Abby O’Brien Winters returns to Chesapeake Shores when she receives a panicked phone call from her younger sister Jess, who has renovated the charming Inn at Eagle Point. The Maryland town her father built has many sad memories and Abby, thanks to her demanding career, divorce and young twin daughters, has not had time to spare. Saving the inn from foreclosure means dealing not only with her fractured family but also with Trace Riley, the man she left ten years ago. Trace initially poses an obstacle but becomes an unexpected ally and a second chance at finding love.
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Potential Spoiler Alert: Since this is a pilot for a new Hallmark series, I just want to state that while I endeavor to not reveal too much when I write a review like this, there is the chance that I will reveal something you did not wish to know. But I can promise that more often than not, there will not be anything in this review that ruins or spoils the plot. But if you are worried, please do not read on. If you are ready, however, let’s do this!
Also, please note that I HAVE not read the books, so I will not be telling anyone how faithful these are to the series. I do know they have the blessing of Sherryl Woods, the author, but you will have to look to other reviewers who have read the books.
Meghan Ory (Abby) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows
From the opening credits, we are subjected to the hustle and bustle of the big city, and career single mom Abby as played by Meghan Ory is committed to one thing–furthering her career. She attempts to accommodate the lives and interests of her two girls Caitlyn and Carrie (as played by Abbie and Kayden Magnuson respectively), and she is still reeling from the divorce she recently experienced. Of course, it probably doesn’t help that one of her co-workers, Gabrielle (as played by Courtney Richter), is dating her ex-husband, Wes (as played by Michael Karl Richards). But Abby is “supermom,” or at least she has that mentality, and every moment of her day is scheduled with cell phone alarms and calendars. She leaves absolutely nothing to chance, and she dare not let anyone see a chink in her armor.
Photo: L to R: Meghan Ory, Emilie Ullerup (Bree), Laci Mailey (Jess) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
Thank goodness Abby receives an anxious call from her younger sister Jess (played by Laci Mailey), and this sets everything in motion for a return visit to the place of her youth where she was born and bred–Chesapeake Shores. While there, she also reunites with her other sister, Bree (played by Emilie Ullerup), who just happens to be an author. This dynamic trio makes the perfect sister threesome, and whenever they are together, triumphant trio relate to each other with impeccable authenticity. While these three girls may not be related in real life, on the screen, their interplay is congenial and playful, and it electrifies my senses to have the opportunity to continue to watch the unfolding relationship between them.
Treat Williams (Mick) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows
Once Abby does return to Chesapeake Shores for what she is certain will only be a long weekend vacation, she is reminded of the man whom she blames for the dissolution of the family–Mick (as played by Treat Williams). Now, I have to say Treat was a definite surprise for me. As an actor, he often depicts the guy that everyone likes, and I thought it might be difficult to dislike him. However, Treat is such a seasoned and gifted actor that I instantly found myself longing to censure his character verbally (I’m sure I did utter a few words of disgust). He is an older man who has made his share of mistakes, and I have to say that I found myself siding with Abby (which is exactly whose cause most viewers will champion, at least in the beginning). Treat has fully immersed himself into this herteogeneous role, and for most of this episode, I found myself casting nothing but aspersion on him.
Diane Ladd (Nell) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows
But then there’s everyone’s favorite grandmother there, too–Nell as played by Diane Ladd. She is the one who balances out the somewhat gruff nature of her son. I’m grateful that Diane plays a good-natured role and gives that much-needed harmony. However, she doesn’t take sides. For Nell, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. She doesn’t denounce Abby, nor Mick, nor Megan. Her pragmatic outlook is to see things for what they are and attempt to mend the family unit if possible. She is the one the grandkids and great-grandkids come running to. Diane infuses all the affable characteristics that many of us will recall from grandmothers we loved and bonded with in our past (and maybe even present). She’s the one who is always ready to lend a listening ear to anyone in the family if needed, and she will give her unbiased opinion of the situation and mete out appropriate advice as she sees fit.
Jesse Metcalfe (Trace) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows
The thing Abby does not plan on is running into her former teenage heartthrob, Trace, as played by Jesse Metcalfe. He has pursued his dreams of being a singer, and for whatever reasons, he has returned home as well. He and Abby did not part ways hospitably, and while both would love to pretend that there are no sparks there any more, from the moment they lay eyes on each other, nothing could be further from the truth. And the very instant I saw Jesse on screen in this role, I declared he was absolutely perfect as Trace, and I further marveled at the exemplary casting. I don’t typically consider the physical characteristics of most actors before I get to know them as people, but his rugged features and smooth swagger make it difficult not to notice his handsome exterior. Kind of makes Trace a bit irresistible.
Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
Did I mention how consummate the chemistry is between Jesse and Meghan? From its inception, they have that something between them that just works. Hallmark is a master at pairing actors who seem thoroughly suited in terms of on-screen chemistry, and there is no doubt that these two have just that. Their body language says it all. They don’t need to jump into bed together (something that you will not see in the pilot, I can promise you that). They don’t even really need to get overly physical. Both Jesse and Meghan infuse the exact qualities one would expect from a shy and irresolute couple who aren’t confident of where they stand with each other in terms of their respective characters. Their connection is truly a wonder of expert acting and casting, in my opinion.
Meghan Ory, Jesse Metcalfe Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
As these two proceed to come into contact with each other, there is no doubt that old flames are being rekindled. Misunderstandings that were a part of their lives so many years ago are coming to light, and the truth is at last prevailing. There is a sense of hope that maybe these two will have a second chance at love.
