Let’s dive into Season 11 Episode 2!
Synopsis: Elizabeth and Allie plan a birthday party for Nathan. Lee and Rosemary weigh business responsibilities against family time. Lucas settles into his role as governor.
Overall Thoughts
Hearties, SURPRISE!! We finally got to see Nathan be celebrated outside of being a Mountie. The main plot of this episode is planning the surprise party for Nathan. However, it did not consume the time to the point of disliking the episode. The humor and sneaky around were sprinkled in perfectly. It started as an actual fishing trip but Elizabeth misunderstood Allie and it turned into a surprise party for Nathan. After a little persuasion from Elizabeth and learning Allie is excited to throw it, Nathan is on board with the party! He’s going to act surprised of course!
The other major plot of this episode is Rosemary and Lee learning how to navigate work, marriage, and parenthood at once. Other notable events in this episode include an empty-handed Nathan and Allie returning from a fishing trip. However, they did manage to get their hooks in me as always. We learned more about Colleen and saw them spend quality time together. Lucas is working diligently to ensure everyone is on board with his plan to build a resort in Hope Valley. However, this would mean Hickam would lose his job as manager at the Saloon. Ouch! That’s a tough way to find out you may need to search for a new job. Aside from potentially losing his current position at the Queen of Hearts, it appears there is trouble in paradise for Hickam and Mei. Cooper helps Toby with his math homework. Hint: it’s fractions! Faith is still caring for Lily. They go on a sweet ice cream date and later she reads her a story and then offers sweet advice on how to cope with missing a loved one. Henry has returned from his visit with Abigail and states, “Happy is where I am headed.” Minnie is struggling with being a Pastor’s wife and the assumption that she will always have the right advice for a person in need.
Nathan & Elizabeth
If I had to describe Nathan and Elizabeth’s interactions in this episode it would be friendly/playful, serious/humorous, and flirty.
Friendly and Playful describes their first interaction in which Nathann confuses Elizabeth’s proposition to have a small gathering at the Saloon with Allie taking him on a fishing trip.
Serious and Humorous describes their second interaction in the street when Nathan catches Florence, Ned, Rosemary, Minnie, and Elizabeth with birthday balloons! SURPRISE! Lol, I love how everyone disperses so quickly leaving Elizabeth to field all the questions! He learns there originally wasn’t supposed to be a party and feels he messed things up. He shares with Elizabeth that Allie has been distant since he returned to Hope Valley. He is willing to play along because Allie wants to throw him the surprise party! In his Batman voice, Nathan says, “Don’t worry, I’ll act surprised.” Who fell to the floor or was it just me?!
Flirty describes their last interaction outside the Saloon during his birthday celebration. They are talking and laughing about the surprise party! Then, Nathan reaches up to wisp away a fallen star from her hair. swoon! Who else was already on the floor when this happened?! They re-enter the party together, shoulder-to-shoulder, heart-to-heart. Despite the shock from that ending, they are aligned with one another in many ways. Never fear my fellow #McGarries it will be alright. This is part of the journey.
Rosemary & Lee: Marriage Qualms
New parents, Rosemary and Lee are busy trying to find the perfect work-life balance. Rosemary is busy searching for answers regarding Lucas’s shooting and getting THE scoop while being Editor-in-Chief of the Valley Voice. Lee is busy managing Coulter Lumber and contemplating buying the Saloon from Lucas given his recent proposition to build a resort in Hope Valley, for which Lee provided the land. Meanwhile, they are parents to approximately 15-month-old Goldie. (I am assuming since walking occurs around 12-15 months plus she was standing up without assistance in Episode 1, I am making the educated guess she is closer to 15- or 16 months old. - signed your friendly pediatric physical therapist.) Also, Lee missed TWO dates with Rosemary and she was NOT having it!
“If I have learned anything in this life it’s to never be stood up by a man.” - Rosemary Coulter
This quote from Rosemary gets a 10/10 and a round of applause from me! Rosemary has every right to be peeved with Lee for missing not one, but TWO dates. Then, Lee dares to tell Rosemary she is not listening to him regarding the proposition to buy the Queen of Hearts. Again, Rosemary throws it back to him with “YOU are not listening.” and leaves the saloon. Go, Rosemary! I am so glad Rosemary stood up for herself at that moment. Lee meant no harm but I also think it is important for him to understand where Rosemary is coming from in this situation. He is in the wrong. He made promises to his WIFE and forgot about it twice. This insinuates business comes before family which we know is not the case with the Coulter’s. But an apology is still warranted.
The resolution to this argument is Lee and Rosemary decide to buy the Saloon/Hotel, keep Hickam on as manager, and give Richard Wolf more responsibility at the sawmill. The conclusion = more family time. I am not sure I agree with that conclusion but I am not going to split hairs here. At least they talked about their issues and came to a conclusion that mutually benefits their family.
Hickam & Mei: Trouble in Paradise?
