Tag: letter

Evenings At The Shore: Almost at the Finish Line

On By 18cinemalane3 Comments

In the season finale of Chesapeake Shores, Mick and Megan were talking about trying to reach the finish line when it came to keeping their family together. Just like with any goal, there will always be a finish line waiting at the end of the journey. When it comes to this Evenings At The Shore re-cap series, my goal was to help people who may have missed an episode or just wanted to remember what happened in their favorite East Coast town. Now, as this season comes to a close, I have finally reached my “finish line” as I re-cap this final episode of Season 3. While Hallmark has not yet announced any future seasons or potential movies for Chesapeake Shores, we can hope, for now, that the O’Brien family has many more stories to tell and journeys to take. While we say good-bye to Season 3, let’s re-cap the Season 3 finale of Chesapeake Shores!

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

Chespeake Shores Season 3 poster
Chesapeake Shores poster image created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel. Image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=series&ShowTitle=Chesapeake%20Shores%20Season%203&episodeIndex=3001

Season: 3

Episode: 10

Name: Before a Following Sea

 

Trace’s story: After consulting with his band mates, Trace finally decides to join his band on their European tour. After telling Abby about his decision, he reassures her that they will find a way to maintain their relationship. In the meantime, Trace spends as much time as possible with Abby and her daughters. Before the start of the Children’s Regatta, Trace is caught off guard when Abby says that she wants to end their relationship. He still reassures Abby that they can make the idea of a long-distance relationship work, but Abby tells him that she doesn’t want to spend more than a few months away from him. As Trace leaves Chesapeake Shores, he is constantly reminded of everything he is leaving behind, such as The Bridge and family.

 

Abby’s story: When Abby learns that Trace is going on his band’s European tour, she is undecided on what to do next. She loves Trace and wants to share a future with him, but she doesn’t want to wait more than a few months for him. Throughout the episode, she turns to Nell and Megan for advice about this situation. Nell tells Abby that in order to have a successful relationship, you must be willing to put the work into it. Megan shares with Abby that it’s important to, sometimes, put your own needs before those of others. In the end, Abby decides to end her relationship with Trace. She tells Trace, before the Children’s Regatta, that she wants to put a stop to their relationship. Even thought Trace reassures her that they can make a long-distance relationship work, Abby sticks to her true feelings and calls off their relationship.

 

Mick’s story: Throughout this episode, Mick prepares for the annual Regatta. He recruits Thomas, Connor, and Kevin to help in his attempt to win first place. As the leader of this boat crew, he takes some time to reflect on cherished memories with Thomas and get the boat ready for the race. Also, in this episode, Mick is confronted by Megan about how they should share the truth about their family’s painful past with Bree. Both Mick and Megan agree to write an honest letter to Bree, which they give to her toward the end of the episode. Right before the Regatta starts, Mick is pleasantly surprised that Bree accepted his invitation to join his boat crew.

 

Megan’s story: Megan is still troubled by all of the anger and hurt feelings that have occurred in the O’Brien family recently. She wants to make things right and does so by taking things one step at a time. She first gives Connor an apology and then advice to Abby. Megan also provides a listening ear when Bree needs it the most. Later in the episode, Megan confronts Mick about how they should tell Bree the truth about their family’s painful past. Megan confesses to Mick that she came back to Chesapeake Shores to help the family heal, but now, she feels she has only made things worse. Megan and Mick agree to write an honest letter to Bree, which they give to her toward the end of the episode. In this letter, they tell their daughter that they, honestly, tried their best to keep their family together. However, things didn’t work out as well as they had hoped. From now on, they were going to work through the pain that had kept their family apart for so long, even if it resulted in taking baby steps to do that.

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Good sailing day image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/summer-landscape-with-a-houselight-and-a-boat_866882.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/design”>Design vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Bree’s story: Even though things are going well with her and Simon’s relationship, Bree is still worried that Simon might still have romantic feelings toward Caroline. Simon reassures her that he and Caroline are just friends, but Bree can’t let her worries go. When Megan visits her at Word Play, Bree shares her worries, as well as her introduction to Caroline, with her mom. Later in the episode, Bree and Simon spend some time together at the Children’s Regatta. Bree also receives a letter from her parents about their family’s painful past and how her parents are planning to heal these wounds. This letter and the truth encourage Bree to join Mick’s Regatta team and help her family win the race.

