daria-morgan-esq Reviews

When Calls the Heart (2014– )

Good Show

[6/10 · 15 February 2014]

I never watch Hallmark shows / movies. Usually they are just to schmaltzy. But I always try. This one caught my eye and has kept it. Right from the start it has a modern vibe to it. As if the actors are playing the characters a little more modern than the typical Hallmark show but at the same time, it is a refreshing change of pace from a typical network show.

The show concerns Elizabeth Thatcher the daughter of a rich shipping magnate who comes to work for her first teaching assignment in the small town of Coal Valley. Recently the town suffered a tragedy in that many of the men were killed in a mine explosion. Someone new to the town as well, is the constable, Jack Thornton... a Mountie. Jack had been assigned there just recently and didn't know why until.. he found out who Elizabeth was and realized her rich father must have had something to do with it to keep her safe. He is not happy at first but over a few episodes they become friends and most likely to couple up.

So far the show has been interesting and concerns life in Coal Valley after the tragedy.

The Making of a Lady (2012 TV Movie)

Excellent Film

[8/10 · 15 February 2014]

I was also surprised by the negative reviews. I admit this movie is a bit different than most... but I was captured from the start. The first half is a wonderful romance followed up by rather a bizarre, if not particularly scary, horror type yarn. It is different but not bad.

Emily Fox Seaton is poor and works for the very haughty Lady Maria. Emily knows Lady Maria's nephew Lord James Walderhurst who is, older (50s) and looking for a wife. While doing a favor for Walderhurst and moving a particularly annoying potential bride away from him at dinner, Emily is fired by Lady Maria. Walderhurst, follows Emily home and asks her to marry him. His proposal is as romantic as nails with him basically saying... what choice do you have? Emily accepts and prepares herself for a loveless marriage and her "duty". Thankfully, the relationship unfolds in a tender and pleasing way and they come to share a steady mature love that I was rooting for.

But then, Walderhurst goes on a mission to India. Alone, pregnant, and living in a somewhat empty mansion 10 miles from the nearest village she is overjoyed when Walderhurst's cousin and his wife come to visit. Alec will inherit the estate if Walderhurst does not produce an heir and thus is not to be trusted, but Emily is lonely and wants to believe. Things get quite crazy from this point on in the "Lifetime" movie of the week vein. But it doesn't go on long and is very captivating.

I found the first half of this film very enjoyable so even if the second seems not your cup of tea I would recommend it.