O’Brien family’s home to discuss details about the hotel project. Mick uses this time to tell Evan how he didn’t like Evan’s business offer to Abby, the one where Evan offered Abby a job at his business firm. This is because Abby is Mick’s business partner. But, as the episode goes on, Mick forgives Evan for Abby’s offer. While going through the hotel project details, Mick tells Evan he can visit the O’Brien family home for non-business-related reasons. He also invites Evan to check out the plane’s damages at the hangar. This is the start of Mick’s discoveries about Evan. While making omelets for Mick, Evan reveals how he never knew his father. So, his mother was the only parent in Evan’s life. At the hangar, Mick and Evan see the plane’s damages, which are worse than Mick realized. Evan offers to purchase a new plane for Mick, but Mick refuses the offer. Realizing how rude this could come across, Evan goes to Mick at his business firm and apologizes to him. When Mick shares his feelings about his injuries, this causes Evan to reveal how he injured his back. When he was 18, he was riding in the car with his mother. Evan wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and he isn’t sure whether his mother was drunk or tired. Evan survived the accident, but his mother passed away.

Megan’s story: Megan is making last minute preparations for the art show. She receives a lot of support, including from her family. When Kevin visits her at the art show venue, he says he wants to tell her something. But instead of telling her his and Sarah’s news, Kevin gives her encouraging words. The art show ends up being a success. During the event, Mick approaches Megan as he contemplates his future. He plans on traveling the world someday and would like Megan to join him. Megan agrees with Mick’s plan.

Connor’s story: Connor is looking for an assistant for his law firm. When Nell volunteers to be his assistant, Connor accepts her offer. But this arrangement is not as successful as Connor hoped. Because of Nell’s advice for clients to solve their problems on their own, Connor isn’t receiving any work. So, Connor searches for a new assistant. After multiple interviews, Margaret comes to the law firm. She tells Connor she quit her job shortly after Connor quit his, stating how he is a lawyer of integrity. Connor then gives her the assistant job. Shortly after this happens, Bree and Luke come to Connor. Luke explains how he failed a drug test, with him swearing he didn’t consume any drugs. The test in question claims Luke took amphetamines. Remembering Luke took allergy medication at The Bridge, Connor suggests how the allergy medication could have caused the drug test results. Unfortunately, the allergy medication contains a different set of ingredients. Connor also suggests Luke take another drug test, which he later passes. Three days later, Luke’s hearing is about to begin. But, all of a sudden, Connor passes out. This incident, as told by Connor, was triggered by stress. It also causes the hearing to be pushed back a week. Margaret encourages Connor to take the doctor’s advice, starting with a trip to a local yoga class. After the class, Margaret asks Connor what helps him relax. He tells her he feels relaxed when he spends time with his family around their outdoor firepit.

Colorful travel suitcase image created by Pikisuperstar at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/beautiful-illustration-of-travel_2686674.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/watercolor”>Watercolor vector created by Pikisuperstar – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Jess and David’s story: After leaving with his groceries, David receives a phone call from his father. Mr. Peck tells his son how he didn’t make smart choices when it comes to investments. He not only tells David he loves him, but to not listen to everything he hears. This phone call concerns David and makes him worried by his father. At the art show, David tells Jess about the phone call. Jess asks if he told his mother about what his father said to him. David says he doesn’t know if his mother knows about his father’s financial troubles. Jess then thanks David for keeping her in the loop.

Kevin and Sarah’s story: Sarah develops pregnancy related food cravings. First, she craves peanut butter and avocados. Then, she wants barbeque potato chips and cream soda. Despite these cravings, Kevin is more than willing to make Sarah happy. Before they leave the station for the art show, Sarah tells Kevin she doesn’t feel well. She then collapses onto the floor with no known reason why.

Nell and Arthur’s story: Arthur is amazed by how many people showed up to the art show. But he also doesn’t like being in large crowds. So, he and Nell go to a nearby outdoor patio where there are less people present. On the outdoor patio, Arthur tells Nell how he only cared about creating art. When it comes to fame, he claims his wife took care of that part of his career. Nell asks him what he would really like to do. He responds by saying dancing. Their story ends with the two of them dancing together on the patio.

Couple performing the waltz image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by macrovector – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Some thoughts to consider:

  • I found the scene where Nell was Connor’s secretary hilarious! But I also liked how she tried to give the clients legitimate and meaningful advice. After watching that scene, I now want to see Nell become a radio host whose job is giving listeners advice. This would not only allow more appearances for Nell, but it would also create an interesting story for her.
  • While I’m glad the art show was a success, I’m surprised how well Arthur took it. As I’ve said in previous re-cap posts from this season, Megan did not tell him about her plans for the art show. Because of this, I was expecting Arthur to get upset at Megan. But, once again, I was proven wrong about this outcome.
  • I understand Megan was upset about Mick’s recent situation. But when she, basically, accused him of being selfish, I thought that was very hypocritical of her. In this re-cap, I said Megan was upset that Mick would leave without letting anyone know where he was going, as she felt he would have left behind a loving family if something had happened to him. But that’s exactly what she did when she left her family prior to the show’s events. I kind of wish one of the characters would have pointed this out to Megan.
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? What do you think will happen in the season finale? Tell me what you think in the comment section!

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen