Daniel Lissing, Erin Krakow Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Abigail is reeling after the discovery of Frank’s past as an outlaw, even as Jack investigates, and Frank assures everyone he is a changed man. While Hope Valley begins to turn their back on the once beloved pastor, Elizabeth sets out to prove she’s a real frontier woman, impressing Jack with her new confidence. And while Bill enlists Jack’s help to settle a grudge with Frank’s old gang, Frank makes a drastic decision, leaving Abigail with a heavy heart before taking a surprising stand.

First of all, do make certain that you realize potential spoiler alerts are ahead. I do my best to ensure that doesn’t happen, but in the event that you learn something you didn’t know (and wish you hadn’t), know that you have been warned.

Secondly, please note that I do not entertain negativity against the actors and others connected with the show. Feel free to disagree with my opinion, and it’s one thing to criticize the plot, but please keep your words as uplifting as possible as my objective is to be a positive buoy amid the rough and negative seas of the critics.

Mark Humphrey (Pastor Frank) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

This episode does indeed center around the character of Pastor Frank, and quite honestly, it is time for a bit of a confession on my part. I have not been overly accepting of this character in Hope Valley, and ever since Mark joined last season, I wasn’t sure what I thought of his portrayal of this rugged and simple pastor. I was suspicious of Pastor Hogan, his intentions towards Abigail, and even whether he ultimately belonged in this small community. But I have continued to preach to myself the fact that I needed to remain positive and keep an open mind. And that is exactly what I have done. It’s not that I didn’t like him. It was more that I was somewhat ambivalent. I just couldn’t see Frank and Abigail together, and I didn’t want Abigail to experience heartbreak yet again at the hands of a character I deemed unworthy and perhaps unnecessary.

Lori Loughlin (Abigail), Mark Humphrey Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

While Abigail is somewhat shaken at the beginning of the episode with the disturbing news concerning Frank’s past, you can bet your bottom dollar that it is Abigail (and a couple others in the town) who determine that Pastor Frank Hogan should be given another chance. And it is through these events that I began to see Frank and the actor who has breathed life into this troubled, softspoken man in a new light. I was always convinced Mark physically fit the role, but I think I reacted so vigorously to his character due to my disappointment in the character Bill. I was certain Bill and Abigail should be together, and it has only been this season that I “forgave” that character.  Undoubtedly, I believe I viewed Mark with prejudiced eyes, but thankfully, the eyes, heart, and soul of the fair and balanced reviewer conquered those predetermined views. Mark gives his best performance to date in this episode, and suddenly, it makes sense for this quiet man of faith, who is the very epitome of redemption, to be in Hope Valley.

Johannah Newmarch (Molly)
Loretta Walsh (Florence)

Possibly, I was borrowing the mindset that Florence maintains concerning the pastor (and many others in the community as well). We have come to love this self-righteous, often bigoted “Feisty Flo” because in spite of all of Florence’s flaws, Loretta has injected likability and a sense of societal pride into this beloved busybody and pillar of the community.  And poor Molly, as played by Johannah, often gets dragged right along with her. These two aren’t in this episode much, but you can be assured that every moment in which they appear will be memorable, as they have become an almost inseparable duo. I surely hope that if either finds love again that they won’t fall for the same man or true fireworks may ensue.

Mark Humphrey (Pastor Frank), Martin Cummins (Mr. Gowen) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Regardless, Martin has again caused me to distrust his Mr. Gowen character–just when I was starting to fancy him.  You can imagine that he is the one who pushes quite hard for the expulsion of Pastor Hogan, and it again takes a town to stand against him so that proper procedures are followed. Per normal, Gowen is a law unto himself, and he only does what ultimately benefits Gowen. I don’t know how Martin plays Mr. Gowen with such devilish charm and cunning chicanery, but he makes this villain the ultimate man the viewers love to hate. Just when we caught a glimpse of his merit, he is now up to his old tricks, and we have no idea what to think about this man any more.

