When Calls The Heart - General Discussion

[ShelleySue]

After the town starting a daycare and Elizabeth realizing that a student has a learning disability, what is your guess of what modern day issue is going to be next in Hope Valley?

My guess is that everyone will notice that Lucas is having trouble going up and down stairs with his cane. So they all pitch in and build ramps on all buildings. They will call it the HVDA - the Hope Valley Disability Act.

[norcalgal]

1 hour ago, ShelleySue said:

After the town starting a daycare and Elizabeth realizing that a student has a learning disability, what is your guess of what modern day issue is going to be next in Hope Valley?

My guess is that everyone will notice that Lucas is having trouble going up and down stairs with his cane. So they all pitch in and build ramps on all buildings. They will call it the HVDA - the Hope Valley Disability Act.

IF, IF, IF the show had started out from the very beginning as an "alternate" view of history a la Bridgerton, then I could handle all the modern PC (and I'm a progressive!) stuff the show has introduced over the years. But, as we know, WCTH never started that way...so all these anachronisms are jarring and stick out like an elephant at a funeral.

[MollyMelrose]

Curse you, Governor Bouchard, for bringing The Groundhog Menace to Hope Valley!

[dubstepford wife]

22 hours ago, ShelleySue said:

After the town starting a daycare and Elizabeth realizing that a student has a learning disability, what is your guess of what modern day issue is going to be next in Hope Valley?

It's funny because in the books there actually is a young character with a mental disability.  It's quite heartwarming -- the Elizabeth of the books insists on him being included in activities with the other children, she teaches him what she can, and the town works together to do a fundraiser for him to have surgery.  I'm surprised Hallmark didn't include that storyline as it seems like a good example of community, which is their bread and butter.  Though, that said...spoiler alert...

Spoiler

That storyline has a tragic ending, as the surgery doesn't go well.  But they could have altered it to have a happier ending if they wanted to make it less dark.

 

[MollyMelrose]

Poor Lucas. 

Survives an unknown assailant's assassination attempt on his body only to face an even bigger assassination attempt on his character by the show runner and writers.

 

[norcalgal]

24 minutes ago, MollyMelrose said:

Poor Lucas. 

Survives an unknown assailant's assassination attempt on his body only to face an even bigger assassination attempt on his character by the show runner and writers.

 

I don't remember much about that whole "Elizabeth as a hostage in the saloon" episode where Jeanette was apparently mentioned, but the show did lay the groundwork for "shady (businessman) Lucas" in the past.

I still have a vague memory of someone (Fiona?) accidentally seeing a bunch of rifles underneath something else in a crate Lucas had delivered to his saloon. Lucas was also defensive about his past in New Orleans. In my estimation, I think WCTH intended to start with shady businessman Lucas, then reversed course when they had to "white hat" him to pair him with Elizabeth.

But...the seeds of mysterious, shady Lucas were there.

I also have zero knowledge about Kevin McGarry's contract situation with the show, but if Fiona has indeed been written out forever, I wonder if he will follow his IRL fiancee outta the show...?  So since it's obvious this season is about pairing Elizabeth and Nathan, let that happen. Then, let this show end - permanently (which should have been done 4-5 seasons ago, imo).

[dubstepford wife]

19 hours ago, norcalgal said:

I also have zero knowledge about Kevin McGarry's contract situation with the show, but if Fiona has indeed been written out forever, I wonder if he will follow his IRL fiancee outta the show...?  So since it's obvious this season is about pairing Elizabeth and Nathan, let that happen. Then, let this show end - permanently (which should have been done 4-5 seasons ago, imo).

I do wonder about these shows that go on way too long and whose main plot point is "will they or won't they."  That has to get so boring for actors.  And particularly for the actors who play the role not of the main character, but of the main character's love interest(s).  Elizabeth occasionally has something else to do, but Nathan and Lucas exist solely to be her options.  And Kevin McGarry, like Daniel Lissing before him, isn't a young man anymore.  He's spent the better part of a decade on this show, he's been on it for even longer than Dan was at this point.  I don't blame him for getting a little antsy, if that's what's happening.

I'm also salty on this point because it's happened to another show I really enjoyed, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, which is now just "Miss Scarlet."  The Duke didn't die, but he did decide to move on after four years of being her sidekick.  And it sucks, because the OTP was literally in the name.  But showrunners just don't know when to quit, or at least give love interests an identity beyond, well, love interest.

