Evenings At The Shore: Coming Together to Celebrate

On September 30, 2019September 30, 2019 By 18cinemalane2 Comments

Season finales are usually known as a sad time. Your favorite show is about to end, for now, and you have to wait a whole year for it to return. But season finales can also be a good thing. Creating any season of a television show is very time, energy, and financially consuming. There are risks involved with adding another chapter, as the future can be uncertain. However, with those things come rewards. Some of these are a season renewal, a new movie, or critical acclaim. Season finales can also stir up reflection. It causes one to look back on the current state of the show, as well as how far it has come. This is a time for celebration, when achievements and triumphs can get recognized. It’s also a time when we can tell our favorite and new characters “See you later” instead of “good-bye”.

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

Season: 4

Episode: 6

Name: Watercolors, Wishes, and Weddings

Abby’s story: At the beginning of the episode, Mick approaches Abby with an offer to work at his construction firm. She tells him that she will think about it. The first person she tells about the business deal is Jay, with her sharing this news with Jess and Bree later in the episode. After discussing this piece of information with Jay, he invites her on a lunch date. She agrees to go by joining him at Sally’s Café. While Jay and Abby are there, they cross paths with Trace and Emma. Because of the awkwardness of the situation, Jay and Abby leave the restaurant. Instead, they go to a nearby shore. Abby shares with Jay how difficult it is to avoid Trace. He tells her that just because she has history with Trace doesn’t mean that she has to have a future with him. The next day, Abby, once again, crosses paths with Trace. He shares with her that he will finally build that recording studio he’s always dreamed of. Even though she’s happy for him, Abby still chooses to spend her time with Jay. At Kevin and Sarah’s wedding reception dinner, Abby reveals that Derrick, the CEO of the financing management who was introduced at the beginning of the season, has officially been indicted. She also shares that she isn’t going to lose her job at her current business firm. Despite this, Abby is still contemplating Mick’s offer. At the end of the episode, Abby goes to the same beach that Trace is at. Their interaction causes them to share a kiss.

Trace’s story: As Emma performs at The Bridge, Mark Hall arrives to watch the show. But that’s not the only reason why he’s in Chesapeake Shores. Mark approaches Trace with a proposal to help Trace record a song with Emma within the small town. Because Trace has no intention to make new music and because Chesapeake Shores doesn’t have any recording studios, Trace agrees to produce a single for Emma. He researches different venues for Emma to perform at and he contacts some of his friends in Nashville. Emma doesn’t feel ready to start a musical career, but Trace reassures her that she’ll never know if she’s ready until she takes that first step. Trace also makes the decision to build his recording studio. Later in the episode, he tells Abby about his plan. Trace also interacts with Abby when she and Jay went to lunch at the same time he and Emma are at Sally’s Café. Before the episode ends, Trace and Abby interact one last time. During their interaction, they share a kiss.

Mick and Megan’s story: Because of Abby helping Mick with his business situation, he asks her if she’d like to work at his construction firm. Abby tells him that she’ll think about it. Mick lets his brother, Thomas, know about his relationship with Megan. Even though Mick shares his concerns about the relationship’s longevity, Thomas ends up supporting his brother’s decision. When he spends time with Megan, Mick reveals that his former business partner has publicly announced Mick’s association. Meanwhile, Megan is buying art supplies and taking up sketching. She shares with Mick that she hasn’t painted since she was pregnant with Bree. Throughout the episode, they both attend Kevin and Sarah’s wedding reception and Bree’s play.

Kevin and Sarah’s story: In this episode, Kevin and Sarah continue their discussion on the size of their family. When they figure out the math, they both come to an agreement about having two or three children. Sarah’s family also pays them a visit. Because of their arrival, this makes Sarah tell Kevin how her family used to take road trips when she was younger. She also shares how she, sometimes, misses her family. This causes Kevin to agree to spend Christmas with her family and to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon. The episode ends with them attending their wedding reception and Bree’s play.

Theater seats image created by weatherbox at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/weatherbox.”