Lori Loughlin, Eva Bourne (Clara)

Caught in the cross-fire as well is the lovely Clara, and Eva gives a short but powerful performance as she realizes that Jesse is not who he appeared to be. Abigail and Clara are truly in the same boat, so to speak. They each lost a husband, fell for a man (in Abigail’s case, two men) who appeared to be attentive and everything they could ever desire, and ostensibly, these men turned out to be charlatans. Eva is absolutely stunning in this episode in spite of her brevity on the screen, and every time I see her rare talent on display, her star shines just a little bit brighter. It is sheer delight to witness the continued growth of a young, unspoiled, and gifted actress like her, and it is always a treat when she is given a scene that demonstrates the depth of her ability. And her light never radiates brighter than when she shares that screen with Lori.

Aren Buchholz (Jesse)

As the outlaw who has betrayed the innocent and trusting Clara, Aren again gives an incredible performance as Jesse. As we watch his face concerning all that occurs in this episode, it is easy to surmise that Clara has captured his heart, and he is beginning to struggle with what the gang expects of him and what his heart is instructing him to do. Perhaps even the pastor’s words are beginning to pierce his steely heart–it’s hard to say. But no matter what, Jesse fears what the gang will do to him should the plans and promises he made disintegrate. Moreover, Aren is able to depict this turmoil through his brief scenes in such a way that I found myself feeling sorry for the boy. And evidently, Pastor Hogan has a soft place in his heart for this boy as well.

Chris William Martin (Jake)

Perceptive viewers may recognize Chris from Cedar Cove and possibly even Heartland, but regardless, he is no stranger to acting by a long shot. He might look a little different than you remember him, but do your research, and there is a chance you will recognize him. As Jake, he is absolutely frightening. He is that outlaw that everyone fears from the Old West, and we can only hope that Jack will stop him before any serious harm befalls the Pastor or any of the innocents in town. Even Jesse is scared of him. Chris portrays this criminal well, and something tells me we haven’t seen the last of this diabolical character.

Kavan Smith (Lee), Pascale Hutton (Rosemary)

Lest we forget the couple that has become one of the favorites in Hope Valley (I have let it be known regularly just how much I adore them), the scenes between these two are simply magical.  I can’t quite explain the chemistry between Kavan and Pascale, but as Lee and Rosemary, they make it work exemplarily. Their comedic timing is so unerring, and together, they are consistently flawless. Do you desire to comprehend every thought in Lee’s head? All one must do is take a glance at the man of a thousand faces himself who boasts a million dollar smile that spreads like wildfire to all within his vicinity. Do you wish to know Rosemary’s inner thoughts? Well, she can’t keep a secret, so just pay attention to Pascale, and examine her every movement (it’s not like you can’t help but watch those bigger-than-life gesticulations anyway). These two rarely keep secrets from each other, and the interplay between them is absolutely adorable.

Did I mention Rosie’s smile? Pascale has infused so many subtleties into Rosemary’s demeanor, even though Rosemary herself is not much of an enigma. Oh, Lee will have to spend the rest of his life figuring her out, but Pascale has mastered Rosemary’s facial expressions, tonal inflections, and her overdramatic demeanor that completely overwhelms everyone in the room whether for good or ill. The scenes between these two, especially in this featured picture, it one of the sweetest in the whole show this week, and all I can say is that in this reviewer’s humble opinion, it would behoove all involved to witness the wedding of these two by the end of this season. I could be wrong, but these two grow closer and closer with each passing episode. And if anyone can handle and tolerate Rosie, it’s Lee. Quite honestly, no one else on this planet could love her as unselfishly as he.  And someone has got to love those plaid pants of Lee’s, right? No doubt, Rosie is the one for the job.

Ben Rosenbaum (Hickam)

As an unwitting carrier of what Rosie believes is a deep, dark secret she must keep from Lee at all costs, Ben is again playing Hickam, the guy that does his job without complaint but often doesn’t know how to deal with Rosemary. In some of the episodes, he appears to follow her around like a sick puppy, but at other times, he just stares at her with a blank expression as if he cannot even follow her train of thought (well, can you blame him?). In every episode, Ben plays Hickam with a matter-of-fact tone, and his biggest job is to keep up with Rosemary. We only see him briefly in this episode, but his character is well-established, and as he is an up and coming actor, he certainly deserves an honorable mention.

