‘WHEN CALLS THE HEART: NEW YEAR’S WISH’ (2015)

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The Hallmark Channel has produced many an original over the years. Originals that ranged from the genres of romantic comedies and historical romances to television series. One thing all of their titles share in commonality is their ability to be wholesome. Their latest gem follows in that path. After the events of the season two finale, fans (or “Hearties”) were holding their breath for what would come of Elizabeth’s and Jack’s continuing on-and-off again romance. This first two-hour episode begins the third season and with it, a new agreement is reached.  

When Calls the Heart: New Year’s Wish (2015) Hallmark TV Film Review

Picking up immediately where season two left off, Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) leaves the unwelcome visitor, Charles – her old suitor from the city, behind as she sets off to find Jack (Daniel Lissing). Unaware that Jack observed Charles’ arrival and worse yet, the proposal he made, Elizabeth’s attempts to say Charles means nothing to her falls on deaf ears. This drives a wedge again between the pair, both of whom were just coming into a steady courtship.  

Elsewhere in Hope Valley, Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) is busy making preparations for the arrival of an important newspaper reporter. She spends her time dashing about town doing what she does best; bossing everyone around. Then there is Abigail (Lori Loughlin). Still reeling from the betrayal of Bill Avery (Jack Wagner), Abigail is considering the possibility of a new relationship with the new preacher Frank Hogen (Mark Humphrey), a man who also harbors secrets. 

To kick this rambling off, I’m going to start with a negative and then finish on a better opinion. Or that’s the idea. Much as I enjoy this sweet series, the one thing that I constantly let “annoy” me is the costuming. While watching I cannot help but feel like too many of the pieces are out of place which takes me out of the period and charm of the story. Nonetheless, I appreciate all this show offers. As is its hallmark, this 2-hour special (which essentially kicks off its highly anticipated third season) packs a lot of trials, heart-to-hearts and smiles into this one episode.

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One thing this special does iron out is the relationship between Elizabeth and Jack. Whether or not it ends to fans satisfaction I won’t say (but feel free to chat about it down below or come back after the episode to chat it up!). Either way, I hope the writer’s leave it alone because so much back and forth conflict is wearisome; and I do believe it flows nicer if the story finds conflict elsewhere. Also best resolved quickly would be Frank’s potentially shady path. Given how Bill’s story turns out (which also gets some resolution), I’m not eager to see Abigail go through a similar experience.  

This episode is not without its comedic moments either. While Elizabeth tries to work out the problem one of her student’s is having (not to mention trying to make nice with another someone to hilarious results); Abigail opens her heart to a new person; and Rosemary is again consumed with achieving perfection in little Hope Valley getting up to the usual comedic shenanigans. Anyone who has been anticipating this will relish spending two hours in Hope Valley on this day after Christmas. It’s a fun way to enjoy a bit more holiday entertainment with beloved characters (including lesser characters like Clara). Also it’s neat to see this as a New Year’s special versus’ a traditional Christmas production.  

Photos: Hallmark