CEDAR COVE – RUNAWAY – Olivia hopes to distract Liz from meddling in her romantic life by setting her up on a date with Will, but Paul is wary of his sister’s true motives for staying in Cedar Cove. Jack travels to Seattle to back up Jeri in a difficult business meeting and receives an unforeseen offer, Warren learns a hard lesson in trust from Buck, and as Olivia plans to fight Warren for her mother’s house, she is faced with the troubling new cost of their real estate feud. 

POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT: As always, I do my utmost to ensure that I reveal no more than what Hallmark itself has revealed about a particular episode. There is always the chance that I will reveal something you do not know about this episode. If you are worried about potential spoilers, run away now. Otherwise, let’s face the music and dance.

First of all, while those of us who love Cliff (Sebastian Spence) have only ingested modest tidbits of his beloved character this season, indeed we have been supplied with some of the most sensitive and charmingly palatable crumbs for which one could ask. Cliff fans will only see their favorite cowboy for a brief snippet in this episode, but to quote an old song “how sweet it is.” If you remember last week’s episode, Grace suggested that they should elope. Cliff settles this question once and for all, and I’m not going to tell you the ultimate decision. All I will say is that he comprehends what is in Grace’s heart, and with all of his soul, he is committed to giving her the wedding of her dreams. While Cliff’s lines are relatively few, there is no one like Sebastian who can milk lines for all the emotion and warmth they are worth. Indeed, we are treated to a tender look at the heart of Cliff through Sebastian’s eyes, and if his performance doesn’t leave one weak in the knees, I don’t think anything could. I am constantly impressed with how Sebastian can do so much with so very little. His impeccable performances and delivery are always captivating and memorable.

Of course, how can I even put into words just how sweet, resplendent, and captivating his soon-to-be better half is? In this “year of Grace,” she has had a tempestuous journey filled with more highs and lows than some women experience within a lifetime. Teryl continues to radiate her character’s passion for life in her singularly indomitable way. But as we saw last week, her character is struggling with her daughter, Maryellen (Elyse Levesque), who is dealing with her own matters of the heart. Notable especially in this episode, Teryl plays the caring, considerate mother (and fiance) who tries to put all other’s needs ahead of her own.  Whether she is entreating Cliff for a quick elopement or imploring Maryellen not to worry about the wedding, we are treated to the distinctive acting of this talented actress. As Teryl plays the conflicted but charming Grace, I can only say she is pure heaven on the screen, and I look forward to all of her character’s dreams coming true this season. (I really hope Hallmark grants us romantics a wedding!)

Notable also are the performances of Maryellen (Elyse Levesque) and Rebecca (Cindy Busby). Both bring to their respective characters what they do best. I never tire the sarcasm and nonchalance that Cindy brings to her character, and Elyse always injects a sweet quality to Grace’s quiet but sorrowful daughter. I think you will ultimately enjoy the interactions between Grace and Maryellen.

No episode would be complete without the blissful Beldons, and neither Barbara Niven (Peggy) nor Bruce Boxleinter (Bob) disappoint in their respective roles. The humor they provide is classic and well-timed, and their interactions on the show continue to be a tour de force.

As in past episodes, we can continue to rely on Bob’s intense distaste for  Paul (Colin Ferguson) to continue. Thankfully, Bruce plays this character in such a likable fashion that this one flaw can be forgiven. Furthermore, the majority of the viewers probably agree with his character’s approximation of this handsome district attorney, and the exchanges between the two are hilarious.  Bob is such a relatable character–sometimes even more so than Peggy.

Now that’s not an aspersion on Peggy nor the divine woman who plays her. In this season, Peggy is kind to absolutely everyone (except Bob who is often the recipient of her wrath). Sometimes far too kind, in my opinion. Of course, I would venture to say that if the new district attorney had been female and had set her sights on Jack, the tables may have been turned. Maybe Peggy would have become a tigress. The marvelous thing is that Peggy is a fantastic foil for Bob.  And at the end of the day, they are still accepting of each other and madly in love. Indeed, this couple accepts each other for who they are, and there could be no one as outstanding to play their parts as Bruce and Barbara.

