REVIEW
Television Show: When Calls the Heart - Season 8
Network: Hallmark Channel
Original Air Date: February 21, 2021
*Airs Weekly on Sunday Nights!
CAST:
Erin Krakow ... Elizabeth Thornton
Pascale Hutton ... Rosemary Coulter
Jack Wagner ... Bill Avery
Kavan Smith ... Leland “Lee” Coulter
Chris McNally ... Lucas Bouchard
Kevin McGarry ... Nathan Grant
Paul Greene ... Dr. Carson Shepherd
Martin Cummins ... Henry Gowen
Aren Buchholz ... Jesse Flynn
Eva Bourne ... Clara Stanton
Loretta Walsh ... Florence Blakeley
Andrea Brooks ... Faith Carter
Johannah Newmarch ... Molly Sullivan
Hrothgar Mathews ... Ned Yost
Ben Rosenbaum ... Mike Hickam
Viv Leacock ... Joseph Canfield
Natasha Burnett ... Minnie Canfield
Jaeda Lily Miller ... Allie
Gracyn Shinyei ... Emily
Ava Grace Cooper ... Opal
Christian Michael Cooper ... Timmy Lawson
Jaiven Natt ... Robert
Vienna Leacock ... Angela
Elias Leacock ... Cooper
Gunnar Taylor ... Little Jack
Lincoln Taylor ... Little Jack
"When Calls the Heart" Storylines by Episode:
Episode 1 - “Open Season” :
Air Date: Sunday, February 21, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: Elizabeth tries to come to terms with how she feels about Nathan and Lucas; a visitor causes trouble for Nathan; Faith returns from medical school; Jesse and Clara have issues; Fiona starts an exciting venture.
Episode 2 - “Honestly, Elizabeth” :
Air Date: Sunday, February 28, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: The sudden arrival of Lucas' mother makes Elizabeth more than a little nervous; Lee injures his back; a newcomer's arrival causes Rosemary to reflect on what she wants in life.
Episode 3 - “From the Ashes” :
Air Date: Sunday, March 7, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: A geyser erupts at the oil rig and everyone in Hope Valley drops everything to help. Nathan is summoned for an inquiry by a Mountie from his past and Jesse takes a liking to driving Lee’s motorcycle.
Episode 4 - “Welcome to Hope Valley” :
Air Date: Sunday, March 14, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: The inquiry begins, and Nathan starts to question his own actions. Meanwhile, the Canfields, a new family in town, buy Gowen’s cabin and Elizabeth welcomes them. Lee’s sister and niece arrive in Hope Valley.
Episode 5 - “What the Heart Wants” :
Air Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: It’s graduation day at the Jack Thornton School house as well time for parent-teacher conferences. Rosemary and Lee adjust to having family in town. A letter from Dottie sends all the Coulters reeling. Clara learns Jesse made a big mistake.
Episode 6 - “No Regrets” :
Air Date: Sunday, March 28, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: Elizabeth questions if she is truly ready to let love in again. Rosemary wonders what her purpose is. Clara and Jesse try to sort through their marital issues. Carson receives the opportunity of a lifetime. A stranger named Christopher comes to town.
Episode 7 - “Before My Very Eyes” :
Air Date: Sunday, April 4, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: A health scare has everyone in Hope Valley worried about one of their own. Nathan is finally going to get Allie’s adoption finalized. Lucas starts to become suspicious of Christopher’s behavior since arriving in Hope Valley, while Christopher decides maybe he’d like to stay.
Episode 8 - “A Parade and a Charade” :
Air Date: Sunday, April 11, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: Elizabeth focuses on teaching Angela how to read braille. Rosemary and Lee struggle to give Rachel the freedom she was promised in Hope Valley. Bill feels displaced when he’s asked to finally return his Mountie uniform.
Episode 9 - “Pre-Wedding Jitters” :
Air Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: Elizabeth is distraught over the reveal of Nathan’s secret. Everyone helps a couple prepare for their wedding. The bachelor and bachelorette parties stir up mixed emotions from the guests. A mysterious businessman arrives in town.