 

Kevin’s story: Kevin joins Mick’s boat crew as his family prepares to compete in the annual Regatta. When he’s not on the boat, he’s taking a trip to Philadelphia to visit Sarah. During his visit, he confesses to her that he applied for an EMT position in Philadelphia so they can be closer together. A few days later, at Sally’s Café, Sarah reveals to Kevin that she ended up taking her old job at the Chesapeake Shores Fire Department. She tells him that she stayed in Chesapeake Shores because Kevin was willing to do whatever it takes to move closer to her. At the end of the episode, Kevin participates in the Regatta with his family.

 

Jess’ story: When a last-minute change of plans forces the Regatta to find a new caterer, David and Jess step in to save the day. Jess knows the David can create the most delicious meals for the event, but she stills worries that he might want a future that doesn’t involve her. These worries are quickly pushed to the side when David’s parents show up in Chesapeake Shores. They apologize to David and Jess for the way they treated both of them back in Maine. At the Regatta, David’s parents, as well as the rest of the residents in Chesapeake Shores, are impressed with David’s culinary talents. Because of this, and to make up for their ill feelings toward Jess and David in the past, David’s parents show them a listing for a potential Bed & Breakfast. They agree to purchase the building for Jess and David if they both agree to accept this offer.

 

Connor’s story: In his spare time, Connor is learning everything he can about sailing in order to be prepared for the upcoming Regatta. While at Sally’s Café, he receives an apology from Megan about her not being there when Connor might have needed her. The next day, Connor joins Kevin on his trip to Philadelphia to visit Sarah. On the day of the Regatta, Connor is happy when Danielle shows up to watch the race. She wishes him good luck before the race begins. When it’s time for the O’Brien family to compete in the Regatta, Connor is ready to help his family win first place.

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Sailing on the sea image created by Michele L at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Michele L.”

Some thoughts to consider:

  • I was disappointed by the lack of explanation for why the O’Brien family feel apart. Bree’s manuscript seemed to be leading up to a big reveal about why exactly Megan left the family and why Megan appeared to have little to no contact with her family during her absence. However, all that was given was a vaguely written letter about how things were bad in the past and will, hopefully, get better in the future. I’m guessing the screenwriters wanted to save some material for the characters to explore in future seasons, even though they had plenty of time to do that in Season 3.

 

  • In my very first Evenings At The Shore post, I said that I hoped Jess would talk about her past more in Season 3. Sadly, this never happened. Instead, Jess spent the majority of her story obsessing over David and their relationship. Jess is a good character and Laci is a great actress, so I’m hoping Jess receives a stronger and more compelling story if Chesapeake Shores is renewed for a fourth season.

 

  • Overall, I think this season of Chesapeake Shores was fine. However, it was not as good as the show’s first two seasons. In my Evenings At The Shore post where I talk about this season’s seventh episode, I said that this season has been more character-driven than plot-driven. I also said, within that same post, that there was a balance within the overall story of the first two seasons between being character and plot-driven. If Chesapeake Shores gets renewed for a fourth season (which I hope they do), I hope the story goes back to having a balance of being character and plot-driven.
Starry night landscape with reeds
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 overall views on this season? Do you hope Chesapeake Shores comes back for Season 4? Please tell me in the comment section!

 

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen

Evenings At The Shore: This Episode is sponsored by Relationships

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

It seems like this episode of Chesapeake Shores focused a lot on the various relationships of the characters. While the plots this time around didn’t carry the show as strongly as they did in the previous episode, this episode never felt like a “filler” episode. Instead, it felt like an important stepping stone in the lives of Trace and the O’Brien family. Because there are so many characters on Chesapeake Shores, it helps that everyone gets a story and their own set of situations that are unique from each other. This makes the show interesting and provides layers of depth for the overall story. Speaking of these layers, let’s explore them now in this re-cap of Chesapeake Shores’ second episode within their third season!

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

Chespeake Shores Season 3 poster
Chesapeake Shores poster image created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel. Image found at https://www.crownmediapress.com/Shows/PRShowDetail?SiteID=142&FeedBoxID=845&NodeID=302&ShowType=series&ShowTitle=Chesapeake%20Shores%20Season%203&episodeIndex=3001.