Bree’s story: Before a presentation of her play, Bree meets a literary agent named Brian. He’s impressed by everything she’s been able to accomplish on her own. However, Brian wants to help Bree make the most of her career. With a lunch invitation, he encourages her to discuss her literary goals. Bree agrees to meet with him the next day. At this meeting, Brian informs her that he’s not going to lead her in any direction she’s not comfortable with. At the same time, he tries to get Bree to think about her career with a long-term mindset. Despite this, she has no idea where her career will be that far down the road. When the night of the play arrives, the show is a success! Not only does the play receive a standing ovation, but both Hannah and Bree are presented with flower bouquets. After the show, Brian shares that he wants to bring her play to London. This causes Bree to become excited about her future.

Jess’s story: During the official grand opening of The Inn at Eagle Point, Jess finds a ring in a small box. This makes her assume that David will propose to her. Shortly after their bed and breakfast’s grand opening, they receive a fine because of their unofficial grand opening in the previous episode. This causes David to attempt to solve this issue throughout the episode. Because this dilemma prolongs David’s proposal, it also causes Jess to become impatient . When the man who gave David and Jess the fine visit them, Jess convinces him to lift the fine. This plan ends up being successful, as they are able to run their bed and breakfast with no further issues. After this situation is resolved, Jess reveals that she knew about the proposal all along. Because of this, David finally asks Jess to marry him, which she immediately says yes.

Connor’s story: Connor tries to find a solution to the case that he was assigned in the previous episode. As Nell meets up with Connor at Sally’s Cafe, he expresses how he misses Danielle. When Nell mentions that her driver’s license has expired, this gives Connor an idea relating to the case. When he presents his findings to Linda, the lawyer from the previous episode, she’s impressed by his work. This causes her to give Connor a job at her firm. When he shares this news with Thomas, he reveals that Connor was to receive an even bigger assignment at his firm that was to take place in New York. Before their conversation ends, Thomas tries telling Connor that Linda may not be as friendly as she seems.

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

Some thoughts to consider:

Like the third season, this season of Chesapeake Shores was just fine. But I was hoping that the show’s quality would improve by this point. I was told by Ruth, from My Devotional Thoughts, that there will be a fifth season! Hopefully, the creative team behind this program will learn from their creative mistakes and find a healthy balance between being character and story-driven.

As happy as I am that Jess and David got engaged, I was disappointed by how the dialogue spoiled the surprise. With Jess saying things like “till death do us part” and “happily ever after”, a moment that could have been surprising and memorable ended up being predictable. Hopefully, the audience can witness their wedding in the show. I also hope that the wedding ceremony can be more memorable than the engagement.

Even though I’ve mentioned that the Chesapeake Shores movie will premiere next year, I wonder if it will air before or after the next season starts? Since the film will just feature the three O’Brien sisters, I also wonder how their story will effect the rest of the show?

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 thoughts on this season as a whole? Do you have any predictions for season five? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun in Chesapeake Shores!

Sally Silverscreen

Evenings At The Shore: It’s OK to not be OK

On September 3, 2018September 10, 2018 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

While Hallmark is a place where almost all of the stories are light-hearted, that doesn’t mean our favorite characters are invincible to hardships. There are times when financial troubles come their way or negativity enters their lives. Perhaps a major disaster happens or a loved one passes away. Despite the occurrence of these incidents, the Hallmark characters that we hold dear to our hearts always find a way to pull through their troubles and come to a better day. Whether they turn to family for support or independently figure out a solution to their problems, these characters provide a positive inspiration that when we, the audience members and fans of Hallmark, put our minds to it, anything is possible. Chesapeake Shores can definitely be included in this conversation. Every member of the O’Brien family, as well as Trace, has dealt with their fair share of struggles and trials. Fortunately, they all have persevered and found a way to reach their dreams and goals. Let’s take a look at the half-way point of Chesapeake Shores’ third season!

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

Season: 3

Episode: 5

Name: Love Eventually

Trace’s story: Trace is still on tour with his band. This time, they are in the city of Nashville. The time and distance between him and Abby is starting to make Trace feel sad and lonely. However, he finds meaningful ways to occupy his time, such as having dinner with John (one of his band mates) and his family. Trace also writes a new song for the band as his way of dealing with Abby’s absence. When John and Leigh hear this song, they have differing opinions about it. John likes it and thinks that Trace should perform the song at their next concert. Leigh, however, is upset that Trace created a song on his own instead of coming up with a song together. She expresses her thoughts and feelings about this song to Trace the next day. Trace explains that the song’s inspiration came to him at a moment’s notice and that he couldn’t let that opportunity slip. During his conversation with Leigh, Trace gets a phone call from Abby. She not only apologizes for not answering Trace’s phone call from earlier in the episode, she tells him more pictures for the two of them, plus Abby’s daughters, were found on the internet. Abby shares her concerns and fears with Trace about the situation, while Trace expresses his frustrations about the paparazzi’s actions being beyond his control. After their band’s practice, Trace calls Bree to arrange a surprise visit for Abby. Later that evening, Trace shows up at Abby’s office. Abby is very pleasantly surprised, with Jess and Bree revealing that they were in on the surprise. When Jess and Bree leave, Trace plays his new song for Abby. After Abby shares with Trace that she liked the song, they both talk about everything that has been happening lately. Toward the end of the episode, Trace reminds Abby that she is the most important thing in his life.