Episode 10 - “Old Love, New Love, Is this True Love” :
Air Date: Sunday, April 25, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: Florence and Ned’s wedding leads every couple in Hope Valley to evaluate their relationships. Rosemary discovers there is more happening in Hope Valley than everyone realizes, and she decides to get to the bottom of it.
Episode 11 - “Changing Times” :
Air Date: Sunday, May 2, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: Landis, the school inspector, arrives in town causing trouble for Elizabeth. Rosemary finds her calling. A search is called when one of Hope Valley's residents is lost. Carson and Faith's relationship is put to the test.
Episode 12 - “The Kiss” :
Air Date: Sunday, May 9, 2021 (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Storyline: Elizabeth has finally realized who she's supposed to be with. Big changes are coming to Hope Valley. The town rallies together to say goodbye and good luck to one of their own.
Episodes 1-6 : *Images Credit: ©2021 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Episodes 7-12 : *Images Credit: ©2021 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
Look for "When Calls the Heart" Sundays nights on the Hallmark Channel!
I wish it was going to be on at 8 instead of 9. That's just too late for me to stay up to watch a show on Sunday night before the work week starts.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I agree! I was surprised they changed the time to 9. I thought it was 8 last year, so I double checked my archived schedule and yeah, it was. "When Hope Calls" aired last year at 9, immediately afterwards.
DeleteSince WCTH is a family show, which many children could watch, it would make much better sense for it to air 8-9, then 9-10. Plus, I know it's difficult for those who have early Monday mornings.
Hopefully many will record it to watch at a better time.
Can't wait for it to air!
ReplyDeleteSame here! I'm so looking forward to returning to Hope Valley to see everyone again! :)
DeleteIs When Calls the Heart the series that premeires on February 21 only one hour?
ReplyDeleteChris, That's right - each weekly episode of "When Calls the Heart" is one hour long. For Season 8 - we are receiving two bonus shows, with a total of 12 brand-new episodes! :)
DeleteI can't wait either! Hope she picks Nathan!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I've always been fond of Kevin McGarry, so I've been hoping from the very beginning Elizabeth would choose Nathan, but I think they are going to keep us guessing back and forth throughout the season.
DeleteYou're right, they do keep surprising us, but I don't see them disappointing Allie.
DeleteAbigail, I'm hoping the same thing! Would love to see the four of them become a family.
DeleteIs this the NEW season? 2020 or 2021?
ReplyDeletegsmith3417, This is just the start of my promotion for "When Calls the Heart" Season 8 - the new one for 2021!
DeleteI'll be adding more episode details & images once they are released by Hallmark.
Stay tuned! ❤
it says in your post Air Date is Feb 2020. That is why I asked . Thank you!!
DeleteOh, thank you for letting me know! Guess I'm still so used to typing 2020. I corrected it above. I appreciate you catching that. :)
DeleteI love these "When Calls The Heart" shows. I saw some of them at Christmastime, and they were always good. The main character reminds me a bit of my niece. Take care of yourself, Net, and I hope you have wonderful February days.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri, Thank you for your sweet comment. When I saw WCTH, along with the previews for Season 8, on Christmas Day I remember thinking that February felt so far away and now here we are, just weeks away!
DeleteEnjoy the new Season! Blessings to you, Net
I haven't seen Clayton James' name (blacksmith Kevin Townsend and possible love interest of Fiona's) in any cast lists for this season. With more 'horseless carriages' around, a blacksmith would be great to morph into auto mechanic. That is unless new character Joseph Canfield is the mechanic and gas station owner.
ReplyDeleteNamegirl, I was actually just wondering about him, too, especially since Fiona is a bit larger than some of the other side characters on the poster and like you mentioned, he's one of her potential love interests.
DeleteA couple days ago, I was looking over the "When Calls the Heart" cast list on IMDB and I don't know if it's completely updated or not, but some actors are listed through 2020, for Season 7, and others are listed through 2021, for Season 8. Clayton James is only listed through 2020, so that makes me think he may not be in this upcoming season after all. Or, maybe the IMDB list isn't completely updated???
Hallelujah, one of my prayers has been answered!
