Signed, Sealed, Delivered
The new original series “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is a wonderful combination of romance, comedy and drama that follows the lives of four postal detectives who transform themselves into a team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow always on time. The team includes charming Oliver O’Toole (Eric Mabius), the group’s leader is a man of faith who prayerfully approaches his work with the goal of making a difference in people’s lives; new team member, Shane McInerney (Kristin Booth), a technophile who brings 21st century sensibility to the group; free-spirited, “girl next door” Rita Haywith (Crystal Lowe) who has a photographic memory; and lovable Norman Dorman (Geoff Gustafson), a master in conventional research methods.
The show airs SUNDAYS, 8/7c on Hallmark
I was quite happy to be selected to review this fantastic new show on Hallmark network. I have been doing almost nothing but think about how best to write this particular post because the show has become near and dear to my heart. Let me begin by telling you how I first discovered this series.
Last summer, I noticed that the Hallmark network was beginning their own line of shows for their own network. First was Cedar Cove, and I knew who Debbie Macomber was. And then there was one of my favorite book series of all time–When Calls the Heart. So there were two series based on books with which I was familiar. Those were definitely going to be watched in our household.
However, there was another series–Signed, Sealed, Delivered. This was not based on any book series, and all I knew is that the lady who did Touched by an Angel (Martha Williamson) was doing this show. I will be honest–I was never a fan of Touched by an Angel. Yes, I know that makes absolutely no sense. However, it is worth noting that I was much younger and in an unhappy marriage when that was on television, and possibly if I had been “allowed” to watch the show more, I might have liked it (I was married to a control freak, but that’s another story).
Because there was nothing else on, and I knew that show would be family friendly, I decided to give the pilot for the series a try. After all, it could be interesting, and my daughter was looking forward to seeing it, too. When the pilot began, I was the only one in the room. This often happens when a new series begins. I become the “previewer” for the family (my mom, dad, and 10-year-old daughter). The episode began nicely enough, but it was a bit slow. However, I was intrigued to see how the show would unfold. The shows always begin with a short clip that demonstrate how the mail got misdirected. I didn’t realize then that would be the normal format–after all, this was my first time seeing the show.
After the opening scene, something happened that made me a fan for life. Honestly. One of the postal workers, Oliver O’Toole (played expertly by Eric Mabius) is standing in line for coffee. There is another lady (Shane, played by Kristin Booth) waiting behind him as Oliver struggles to make a decision as to what coffee to buy. The scene was quite humorous and entertaining. And I knew somehow that those two would meet again and end up working together–I was right, I might add. I immediately paused the show and called my mom and daughter in to watch the show from the beginning. I told them that show looked really good, and I thought we should watch it together.
As the series has gone on, the four of us have become so engrossed in the series that we actually get excited for our weekly “date” with the show. My dad calls it the “post office” show. My daughter and I are practically glued to it (electronic devices do not come out during this show which truly says something since she and I are both practically addicted to them). My mom was the hard sell in the beginning because she was sure it was going to have angels featured in it. We actually argued about the show when the promo spots would come up for it. It’s nice to know that my daughter and I were right about the show being so good and not featuring angels.
My favorite things about the show include the emotional stories, the amazing guest stars, the whimsical humor, and the family nature of the show. However, my absolute favorite thing is the two relationships featured in the show. While I love the unique relationship between Norman and Rita, I am even more enamored with Oliver and Shane. As the series has progressed, the actors and actresses have truly embraced their roles, and it is one of the most entertaining hours we spend in front of the television all week.
Now, I could sing the praises of this show for quite some time, but I would like to tell you another reason this show holds such a special place in my heart. I am not typically smitten with characters and the actors/actresses who play the parts. Throughout my lifetime, I have had very few “celebrity crushes.” In fact, I grew up on old Hollywood and television shows. Therefore, anyone who intrigued me in this fashion was always quite old, and most of those actors have since passed on. From the beginning of this series (all the way back to the pilot), the character of Oliver has somewhat consumed me. I knew nothing of Eric Mabius before this series, and I began to research him because I thought he was a good actor in the show and quite good-looking (I don’t say that kind of thing very often–seriously). In fact, that was one of the first things I told my mom about Eric Mabius, and she agreed. When I did my research, I discovered that he has a twitter account, and he tweets during the show as well as throughout the week. I was brave enough to send him a tweet last Sunday evening (honestly, I just don’t do things like that), and he actually tweeted me back! Okay, maybe that’s not a big deal to some people, but this is the first time a celebrity has ever tweeted me back (and I have tweeted a few off and on). When I told my family that I received a tweet from him, they were immensely impressed. So if you watch the show, be sure to follow him and send him a tweet. He loves interacting with his fans. There are plenty of interviews out there online, and he comes across as being a very warm individual who loves the show just as much as (if not more than) his fans. In fact, on a side note, because of his tweets last week, I was inspired to learn about the song featured in the show: His Eye is on the Sparrow. I have known that song for most of my life, but I had no idea the story behind it! I love learning things like that.
Hallmark was gracious enough to extend an invitation for me to watch Sunday’s upcoming episode before it officially airs. I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone, but it gets even better! If you have not been watching the series from the beginning, I do recommend that you look up past episodes before delving into the series. You will enjoy it even more.
Now that I have waxed eloquent on my new favorite television show, let me give you just a little bit more information.
This incredible series even incorporates scripture in its themes and in the conversations between characters. In FACT, The American Bible Society has built a bible study to go with the series,
Sign up for that here.
Isn’t that great? A seven-day Bible reading experience to dig deeper into the meaningful biblical themes revealed in each episode of Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
The Bible Reading Experience is free and currently available for one week only. We hope to see the American Bible Society reading series continue and value your support. Please sign up if you are interested.
Website
Facebook
Facebook for creator Martha Williamson
I was sent a free preview of an episode of the show and posting information with the understanding that I would post my own honest review of the show and its actors/themes. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