Speaking of Paul Watson, Colin has continued to win me over which the charming and witty way he plays this district attorney. Indeed, I was fully in Bob’s corner at the beginning of the season, but now even though Paul is attracted to Olivia, he is not making a move. Oh, he may want to. Actually, Colin is able to play Paul in such a way that we can see his character is nervous around Olivia and is trying to keep himself from going too far with her. I absolutely adore seeing Paul and Bob together, and without giving anything away, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of these two characters’ interactions. Whenever Colin’s character is in a scene, humor is right around the corner. Again, he has become the character that lightens the mood. In fact, whenever there is something serious going on (at least outside the courtroom), Paul never seems to want to deal with it. He avoids it. And you can tell from Colin’s body language and expression that is exactly how he is portraying this character. I will say it again–he is an exceptional addition to the cast.

Emily Holmes (Liz)

This new character first showed up last week, and she is Paul’s sister Liz (played by Emily Holmes). As far as Emily goes, she’s great–perfect for the role and fits right into the small community. But I have to admit that I am still on the fence about the character. Especially with what happens this week.

Lest you don’t recognize the guy, it’s Olivia’s brother, Will (Cameron Bancroft). And if you have read the summary, you know what happens. I will say that the couple appears very interested in each other, but if things progress between these two, I might have to stop hating Will, and that would go against my vow to always abhor Will. Well, I used to loathe Warren, so I guess I can always change. I do enjoy seeing this couple on-screen together, and Emily’s character has brought out a different side of Will. So for that alone I am grateful.

Debbie Macomber

This is the best surprise of the episode! Yes, that is the author of the Cedar Cove series, Debbe Macomber. I absolutely adore the fact that Debbie is making appearances in this show as she is always a down-to-earth and enchanting lady (not to mention so incredibly talented). And on this episode, Debbie has a glorious part (better than last year’s).

In fact, Debbie gets to be in the courtroom with Olivia–a dream come true, right? I don’t want to reveal anything I shouldn’t, but it’s a magnificent scene, and I think you will enjoy seeing Andie and Debbie together. Two sweethearts in one scene.

Speaking of Andie, Olivia fans are going to relish this installment. I think you will notice that Oivia and Jack are attempting to rekindle their romantic relationship, and you are bound to witness some tender moments between them. As I have mentioned earlier, Andie and Dylan have such unbelievable chemistry between them that it is a delight to see their characters becoming more flirtatious this week. Furthermore, Will makes a comment this week about Olivia that is so revealing–I think it gives us an introspective look at the character of Olivia and the way others see her. And it reminds me that there is not another person on the face of this earth who could bring Olivia Lockhart to life in the way Andie does. The more I examine her attention to detail and unpretentious demeanor and expression, I am purely captivated. And my interactions with Andie off the screen have become something I greatly anticipate. Don’t ever think that what you’re seeing on-screen is not authentic. Andie is able to inject the best of herself into Olivia with such ease and grace.  Moreover, off the screen, kindness and warmth are a way of life for her, and she cares about her fans in the same way (or maybe more) than Olivia cares about the people of Cedar Cove. Olivia will always be the cornerstone of Cedar Cove, and I am grateful to be able to see such a dazzlingly impressive and remarkably humble actress play her week after week.

Jack (Dylan Neal) has his own issues to solve in Seattle this week. And as you can see, Jeri (Julia Benson) and he are sharing a bit of a tense scene here. Honestly, I didn’t see coming what happens this week, and I don’t think Jack did either.

Dylan Neal, Bruce Dawson

Not to spoil anything, but Jack has a very big decision to make, and it is potentially quite a dilemma. I sincerely don’t know what I would do if in his same position.

Based on last week, we know Jeri’s job is potentially in jeopardy, and Jack assumes it is due to her running his article. So how will Jack resolve the dilemma?

With Dylan playing the role of Jack with such heart and conviction, we know he will ultimately see to it that his character makes the right decision. After all, even if Jack goes down some difficult roads, the writers always bring him back to his love of his writing and, of course, Olivia. One thing you might breathe a sigh of relief about–Jack and Olivia are finally discussing his friendship with Alex. And if memory serves me right, there are none (or very minimal) scenes with Alex. As stated before, it is so pleasant to see Jack return to Olivia (so to speak) in this episode. As I mentioned above regarding Andie, I will state a similar observation here. There is no one on earth who could bring Jack to life in the sensitive and sometimes conflicted way Dylan does. Finally, we are seeing what I feel has been missing most of the season–the Jack who is a journalist with heart and a soul mate to Olivia. Long may this continue. Kudos to the writers and Dylan.

