Critic’s Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
3.5
Times are changing in Hope Valley, Hearties.
When Calls the Heart Season 12 Episode 1 picked up after the Season 11 cliffhangers, and luckily, the storylines moved faster.
The new season focuses on honoring legacies or creating new ones, as many characters mentored the younger generation or started new opportunities.
Honoring Jack’s Successes and Memory
(Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen)
After the When Calls the Heart Season 11 Episode 12 cliffhanger, I hadn’t expected Superintendent Hargraves’s news honoring Jack.
Then again, When Calls the Heart is not a sci-fi series or a soap opera, so weren’t likely to bring Jack from the dead.
However, Hargraves’s appearance made it seem important. He also insinuated that Nathan couldn’t measure up to the hero that Jack was, which was what Nathan often feared.
This created a natural conflict instead of a contrived one.
(Hallmark Media/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs)
This will be ongoing, especially now that Little Jack has more questions about his dad and his time as a Mountie. He loves being brave like him and taking care of Elizabeth.
Little Jack believed Mounties were brave, and that’s why he’s become fond of Nathan, too. Nathan constantly fears telling the boy that he had any part in why Jack died.
He doesn’t want to lose Little Jack’s affection.
It’s difficult knowing everyone reveres Jack and feeling like he’s living in his shadow, including dating his widow. Even though Elizabeth insists he’s not her second choice, Nathan must work through it.
This sets up a much more realistic arc for them.
The Mystery Behind Nathan’s New Recruit
(Hallmark Media/Screenshot)
There is something mysterious about the new recruit, Oliver Garrett (Jacob Shoemay). He seemed eager to please, yet Hargraves stated he was at the bottom of his class.
Initially, I wondered if he had a learning disability, but he read several Mountie texts, including Bill’s book. This made me wonder if Hargraves disliked him for some other reason, similar to how he disliked Nathan.
Oliver seemed to respect Mounties and truly admired Jack and Bill as two of the greats. He was polite and charming to the ladies. He didn’t appear as a messed-up cadet. Sure, he could use some guidance, but who couldn’t?
It seemed like he needed a male role model since his father died, and the way he mentioned his mom, I suspect they’re estranged. It seemed like he was hiding something.
Maybe he’ll open up about his past when he’s more comfortable in Hope Valley.
It’s a Delicate Balance to Let Children Grow Up and Let Them Go
(Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen)
The children of Hope Valley are the heart of the series. For years, we’ve watched some, like Emily and Opal, grow up on screen. Now, Emily and Angela will graduate at the end of the year.
It’s a delicate balance between being proud of your children and realizing it’s time to let them go. The Canfields were proud of Angela for attending school and graduating, but Minnie seemed afraid to let her daughter move away from them.
On the other hand, Angela craved her freedom and wanted to attend a college for the blind in Hamilton. It had to be challenging for her to always have her lessons converted, so why she would attend school with those like her makes sense.
As Henry noted, mothers and daughters often disagree about these core issues. Watching this unfold throughout the season while Joseph attempts to play peacemaker will be interesting.
(Hallmark Media/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs)
While the older children entered their senior year, Little Jack and Lily began their first year of school. Even though they had interacted with the older children before, they were terrified when they didn’t see many younger kids.
It’s difficult to leave the safety net of daycare and your friends. I loved how relieved Little Jack sounded when he realized Lily was scared, too.
They were adorable, and if the show was still around, I could see them dating in another ten years. He’s kind to her by sharing his prized possession. We need more of these cuties.
Will Lucas’s National Park Plan Succeed?
(Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen)
Rosemary had a valid point about Lee missing Goldie’s development, yet she sounded bossier than usual.
Generally, women don’t wear pants in the family, especially not 100 years ago. Luckily, Henry knew how to reach her and create a win for everyone.
Rosemary wasn’t the type that could be bought with all-inclusive getaways, but naming the park after Goldie and reminding her of creating a legacy for other children spoke to her.
Seeing Edwin again was the main negative so far. He seemed so corrupt, and Lucas needed to surround himself with people who shared his best interests.
It took forever to convince Rosemary to let Lee go to Capital City. While she admitted she forgave Lucas, she had difficulty trusting him.
If Edwin causes Lee to get burned in the process, I wouldn’t want to meet Hurricane Rosemary.
(Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen)
Hopefully, there won’t be a repeat of Lucas trusting the wrong people and making dumb mistakes. I was excited to see Lucas and Lee team up to create a National Park for future generations.
At least, so far, When Calls the Heart Season 12 looks more promising than Season 12 did.
The series used actual history to create drama for Elizabeth and Nathan. Naturally, he’d feel guilt and anxiety hearing about Jack as their relationship progresses.
Several supporting characters have storylines or will soon, which is challenging with an extensive cast, but they’re varying it better.
What was your favorite part of the Season 12 premiere, Hearties? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so share them with us in the comments below.
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