Abby’s story: While at work, Abby finds more photos, from the paparazzi, of her, Trace, and her daughters on the internet. This concerns Abby, but she tries to take her mind off of the photos by focusing on work and encouraging her sisters that they can overcome their problems. However, the photos still trouble Abby as the episode goes on. One day, she calls Trace to tell him how she feels about the situation. She says that the reason why she moved to Chesapeake Shores was to keep her daughters safe. Recently, because of the paparazzi, Abby feels she is having a hard time keeping that promise. Abby is told by Trace that there is only so much he can do. Later in the episode, Abby receives a visit from Jess and Bree at her office. When Trace suddenly shows up, Jess and Bree reveal that they helped Trace plan this surprise visit. When Jess and Bree leave, Trace plays his new song for Abby. After his short performance, Abby expresses how much she likes the song. Abby and Trace then discuss everything that’s been happening lately. Abby gets a reminder from Trace that she is the most important thing in his life and he tells her that he won’t let anything jeopardize their relationship.

Mick’s story: At the beginning of the episode, Mick asks the O’Brien family if anyone would like to help him take down the decorations from the vow renewal ceremony. After almost everyone tells him no, Megan volunteers to help him. While they are removing the decorations from the yard, Mick and Megan talk about how much fun Thomas and Robin must be having on their trip. Mick takes this opportunity to tell Megan about his concerns about Connor. To help take his mind off his worries, Megan suggests that they order margarita pizza at a nearby restaurant. The next day, at Sally’s Café, Mick meets up with Connor to give him a binder relating to the land settlement. After Connor accepts the binder, Mick asks him if he would like to meet him at the docks. Mick is happy when Connor agrees to go to the docks. When Connor shows up at the docks, Mick asks him to help fix the boat. Connor quickly refuses because he feels that Mick is trying to avoid dealing with any conflict between him and Connor. Later in the episode, Mick and Megan go out to dinner to order that margarita pizza they were talking about. Mick expresses his concerns about Connor to Megan. When Megan offers her advice, Mick politely declines to accept it because he feels that Connor needs to figure this problem out himself. The next day, while Mick is making repairs to the boat, Connor shows up, again, to the docks. After Mick calmly explains what needs to be done on the boat, Connor agrees to help him. Mick is pleased that his boat crew is growing, with Thomas and Connor as the newest and, so far, only members.

Megan’s story: After almost everyone tells Mick that they can’t help him take down the vow renewal decorations, Megan volunteers to help him. While they clean up the decorations from the yard, Mick and Megan talk about how much fun Thomas and Robin must be having on their trip. During their discussion, Mick shares that he is concerned about Connor. To help Mick take his mind off of his worries, Megan suggests that they order some margarita pizza at a local restaurant. Later in the episode, Megan and Mick go to a local restaurant to order that margarita pizza. At dinner, Mick shares that he is still concerned about Connor. However, when Megan tries to give Mick some advice, Mick politely declines. His reason for not accepting Megan’s advice was because he wanted Connor to solve his own problems. The next day, while taking a walk with Kevin, Megan learns about Kevin’s concerns for Sarah. When Kevin says that Sarah’s behaviors and choices remind him of his own past behaviors, Megan tells him that during that time in Kevin’s life, the entire O’Brien family was concerned about Kevin’s well-being. Megan encourages Kevin to tell Sarah how he feels.