ReplyDeleteMovieguide.org posted a February 2021 interview with Brian Byrd, Executive Producer of When Calls the Heart. "Hallmark’s WHEN CALLS THE HEART Season 8 to Showcase Biblical Values" Url below.
https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/hallmarks-when-calls-the-heart-season-8-to-showcase-biblical-values.html
I lift Christian actors up to the Lord in prayer for strength to persevere.
Namegirl, Wow! What a great interview! Thank you, Thank you... for sharing it with all of us. It is so rare to hear any new show on TV these days proclaim any values at all, especially Biblical values!
DeleteI am so grateful to the writers and producers of this wonderful series, that they are keeping to their moral compass and aren't afraid to show that these characters do have faith. I was already looking forward to this new season, but even more so now!
God bless you, my friend!
Namegirl, Thank you so very much for sharing that link. I knew that the WCTH series was based on Janette Oke's wonderful books, but I had no idea that the Executive Producer was a Christian. He seems so well-spoken and firm in his faith and also gentle and gracious. I need to finally start watching this series. I have the dvd's for the first several seasons -- I guess it's about time I start watching and catch up with everyone else!
Delete(p.s. - Net, on one of these threads I saw you mention that Jen Lilly was a Christian. I had no idea. I live in such a bubble!! Hah! The only Hallmark actor I knew about that professed to be a Christian was Candace Cameron Bure. Are there others?)
~~Jane
Here's the link to Mr. Bird's interview in The Christian Post:
Deletehttps://www.christianpost.com/news/when-calls-the-heart-co-creator-gives-season-8-sneak-peek.html
Jane, "When Calls the Heart" is truly such a wonderful series. It's a bit like "Little House on the Prairie" with a bit more romance, in Hallmark's style... and of course, there are plenty of inspirational stories weaved in that touch the heart.
DeleteThere is such a warmth in the community of Hope Valley, you instantly feel drawn to each character. The part with Jack was hard at the end of Season 5, if you're familiar at all with what happened, but other than that, I've just loved it!
And to answer your question... yes, there are other Hallmark actors who have expressed having faith like Jen Lilley... including: Nikki DeLoach, Paul Greene, Lacey Chabert, Chad Michael Murray, Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, Jill Wagner, Kristoffer Polaha and many others I'm sure.
Hallmark & UPTV playing Little House on the Prairie on different channels & episodes in the morning
ReplyDeleteYes, it is always sweet to see "Little House on the Prairie" on TV. I think it fits better on Hallmark Drama, than Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, but whatever.
DeleteI still enjoy watching many episodes from the LHOTP series; in fact, I watched a little of it this morning. Love those early episodes best!
Do you think it's possible that Elizabeth would build on the land that Jack bought for them? -Makes me tear when I remember Jack's words, "the whole Thornton Clan"
ReplyDeleteAbigail, I love that idea. I'm sure Elizabeth still dreams of creating that dream home for little Jack, but I can hardly imagine Elizabeth moving away from Lee and Rosemary. That, too, would be a teary moment!
DeleteRemember Jack Thornton had a chance to build a dream house for Elizabeth & firstborn Son; Jack Jr..
DeleteThe other Mounties hand Jack Thornton’s message bag πΌ with a blueprint in it to Nathan - he’ll leave in the middle in the night & leaves hhs Niece; Allie behinds with Jack Jr.. so, Elizabeth wants to come with him on his horse π΄. Whenever Jack Sr.., will appear in Elizabeth & Nathan’s Dreams if he’s with them & including Allie & Jack Jr.
Yes! I think it would be very sweet if Nathan(only after engaged) built the cabin by honoring Jack's plans. I would love to see little Jack wearing a baby tool-belt.
Delete-Also Net, was it just me or did you notice in the season 8 preview, the scenes with Nathan seemed more personal?
Abigail, That is such a sweet idea! And... YES, I too thought the clips of Nathan and Elizabeth seemed more personal, deeper emotionally. That part where Lucas puts his hand on Elizabeth's hand seems somewhat forward for that time period and I'm not sure she likes it, but that's just my feel. We'll see!