Can I be honest for a minute? This relationship has fizzled out as quickly as it started. I was initially really excited to see their relationship grow and flourish. They had flirty moments in Season 10 which is to be expected. But I want to go deeper this season. And yes, I know we are only 2 episodes in at this point in Season 11. Regardless, I NEED more from Hickam and Mei. Their whole issue in this episode was Mei felt it was “getting serious.” so she pulled away. SERIOUSLY!? She completely ignored or made Hickam feel like he was doing something wrong. That’s a little silly, and hurtful, for a mature relationship if you ask me.
Faith says, “It’s scary when things get serious isn’t it? It’s easy to feel afraid”. Then Mei tells Faith, “So if I am afraid, that means….” and then Faith chimes in with “things are getting serious.” Mei nods and says, “Serious as never worked for me.” - Faith and Mei in The Cafe.
This exchange between Mei and Faith struck me as odd. I appreciate we are seeing them support one another through difficult times. I don’t mean to split hairs here but stick with me. The assumption things are getting serious because Mei is feeling afraid is perplexing to me. Those two feelings do not necessarily correlate nor is it a reason to give Hickam the cold shoulder. I do understand Mei’s hesitation may stem from her trauma of Geoffery trying to force her into marriage and stalking her. If that is the case this needs to be addressed with Hickam.
Below is an excerpt of their conversation and resolution.
“I am nervous and scared. When I first came to town I was running from someone very controlling but that is not you. You are wonderful and kind and everything that I’ve ever wanted. So if you are wondering what’s going on with me, that’s it. Nothing more.” - Mei to Hickam
The resolution came quickly without Hickam getting a word in during their “conversation.” For me, this was an unsatisfactory resolution leaving me needing more from them. I do not consider this addressing Mei’s hesitations because of her previous “relationship” with Geoffery. Nor is it an actual conversation. They still need to talk about it. Hopefully, it will lead to something bigger in future episodes. I am still open to the idea of them being together and I won’t shut that door yet. But I need more from them, especially if they are the couple getting married this season.
Cute Moment Alert!
I feel like we need some levity after these last two sections of this post! Elizabeth and LJ are to the rescue! Little Jack making Nathan a birthday card is so sweet! Based on an interview from Derek Thompson, When Calls the Heart Writer, on Heart to Hearties, we won’t see LJ give this card to Nathan. That’s a bummer but oh well! Derek Thompson also mentioned we would see sweet moments between Nathan and LJ in future episodes. While LJ makes a birthday card, Elizabeth is making the “Happy Birthday, Nathan” Banner for the party. Elizabeth and LJ both want their works of art to be perfect for Nathan! So sweet and precious!
Hope Valley Crime Wall
Rosemary officially has a crime wall courtesy of Lee. Rosemary spends the majority of this episode frustrated that Randell Rockwell is getting all the scoops and has a source. She tries to lean on Bill for information but as an experienced former Mountie, he is not giving in to the press. Bill still has his doubts about the shooter and asks Henry if Lucas said anything during his visit to Capitol City. We did get to see Clayton Pike’s confession (if you pause when Nathan is reading the newspaper) but other than that, nothing new in this episode regarding the shooting.
Henry Gowan
Henry returns from his visit with Abigail with a new outlook on life. When Henry told Elizabeth, “Happy is where I am headed.” something clicked with me. What if Henry is leaving after Season 11 to be with Abigail? That would fit perfectly with his storyline. Recent previews for Season 11 Episode 3 imply Henry might be managing the daycare. However, Henry completed his redemption arc in Season 10 so he is no longer tied to Hope Valley. While I would miss Martin Cummins as a series regular, I feel it would be true for Henry’s character to move to the city to be closer to Abigail and his son, Christopher, and his wife, Rachel. Perhaps, Henry could be Lucas’s boots on the ground in Capitol City while he remains in Hope Valley!
Joseph and Henry also have a nice conversation in this episode. Joseph notices a difference in Henry and he responds, “Maybe I am.” Henry volunteers to tend to the trees in the back since he has time. Abigail used to do that and use the hazelnuts in her cooking. Again, circling back to Abigail which makes me think their story is not over.
Seriously Funny!
Kevin McGarry making Nathan’s request for eggs so urgent is seriously funny! What’s the rush?! Perhaps, Allie is requesting scrambled eggs? Drop your guesses in the comments below.
What’s Next?
Previews show the start of Nathan & Elizabeth’s misunderstanding so I am excited to see that happen. It will only strengthen their relationship. Bill is still questioning the arrest in Lucas’s shooting and why Nathan is grooming Elizabeth’s horse. Newton throws shade at Nathan for all of this! (IKYK). Bill goes to Capitol City to investigate the shooting and states, “Someone is lying.” The question is WHO is lying?
Whew! You have made it to the end of my Episode 2 recap and review. Thank you! Please share your thoughts in the comment section!
If you want to read my thoughts about the controversial ending I made a separate post today. Link below!
Episode 1 Recap and Review if you missed it!
Here is the Heart to Hearties interview with Derek Thompson I referenced.
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