Note_lines_horizontal1 — String of musical notes image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/pentagram-vector_710290.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Backgroundvector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Bree’s story: Because her publisher has been asking for a final copy of her manuscript, Bree has been busy editing her story. When Simon comes to Word Play on a surprise visit, he reveals that he was sent by his publisher (who also happens to be Bree’s publisher) to help Bree edit her manuscript. This task becomes more easier said than done. Whenever Simon tries to help Bree edit her manuscript, Bree always finds a reason to not change any aspect of her story. During one of their editing sessions, Simon becomes intrigued by the character of Casey. He finds it interesting that Casey owns a car that doesn’t work. This makes Bree defensive about her writing, causing her to leave the session feeling frustrated. Later in the episode, Bree meets up with Simon at The Bridge. She apologizes to him by explaining that the manuscript is a reflection on her life and experiences. With this new understanding of Bree’s manuscript, Simon forgives her and agrees to continue helping Bree. Toward the end of the episode, Bree helps Trace plan a surprise visit for Abby.

Kevin’s story: While reading Bree’s manuscript, Kevin gets a phone call about Sarah getting injured during a firefighting mission. At the hospital, Kevin learns that Sarah’s injuries are minor and he is happy when Sarah is officially released from the hospital. As the days go on, Kevin becomes increasingly concerned about Sarah’s well-being. To him, she appears to be a lot more energetic than normal. This includes Sarah wanting to go dancing shortly after her hospital release and taking long distance jogs. When Sarah shares with Kevin that she wants to go sky-diving, Kevin starts to notice that her behaviors and choices remind him of his own behaviors from when he came home from the military. One day, while taking a walk with Megan, Kevin tells her about his concerns for Sarah. Megan shares with him that when he came home from the military, everyone in the O’Brien family was concerned when his behaviors started to change. Megan advises Kevin to tell Sarah how he feels. The next day, Kevin catches up with Sarah, while she is on her way to go sky-diving. When Kevin reveals to Sarah that he survived a dangerous experience while in the military, he shares that he felt invincible after he realized he survived. Sarah tearfully reveals to Kevin that she has, recently, felt the same way. Toward the end of the episode, Kevin and Sarah tell each other “I Love You” for the first time while on a jog.

Jess’ story: For the majority of the episode, Jess stresses out about the future of her relationship with David. However, this doesn’t prevent her from helping out Trace and giving Connor advice. At Sally’s Café, while sharing a whole pie, Connor shares with Jess that he and Mick aren’t getting along. Jess tells Connor to focus on the” here and now”, advice that she herself has taken when dealing with Megan. Jess also teams up with Bree to help Trace plan a surprise visit for Abby. Toward the end of the episode, Jess and Abby plant flowers to enhance the curb appeal for the Inn. During this activity, David comes back to Chesapeake Shores to surprise Jess. He not only returns Jess’ shoe to her, in Cinderella style, he also tells Jess that he wants to resume his position at the Inn.

Connor’s story: While Connor is eating his breakfast at Sally’s Café, Mick meets up with him to give him a binder relating to the land settlement. After Connor accepts the binder, Mick asks him if he could meet him at the dock. Connor agrees to go to the docks after work. Later that day, Connor visits Mick at the docks, where he discovers that Mick wants his help with fixing Mick’s boat. Connor senses that Mick is trying to avoid dealing with the conflict between one another and Connor refuses to help. The next day, Connor meets up with Jess at Sally’s Café. While sharing a whole pie, Connor shares with Jess that he and Mick aren’t getting along. Jess tells him to focus on the “here and now”. Later that day, Connor goes back to the docks, where he, once again, finds Mick repairing his boat. This time, Connor agrees to help Mick, taking Jess’ advice to heart.

Heartbeat image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/medical-logo_763775.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/logo”>Logo vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Some thoughts to consider:

I thought that Jessica Sipos’ (the actress who portrays Sarah on Chesapeake Shores) performance in this episode was fantastic! The scene where Sarah and Kevin are at the sky-diving station is one of the strongest performances that Jessica has ever given in any Hallmark production she has appeared in!

I just want to say that Jess’ polka-dot outfit that she wore while gardening at the Inn was adorable!

While Simon is helping Bree edit her manuscript, Bree tells him that she spent a college semester studying in Copenhagen. The reason this statement caught my attention is because Emilie Ullerup, the actress who portrays Bree, happens to have been born in Copenhagen. I thought it was a really interesting choice for the show’s screen-writers to incorporate something from the real-life of one of the show’s actors into the overall story.

What are your thoughts on this episode? What do you think of Season 3 so far? Let me know in the comment section!