[sharifa70]

1 hour ago, dubstepford wife said:

I do wonder about these shows that go on way too long and whose main plot point is "will they or won't they."  That has to get so boring for actors.  And particularly for the actors who play the role not of the main character, but of the main character's love interest(s).  Elizabeth occasionally has something else to do, but Nathan and Lucas exist solely to be her options.  And Kevin McGarry, like Daniel Lissing before him, isn't a young man anymore.  He's spent the better part of a decade on this show, he's been on it for even longer than Dan was at this point.  I don't blame him for getting a little antsy, if that's what's happening.

I'm also salty on this point because it's happened to another show I really enjoyed, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, which is now just "Miss Scarlet."  The Duke didn't die, but he did decide to move on after four years of being her sidekick.  And it sucks, because the OTP was literally in the name.  But showrunners just don't know when to quit, or at least give love interests an identity beyond, well, love interest.

I’ve tapped out of WCtH because of Elizabeth dumping Lucas, but I still read the comments here on the far, far, far remote chance that the show will improve. So much has gone on in the world at the time the show is set and the writers didn’t need to just keep focusing on love interests. Heck, even Anne Shirley and her family went through WWI in the books. 

I agree with you re Miss Scarlet too.

[ShelleySue]

On 4/30/2024 at 9:46 AM, sharifa70 said:

I’ve tapped out of WCtH because of Elizabeth dumping Lucas, but I still read the comments here on the far, far, far remote chance that the show will improve. So much has gone on in the world at the time the show is set and the writers didn’t need to just keep focusing on love interests. Heck, even Anne Shirley and her family went through WWI in the books. 

I agree with you re Miss Scarlet too.

Can I add Call the Midwife (the Trixie/Matthew story) to the list?

This show used to be a basically happy show. There were always "dramas" going on, but you knew that one day Elizabeth and Jack would get together. You knew that all of those widows in the town would band together and save Coal Valley. It was going to be alright. Now I have no idea where things are heading. And I don't really care anymore.

[MollyMelrose]

In a place where things are pretty much All Girl Power, All The Time (NTTAWRT), it was kinda nice to see the Hope Valley Council of Competent Fellows (and Mike) get together to do some planning and plotting of their own.

And would it have been so hard for Elizabeth to return the sentiment when Lucas wished her the best in all future romantic endeavors?

 

[Artsda]

 

 

 

[norcalgal]

30 minutes ago, Artsda said:

 

 

 

JFC!  

[Daff]

On 4/29/2024 at 12:44 PM, norcalgal said:

which should have been done 4-5 seasons ago, imo).

They would sorely disappoint those “Hearties” who spend hours and money in the Hallmark stores (online and brick/mortar).

[dubstepford wife]

Watch the show go on for long enough that they decide to address The Great Depression but somehow not World War I.

[SHERMDOG]

I'm in the minority here I'm pretty sure. .but I quit watching a couple episodes ago. I wanted to hang but I can't. The character of Elizabeth us just boring to me. I was Team Lucas but willing to give Team Nathan a go. Nope. They have no chemistry. JMHO! This season is just kind of boring for me!!

[Sidney]

On 5/13/2024 at 7:56 AM, dubstepford wife said:

Watch the show go on for long enough that they decide to address The Great Depression but somehow not World War I.

LOL

[allonsyalice]

THE RETURN OF JACK'S HOT BROTHER!

I totally forgot about him, ngl. I do like the actor a lot still. He has charisma, imo. 

The RCMP became the RCMP in 1920. Before that it was the Royal North-West Mounted Police and they absorbed the Dominion Police with this move as well. It's interesting how they decide to mark time on this show. No war, but this?

Is it just me or do Mei and Hickam have less than zero chemistry. i'm still convinced shes a lesbian and compulsive heterosexuality is the worst.  They keep trying to push this couple together and they have no spark, no connection. It feels like theyre just trying to throw two randos and hope it works. (Ditto to Nathan and Elizabeth lmaooo) 

Actually, though, Tom and Faith had more chemistry in the few minutes they were on screen together than Meu and Hickam had ever. 

On 5/13/2024 at 8:56 AM, dubstepford wife said:

Watch the show go on for long enough that they decide to address The Great Depression but somehow not World War I.

I hope this happens so desperately. 