Daniel Lissing, Erin Krakow Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

On the lighter side of things with this episode, we find Jack and Elizabeth with the kids on a campout in the woods. There is a viewer flashback to last season when the campout was not a welcoming experience, but the humor in this (as the preview shows) is that Elizabeth kind of has the upper hand in this campout. I won’t spoil any of the winsome humor nor the series of minor mishaps that befalls one of the groups, but just know that this underlying story injects some much-needed levity into what would have otherwise been a very somber and heavy story about the fate of the church and its “redemptionless” pastor.

Genea Charpentier (Laura), Erin Krakow (Miss Thatcher), Alex Krevoy, Paris Abbott (Deborah), Gracyn Shinyei (Emily), Ava Cooper (Opal) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Featured at the campout are some familiar faces, such as, Genea, Gracyn, and Ava on the girl side, but a couple of new ones as well–Paris and Alex. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to witness such amazing performances from these darling children as a whole, but a couple of them have enough of a story that sets them apart from the crowd, at least in this episode.

Jaiven Natt (Robert)

Witnessing the interactions between Jaiven and Daniel at the campout demonstrate to us just how much Jack doesn’t know about children (and why he should have listened to the obviously more-skilled and experienced Miss Thatcher).  Jaiven puts on quite a show as a result of something Jack insists on doing at the campout, and as a result, he is in for one rough night–at least until the boys fall asleep. It is one of the more humorous moments of this storyline, and it’s exceptionally fun to see Mountie Jack struggle in something for once. He is not the perfect man after all–he is just a man!

Ava Cooper (Opal)

In one of the more touching moments at the campout, Miss Thatcher has to calm Opal as only she can, and Ava genuinely gets a chance to demonstrate her talent in an extra special manner. She impeccably portrays the child who misses home and everything about it, and it is Elizabeth, who shows her matronly skills and just how much she cares about each and every child. Opal is by far the youngest there, and this scene will warm your heart like none other.

Carter Ryan Evancic (Cody), Lori Loughlin, Mark Humphrey Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Not to be forgotten is Carter’s special place in this episode. For Cody, this episode is fairly tame. He doesn’t like the upheaval caused by the truth about the pastor’s past being leaked out, and he is certain that the campout will be cancelled as he begins to take a jaded view of the world around him. He relies on Abigail, but he knows that she is at a point where she is ensnared in so many adult issues that she is sometimes not as emotionally available as he would like her to be. Carter truly sparkles as Cody when he is with Jack on the camping trip, but for the most part, his role is not overly fraught with difficulties nor emotional upheavals.

Jack Wagner (Bill), Daniel Lissing Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

For Bill, as played irreproachably by Jack, this is an episode where he is still attempting to decide if he wishes to remain a Mountie. Jack learns some information that tends to incense Bill concerning the Garrison gang, but nothing conclusive is found concerning the old case nor that of Dottie’s husband’s murder. He is in somewhat of a holding pattern, but Bill does render some very special services to Dottie regarding her husband’s insurance policy. He is able to rout an uppity criminal who has been able to avoid censure for far too long, and Bill metes out justice in his signature fashion, much to the delight of the viewers and the chagrin of the man in question.

Lori Loughlin, Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Eva Bourne Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Of course, the central focus is on Pastor Hogan and his fate in Hope Valley. Although Mayor Gowen assumes he has won by his own standards and according to his rules, it is Elizabeth and Abigail who refuse to let this happen–not to mention Jack. Elizabeth stands against Gowen as only she can do, and Abigail brings the fugitive pastor back, thus ensuring that the town as a whole will make the decision about whether he remains or not, rather than just permitting a few people in secret, championed by Gowen, to do the dirty deed.

Lori Loughlin, Mark Humphrey Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

As Abigail, Lori displays the character, integrity, and strength that she possesses in her own inimitable style. While her heart is turning towards Frank, her righteous indignation goes far beyond any romantic affection she may feel for him. She is still not ready to accept the possibility that she is falling for him, but everyone is well aware of where her heart lies. But for the purposes of convincing the town, her justifications for his remaining as their pastor far exceed any fleeting emotions. It goes to what is right and wrong and what the church stands for. Lori is so immersed in her role as Abigail that I often forget that character is not a real human being. Lori has infused such warmth, virtue, and stalwart stubborness into this consummate woman that Abigail continues to completely entrance me (as she does most of the people in the town). She is committed to what is right. Does the town listen to her? Well, no spoilers from me except..

