The Hallmark Channel’s “When Calls the Heart” is one of the best series on TV for families. On March 6, International Business News reports that the fourth episode of Season Three of “When Calls the Heart” will present the romance between Abigail Stanton (Lori Loughlin), who is one of the town’s many widows from a coal mining accident, and Frank Hogan (Mark Humphrey) a man with a past who has become the pastor of Hope Valley, formerly Coal Valley. So far, Abigail’s and Frank’s relationship has been challenged, as has been the personal histories of most men, women, and children in the Canadian frontier town.
In a very recent press release the Hallmark Channel reports that its original primetime series, “When Calls the Heart,” is going strong in its third season with the third episode attracting 2.3 million viewers. In its 9 pm time frame, the Sunday, February 28th episode elevated Hallmark Channel as the second highest-rated and second most-watched network. Writer, producer Brian Bird states on Facebook that “When Calls the Heart” made a ratings beachhead on the most competitive night of the TV week. And we were up against Oscars and Zombies.” Hallmark states, “When Calls the Heart,” “…has attracted a devoted viewership…whose tastes in family-friendly programming are not well-served by today’s gritty and violent network fare…”
For those who may have missed the two-hour special of “When Calls the Heart” on the Hallmark Channel on December 28, 2015, it has been reported that viewers can see it on iTunes and/or Amazon. Hallmark.com also provides the latest updates for this series with many extra videos of interviews, behind-the-scenes and more. Season One and Two can be seen on streaming and DVDs.
Elizabeth Thatcher is a school teacher in ‘When Calls the Heart’ : Photo courtesy The Hallmark Channel.
“When Calls the Heart” is one of the best family series on TV. It follows Elizabeth Thatcher, a young school teacher from a wealthy Eastern family, after she moves from a big city to teach school in a small coal mining town in the west. Michael Landon Jr., along with Brian Bird et al produces this series.
This team, like Michael Landon Jr.’s father, produces wonderful family TV programming that deals with timeless, universal themes: faith in the midst of tragedy, hope despite loss, community that heals the broken hearted, and the power of inner strength to overcome obstacles. This series is based on the writing of Janette Oke (also the author of the popular “Love Comes Softly” series). Michelle Vicary, Crown Media’s Executive Vice President of Programming states, “We are incredibly proud of the series’ success and …to bringing families…together…”
Season Three of “When Calls the Heart” has resumed on TV February 21. The series follows the development of Elizabeth Thatcher and the growth of other characters and relationships, as they all learn to cope with hardships and develop inner strength of character in and among themselves. With its promise of new beginnings, in Season Two, the town is renamed Hope Valley.
Lori Laughlin plays Abigail Stanton in ‘When Calls the Heart’ : Photo courtesy the Hallmark Channel.
In “When Calls the Heart” Elizabeth Thatcher (Eric Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to affluent, high-society life, receives her first teaching assignment in Coal Valley, a small coal-mining town in Western Canada. With no modern conveniences in this simple town Elizabeth learns to adjust. Eventually, she earns the friendship, respect, and support of most everyone in Coal Valley, except at first from the Royal North West Mounted Police Constable, Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing). He thinks at first that Thatcher’s wealthy father has assigned him to the town to protect his daughter and is displeased about that.
Living in the 1910 coal town, Elizabeth learns to survive and serve on the Canadian frontier. Lori Loughlin beautifully plays Abigail Stanton, who is a strong hub of the town. Along with other mining families, Abigail has lost her husband (the foreman of the mine) and her only son in the town’s mine explosion. A looming question in the town is who is responsible for the tragedy. The widowed women develop faith and strength of character, both individually and collectively. Initially, they go to work in the mine to care for their families and to provide wages for the town’s teacher. Not only do the women grow in character; but their sons and daughters also develop character, as well as the surviving men in the community. develop in character and as role models.
In an exclusive interview with Sonoma Christian Home, Erin Krakow personally conveys the kind of grace, strength and respect that she displays in her character Elizabeth in this series. In the warm interview, Erin is enthusiastic about her ongoing portrayal of the leading female character in the series. Erin shares how supporters called “Hearties,” directors, cast, as well as crew, have motivated her to joyfully continue with the third season. Through her involvement with supporters, Erin sees that part of what motivates the Hearties’ enthusiasm for the series it is that it is appropriate, safe, inspirational programming that they can safely watch with their whole families.
Elizabeth and Jack from a recent episode of ‘When Calls the Heart’ : Photo courtesy The Hallmark Channel.
Erin shares how she values the stories of women in the series. She tells how after women lose their husbands, they learn how to stand up for themselves, to support each other, and to build a strong community. Erin shares how the other women help Elizabeth (the school teacher that Erin plays) to mature, find self-respect, and to develop humility. Throughout the series, Elizabeth Thatcher and the other women convey grace, inner strength, and friendship in the midst of severe challenges. Erin, as the school teacher, thinks that her character and those of the other women serve as role models for young women. Erin views them as women who display both physical strength and inner character.
In another exclusive interview with Sonoma Christian Home, Pascalle Hutton, who in the series delightfully plays Rosemary, gives another warm interview. Pascalle Hutton plays the spunky former fiancée to Mountie, Jack Thornton. In Season One, viewers are introduced to Rosemary who immediately and consistently takes center stage. Pascalle, in the exclusive interview with Sonoma Christian Home, tells about the continuing development of Rosemary, who like others develop in character and grow in relationships. Rosemary has come from a glitzy stage background to the coal mining community in pursuit of Jack Thornton, but she will become more grounded and will learn to value community.
Like Krakow, Hutton believes that this series is valuable for whole families who can all enjoy it together without inappropriate content. Pascalle Hutton believes that the series is not only important as family entertainment but that it shows how families can get through hardships and suffering, especially with the strength of relationships in and among the families of the community. Pascalle also expresses admiration for the strong women in this series.
In a further exclusive interview with Sonoma Christian Home, Martin Cummins, who plays Henry Gowen, the adversarial coal mining manager and later mayor in “When Calls the Heart,” also provides some insights as to how his nemesis character will develop in Season Three. Martin suggests that his character may become more humanized. He tells how he has appreciated playing the role of Henry Gowen for three seasons in “When Calls the Heart.”
Pascale Hutton plays Rosemary in ‘When Calls the Heart’ : Photo courtesy The Hallmark Channel.
Martin shares how this series with its intergenerational stories and history of developing relationships has been refreshing for him as an actor. He is also thankful for this family series, which whole families can watch together. He, like Erin and Pascalle, thinks the series deals with tough realities but processes them in ways that are constructive, positive, and role-modeling. He thinks these shows are significant because they fill the vacuum for good, family programming.
The International Business Times prepares viewers for the fourth episode of Season Three. Abigail’s most trusted friend, Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), encourages her to prepare for and to get excited about her date with Frank. However, Abigail’s young ward is desolate about being alone and wants Abigail’s company to himself for the evening. Also, just as the townsfolk start to accept Frank’s past and his redemption, they face a new threat when a gang of outlaws arrive who are associated with Frank’s past. Action, adventure, and suspense keep viewers engaged throughout the series.
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