In Like A Lion: When Calls the Heart Season 9 Episode Review

    And we're back in Hope Valley, baby! Ahh... So good to be back.

    Hello, Hearties, and welcome to my very first episode review for WCTH Season 9! I hope you all are doing well, and enjoyed the premiere. I know I sure did!

    Bravo, Mr. Tinker. This episode was such a nice start to the season. It was happy, it was upbeat, it was fun. It made me laugh, it gave me romance, and left me with my jaw hanging open at that cliffhanger. (I mean... What the what?!?)

    Now this season of WCTH I'm going to be writing my reviews just slightly different. Just slightly. Last year my reviews got insanely long, and were filled with a lot of play-by-play descriptions rather than just my opinion. So this year I'm going to try and not make them so long, and take more time giving my opinion, rather than just recapping everything that you already saw. :)

    Alrighty! (Rubs hands together in anticipation.) Let's dive right in!

Missing Characters

    Well, I think most Hearties know this already, but Clara and Jesse are officially gone. For Season 9 anyway. I find it kind of... strange that Jesse would move away from Hope Valley in a way, as all his friends are there. Especially Lee his "big brother." Lol! I also thought he loved working for Lee. I guess he got tired of getting lost on that mountain. ;) Yet on the other hand, based on last season, I think it does sound like Jesse to take advantage of such a great opportunity. All he's ever wanted was his own land, and a farm. Now he has that, and both him and Clara sound very happy. Till will tell if they ever return to Hope Valley. I personally was fine without them in the episode, especially since there are SO many characters. The absence of Jesse, Clara, as well as Carson make room for new characters and other characters to get more screen time. But... for me personally, Jesse will be missed as I really enjoyed his character.

Nathan & Mei Suo

 

    And mustache Nathan has made his grand entrance! I actually kind of like it. I mean, not for keeps for sure, but I like the change for now. It's interesting and fun, and hearing everyone's comments about it was funny too. (Especially Kayla Wallace's, "Not like Nathan," comment. Lol!)

    But on the whole Nathan is... surprisingly happy. Okay that sounded, bad, so let me rephrase. It's surprising how well he and Elizabeth are getting along. I mean, I fully thought things between them would be awkward, and tense, especially on his half. After all, he's the one who didn't get the girl. I thought I'd see him still getting over Elizabeth, and even making sad glances as he watched her with Lucas. But instead he's being very sweet, and telling Elizabeth that he's glad to see her so happy. Which just proves how much he truly cares about her.

    I will say however it's kind of weird just how friendly they are. I kind of feel like that's being insensitive to Team Nathan in a way, and rubbing salt in an open wound to show them together so much. I would honestly be kind of mad if I was TN, and saw them together so happy and friendly. It's like dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit, but never letting it grab it. You know what I mean?

    But on the whole I absolutely enjoyed Nathan's scenes. I laughed outright both at the "Great Scene" being recreated, and that he actually asked Elizabeth if Lucas could teach him how to drive! I was like, "YES!" But then Elizabeth offered to teach him, and... I'm kind of disappointed about that. Not that I don't think it will be funny, because it will be, but... I really, REALLY wanted Lucas to teach him. But who knows. Maybe something will happen and Lucas will takeover. It was also funny to hear Nathan be so bold and tell Lucas exactly what he thought about him. He sort of insulted him, yet complimented him in a way. Lol! I think Lucas took it better than Nathan meant it. :D

    And then we come to him meeting Mei Suo...

    That girl is pure mystery, but what an intro, am I right? It's also neat how they included Nathan in her entrance as she flew past him. I like it, and Nathan is absolutely intrigued by her. I think it's part curiosity at the mystery surrounding her, and... yeah I think there's some attraction between them for sure. I also wonder if he can sense the trouble she may be in.

    Guys... I don't know what to make of her, and the husband she possibly left somewhere. It's way too early to know what's going on, but I can tell she certainly doesn't seem to like this dude. I almost wonder if he's a villain in someway. Only time will tell at this point, but one things for certain... She better not still be married AND keep flirting with Nathan. Yet every time Jeffery is mentioned she never refers to him as her husband, and refuses to be called, Mrs. Lewis. Was she ever married to him, or did she just let people assume that? I guess we'll see. So I'm definitely intrigued, but kind of nervous too.

