In this episode, Lee is propelled nearly to his breaking point yet again, but we have come to expect that in regards to his relationship with Rosie. However, we also get to see just how much he cares for this vibrant and aggressive woman who doesn't even understand what the word "relax" means. But, of course, we can count on Kavan and Pasacle to give us some hilarious moments as they always do. I consistently appreciate their brand of comedy, and it is the leading factor that caused me to become infatuated with Lee last season.
Of course, Rosie has come a long way from season one, and that is due to two things. First of all, we Hearties no longer worry about her interest in Jack. But secondly (and more importantly), Pascale has infused so much personality, spunk, and …show more content…
even likability into a character which some actresses may have played with less heart. Pascale has caused us Hearties to become enamored with Rosie and her electrifying lifestyle, and she has given us a glimpse into the heart of a woman who is always "on stage," but only wants to be loved and seen for who she really is on the inside.
It is through the love and support of Lee that we are finally witnessing a Rosie emerging that is still a bit brash at times, but beneath that exterior, we can see her obvious insecurities that she attempts to conceal with bravado and busyness. It is Lee who is beginning to unmask the puzzle that is Rosemary, and once in awhile, we get a glance at her genuine nature. And it is Pascale that is able to portray this woman in such a ferociously masterful way.
Admittedly, we cannot forget Abigail's new potential love interest. Mark plays Pastor Frank, and as we learned in the New Year's film, he does have a shady past (of course, we already suspected that, right?) As the ruggedly handsome pastor who has attempted to leave his old life behind, Mark does a tremendous job of infusing Frank with all the qualities that make frontier women swoon over guys like him. He is typically somewhat unkempt in appearance, but never dirty nor poorly dressed. It's more an "I just got out of bed and threw on these clothes but I can rock that style" kind of look. The mystery that his robust features conceal is so intoxicating that I believe it enthralls Abigail even further. She is falling for him, but she is cocnerned that she may be jumping in with her heart instead of her head. But never underestimate Pator Frank. He's not going to return to his former life (or so we hope) without an impassioned struggle. Though in a small town, it is difficult to suppress one's past.
This poster is not anything new (we saw it in the New Year's special), but where it is displayed could complicate matters for Pastor Frank. We suspect what will happen in the next episode, hence another customary cliffhanger, and it is this poster that brings it to a head.
I've never made it a secret that one of my original reasons for tuning into this show was wrapped up my unquestionably favorite character, Abigail. Lori is like an old friend because she was that special part of my teen years that were spent absorbing the wonder that was Full House. As Abigail, she is always flawlessly beautiful and immersed impeccably in her role. To look at her is to witness the pillar of strength that Abigail is in the town of Hope Valley. It is so good to see Abigail and Elizabeth together again, as they were not often apart last season due to so much happening in Hamilton. But there are some changes.
I wasn't quite expecting Elizabeth to move out on her own, but it does make for an intriguing story. Nor was I expecting to see the chink in Abigail's armor, so to speak. She is a widow, but she raised a fine son (who was also lost in the mining disaster). Interestingly enough, it is Cody who wields a great deal of influence over her, and she appears to be a pushover for the first time ever in the series. We've seen her stand up to the likes of Gowen and other men who were rough around the edges. but give her a little boy with a winsome smile, a frlicsome baseball mitt, and sorrowful puppy dog eyes, and I think Abigail tends to go a bit soft, much to the chagrin of Elizabeth. I have to say, I found myself a bit irritated at Abigail, but I had to remind myself that Cody is an orphan, and he has a had a severe life in spite of his tender years. In a similar situation, I might be the same way.
Yet another cryptic scene for our beloved Abigail.
This is another plot shift, and I didn't see this one coming. I'll leave it up to you, loyal viewers to guess what this scene implies. All I will say is that yet again, Lori shows her versatility in this scene, and she always looks radiant doing it. Lori is one of the most gifted actresses I have ever seen as she is able to fit right into the whatever role she is given, no matter what, and make it authentically credible. She is sincerely a modern marvel, and we are blessed to have an actress of her caliber grace the screen of one of the finest shows in television
history.