Season: 3

Episode: 2

Name: The Way We Were

 

Trace’s story: During this episode, Trace is packing away items from his past and putting them in a storage area within The Bridge. To add to that collection of mementos, Trace’s father visits The Bridge to bring his son a box of baseball cards that Trace used to collect. They reminisce about old memories, as well as how life would have been different if Trace’s ambitions in baseball would have continued. Also, in this episode, Trace is making repairs to The Bridge. During his time there, Donovan shows up to encourage Trace to join him at an upcoming concert. Though tempted, Trace chooses to stay in Chesapeake Shores and uphold his promise to Abby. Toward the end of this episode, Abby reveals that she found a letter within his box of belongings, a letter that she wrote and sent to Trace many years ago. Trace shares with Abby that he didn’t bother reading the letter because he felt it wouldn’t have changed what happened to him and Abby in the past. During a fireside date between him and Abby, Trace decides to throw the letter into his fireplace and move forward with his life.

 

Abby’s story: At the beginning of this episode, Abby helps Trace pack away his belongings and prepare them for storage inside The Bridge. While looking through one of the boxes, Abby finds a letter that she wrote and sent to Trace before she and Wes got married. Throughout this episode, Abby contemplates what should be done about the letter, even asking Kevin for advice. She even thinks about how life would have been different if she hadn’t left Chesapeake Shores. On a date between her and Trace, Abby tells Trace about the letter she found and asks him why he never read it. Abby finds out that Trace never read the letter because he feels it wouldn’t have made any difference. When Trace decides to throw the letter into his fireplace, Abby is shocked at first, but respectfully accepts his decision.

 

Mick’s story: Mick travels to Connecticut to see the boat he has inherited in person. During his time there, he receives a note that helps remind him of the important things in life. When Mick returns home to Chesapeake Shores, he crosses paths with Thomas and his wife, Robin. Mick learns that not only does Thomas disagree with the way Mick has been treating Connor, but that Thomas and Robin are planning to renew their wedding vows in Bali. Thomas disagrees with Mick again when Mick questions the strength of Thomas and Robin’s marriage. Toward the end of this episode, Mick starts repairing the boat and gets a visit from Thomas. Even though he is still upset at Mick, Thomas chooses to spend time with his brother. The episode ends with Mick and Thomas sharing memories together of when they would go on boat rides with their father.

 

Megan’s story: In this episode, Megan meets up with Thomas and his wife, Robin. During lunch at Sally’s Café, Megan and Mick learn that Thomas and Robin plan to renew their wedding vows in Bali. When Mick and Thomas leave the table, Robin catches up with Megan and asks her why she returned to Chesapeake Shores. Megan reveals that she came home for the sake of her children. Megan, throughout this episode, tries to encourage Nell to visit Robin and tell her hello. Nell refuses and believes that Robin is unhappy.

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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.

Bree’s story: Bree travels to Baltimore because one of her stories has been adapted into a stage play. When she arrives at the theater, Bree discovers that Simon has come back to Baltimore on a book tour. He happens to be at the theater on the same day and at the same time as her, so they both decide to catch up for a little bit. After the play, Simon expresses his love for the play and apologizes to Bree for the fall out in their relationship. They both agree to go on a date at her bookstore, Word Play, in the very near future. Later, Bree asks Connor and Jess for dating advice. The remainder of Bree’s story is about her date with Simon, as well as both of them agreeing to give their relationship a second chance.

 

Jess’ story: Jess is still upset at Bree and she still misses David. In this episode, she turns to Connor for a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Jess also takes the time to give Bree dating advice when she comes to her and Connor for help. Toward the end of the episode, Jess receives a letter from David, where he explains that he was on vacation and couldn’t receive a signal at his location. Jess visits Bree at her bookstore and tells her that David invited Jess to meet his family. Even though she is upset at Bree, Jess asks Bree to come meet David’s family with her so she wouldn’t feel alone. Jess’ story ends with Bree accepting Jess’ invitation.

 

Kevin’s story: As he drops Bree off at a local theater in Baltimore, Kevin notices Danielle, in the distance, hanging out with another guy. Thinking about what he saw, Kevin starts to wonder if Danielle is cheating on Connor. During a double date with Connor, Danielle, Sarah, and himself, Kevin is troubled by a statement Danielle made about her work schedule. He feels that Danielle knows more than she’s willing to let on. Later in the episode, Kevin tells Connor about what he saw and shares his best intentions to protect Connor. Connor takes Kevin’s best intentions the wrong way, thus creating a rift between the brothers. Kevin confesses to Sarah that he feels bad about upsetting Connor, but Sarah reminds him that doing the right thing is not always easy.