Meghan Ory, Jesse Metcalfe Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
One of the scenes in the previews that really distressed some people (my mother included) is absolutely nothing to be worried about. Yes, the two go swimming together. And some feared for the decency of this moment. But once viewers see this in context, all will be understood as exactly what the intention of this precious moment is.
Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
One of the most romantic junctures in the entire pilot! Without anything that even smells like impropriety. I’ll just state it here–they are fully clothed, and when coupled with their history and the summers that they shared together, you realize just how remarkable a man Trace truly is!
Jesse Metcalfe Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
As an actor, Jesse is unequivocally flawless in the role of Trace. Every exchange, every movement, every facial expression is infallible. Moreover, the deftness with which he portrays the man who has never let go of his first love and only longs to protect her no matter what after all these years may possibly send chills coursing through one’s innermost being (it certainly did mine).
Jesse Metcalfe Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
The moment that completely captivated me more than anything else in the pilot came from Jesse himself. When he picked up that guitar and sang, there was no deviating from anything connected with this series (I hadn’t planned on it anyway). As Trace in that instant, Jesse ensnared my heart. While I have not read the books, if there is a better Trace out there, I wouldn’t know where to begin to search for one.
Meghan Ory, Jesse Metcalfe Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
As Abby, Meghan persevered in impressing me every time she was on screen. Whether it was a heartfelt, emotional scene with Jesse’s character…
Photo: L to R: Meghan Ory, Emilie Ullerup Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
….a scene with one or both of her sisters….
Diane Ladd, Meghan Ory Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
…a scene with her grandmother and her daughters, Meghan brought explicitly what was needed to the table every time. Oh, and Kayden and Abbie were so sweet in their roles, too (they play the two girls). They portrayed their roles just like seasoned actresses.
Meghan Ory Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
I think what I love most about Meghan in general, but especially in this role is her down-to-earth authenticity. She is a very striking woman, and her features may cause you to initially think that she is a “perfect” actress who may struggle to bring that warmth and relatability to her role. However, the moment she appears on screen and you strip away any preconceived notions about her, her genuine spirit and soulful acting leap out of the screen at the viewers and seize their hearts with a simple grace that not every actress possesses. Meghan is a unique actress with depth that goes far beyond any image she may project in a photo or a still of her work.
Treat Williams, Meghan Ory Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
This is seen most poignantly in her scenes with her father. Treat and Meghan relate as their characters in a most exceptional way that would be precisely what would be expected from their characters. In fact, not to ruin anything for the viewers, the main point of contention between Mick and Abby is that they are far too similar to each other, and neither one wants to admit it. In this case, Abby is definitely her father’s daughter–a workaholic who values a pleasant life filled with ease and comfort that only money and possessions can bring at the cost of aloofness within the family unit. Just like Mick doesn’t authentically relate to and know his children, Abby doesn’t truly know hers either. It’s as though wealth and prestige have encapsulated their true hearts so that no one can get close enough to them to wound them. In so doing, they have pushed the most cherished people in their lives away.
Photo: Treat Williams Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
Thankfully, Treat is such a brilliant actor with immeasurable range that he is able to slowly bring about the transformation that Mick embarks upon with the help of his mother. Treat demonstrates all the subtleties of this complex character in his indomitable style, and that finally causes me to begin forgiving him right along with Abby.
Treat Williams, Meghan Ory Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
Abby takes that inaugural step in opening her heart and tearing down that proverbial wall, and she starts to let her father in. The long and painstaking process of forgiveness does begin towards the end of the pilot. And these two bring the emotions in such an unadulterated fashion that I can hardly wait to see more!
Treat Williams Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
Mick even brings about a bit of a surprise at the end. For those who love Barbara Niven and wonder how her character of Megan figures into all of this, viewers will be treated to her character within the last couple minutes of the pilot. I don’t want to give anything away in that respect, but the conclusion of the pilot will definitely leave you craving more–much more. Barbara is on screen a relatively short time, but there is no doubt that her acting is as phenomenal as ever. We only get a few snippets of her backstory through the eyes of other family members, but we know her character abandoned her children and husband. Some defend her, some don’t. But in the end, she comes back. And somehow, I believe that this will open more wounds that need to be opened, cleansed thoroughly, and then permitted to heal. I am certain Megan will get to impart more of her story within the series. But fret not–at the end, there is hope.
Meghan Ory Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
In fact, it would appear that Abby is ready to make a new beginning in all areas of her life, but there’s no doubt it will not be uncomplicated. Fortunately, she has returned home, and she will be surrounded by family, albeit a bruised family who needs to be restored. And as everyone is patient and permits all to heal at their own pace, we have to remain optimistic that this family can be brought back together and reconciled as they all work through the process together.
Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
And all of this family drama saturated with every gamut of the emotional rainbow that you can conceive will be lived out in the backdrop of some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen.
Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
On more than one occasion, I found myself taking a sharp intake of breath at the splendor before my eyes. The landscape, the house, the town–so quaint, magnificent and restorative.
Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Marcel Williams
In this soothing, peaceful, breathtaking landscape, I believe that family miracles are possible. And I greatly anticipate this series that will examine the question–can this family be reconciled? And I will never give up hope that it can and will! And if the O’Briens can be saved, I believe anything is possible.
Be sure to tune in Sunday, August 14, to the Hallmark Channel to see this incredible pilot! You won’t be sorry!
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