Lest we forget good, old Mountie Jack--I know Daniel is the one who consistently brings this role to life, and I have to say he continues to impress me season after season. I know he's good-looking, but thankfully the powers that be chose an actor who can play the romance scenes as well as the fight scenes. Daniel has that singular way of dashingly sweeping Erin's character off her feet one minute and battling corrupt Mounties the next minute. And all is done with a simple flair that makes him appear fully in the moment (which he always is without exception) without ever appearing to overdo his portrayal. In short, Daniel is possibly one of the central reasons the show is so successful as Daniel's depiction of Mountie Jack is so spot on that it is virtually impossible to find the words in any language to do justice to his overwhelming prowess.
Add Elizabeth, as portrayed by Erin, and you have a combination that has so resonated with audiences that many fans are convinced that Erin and Dainiel are dating in real life (which they are not). There is no doubt that Erin and Daniel have found that easy chemistry that cannot be forced nor planned--it just happens. And it makes the developing love story of Elizabeth and Jack that much more gratifying. Additionally, each season they appear more and more in tune with each other which essentially mirrors the devloping relationship between Jack and Elizabeth.
And now that Elizabeth has her own house...
....it boggles the imagination to consider where their relationship and interaction will go from here.
Yes, Hearties, you can be assured of some very sweet and sumptuous scenes between these two characters in this episode.
But if Elizabeth thinks for one moment that Jack is going to be her puppet on a string, she had better rethink things. Sometimes advice columns are not the places to get relationship advice. They are both stubborn creatures, and neither one is going to give in and be less than they are. Mutual respect and compromise is something these two just might have to learn the hard way.
It is with a grateful heart that we find Erin back in the role of Elizabeth. As she has taken Elizabeth on a journey fraught with pitfalls and obstacles of which she could never conceive, it is a truly wondrous thing to see Erin's portrayal of Elizabeth in this third season. As I mentioned in the New Year's film, Erin has allowed her character to find herself, and there is now no going back and forth between two places in her affections. Her home is Hope Valley, and her man is Jack. I am aware that many Hearties are agitated about potential suitors wrenching her away from Jack, I enter this season not worrying about that. Yes, there will be challenges, but they are just encumbrances that the lovers will have to overcome and emerge stronger. Any potential suitor this season who attempts to pull a "Charles" will not only meet the wrath of Jack, but Elizabeth's ire as well. She knows what she wants and who she wants, and her true destiny only lies within Hope Valley with Jack. The details will have to be fleshed out this season and following, but in the end, she will be pure gold, having been refined in the fire of purification.
Sometimes, as Elizabeth will discover in this episode, it's harder to see those you love and care about going through troubled waters. Not that Elizabeth is done with hardships, but I believe we will see other characters navigating hurdles during this season that may be even more heart-wrenching than what Elizabeth endured last season. Regardless, Erin has infused Elizabeth with more strength to face these trails than she ever deemed possible. For that reason, I believe that we are going to be witnessing an Elizabeth who has learned more from her mentor, Abligail, than maybe even she herself has realized. In future episdoes, it may be Abigail leaning on Elizabeth for support, and I'm sure Elzabeth is up to the challenge.
At the end of the day, Elizabeth has returned to her passion of writing, and I believe that is going to keep her sane when the violent storms come billowing through her life and rock her to the core. And with Erin breathing life into the gorgeous, vivacious, benevolent, and gentle Elizabeth, Hearties are assured of having a story that is overflowing with emotions and valuable lessons for all who come her way. Season three is in good hands, and I anxiously await what is yet to come.
So be sure to tune into the Hallmark Channel Sunday night, February 21, for this impeccable, family-friendly show and the continuing saga of #KissingLissing. Will they kiss in this episode? I'm not saying.