Erica Carroll (Dottie), Martin Cummins, Lori Loughlin, Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Kavan Smith (Lee), Pascale Hutton (Rosemary) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

…you can draw your own conclusions.

Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Now, of course, what about our main couple, Jack and Elizabeth? Of course, the question on everyone’s mind is–will they kiss this time?

Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

I surely don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, but just know there are several phenomenal chemistry moments between Jack and Elizabeth, and it frankly baffles me how Erin and Daniel can make the chemistry so ardent while still keeping it family-friendly. I have commented before on my appreciation for Hallmark’s dedication to wholesome family viewing, and that even includes romantic scenes. I realize that some viewers are begging for things to accelerate between Jack and Elizabeth, but in truth, why would we want that? For me, I enjoy the playful banter, the sweet flirting, and the stolen, romantic moments between them so much more than just seeing them kiss each other repeatedly. Other networks quickly move their characters through the rigors of physical chemistry, and most of the time, we see those characters in and out of bed by the end of the first or second episode. Going at a slow and steady pace ensures lasting benefits, teasing moments, and surety of purpose. Erin and Daniel are masters at letting their eyes tell the story of the blossoming love between their respective characters.

Erin Krakow (Elizabeth Thatcher) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

In this episode, we see Elizabeth comfortable in a place she never has felt “at home” before–in the woods. She is the one who somewhat shows up the experienced Mountie Jack, and she has everything under control without his help. In fact, we may even see Jack conceding that she was right and he should have listened to her. (If Jack does that, Elizabeth had better eventually marry him because guys that apologize to women for being wrong are few and far between.)  Erin has allowed Elizabeth to grow and mature gradually and methodically as she has made the transformation from big-city socialite to backwoods teacher.

Erin Krakow Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Erin always infuses Elizabeth with so much passion for the students and even the willingness to try new things even if she looks foolish while attempting them. She used to be all about appearances, but now she is more concerned with making her way in this world, even if Mountie Jack is not by her side. She and Abigail continue to grow closer to each other and go to each other for advice when times are tough even though they no longer share a home. Elizabeth no longer seems the proper, young lady she once was. Although manners and conventions will always be an integral part of who she is, we can rest assured that Elizabeth will not return to Hamilton no matter how bad things get in the wilderness. She has made that break with her past long ago, and she is ready and completely at peace in the wilderness of Hope Valley.

Daniel Lissing (Jack Thornton) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

For Jack, this is an episode where we witness a bit of awkwardness from him, and Daniel portrays him exactly as he should. Jack is supposed to be the know-it-all when it comes to the wilderness, and he has always seen Elizabeth as the one he needed to treat with kid gloves and help her every step of the way. It’s entertaining to see the tables shift a little bit in this episode as Jack realizes that sometimes, Elizabeth does know best. But will he be man enough to admit it? It’s never easy for a man to admit that he is wrong (well, it’s rarely easy for anyone to admit he/she is wrong), and Jack has become so self-reliant. In many ways, it does his heart good to see that Elizabeth can make it in the wilderness, even without him, if the need arises. Daniel plays the bewildered, but secretly proud of his woman Mountie with sheepish pride, and we may even get to see him genuinely acknowledge that this time he was wrong (no spoilers from me). During the portions where Jack is uncomfortable with the situation, Daniel injects just the right amount of confusion mixed with concealed pride in his facial expressions and body language. This is new territory for Mountie Jack, and Daniel is willing to let his character react exactly as he should. We can only hope that he will graciously accept this minor defeat rather than struggle against it. The way in which he responds may be what causes Elizabeth to decide to continue on in this budding relationship, or maybe decide that he truly is as arrogant as all the other men she has ever known. I know what I’m hoping for (as are all Hearties).

For more information:

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/when-calls-the-heart

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