[norcalgal]

1 hour ago, allonsyalice said:

THE RETURN OF JACK'S HOT BROTHER!

I totally forgot about him, ngl. I do like the actor a lot still. He has charisma, imo. 

The RCMP became the RCMP in 1920. Before that it was the Royal North-West Mounted Police and they absorbed the Dominion Police with this move as well. It's interesting how they decide to mark time on this show. No war, but this?

Is it just me or do Mei and Hickam have less than zero chemistry. i'm still convinced shes a lesbian and compulsive heterosexuality is the worst.  They keep trying to push this couple together and they have no spark, no connection. It feels like theyre just trying to throw two randos and hope it works. (Ditto to Nathan and Elizabeth lmaooo) 

Actually, though, Tom and Faith had more chemistry in the few minutes they were on screen together than Meu and Hickam had ever. 

I hope this happens so desperately. 

There was no WW1, and won’t be a Great Depression on this show.  After all, we can’t have - GASP - real life intrude into the fantasy world which is WCTH!  

[Artsda]

I really don't get why the brothers were so at odds.  

Lucas is going to give the hotel contract to the man who most likely ordered his shooting? 

[MollyMelrose]

Glenn Miller and friends performing in Hope Valley over a decade before his band officially began. Who knew??

[sharifa70]

1 hour ago, MollyMelrose said:

Glenn Miller and friends performing in Hope Valley over a decade before his band officially began. Who knew??

I haven’t seen a single episode this season because I finally exceeded my capacity to tolerate the complete nonsense that this show has become, but…wait. The Glenn Miller? The one who was playing in his high school band in Colorado in 1920? That Glenn Miller? This show is killing me by proxy. 

[MollyMelrose]

Sure sounds like Glenn Miller. :)

 

[allonsyalice]

Someone here mentioned Kevin McGarrys veneers and now thats all I see when I look at him. 

[dubstepford wife]

8 hours ago, allonsyalice said:

Someone here mentioned Kevin McGarrys veneers and now thats all I see when I look at him. 

OMG, that is *all* I can see whenever I look at him.  They're way, way too white.  Even by Hollywood standards, where distracting veneers are the rule, not the exception, his are egregious.  Especially when he's paired up with Erin who has kept her lovely unique smile.  

Glenn Miller would have been a teenager in 1920, and lived in Colorado at the time (per Wikipedia).  All I can do is shake my head and laugh.  Oh Hallmark.   

[norcalgal]

18 hours ago, sharifa70 said:

I haven’t seen a single episode this season because I finally exceeded my capacity to tolerate the complete nonsense that this show has become, but…wait. The Glenn Miller? The one who was playing in his high school band in Colorado in 1920? That Glenn Miller? This show is killing me by proxy. 

I know this post was about Glenn Miller, but may I please rant about a different kind of nonsense in the last episode?

Jeeeezus - was Joseph's brother Jacob an adult or a toddler!?!?  First, Jacob keeps demanding an apology without telling Joseph what the problem is, even though Joseph keeps saying I will apologize if you just tell me what I did wrong. But nope - Jacob resorts to the "if you don't know what you did wrong, I ain't telling you" idiocy. [Strike 1]

An aside:  what utter DRECK advice from Henry telling Joeseph just go ahead and apologize even if you don't know what you're apologizing for, because: a) your brother is hurt regardless of the reason for his hurt; b) you two are family, so apologize anyway. So if Joseph doesn't KNOW what he's apologizing for, how can he prevent from repeating the mistake?!?!?!  Cripes, this might have been the dumbest advice EVER on this show!  🙄

OK, now as to Jacob's issue:  oh booo hoooo - ever since Joseph hooked up with Minnie, Joseph stopped singing with his brother!  Wah -wah!  And Jacob was SO butt hurt, not only did he stop singing even though he LOVES to sing - Jacob also stopped going to church!  First of all, seriously, is this asshat two years old?!  How does a grown up react this way to a man putting his WIFE above his brother?!  [Strike 2] Secondly, ok, I might understand the stop singing part, but he's even blaming Joseph for him (Jacob) stop attending church?!?!   [Strike 3] Dude - it IS possible to separate the two actions you know. (Unless that is, you're a damn toddler!)  You can still attend church services, even if you don't participate in the singing.  What a stupid, asinine mini plot that I am so thankful now seems to be over.

