Season 11 Episode 3: Steps Forward
Season 11 Episode 3 Recap and Review
Synopsis: Rosemary and Bill team up to investigate a case they believe shouldn't be closed. The women of Hope Valley start a daycare. Hickam and Mei celebrate a milestone.
Overall Thoughts and Brief Recap
I thought this episode moved slowly compared to the previous episodes but I suspect that is done to set up future episodes and story arcs. Bill and Rosemary continue investigating Lucas’s shooting. They keep Nathan in the loop but since the Mountie closed the case he is not allowed to keep investigating in an official capacity. The women of Hope Valley use Henry’s old office as a Daycare for the children. They take turns in shifts watching the kids so the parents can work with ease of child care. “It Takes a Village” is depicted here in Hope Valley via the daycare. We need a little heart-to-heart with our best friend sometimes! This is exactly what Elizabeth needs as she struggles with Lucas’s return. Rosemary states Lucas and Elizabeth were never just friends because he always had eyes for her. Truth bombs as always from Rosemary! Nathan & Elizabeth continue to dance around their feelings. Mike and Mei celebrate their 5-month anniversary. Lucas appears to be struggling as Governor and Edwin is sneaky.
Nathan & Elizabeth
Nathan & Elizabeth continue to dance around the elephant in the room. Nathan brings Allie her lunch since she “forgot it” but in reality, she had her lunch so it was likely a ploy to see Elizabeth. They agree last night was full of surprises while continuing to harp on the fact Lucas is still in town as if that has any bearing on their potential as a couple. Spoiler Alert: It doesn’t! This is the most frustrating part of the episode. Nathan is training Scout when Elizabeth walks outside and he bolts to her! They awkwardly discuss her barging into his office and Scout. Elizabeth raises concerns with Nathan thinking Lucas needs added security. Nathan firmly shuts it down by stating it is Lucas’s call and does not discuss the unofficial official investigation. Once again, they walk side-by-side and heart-to-heart into the Saloon to hear that Lucas is staying. Never fear my friends. As I mentioned last week, they are aligned in more ways than one but they still need to address the elephant in the room. All these little moments of “doubt” on Nathan’s face will push him to ask her the hard question(s). (Spoiler Alert: I have seen the Episode 5 promo before writing this but I will share my thoughts after tonight’s Episode.)
Lest we forget the shirtless scene in Nathan’s office! This scene has caused quite a stir online. It is a harmless scene meant to show Elizabeth’s attraction to Nathan and to further push her toward sharing her feelings. We knew before this scene she was attracted to Nathan mentally and emotionally. Now we see her attracted to him physically which I assumed she was but they like to show us and not tell us. THANK YOU HALLMARK CHANNEL!!
Hope Valley Crime Wall
Rosemary and Bill are back in action to determine WHO shot Lucas Bouchard. Spoiler: Montague is their topic suspect. Bill takes a trip to Capitol City to reenact the shooting and determine SOMEONE is lying about something. Nathan finds Bill at his desk going over Clayton Pike’s confession. Edwin reports seeing the getaway car but something does not seem right. Bill and Nathan believe there were two people involved, the shooter and the getaway driver. Rosemary obtains information from in a sneaky way but she is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery! Bill finds out Rosemary has an interview with Montague and they use it as a cover to dig deeper into the shooter. Bill brings the train schedule to Rosemary in hopes of dissolving Montegues alibi. But he was actually with Balfour as recorded by another report in a picture. Nathan and Bill think Lucas needs more security in Hope Valley. But Edwin is hard against it and Lucas is following suit. He quickly dismisses Bill and Nathan citing that he needs to focus on the resort. There is certainly more to this story and I am eager to uncover it.
Toby Struggles with Math
Elizabeth is at her best as a classroom teacher, which is a prime example of why. Toby’s struggle with math hit close to home. Math was always my worst subject but none of my teachers took the time to understand why I struggled. It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized my struggle with math was how it was taught. I needed to see the solution before solving it when learning a new topic to understand the WHY behind every step. Then I could apply it to any math problem on a test or quiz. Once I figured out that part it was easier to ask for help and study.
Back to When Calls the Heart! I thought it was special and heartwarming for Elizabeth to slow down and cater to the needs of Toby. Of course, it is necessary for him to be tested on math and have that skill set. But he might need some extra time to learn it without the pressure of getting it right on a test.
Governor Lucas Bouchard
Lucas is back to business in this episode and it’s not his finest moments. This whole photo-op thing suggested by Edwin is just icky. Why did Lucas follow along? It was distasteful in my opinion. He used Elizabeth and the students to gain popularity for his agenda. While I am sure it was well intended in the writer’s room, it raises questions about Lucas’s character and judgment. Lucas also learns the land in which the resort in Hope Valley is slated to go is legally in Benson Hills. What a twist! Remember, Rosemary and Lee owned this property and disclosed to Edwin the base of the mountain is in Benson Hills territory. Edwin knew this the entire time so why didn’t Lucas? He should have done his due diligence instead of deferring and listening to Edwin. There is no excuse for Lucas to be in the dark about this fact. We’ve seen Lucas be a detail-oriented businessman in previous seasons. However, as of late it has been sloppy and not to the standards I would expect for Lucas or a Governor. It’s honestly lazy.
Mei & Mike: Misses and (Almost) Kisses
This episode is full of misses and almost kisses for Mei and Mike. They are celebrating a special milestone…5 months as a couple! I cackled when Mike said 5 months because I thought “Wow it is going to be 6 months or something.” Nope! It’s silly and I believe that is precisely the point the writers are conveying. This screams NOT READY FOR MARRIAGE if you ask me. Mei and Mike go for a sweet picnic lunch but it is quickly interrupted by Elizabeth, Lucas, the kids, and reporters. However, Mei sneaks in a sweet peck on the cheek and they play tag. I am still crossing my fingers for more depth in this relationship. Maybe it will come later in the season.
The Canfield’s: A Family Affair
In this episode, Joseph Canfield’s past is brought to the surface. Amid Cooper and Angela's fighting, Joseph shares it is important to keep your siblings close. Then he reveals he has an estranged brother, Jacob. I am eager and excited to see this story unfold and hope we meet Jacob in future episodes. Angela and Cooper make up and decide to do things with just the two of them after church on Sunday. Aww so sweet! Family time is the best time in my opinion!
What’s Next?
Jeanette Aucoin is finally making her debut. Welcome to Hope Valley, Jeanette! It’s high time we meet the woman who has been the center of Lucas’s storylines since S6. We know Jeanette and Lucas were romantic partners in the past but in what capacity stands to be seen. (Spoiler Alert. I think I know the answer but we are not there yet as of this post!)
Thank you!
Thank you for being patient as I struggle to find time to post these recaps. Thanks for reading this week’s recap as we are under the wire and less than an hour from Episode 4! See you on Twitter soon!