Please note: Spoilers included below.
Throughout the week, since we were given the news that Jack was possibly gone at the end of episode 9, I didn’t want to believe it was true. I couldn’t. I didn’t. For those of us who are (or who have been) devoted “When Calls the Heart” fans, Hearties, we have invested 5 years and seasons in Jack and Elizabeth’s love story… and this is the Hallmark Channel, after all, famous for romantic tales and happily-ever-after endings. Week after week, we faithfully watched their show, we gave our time and energy, tweeting along or sharing on other social media sites, etc… to support the actors, actresses, “WCTH,” and the joy and promise we felt when we turned on our TV and returned each week to Hope Valley.
After the abrupt, shocking end to episode 9, I kept reading… just wait, wait until you see the finale. That gave me a sense of hope once again; enough hope to believe that somehow everything was going to be okay, that five seasons of watching the romance of Elizabeth and Jack slowly develop on “When Calls the Heart” would not be the end. But when Lori Loughlin came on at the beginning and warned of viewing the finale episode with children present, I was actually filled with dread… as I was sure I was not going to see the happy outcome I had hoped for, the one all fans of “When Calls the Heart” deserved.
Sadly, as I stated before, and Lori Loughlin confirmed by her statement, “When Calls the Heart” is no longer a television show the entire family can sit down on a Sunday evening and joyfully watch together, and I am sad that Hallmark used to be a place we could always trust to come to in the past– to feel uplifted in this uncertain world we live in today. Unfortunately, it is no longer that refuge. The finale left me feeling cheated, as well… as Clara as Elizabeth stated, cheated of the love story I felt viewers were promised. I know things like this, sadly, do happen in real life, but Hallmark, as we all know, is not real life, it’s supposed to be a happy place, a place families can trust, a place where if you visit for an hour or two-your soul feels rejuvenated in the goodness of life and people, and you can go about your evening or day and feel good inside. Since watching the finale of “When Calls the Heart,” I have not felt that same sense of peace about the program. The writers have no idea of the pain they’ve caused so many. After viewing this season’s end, I would not want any of the children in my family to watch and feel the same sadness I did.
I have skimmed social media to gauge reaction, and there’s definitely a mix of emotions among viewers. Some are outraged and done watching the series altogether, while others are sad, yet loyal, through and through. I think this is deeply heartbreaking, how these last episodes of Season 5 have divided loyal fans and viewers, in an hour that was typically meant for entire families to watch together.
If Daniel Lissing had other projects he wanted to do,... fine. His contract was up. But, instead of killing off Jack, why not replace him, instead? This is the decision that hurts most of all. Writers and Producers collaborated together and thought this would be an emotional, bombshell way to end the season… and give them the opportunity to have Elizabeth open up her heart to love again, possibly in season six, and bond with the other numerous widow ladies of Hope Valley.
My Momma reminded me that if they can replace John Boy Walton (Richard Thomas) on The Waltons when he decided to leave the show, they can surely replace anybody. And, later on, in reunion movies, Richard Thomas returned to that role that made him originally famous and so well known. I even believe I recall reading that he regretted leaving the show when he did; fortunately, for him... the door was still left open for him to return.
As for “When Calls the Heart,” I now feel disconnected, let down, and disenchanted with these characters – I had once loved so dearly. The only spark or glimmer of hope for me… was sweet Rosemary and Lee! Without their charm and beautiful smiles, I would have never made it through the finale. And sweet Clara, I definitely felt her heart.
At the end of this episode, as we all saw… Abigail came to the conclusion that Elizabeth was expecting. I found it rather odd that Dr. Shepherd hadn’t concluded this earlier during her checkup at his office. That was rather peculiar. Beyond that… there is, of course, great joy in the promise of new life, but from here on out, Elizabeth’s story will always be bittersweet, and tinged with sadness.
How do I feel about the new, upcoming season of “When Calls the Heart?” I must admit, as much as I have loved this show, and the books that inspired it, by Janette Oke… I do have great, enormous trepidation and hesitation, of giving my time and heart to these characters once again.
Please share your thoughts and hearts in comments below…
Blessings to you all, Net
"Let not your heart be troubled..."
~John 14:1
