The end of "When Calls the Heart" Season 5, Episode 9 "In My Dreams" has left many fans bewildered, shocked, and upset.
If you haven't watched this episode, yet, and don't want to know the outcome, please do not read any further.
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| Photo Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs |
SPOILER:
Near the end of episode 9, of "When Calls the Heart" Season 5, the Hope Valley community was gathered at the Saloon for a surprise birthday celebration, spearheaded by Nurse Faith Carter, in honor of Dr. Carson Shepherd. At first, it didn't seem like Carson was going to make it to his own party, due to a medical emergency, but he arrived right on time. Rosemary greeted him at the door, but was quick to give full credit to Faith for arranging this surprise birthday celebration for him. There were sweet glances between the two!
Jesse and Clara were also present at the party. Throughout the episode they had a realization in their relationship...and it all boiled down to honesty. Jesse admitted to Clara the extent of his education was only the 8th grade, but Clara didn't care...she was proud of Jesse, regardless, and his willingness to learn and better himself.
Cody and Robert found themselves in a bit of trouble throughout the episode as they destroyed Carson's original birthday cake and tried to fix it by baking their own, which looked almost like the one they originally dropped! These were all such cute scenes of these two boys trying their best to fix their mistake after eventually telling the truth to Cody's Mom, Abigail.
In this episode, there was also a new visitor who came to town, Eleanor Roberts, the widow of a friend of Lee's. Rosemary wasn't sure about her, from the start, while sweet Lee was quite trusting. Eleanor attempted to conspire with Henry Gowen, to take down Lee's sawmill, by stealing customers and starting their own sawmill nearby. Just when it appeared that Gowen was going along with this corrupt scheme, Sheriff Bill Avery showed up and arrested the woman. It was an obvious set up, justice was served, and Rosemary was right!
Everyone was happy at the saloon, celebrating Carson's birthday and these triumphs, when Elizabeth remembered she left Carson's gift in her desk at school, and she and Abigail left the party to retrieve it together. As they walked out into the dark night, a Mountie road up on horseback. At first, Elizabeth thought it was Jack, but soon realized it was not and apologized for her error. What happened next is what has left many fans, Hearties, bewildered, shocked, and upset...
The Mountie dismounts his horse and says, "I'm looking for Elizabeth Thornton."
Elizabeth hesitantly responds, "I'm Elizabeth Thornton."
The Mountie removes his hat and Elizabeth asks, "Has he been hurt?"
"No, Ma'am," he gently replies.
"Just tell me he's alive," Elizabeth says desperately.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am," the Mountie responds.
And, Elizabeth falls to her knees on the ground, shouting and crying "No...No...No...Jack...," with Abigail by her side.
So... that was the emotional, heartbreaking end of the episode... the tease and cliff hanger until next week's Season 5 Finale.
Do the writers have people talking? Absolutely. Are they playing on everyone's emotions? Absolutely, yes, again! I have seen some on social media - sadly say they cried for hours after the program aired Sunday night. So many people have a great love for this show and an even deeper connection to these characters. Week after week, we have all become invested in this sweet little town, the love stories, the adorable children, and the good, usually triumphing over evil.
We must remember, in the end, it is only a TV show. Even so, I understand how everyone feels. My heart breaks for those who are so deeply hurt by this storyline, especially the young viewers who do not fully understand. Some fans say to be calm and trust the writers. This tease may have been effective for the writers in getting people to talk even more about the show, but it has also been emotionally upsetting to many, as well, as fans do fear Jack may be dead. In my heart, however, I feel like this will not happen.
I was quite young at the time, but I still vaguely remember the "Who shot J.R." phase, when viewers had to wait all Summer long to see if J.R. would be okay on "Dallas." That TV event certainly sparked conversation and had people talking, and in the end, J.R. was fine... and, ironically, not many people actually remember "Who shot J.R.."
Various "When Calls the Heart" theories and speculations are floating around from Hearties all over social media. My theory is... the Mountie never said Jack was dead, so I'm conjecturing... Jack must be missing or captured by their enemy. That's my guess. My hope. That's why, possibly, the Mountie couldn't tell Elizabeth if he was dead or alive.
If the actor who portrays Jack, Daniel Lissing, has decided to leave the show or his time is limited, then they may be working something out. Somehow, hopefully, they can work around Daniel's schedule to include him in Season 6, if Jack is, in the end, alright.
Whatever the outcome, and I "hope" it's a happy one... the Season Five Finale airs Sunday night, April 22nd at 9pm/8c. You can also join the stars of WCTH - Monday, April 23, for a Facebook Live Chat at 6pm EST. as they are promising they will be answering all our questions then!
Anything is possible, so let's try to be calm and have faith everything will work out in the end.
Please share your heart, hopes, and thoughts in comments below...
"Let not your heart be troubled..."
~John 14:1