DeleteOh Net, I'm so glad you noticed it too! Hopefully this means Nathan has a better chance. I re-watched the preview and it did seem forward. It looked like Elizabeth hesitated. Guess we'll find out soon, only 2 days now. Yippee!π
DeleteI've really enjoyed chatting with you. Hope you have a great weekend. God Bless!❤
~Abby
Abby, Awe, I've enjoyed chatting with you, too! Enjoy the new season... I hope we have more chats and gushing over WCTH & Nathan! haha!
DeleteGod bless you, too!!! Net
Wow! I've been re-watching the series in order. Nathan's character has really grown! I like him more and more.
ReplyDeleteI also noticed when he tells Elizabeth he loves her(which was wonderful!), they played the same music when Elizabeth finds out Jack decided to go to the Northern Territories.
Yes! Gushing over Nathan is so much fun!π
Abigail, that is so sweet! I feel like we are all up & down on this WCTH roller coaster; I can't wait to see what happens next with Elizabeth and Nathan. From the previews we've been given, it's obvious Elizabeth is going to give Lucas another try, but I feel in the end her heart is already taken by Nathan, although she's afraid to freely give it since he's a Mountie like Jack.
DeleteEnjoy the new episode Sunday night... I'll be gushing along with you, too!!!
Last night's episode was exciting (a short oil gusher, fire, and boom!). I was so happy to see Lucas get a beard trim, but sad that he felt betrayed by Elizabeth about not telling him his father had left his mother. The final scene was something - a long shot of the town with Elizabeth in the middle, Nathan on the left and Lucas on the right of the screen. Lots of indecision that we have to endure this season.
ReplyDeleteNamegirl, Yes!!! That was quite an intense episode of WCTH! I missed seeing the children (minus Jack) in this episode, but there was a lot of activity amongst the adults. The Lucas beard trim was nice. Do you think there could be something there between Lucas and Fiona? I love the way she rolls up her sleeves and gets in there to help others - either with their problems, like Faith and Clara... or the way she helped the men with the oil rig. She's quite the character!
DeleteAnd... Oh my, things were certainly intense with Elizabeth, Lucas, and his mother. I also loved that bird's eye view of the town with Elizabeth walking and Nathan on one side and Lucas on the other. That was a fantastic way to end this episode.
There's so much in one episode - and how sweet are Ned and Florence??? I could go on and on...
Fiona is a 'modern woman' so to speak. If Lucas and Fiona have an interest in each other it has been well hidden. If there was a budding romance between Lucas and Fiona, her helping to put out the fire might be the 'spark' needed to start that romance. Who knows? Pardon my horrible pun. I shall have to watch this episode again especially the beard trim scene.
DeleteNet, I was hoping Fiona and Lucas would get together. I loved the connection they had when she listens in on his mysterious phone call. They have a lot in common and they are both lively characters.
DeleteThat could soften the blow if Elizabeth picks Nathan(hope she does!π Do you think he knew Jack or maybe was his replacement at Fort Clay? Wow! Every week gets better and better.
EliAbeth has always have eyes on Nathan on WCTH
ReplyDeleteThis past Sunday's episode (3/28) was interesting. I loved the scene where Mr. Canfield was praying out loud in the woods. I teared up. It was so good to get back to faith in this series. His talk with Jesse about marriage while sitting in the swing was a feast for thought.
ReplyDeleteSo much drama with Ned and his ulcer. Next week's episode is going to be exciting. But not have Ned at the store? Inconceivable!!
Christopher looks like he's going to be some trouble.
I love how whenever Elizabeth is talking to Lucas, her eyes(and heart)wonder to Nathan. I like how honorable he is, just like Jack.π
ReplyDeleteAlso love the character Allie is growing into as well! Her speaking up for Nathan during the trial make my eyes water. He is everything to her.
Namegirl, I agree! The scene with Jesse and Mr. Canfield was so touching. I really hope he becomes the town's new full time minister.
Hope you have a great birthday Net!!π¨ Your SSD idea is fantastic!! I hope it's really special.
~Abby
So sad she didn't pick Nathan, but am glad she looks happy.
ReplyDelete