‘WHEN CALLS THE HEART: NEW YEAR’S WISH’ (2015)

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The Hallmark Channel has produced many an original over the years. Originals that ranged from the genres of romantic comedies and historical romances to television series. One thing all of their titles share in commonality is their ability to be wholesome. Their latest gem follows in that path. After the events of the season two finale, fans (or “Hearties”) were holding their breath for what would come of Elizabeth’s and Jack’s continuing on-and-off again romance. This first two-hour episode begins the third season and with it, a new agreement is reached.  

When Calls the Heart: New Year’s Wish (2015) Hallmark TV Film Review

Picking up immediately where season two left off, Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) leaves the unwelcome visitor, Charles – her old suitor from the city, behind as she sets off to find Jack (Daniel Lissing). Unaware that Jack observed Charles’ arrival and worse yet, the proposal he made, Elizabeth’s attempts to say Charles means nothing to her falls on deaf ears. This drives a wedge again between the pair, both of whom were just coming into a steady courtship.  

‘WHEN CALLS THE HEART: NEW YEAR’S WISH’ (2015). Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing return in this 2-hour special. All text is © Rissi JC

Elsewhere in Hope Valley, Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) is busy making preparations for the arrival of an important newspaper reporter. She spends her time dashing about town doing what she does best; bossing everyone around. Then there is Abigail (Lori Loughlin). Still reeling from the betrayal of Bill Avery (Jack Wagner), Abigail is considering the possibility of a new relationship with the new preacher Frank Hogen (Mark Humphrey), a man who also harbors secrets. 

To kick this rambling off, I’m going to start with a negative and then finish on a better opinion. Or that’s the idea. Much as I enjoy this sweet series, the one thing that I constantly let “annoy” me is the costuming. While watching I cannot help but feel like too many of the pieces are out of place which takes me out of the period and charm of the story. Nonetheless, I appreciate all this show offers. As is its hallmark, this 2-hour special (which essentially kicks off its highly anticipated third season) packs a lot of trials, heart-to-hearts and smiles into this one episode.

TV FILM REVIEW | ‘When Calls the Heart,’ Season One: Ep. 1 & 2 – Prairie Romance
‘WHEN CALLS THE HEART: NEW YEAR’S WISH’ (2015). Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing return in this 2-hour special. All text is © Rissi JC

One thing this special does iron out is the relationship between Elizabeth and Jack. Whether or not it ends to fans satisfaction I won’t say (but feel free to chat about it down below or come back after the episode to chat it up!). Either way, I hope the writer’s leave it alone because so much back and forth conflict is wearisome; and I do believe it flows nicer if the story finds conflict elsewhere. Also best resolved quickly would be Frank’s potentially shady path. Given how Bill’s story turns out (which also gets some resolution), I’m not eager to see Abigail go through a similar experience.  

‘WHEN CALLS THE HEART: NEW YEAR’S WISH’ (2015). Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing return in this 2-hour special. All text is © Rissi JC

This episode is not without its comedic moments either. While Elizabeth tries to work out the problem one of her student’s is having (not to mention trying to make nice with another someone to hilarious results); Abigail opens her heart to a new person; and Rosemary is again consumed with achieving perfection in little Hope Valley getting up to the usual comedic shenanigans. Anyone who has been anticipating this will relish spending two hours in Hope Valley on this day after Christmas. It’s a fun way to enjoy a bit more holiday entertainment with beloved characters (including lesser characters like Clara). Also it’s neat to see this as a New Year’s special versus’ a traditional Christmas production.  

Photos: Hallmark

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

9 comments

  1. I love When Calls the Heart and eagerly await watching season 2 with my family next week for the first time. A lot of people said this New Years Wish is a good one so I'm really excited about it since I know I'll probably be disappointed by 2.
    Thanks for doing the review and lovely new design by the way!

    1. Uh-oh. I certainly hope you do enjoy this episode, Kara. It's now on Amazon Video and probably iTunes as well. :) Let me know what you think if you get a chance to see this one.

      Thank you for dropping by to share your thoughts. And thank you! I appreciate the feedback. I'm contemplating switching out my comment platform as well, but am hesitant to go there. Yet. :D

  2. Watched it last night and I was quite impressed by it. Much better than S2 in it's entirety. But I hope the writers find conflict elsewhere and leave Jack and Elizabeth alone for once. It was annoying by the end of S1. And of course the modernized costuming and hairstyles still bug me.

    1. Hey, Alyssa! Great to see you. :) I'm right there with you in leaving Jack and Elizabeth alone. They deserve to be on the edge of conflict rather than be a part of it. They can be involved with those who are struggling but leave them happy. How very different is this from the books, right!?

      As for the costuming, I know what you mean. It doesn't bother me in the sense that I can't enjoy the show, but I do wish there'd be a bit more consistency and authenticity. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! :)

  3. Ah, I was wondering if the costuming was just me … Definitely nowhere near the liberties taken with Reign (based on the stills I've seen from that show) but still. It is distracting, more because I can't remember if they've ever explicitly said what year WCTH is set in (I'm sure they did, but …) =)

    1. No, it's not just you. :) As for the time frame, I think it's early 1900s maybe… I'm not 100% sure though. Either way, the entire story is very different than the novels – especially where the whole will-they-or-won't-they between Jack and Elizabeth. They had trials in the books but married long before now and were very happy in their life.

      I've read that Reign is terrible in authenticity. I've not watched it though I am tempted if only for Megan Follows. :D

  4. Ah, this is inspiring me to finish S2 so I can watch this episode!! I've been seeing the teasers for it on the Hallmark channel…looks like a good one! :) By the way, I LOVE your new site design! Looks fabulous!

    1. This special is sweet, Bekah – and yay it's now on Amazon (and likely iTunes as well). Hope you enjoy once you have chance to see it. :)

      …and thank you! I was ready for a change (and the return of dropdown menus). :)

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