Rebecca Marshall as Alex

I think you are going to love Alex in this episode! I always enjoy seeing Rebecca in this role (especially this season because she hasn’t been after “my cowboy”), but she was given some exceptional comedic scenes this time. Much of that comedy comes with Warren and Buck, and I am so pleased they gave her those fantastic lines. In fact, after one particularly delightful scene, I looked at Rebecca’s face and thought, “I bet she really loved that scene.” Oh, I know she was acting–don’t get me wrong because that girl has terrific talent that always shines on the screen. But something tells me that she took great delectation in that particular scene (well who wouldn’t enjoy acting opposite Brennan Elliott?).

Lest we forget Justine (Sarah Smyth) and Luke (Jesse Hutch), I promise you will not be disappointed with them nor their grand story line. Justine refuses to stop going to Warren concerning her grandmother’s house, and there is truly a sweet mother-daughter scene between her and Olivia. I relish the scenes with Andie and Sarah together because they are the ideal mother and daughter (at least most of the time). Sarah has certainly infused much more mature traits into her character this season–they definitely come out in this episode. And I never tire of the darling on-screen chemistry between Jesse and Sarah. So often I see young couples on the screen, and they are “sucking face” and “leaping into bed” with one another. How nice to see a couple on the screen who is pure and innocent in their true love for each other. And to see these two band together to help Jesse’s buddy–that’s a dynamic scene. Since Luke seems to be over his PTSD (at least for now), it’s gratifying to see him returning the favor. We saw it minimally last week, and as predicted, it made more sense this week. I hope to continue to see more love, understanding, and genuine caring between these two as the season winds down. I wouldn’t mind having the show feature them more together.

Brennan Elliott, Tom Butler

At long last, we arrive at the character who has stolen the show all season long–Warren Saget.  As you can see Buck (Tom Butler) has returned, and it seems quite unusual to see Warren (Brennan Elliott) out of a suit (two weeks in a row?). But he is fishing after all. As to why? Well, I don’t wish ruin the story for you, so you’ll have to tune in on Saturday.

Throughout this season, we have been “treated” to seeing Warren’s father. And although the majority of the people think Buck is a great guy, we can see that he has been a derelict father to poor Warren. It would seem that this may be one of the first father-son things they have ever done together.

Now, I know Warren and Buck are both manipulators and remarkable businessmen. As I watched this episode and the way these two related, I have to admit I felt sorry for Warren yet again. And I had immense hope that maybe things would be worked out between these two. Maybe Buck was going to become the father Warren never had (kind of like Jack stepped up with Eric last season).

In this episode, Brennan has been handed a virtual smorgasbord of scenes of varying emotions, and he handles each with his typical and sensational brilliance.  I thought we had seen every side of Warren a couple of episodes ago when dealing with his wife, but I was decidedly wrong. In this episode, we are given even more delicious emotions to savor, and Brennan’s performance more than satisfies us.  It was pleasurable to see Buck and Warren getting along, and I found myself entertaining the thought that maybe this would be that new beginning. Maybe Warren was going to begin to show his softer side a little more often.  No spoilers, but Brennan’s acting reached a new depth in the scene to which I refer.

It does seem that fans (including me) can never get enough of Warren this season. Every day, new fans seem to be added to the fold. And this episode will demonstrate exactly why. Brennan is a consummate master at his craft. In past seasons, Brennan played Warren impeccably as the villain who didn’t consider himself a bad guy–just a good businessman. In this season, all the things Brennan believed and purported in his portrayal of Warren have come true. Brennan claimed Warren was misunderstood, and with the introduction of Buck this season, we have discovered that Brennan was correct in his understanding of this complex character.

There is a bit of a cliffhanger towards the end of the episode, and it involves Warren. Brennan has been declaring all season how evil Buck is, and this is the episode where my heart broke for Warren. Yes, I nearly cried when his wife divorced him, and I was angry when Will sold him his half of Olivia’s mother’s house. But I was so incensed at what happened to Warren and the way Buck performed the ultimate manipulation.  Maybe some would say that what occurred was exactly what Warren deserved, but I’m afraid I’m going to have a hard time forgiving Buck for his betrayal.

So don’t forget to tune in on Saturday night for this thoroughly captivating episode. You will not regret it.

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