Season 11 Episode 4: Along Came A Spider
Season 11 Episode 4 Recap and Review.
Season 11 Episode 4 was full of twists and turns! Let’s dive into my review.
Synopsis: It’s Easter in Hope Valley. Elizabeth organizes an egg hunt with help from Nathan. A visitor from Lucas’s past gets the town talking. Angela and Cooper seek to mend a relationship.
Overall Thoughts
Wow! This episode stirred up storylines in a good way! I feel like we are finally seeing the forward progression of the main storylines for the season. Nathan & Elizabeth have hit a roadblock. While they were on friendly, flirty terms all was not well in Nathan’s heart…and he knows it. They cannot continue to dance around the truth. Thankfully, this appears to be addressed in Episode 5. Jeanette Aucoin makes her grand appearance. I’ve been waiting since Season 6 to meet the woman seemingly pushing Lucas to Hope Valley. Jeanette has certainly shaken up Lucas and shed light on his past. Angela and Cooper shook up their family drama by pretending to be their Father and writing a letter to his brother. They may find that this seemingly innocent act will cause an explosion. Whether it’s good or bad thing is still in the air. My guess is the latter! The investigation into Lucas’s shooting turned the corner and is starting to heat up. Rosemary and Bill are a great team! Mike and Mei hit a milestone (first kiss lol!) in their relationship. Maybe we are starting to see their relationship deepen.
Easter in Hope Valley
Lucas is leading this event in Hope Valley as the first annual Governor’s Easter Egg Hunt! Easter is something the show has never celebrated in previous seasons. I was excited to see what this episode would entail given we were teased an egg hunt. However, I am disappointed there was not an Easter sermon. They went for the secular view on Easter with the egg hunt, decorating eggs, etc. Nevertheless, I thought it was fun and something unique to the show. I enjoyed watching the kids decorate their eggs!
Nathan & Elizabeth: The Dance Continues
From the start of the episode, we are given glimpses into Nathan’s thoughts about Elizabeth. From the audience's point of view, it’s no secret these two have feelings for one another. However, with Elizabeth sashaying around town and hanging onto Lucas at every turn Nathan appears unsettled. He’s done well trying to hide his true feelings and hurt but at some point, it will bubble over.
At the Governor’s Easter speech, we see Nathan initiate a friendly conversation with Elizabeth about the potential topic of the speech. She jokingly replies, “The Easter Bunny.” Lucas enters the room Elizabeth practically runs to him leaving Nathan in the dust. Nathan’s poker face may need some practice because the hurt is written all over his face. Nathan and Elizabeth glance at one another separately when Lucas says “Easter is a time for new beginnings.” Is this foreshadowing Episode 5 given they will clear up a misunderstanding?
After the Easter egg hunt is announced everyone parts ways but Nathan and Elizabeth walk together. They banter back and forth about the Easter Bunny. Elizabeth convinced Lucas that wasn’t a good idea! Then Nathan realizes Elizabeth is not headed toward the school because she is picking up LJ from daycare. “Lucky Him” is Nathan’s response to Elizabeth telling him LJ is coming to school to decorate eggs! Oh, I love this flirty banter and subtext between them! Aside from that, it shows Nathan and Elizabeth are in a great place as friends but something unspoken between them that needs to be addressed.
Nathan & Elizabeth hide eggs and reminisce on their childhood Easter memories. Nathan attempts to hide an egg on the trellis but Elizabeth tells him it might be too hard for the kids to reach. Nathan and Elizabeth exchange a few words but trust me, it is not about the chocolate egg anymore! Hint: It is about them!
Nathan: “ I think if someone wants something bad enough they will figure it out.”
Elizabeth: “What if there is a chance they could get hurt?”
Nathan: “Well I guess they just have to decide if it’s worth it or not.”
Elizabeth reminds Nathan a chocolate egg is not worth it and attempts to retrieve the chocolate egg but she falls off the bucket and into Nathan's arms just as Allie is looking for her. Oops! Caught again! The important part about this flirty exchange is to highlight Nathan & Elizabeth still haven’t fully discussed the past, present, and future of them.
Nathan helps Little Jack hunt for chocolate eggs while Elizabeth looks on with a huge smile! I think the moment is meant to show that Elizabeth is looking at Nathan in a different light. She’s viewing him in his civilian clothes versus uniform. That’s a loose parallel to him being a father and a man outside the uniform. When he’s in uniform Elizabeth can’t help but see the dangers and think back to what happened to Jack. She has not done this as frequently but viewing Nathan differently in and out of the uniform is a pivotal part of her journey. We are seeing that more and more this season.
What is a typical Hallmark Channel movie or show without a misunderstanding? Of course, Nathan watches from afar as Lucas and Elizabeth discuss Jeanette. He gets the wrong impression. Again, Allie witnesses this interaction and has a worried expression. While I understand the frustration with this scene I am not concerned. Remember all Hallmark movies have a misunderstanding from afar before talking things out (probably Episode 5) and then the kiss and declaration of love (I predict Episode 6). Hold on a little longer!
