Season 12: My Complete Recap & Review

My Recap & Review of When Calls the Heart Season 12.

It’s that time of year when another season comes and goes. Sunday’s feel empty without When Calls the Heart on my screen! Instead, I am reflecting on the season as a whole.

I have been absent from blogging since Episode 4. I tried my best to keep up weekly but life kept coming at me faster than I could complete a blog! Instead of mini-episode recaps, I am going to focus on the whole season. This will be as comprehensive as possible but still broad. If I miss something you want me to touch on let me know in the comments.

I plan to type up my unpopular opinions Q&A responses from this weekend which have more detailed questions and my thoughts. Without further ado let’s dive into my recap and review!

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Nathan & Elizabeth

This season was full of ups and downs for Nathan & Elizabeth individually and as a couple. However, they stood firm in their love for one another and energized each other instead of letting the hard times create unwanted space in their relationship.

Nathan stepped up in many ways to be a father figure in Little Jack’s life. Following the discovery of Jack’s Commissioner’s Medal at the training site, doubt and guilt started creeping back into Nathan’s mind. Elizabeth encouraged him to let go of the doubt and guilt about Fort Clay. Early in the season, Nathan continued his pony lessons with LJ which was a significant moment in their father-son relationship. He was supportive and encouraging during his sickness by staying by his side.

Elizabeth also stepped up to be the prominent mother figure in Allie’s life. They bonded over crushes on boys when Allie said she liked Earl Wyatt. Elizabeth was a shoulder for her to lean on when her crush on Wyatt ended in rejection. After this heart-to-heart on the front porch, Elizabeth asked Allie to call her Elizabeth at home and Mrs. Thornton at school which moves them into more personal territory. In preparation for Allie’s 17th birthday dance, Elizabeth helped her style her hair which turned into a moment to bond.

Overall, I feel that Nathan & Elizabeth’s primary story arc this season was blending their families. I enjoyed watching them support one another and the kids as a family unit. As a couple, they grow in their love and depth for one another. The dream sequence served, in my opinion, to solidify their physical attraction to one another. In terms of emotional intimacy, Nathan & Elizabeth are miles ahead of their physical intimacy (chaste, of course) so it was great to see this explored via the fever dreams. Admittedly, I expected an engagement or elopement given the rapid progression of their emotional and physical (chaste) intimacy, blending families, and Jack’s medical emergency. I was hoping to see the next step in solidifying their commitment to each other. I am incredibly thankful for the wonderful moments between Nathan & Elizabeth! Also, thank goodness Nathan and Allie caught up with the car with Elizabeth and LJ at the last moment! Nathan stood firm on his commitment to “Where you go, I go” by joining them in Cape Fullerton.

Of course, they had some fun moments too like singing and dancing together! Or their sunset dates and family dinners.

Allie & Oliver

Ahh young love. Puppy love. Whatever you want to call it but that is where these two are headed. This season Oliver noticed Allie early on but Allie did not notice him until much later and after her crush on Earl Wyatt was resolved.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Mountie Cadet storyline and thought it added a new depth to the show. This story arc also provided Nathan with an opportunity to grow as a Mountie. It was genius to have Oliver and Allie work together on their project-based learning assignment. This set up a good friendship and bond between them! Throughout the season they bonded over their biological parents being absent (or deceased) and always supported one another. At the end of the season, Oliver and Allie dance together as friends but it is clear the “more than friends” feeling is mutual. I have always maintained “let kids be kids” but I think they are going to mature Oliver and Allie via a romance since they are 17 or 18 years old.

Lucas & Edie

I might be in the minority when it comes to Edie and Lucas. I enjoyed the addition of Edie to the show this season. She added a unique perspective and new career in Hope Valley along with some drama. I thought her introduction was genius and kept Lucas on his toes. I appreciated Lucas respectively calling her out. Edie also called his bluff a few times which was a nice change in pace. In my opinion, Lucas and Edie challenged each other in a way I haven’t seen in quite a while on the show. It was fun and flirty. I can certainly see a spark and I hope the writers continue to pursue it in Season 13.

On a more serious note, Lucas and Edie worked together to find the gold hidden on her Uncle Ernie’s farm. A small detail I noticed is that Lucas stepped up to help her read a message from Uncle Ernie when emotions overwhelmed her. It was a sweet side to Lucas that has not come out since Elizabeth. I sincerely hope Edie Martel returns in Season 13! It is about time Hope Valley has a full-time lawyer.

Rosemary & Lee

I will be honest, I do not remember much about their storyline together. I know they had some sweet moments with Goldie. I thought it was brilliant to rope Rosemary back into another mystery. Her investigative journalist skills are top-notch and fun to watch! Rosemary and Elizabeth had so many wonderful heart-to-heart moments. Especially at the end when Elizabeth had to leave without talking to Nathan. She was a constant encouragement to Elizabeth throughout the whole season. Their friendship is admirable.

I love Lee but he lost some of his charm. He was unkind to Lucas about the National Park naming situation when Edie brought him logical information that he needed to consider. Lucas and Lee’s tiff was not enjoyable to watch because Lee refused to see a different point of view. He was unreasonable and downright insufferable this season. Although, he did redeem himself some by the end of the season.

Minnie & Joseph

Minnie and Joseph had one of the most inspiring stories this season. Angela graduated and is going away for college at a school for the blind. Minnie and Joseph learn to let go so Angela can grow. I appreciated the town coming together to support them and making a quilt with Angela’s favorite things.

Joseph’s continued kindness and friendship with Henry is so special to watch. It is fun to watch them seek and share advice amongst themselves. Now, they are in the hazelnut business together! I cannot wait to see where their friendship and business go in Season 13.

Mike & Mei

They are back from their honeymoon but there is trouble in paradise. I guess the honeymoon did not go off without a hitch AND they returned to a leaky roof in their apartment. Admittedly, this was not a favorite story arc of mine this season. They rushed into a marriage at the end of Season 11 but seemed to have forgotten the reason they fell in love. This scene seemed like a waste of time…sorry!

Mei’s work as a pharmacist is one of my favorite things to watch and a strength of her character. So I enjoyed seeing her and Faith dive into the world of insulin and put their medical knowledge together for a good cause. My favorite Mike & Mei story arc this season was their willingness to drop their second chance honeymoon to get the insulin Little Jack needed. Mike encouraged Mei when she was searching for an article in the pharmacy. Together, Mike & Mei helped save Little Jack and had a positive impact on the community.

However, I was hoping to see Mike & Mei grow a little more in their relationship since the wedding was rushed. That was a bummer. Maybe in Season 13?

Fiona’s Return

I love Fiona and I will take whatever is given with minimal complaints! Admittedly, I am over the moon Fiona decided not to marry that guy (we don’t know his name, right?) because that would be so out of character. I am sad she sold the barber shop but I think it was done to cut ties with Hope Valley due to Kayla Wallace’s contractual requirements for another TV show. Fiona uses her radio expertise to help people by traveling to aid with the radio show.

Ava’s Story

I debated if I wanted to discuss this story arc but since there are 4-5 episodes dedicated to Ava I might as well be transparent. In terms of hit or miss this was a major MISS. I am not sure what to make of this storyline or why it was included in Season 12. My guess is it was to create angst and strife in Rosemary which can be comedic. It wasn’t needed and did not add to the main storylines or move them forward. Quite honestly, it felt like a waste of the precious screen time.

THANK YOU for taking the time to read my brief recap and review of Season 12 of When Calls the Heart. I hope you enjoyed it!

COMMENT below what you enjoyed the most about Season 12.

QUESTION Did I skip over anything you would like my thoughts on? If so, share it below in the comments!