 

Connor’s story: Connor is still upset at his father. At the beginning of the episode, he stays at the Inn until he can find a place of his own. He not only provides a listening ear to Jess, he also helps Bree when she needs dating advice. After the double date with Sarah, Kevin, Danielle, and himself, Kevin tells Connor that he thinks Danielle is cheating on Connor. Connor is upset at Kevin for thinking the worst of Danielle, causing the brothers to have a disagreement. After Connor signs the final papers for his new apartment, he calls Danielle with the good news. When Danielle tells him twice that she can’t meet up with him for dinner, Connor starts to suspect that there might be some truth to what Kevin told him.

exploding heart 0912
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.

Some thoughts to consider:

  • I wonder if the note that Mick was given at the beginning of this episode will have an affect on the rest of the characters throughout this season? It seems like, sooner or later, everyone in the O’Brien family, including Trace, with have their moment to figure out what’s important in their life. Will Mick’s note be physically seen by anyone else besides Mick or will Mick share the wisdom of the note with those around him?

 

  • I’m curious about why Nell thinks Robin is unhappy. No specifics are given in this episode, but I wonder if Nell will reveal her reasons in a later episode? Speaking of reveals, I also wonder why Megan left the O’Brien family in the first place? Megan’s reason(s) have never been revealed (so far) and I don’t know if her reasons were ever brought up in the books that are based on this show.

 

  • If Connor and Danielle break up, I wonder if the writers of Chesapeake Shores will give Connor a new love interest on the show? If they do, will this new character be introduced in Season 3 or in a future season? In the preview for the next episode, Danielle hesitated when Connor asked her if she was seeing anyone else. But, that video clip in the preview could have taken out of context.
Starry night landscape with reeds
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 did you think about this episode? What’s your favorite relationship on Chesapeake Shores? Let me know in the comment section!

 

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen

Word on the Street: Hallmark’s official trailer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar is released

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

While both Hallmark networks are preparing to begin their “Christmas in July” marathons and with the “June Weddings” line-up coming to an end, one movie’s release date has been approaching very quickly: that being the premiere of Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar. An official trailer for the film has been posted recently on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ website. With this trailer being the last piece of the film’s official webpage, the online record of Signed, Sealed, Delivered’s newest movie is now complete. Earlier this month, I talked about how both of the descriptions for the next Signed, Sealed, Delivered movie didn’t add any excitement or anticipation for me. Did the trailer do what the descriptions couldn’t (in terms of raising my interest for the movie)? Keep reading to find out what my thoughts are about the trailer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar!

Vintage postcard wedding invitation background
Wedding postcard created by Kraphix at freepik.com.<a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/postcard-for-a-wedding-invitation_1058640.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/wedding”>Wedding vector created by Kraphix – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar’s trailer was quite underwhelming. Very little intrigue was featured and most of the focus was on the “POstables” (Oliver, Shane, Rita, and Norman), causing the mystery surrounding the wedding dress and letter to be overshadowed. One of my biggest critiques of this series is that more time seems to be spent with the “POstables” and their stories, while less of that time is spent on the “missions” and the stories that come from them. With this trailer, however, it makes me feel like this movie could be the unofficial end to the series, making it appear as if Hallmark wants Signed, Sealed, Delivered to end on a positive note. With the narrator’s first line in the trailer being, “their journey together has led to this life-changing moment” and with Rita and Shane saying things like “the first chance to have the rest of our lives” and “maybe it’s time to come home”, I wouldn’t be surprised if this movie also doubled as a sort of finale, where characters’ stories are wrapped up in nice little packages and a sense of closure is given to Signed, Sealed, Delivered’s main story arc. What also leads me to this belief is the return of characters from movies or episodes past. Not only was Keb’ Mo’ (who portrayed Gabe in Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Higher Ground) featured at the beginning of the trailer, but Carol Burnett’s appearance was also mentioned (Carol portrayed Norman’s grandmother on the episode “A Hope and A Future”). As of June 2018, the fate of Signed, Sealed, Delivered is unknown and the quotes that I mentioned from the trailer could be taken out of context. However, if this movie is truly the end of the series, I hope the story of Shane and her sister gets resolved or, at least, addressed.

 

If you want to watch the trailer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar, here is the link: http://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/signed-sealed-delivered-to-the-altar/videos

 

Have you seen the trailer for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar? Do you think this could be the beginning of the end for Signed, Sealed, Delivered? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

 

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen