Following the Season 12 finale of “When Calls the Heart” last night, I'm still reflecting on everything that unfolded in the beloved town of Hope Valley, so I decided to put together a recap of the finale episode along with my thoughts on it below.
Please note, this post contains MANY SPOILERS, so please, please do NOT read if you don't want to know any details regarding the finale episode before you watch.
*SPOILER ALERT*
My “When Calls the Heart” Season 12 Finale Recap/Review:
Elizabeth and Nathan (first scene together)...
The finale episode opens with a montage featuring Elizabeth as she writes, followed by scenes of her at school with the children and their various projects. Next, we see Elizabeth and Nathan strolling together, with the schoolhouse/church in the background. As they walk, they reminise about the past year and look forward to the summer together, with Elizabeth excitedly expressing her desire to enjoy some fun after all the challenges they've faced.
When Elizabeth eventually says she must go back to the schoolhouse to prepare for the presentations of the children's school projects, Nathan insists that he come with her, saying a phrase taken directly from scripture in the book of Ruth: "Where you go, I go." (This was a foreshadowing scene for the future.)
Emily and Timmy...
There wasn't any dialogue in the show with Emily and Timmy; however, in case you missed it, there was a quick span of the school room and Elizabeth's voice narrated this scene as she shared that Timmy had finally expressed his feelings for Emily. Of course, the feelings were mutual for Emily. It's been obvious all season that she likes him. Did Timmy ever really have another girlfriend in another town? We'll never know I guess. Oh, how I wish we could've seen this sweet moment when he shared his feelings, and since the two have been on the show for years (Emily since the pilot movie) and were graduating, I think it would've been extra sweet to have seen a quick flashback of them younger, sitting at their school desk. Hopefully, the two will have more memorable moments in Season 13!
And since Hallmark didn't include a flashback, I couldn't resist sharing those images above.
Lucas and Edie...
Whether they are playing cards, searching for gold, dancing, or working together, the flirtations between these two are elevated to a new level in the finale.
In a moment when Edie lets down her guard, she mentions, "the thought of living off the gold with the land sounds..." and when Edie doesn't finish her thought, Lucas boldly, yet softly says, "Romantic"!
Henry...
Unfortunately, I don't recall seeing Henry in the finale episode, and it's such a shame. I always enjoy Henry's thoughtful wisdom and fatherly advice.
Speaking of fathers...
Allie and Oliver...
Could the cuteness level of these two get any higher? First, we have Allie and Oliver practically singing each other's praises over their school project to Nathan and Lucas. I loved the glances here between Nathan and Lucas as the men realized there was more here than just friendship.
Later on, a worried Oliver is crushed when he learns he has been assigned by the Mounties somewhere else; he even attempts to fail his tests to prevent leaving. Nathan later tells Elizabeth that he's "mooning over Allie." I loved hearing that phrase, as it seems appropriate for that 1920s era. Nathan is also under the impression that Oliver's crush is unrequited.
At the dance, Allie takes Ollie, as she calls him, by the hand and says, "Come on, let's dance." As Elizabeth and Nathan watch them happily dance, I loved seeing the realization light up their eyes, as Elizabeth says, "You know how we said it wasn't mutual." Nathan quietly says, Yeah," and Elizabeth responds with, "I'm not so sure." That moment and their expressions are truly timeless!
The Graduation...
Seeing the pride shining on everyone's faces as Timmy, Angela, and Emily graduated was heartwarming. I can hardly picture the school room without the three of them there, particularly Emily beside Opal and Angela next to Allie. During the ceremony, I noticed Opal sitting next to Allie, so I can only imagine that their friendship will grow even stronger at school now.
However, before everyone starts dancing, Allie pulls Angela outside, gives her a special gift, a poem made with braille lettering, and tells her how much she will miss her. The two vow to write to each other every day. Likely, this promise won't be kept, although their intentions are sincere and genuine. As Allie and Angela's eyes filled with tears, mine did the same.
Molly and Jed...
Molly and Jed can be spotted in the group dance, so it seems the two are getting closer. Very sweet!
The dance...
Ned changes up the music at the graduation celebration, and suddenly everyone is dancing in a long (almost) line-dancing sort of style to the Charleston. Honestly, this happy, joyful scene was probably my favorite of the night.
As Nathan takes Elizabeth hand leading her to the dance floor, the lively music and chatter make it nearly easy to miss Elizabeth say with a broad smile on her face, "Where you go, I go."