It turns out Elizabeth was right, the chocolate egg on the trellis was too high! The kids did not find it so after the hunt Nathan retrieves it. He returns the chocolate egg to Elizabeth at night and when they touch hands their eyes meet. This was reminiscent of hand touch in the library in Season 6, right? They briefly talked about Jeanette but LJ called Elizabeth away. That is beside the point though. In my opinion, the purpose of this scene is to continue building their romance and creating these little moments or sparks. All of these sparks are adding up quickly and eventually, the little sparks will turn into one huge explosion! I am looking forward to that moment, and hope it comes sooner rather than later.
Hickam vs Hickam
We finally meet, Maise, one of Mike Hickam’s “5 overbearing sisters” and she happens to be Benson Hills’ newly elected Mayor. This is ironic given Mike is still officially elected Mayor of Hope Valley. I enjoyed the addition of Maise and the depth it added to Mike’s storyline. Lucas sends Mike, Lee, and Bill to meet her regarding negotiations for the resort since half the land is in Benson Hills. Mike’s affinity for business must be a family talent because Maise came to Hope Valley with ALL the facts. She didn’t wavier and asked the hard-hitting questions. Bottom line: You better come prepared when meeting with Maise Hickam!
Lucas & Jeanette: Former Flames
I’m not shocked Jeanette is Lucas’s former flame and fiancé! She rode into town with unwavering determination and confidence. Lucas is less than thrilled Jeanette is in town and doesn’t hide his emotions. He is cold toward her and questions her motives for visiting. I LOVE that Lucas didn’t put on his “poker face” and pretend he was fine Jeanette was in Hope Valley. In the past, I feel like Lucas would have been more keen to hide behind his “poker face” and pretend to be content with Jeanette being there. But I love that we are seeing Lucas express some emotion. We learned a lot about how Lucas feels about Jeanette simply based on his reaction. For me, I could tell he has a certain affection and care for her but does not necessarily have the desire to keep her close anymore. I firmly believe Lucas would still do anything to protect Jeanette which speaks volumes for his character and affection for her.
Jeanette brings up Elizabeth and Lucas’s canceled nuptials in a mocking manner - do I sense jealousy? Lucas assumes Jeanette needs him to bail her out of trouble again. This piques my interest because we know he bailed her out of trouble with Amos Dixon, the only time he has cheated. Jeanette assures Lucas she has “gone straight just like him” implying they were once below board. I don’t think this means Lucas was into illegal dealings, but it does bring up several questions about his past.
Jeanette’s purpose for the visit is to place a bid on the resort on behalf of her unnamed associates. Lucas is suspicious of her motivations and the honesty of her business partners - and her. Lucas tells her to get out of town multiple times but she is persistent. Jeanette promises Lucas her investors are on the level but he does not believe her. He states, “I’ve changed Jeanette, I am not like you.” WOW! I am shocked but in a good way. So many questions and I am eager to see them answered later!
Lucas finally sends Jeanette on her way but not before she pulls up to introduce herself to Elizabeth. Lucas is less than pleased and attempts to stop her but is hobbled by his injury. I don’t think Elizabeth reacts to Jeanette’s declaration like she assumed. Lucas finally catches up and Jeanette attempts to kiss on the cheek but dodges it. Ouch!
In Jeanette’s bid is a picture of her and Lucas. It’s giving me Bonnie and Clyde vibes for sure!
Mike & Mei: Love Grows (Slowly)
We got some forward progression with Mike and Mei! We saw their first kiss and many flirty moments. Maise visits the pharmacy and soda shop with an ulterior motive to get the scoop on Mei - and a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Maise tells Mike she likes Mei and says he should bring her home to their Mom.
Hope Valley Crime Wall
Bill and Rosemary determine the prints on the weapon are placed too perfectly. It appears Clayton Pike is taking the fall for someone. Bill and Rosemary think it is Montague and company but have not found substantial evidence to back their hunch.
Cute Moment Alert!
Little Jack was the cutest in this episode! He always is but this episode highlighted something so sweet with Elizabeth. He was asking questions about Elizabeth’s role as a teacher and being his mom. I thought this was a very relatable thing a 4/5-year-old would ask. He knows Elizabeth is “Mom” but questions if that applies to everyone. Elizabeth reassured him that she was only his mom. Another sweet moment was watching the kids decorate all the eggs and Toby teaching fractions without knowing it. Then we see the Easter Egg hunt commence with Lily dressed as a bunny! So cute!
The Latest Gossip
Lee gives Rosemary a foot rub and spills the tea about Jeanette showing up! He calls Jeanette a “screen siren” and in typical Rosemary fashion scolds Lee! Rosemary wants to immediately share the latest gossip with her best friend, Elizabeth. The next day, Rosemary puts on her investigative journalist’s hat and sets out to get the scoop on Jeanette. In true Rosemary fashion, she asks Lucas where Elizabeth is but immediately turns her attention to Jeanette to see her reaction.
Wait What?
So if Mike is still officially Mayor how is Bill acting Mayor?
What’s Next?
Based on the promo Elizabeth confronts Lucas but Nathan watches from afar and misunderstands the interaction. Allie tells Nathan she does not want him to get hurt again. Nathan asks the million-dollar question: “What am I to you"?”
Thank you for reading! Tune in TONIGHT at 9/8c for Episode 5 of When Calls the Heart! Subscribe to stay updated with my Season 11 content and MORE!
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