 

Edited May 28 by norcalgal

[ShelleySue]

I'm glad that they didn't forget the history of the characters. Rosemary grew up next to Jack and Tom. Faith came to Hope Valley because of Jack and Tom. But, to be honest, I don't remember the exact storylines. 

Rosemary showed up because she was engaged (or thought she was engaged) to Jack. She was a "baddie" for a while. Faith also arrived as a "baddie" when after she nursed Tom. What were the specifics?

[norcalgal]

3 hours ago, ShelleySue said:

I'm glad that they didn't forget the history of the characters. Rosemary grew up next to Jack and Tom. Faith came to Hope Valley because of Jack and Tom. But, to be honest, I don't remember the exact storylines. 

Rosemary showed up because she was engaged (or thought she was engaged) to Jack. She was a "baddie" for a while. Faith also arrived as a "baddie" when after she nursed Tom. What were the specifics?

I think that both Rosemary and Faith were "baddies" in the sense that the show wanted us to think one of them was going to develop a romantic relationship with Jack.  All this was before Jack & Elizabeth became a definite on-screen couple.

And oh yeah, Faith supposedly moved to Hope Valley (at the time called Coal Valley still, I think) to get away from an ex-fiancee and I think that ex-fiancee actually showed up in 1-2 episodes...?  I vaguely recall he was shown as sort of abusive (physically and emotionally) so that's why Faith ditched him.

Edited May 28 by norcalgal

[BetterButter]

‘When Calls the Heart’ Actor Mamie Laverock on Life Support After Falling Five Stories From Balcony

[Daff]

🙄In the spirit of someone’s recent comment regarding how far Hallmark has fallen from their former quality: How many times must we endure Elizabeth’s running to Lucas to keep him informed of her current social life? 5, 6 times now? Then, to add to the chaos, during the finale, let’s advertise Erin and Daniel’s upcoming Christmas movie. Of course, the groom can’t be found hours before the wedding.

[MollyMelrose]

If they really wanted to shake things up, Fiona would have returned to Hope Valley proclaiming her everlasting love for Faith and the two of them start some serious canoodling. Now that would have been entertaining. (It also would have broken the internet.)

And while I know this show will never give such nice things, how great would it be for Jack to turn up alive, tell Elizabeth to pound sand, and begin a manly bromance with Governor Bouchard.

That would be a season worth watching.

[Artsda]

 

 

[dubstepford wife]

Erin and Daniel are doing a Christmas movie?  Lol.  I hope the plot involves her being a widow finding love with him as she recovers from her grief, with a Christmas backdrop.  Bonus points if she's pregnant and about to give birth, as that's exactly what happened in the show.  That would be so meta, I'd almost think Hallmark was trolling.  Extra troll points if his character's name is John.  (because of Jack being diminutive for John)

[norcalgal]

59 minutes ago, dubstepford wife said:

Erin and Daniel are doing a Christmas movie?  Lol.  I hope the plot involves her being a widow finding love with him as she recovers from her grief, with a Christmas backdrop.  Bonus points if she's pregnant and about to give birth, as that's exactly what happened in the show.  That would be so meta, I'd almost think Hallmark was trolling.  Extra troll points if his character's name is John.  (because of Jack being diminutive for John)

What's interesting is that given how many of these Hallmark movies Erin / Kevin & Chris have done, it's strange (I think it's deliberate) that Hallmark never had Erin do a movie with one of these guys. Only the other actors on the show were "allowed" (not sure that's the right word) to do movies with each other:

Lee & Rosemary

Nathan & Fiona

who else???

[bybrandy]

The nice thing about Nathan and Elizabeth being together all the time is I can ignore characters I don’t care about. 
 

I don’t think Mei and Mike have chemistry but I did like how excited he was to celebrate her culture. 
 

 Will stick around for Lee and Rosemary but there isn’t much there there anymore and will be less without Fiona and with wildly limited Lucas. 

[CarpeFelis]

Jeanette has to be one of the most cartoonish villains I’ve ever seen. The amount of makeup she wore—especially the exaggerated red blush and lipstick—would probably have people in a small town of that era thinking she looked like a hooker. And the exaggerated imitation Marilyn Monroe breathy voice was way over the top.

Really disappointed that

Spoiler

the TV Guide interview with the showrunner said that Jack really won’t be coming back. I was hoping the cliffhanger resolution would reveal he was actually still alive.

 

[Artsda]

 

 

[Artsda]