It was so sweet to see all of the couples happily dancing together: Ned and Florence, Joseph and Minnie, Molly and Jed, Lee and Rosemary, Elizabeth and Nathan, Lucas and Edie, Mike and Mei, etc... My heart was truly overwhelmed with an immense wave of joy as I watched them all dancing with pure delight!
The gift...
One of the most beautiful moments of the finale show was a special surprise gift for Minnie and Angela. I loved that Mei, Mike, and others surprised Minnie with a special meaningful gift for Angela, a layered quilt, with all of her favorite things since she will be leaving Hope Valley to attend a special school for the blind. This scene was so beautiful and touching; my eyes welled up with tears. If only we could've seen Angela receive the lovely quilt, made with such love for her.
Gold search...
Throughout the finale episode, Lucas and Edie are searching for the gold while Bill, Nathan, and Rosemary are conducting their own separate search. I found it enjoyable to see each group unravel the clues leading to the hidden treasure. Although the digging and discoveries felt a bit rushed, it was still a pleasure to watch.
The investigating trio of Bill, Nathan, and Rosemary has been such a fun one to watch throughout the season, especially when they gave Nathan the new undercover persona of Danny DiMarco.
Elizabeth and little Jack...
From nearly the start of the episode, we can feel Elizabeth's tension. Has she made the right decisions when it comes to Little Jack's health? A letter from her former mother-n-law (Jack's mother) is stirring her feelings to the brim. Mrs. Thornton has invited them to Cape Fullerton, where little Jack can receive better care for his diabetes. Elizabeth continues to struggle with the dilemma; should she stay or should she go? Rosemary, desperately not wanting to lose her friend, gently suggests she speak to his doctor, Faith. Elizabeth confides that she has and since all seems to be going well, she decides to let that thought go, at least for the time being.
Later on, it was gut-wrenching when Elizabeth found little Jack lying on the sofa unresponsive. I think everyone's heart sunk at that moment as Elizabeth yelled out desperately for help. I know mine did.
In the next scene we see Elizabeth speaking with Faith, with devoted Rosemary standing by her side. The decision is then made from there; she and little Jack must go to Cape Fullerton to seek medical help.
While waiting for their taxi to come, Minnie brought some food for their trip and encouragement. Elizabeth asks Minnie, "It's never really over, is it?" To which Minnie responds, "The miracle isn't that someday it all goes away. The miracle is that you learn you can handle it." These are such beautiful uplifting words from another mother that has already gone through so much.
When it was time to leave, Elizabeth looked back one last time at her home, turned off the light and shut the door. I couldn't help from wondering how long they will be gone from their little row house next to Rosemary and Lee.
Unfortuntely, Nathan was out on his Mountie rounds and could not be located, leaving Elizabeth and young Jack to travel alone. It was crushing to watch Rosemary, who is usually so vibrant and talkative, standing there so solemn and all alone saying goodbye to her dearest friend. My heart broke for her.
Elizabeth and Nathan (finale scene)...
As Elizabeth and little Jack leave in a taxi car and are headed out of Hope Valley, they are suddenly stopped by a car honking behind them.
Nathan and Allie rush up to the side of the car and quickly join them inside, with Nathan once again saying in an assuring tone to Elizabeth, "Where you go, I go..." The grateful look on Elizabeth's face says it all. Now she knows she won't have to face it all alone. The two can be seen embracing, then kissing in the little window at the back of the car... as they drive away from Hope Valley.
And that's where the “When Calls the Heart” Season 12 finale leaves us. Unfortunately, there's no engagement, yet, for Elizabeth and Nathan, as many had hoped, but Elizabeth, Nathan, Allie, and Jack are still a devoted family in the sense of loving and caring for one another.
The message of "Where you go, I go..." carries profound spiritual significance. In Ruth 1:16 in the Bible, Ruth humbly pleads with her mother-n-law, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.“ Boaz later recognizes Ruth’s devotion and agrees to marry her.
There is a new level of trust, love, and devotion seen here with Nathan and Allie joining Elizabeth and little Jack... going wherever life takes them.
I believe, as this finale ended with Elizabeth and Nathan riding away, that we will see an engagement and marriage down the road for these two. Perhaps, Season 13 will be that season!
"To everything there is a season, a time and purpose for all things under heaven..." ~Ecclesiastes 3:1
Season 12 held every emotion, showcasing a beautiful blend of heartache, inspiration, and fun, with plenty of highs and lows. I was thrilled to hear the announcement last night that Hallmark has renewed the series for a 13th season, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the new adventures awaiting everyone in Hope Valley.
If you've seen the Season 12 finale of “When Calls the Heart,” I would love to know your thoughts on it, as well. Please share in comments below.
From My Heart to Yours,
Net
