Hearties! We made it through another season of When Calls the Heart! I want to share my hits and misses of each storyline. It has been a while since I shared a post about Season 11 of When Calls the Heart but I wanted to take my time. I have had some time to process the season and gather my thoughts. So here are my hits and misses of Season 11.
Disclaimer: I don’t expect everyone to share the same opinion as I do. I enjoyed the season as a whole but there were some parts that I didn’t like as much as others.
Nathan & Elizabeth
Overall I would consider this storyline a huge hit! Nathan & Elizabeth revisited some heavy topics from their past, and with extra support from one another, they moved forward as a team. A job well done by the writers for revisiting important storylines such as Allie’s father, the return of Tom Thornton, and Mr. Landis’s unyielding obsession with Elizabeth. I would consider these the Top 3 Nathan & Elizabeth storylines of Season 11. A different hard topic was highlighted in these Top 3 storylines. This requires them to work together as a team to move forward. They tackled grief, parental abandonment, sexual harassment, and abuse of power. As a result, they became stronger as a couple romantically and as almost co-parents.
However, even the Nathan & Elizabeth storyline has some shortcomings. But that’s perfectly fine! Unfortunately, the pacing and timing of their relationship in Season 11 were major misses this season. I was never expecting them to get engaged or married. However, the trepidation and continued lack of communication after Episode 6 was a detrimental decision and impacted my overall enjoyment of the season. I was frustrated to see them fall back into their old habits of not communicating their feelings. And when they did, it seemed like an afterthought such as Elizabeth telling Nathan “Friends don’t look at friends that way” in the last 30 seconds of Episode 6. I hoped this was this episode, especially her words, would be the catalyst for moving their relationship forward. Sadly, it was not, and it seems things started to go backward until Episodes 8 and 11.
Nathan & Allie
Nathan & Allie continue to be the one constant in the show I can always count on to make me smile. The bond and relationship between Nathan & Allie is beautiful to watch on screen. I loved seeing how protective they were of each other this season. In Season 11 we watched their bond get tested, stretched, and ultimately strengthened. Nathan & Allie continue to support and protect one another. I look forward to seeing their storyline in Season 12.
Mei & Mike
I’m likely in the minority but I enjoyed watching Mei and Mike’s relationship unfold. I will admit the relationship seemed rushed at times but ultimately I feel it was best to have them marry. I appreciate and enjoyed how Mei shared her culture unapologetically with Mike. In turn, Mike is receptive and eager to learn more about her family and culture.
Faith & Lily
A sweet addition to the season that pulled at my heartstrings. I am crossing my fingers for more of these in the future seasons. If I had one suggestion for this storyline I would say I wish it was more consistent throughout the episodes. It felt like this story was introduced and then dropped off for a few episodes before coming back in the last couple of episodes.
The Canfield’s
I enjoyed their story this season. Joseph’s story primarily focused on his reconciliation with his estranged brother. Minnie grappled with being a pastor’s wife and trying to have the right answer all the time. This is unrealistic but relatable because it’s realistic. Minnie and Joseph encourage one another through each of their trials. I loved this story because it highlights real-life issues and is a good example of healthy communication.
Rosemary & Bill’s Investigation
I loved this new pairing and the new storylines it created. Rosemary’s bubbly personality and journalistic skills paired with Bill’s investigative expertise made it fun to watch! Admittedly, I was frustrated with the power struggle in the beginning but they worked together beautifully and ultimately helped track down the criminals.
The Resort, Politics, & Lucas
I’ll be honest, I knew from the start this storyline was never going to come to fruition. It was disappointing because it felt like a “waste” of the storyline. I would have liked to see something similar or the resort built to create growth and new storylines. Unfortunately, with the halting of the resort and the new proposition of a National Park for Season 12, I don’t see how they can circle back to the resort. Lucas’s strengths are in politics so I don’t want to completely dash that idea. However, politics with a positive outcome would be nice. Politics is a slippery slope but this is Hope Valley so I think a little bit of embellishment is appropriate.
Jeanette Aucoin
Jeanette entered as a mysterious lady from Lucas’s past. As the season moved forward we learned she may have a hidden agenda. It turns out Jeanette is involved in some shady dealings and is the mastermind behind Casimir Shaw. I have mixed feelings about this storyline because Jeanette entered with such gusto and charisma. She was the perfect balance for Lucas’s character. I was hoping she would be the good guy in the end with hopes they would pursue the spark in Season 12. Redemption for Jeanette is not out of the picture but I think any hopes of a romance with Lucas are dashed for good.
Thank you for reading my Season 11 Hits & Misses. Although it is late I wanted to get this posted before sharing my Season 12 Hopes and Wishes. Stay tuned for that post!
Catch up on my latest When Calls the Heart posts!
YOUR TURN! What are your Top 3 Hits & Misses for Season 11?
I just stumbled onto your site and agree with what you wrote. My top 3 would be (1)Nathan & Allie, I was blown away by her performance. You could feel her struggling to be respectful to her Dad, but dealing with frustration that he’s not telling her something important, while his main concern is to protect her from painful information. Their coming back together scene had me in tears.
(2)The Grant/Thornton family, I know we expected more romance in their relationship, but I was happy to see them include the children and make time for family time first. I have a feeling S12 will be more regular in that. I can’t wait to see more Brother and Sister moments, and Mother and Daughter, and Father and Son moments. And now that they made time for family, I hope to see a lot more Elizabeth and Nathan scenes. They looked happy in the promo.
(3)This was a tricky one, I guess I like the Hope Valley people all rolled into one. Mike and Mei, absolutely LOVED their cute romance and fast marriage which I think was wise of the writers, Lilly and Auntie Faith was unexpectedly a fantastic idea!! It’s like having a different side of Aunt Abigail and Cody. What a good little actress she is, I thought their connection was very sweet and strong. I can’t wait to see more. I was happy to see a new Henry this season with no former burdens, and enjoyed seeing Jack’s brother.
Misses,
(1) I know the resort didn’t work out, but instead of a national park, I would’ve loved to see a hospital established. The closest one is in Union City, and often mentioned that it is far away. It could help Faith out with her expenses, create jobs, and leave a door for Dr. Carson Shepherd as a surgeon to come back.
(2) I agree on the E&N , not enough romance. I do feel it was appropriate to include the kids first, but do wish that happened earlier in the season.
(3) The ending Rosemary and Elizabeth being held against their will. I thought it was odd we didn’t see Lee being concerned about her safety, he wasn’t with the kids, because Allie was babysitting both children. I was surprised he wasn’t there to embrace her after she was rescued.
Over all I did think this was the best season yet! I LOVED it!! The writers did a fantastic job. I am super excited about January! I am anxious to see the mystery of Jack solved and see Elizabeth and Nathan’s romance grow.
God Bless and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Thanks for your review! Enjoy reading your content, interested to see your hopes for S12! Can’t believe it’s coming Jan 2025!
My top 3 Hits: Elizabeth’s speech to Nathan ( finally getting together), Rosemary’s comedy with Bill (mystery storyline), Faith and Lily!
My top 3 Misses: Pacing of the show, storylines that fell flat, two many storylines to follow and not enough time for the “A” storylines.