    And finally... that ending. Oh my goodness. Really, Mr Tinker? You had to make a car slam into both Nathan AND Newton? I mean...that crash sound. Ouch! But I'm predicting that this situation may bring him and Mei closer together, as she is a licensed pharmaceutical chemist. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next week. Boy, what a cliffhanger, and we're only 1 episode in!

    But... What about Newton?!? Of all the characters Tinker could have smashed, why oh why did he pick Newton!!! If the writers killed Newton, rest assured there will be some serious blogging/ranting.

The Coulters

    And Rosemary is back to her normal bubbly self! Hallelujah! Last season she had grown so serious, and quiet, and almost a bit moody at times. But now she's so excited and full of life and joy again! And my oh my. That Valley voice sign is HUGE! But Lee is such a sweetheart for doing it. Rosemary seems very happy running the newspaper, and has finally found her calling. I'm predicting she may go sleuthing again this season, tracking down some bad guys potentially.

    And Lee is hard at work on the campaign trail. He honestly would make a very good and kind mayor as he truly cares about everyone in Hope Valley. So far his numbers don't quite match Bill's, but he may still win this thing yet. It was funny seeing him so disheveled, and him and Rosemary's love for each other is so sweet, and just makes a person smile to watch. Yes, so far I'm pleased with them this season.

 

The Yost's & The Soda Fountain

    Ahh! A Pharmacy and Soda Fountain! Bring on the roaring 20's! That is a really fun idea, and I think it will be a hot spot in Hope Valley. Can't you just see Lucas and Elizabeth sharing a soda together, and people sitting at the bar talking about their day? Nice idea, writers!

    As for the newly weds... Guys, Florence and Ned have such great chemistry together! I mean, really they are so perfect together, and they really bring out the best in each other. Florence has simply come to life, and is so confident and just full of joy and love. And Ned is just as excited and joyful with Florence by his side. They are so sweet, and in love, and... (Sighs happily) Just a beautiful bright spot in WCTH. 

    And wow. Florence was a dancer?!? Well, color me impressed, Mrs. Yost. 

Mike & Fiona

    I'm calling it right now. Fiona and Mike are going to be a couple before the season is over. They just have to be. Their chemistry and friendship just works so, so well. They support each other, and encourage each other to follow their dreams. Poor Mike though.... Lol! Some little scoundrel (Cough... Cooper...Cough) drew a mustache on this campaign poster. :D (Okay, I'm guessing it was Cooper, but you have to admit he's a pretty likely suspect.) My guess is that Mike is not going to win, unless the writers want us to think he's the least likely to win, so they can trick us. (Ooo... Mental games...) But I'm guessing he's not going to, which is okay. He's got his work cut out for him with the oil business. As for Fiona...

    Oh, boy Fiona. What have you done? Bringing in Gowen's enemy without telling anyone? Tsk, tsk, tsk... Her intentions were really good, but sadly for her it really, REALLY backfired. Like, really backfired. I'm curious now what's to come of this situation (More on that in a minute) as well as what's to come for Fiona in general this season. I haven't seen her in the barber shop at all yet, and she seems really interested in helping with the oil company. Will she tell Gowen this was all her doing? Or will she remain quiet? And will she finally go on a date with Hickam? Time will tell... 

Gowen & Smith

     Oh, wow! It's been since all the way back in Season 6 that we had a saloon fight. And of all people it's Henry Gowen throwing the punch! Wow! But you know... he may have a reason.

    Oh my goodness. The man that hired Henry to work for the mining company is now in Hope Valley. Of course Henry would be bitter toward him. Well... actually I'm not sure why he would be entirely. I get the feeling there's more to this than Mr. Smith merely giving Henry the job that ruined his life. Smith seems nice enough on the surface, but... There could be truth to Henry's statements. Maybe Smith isn't as upright of a guy as everyone else seems to think he is. I look forward to finding out more about this man, and Henry's past with him.

    Either way, Henry still seems stuck in his past. Minnie can see that. It's funny. She's now working at the cafe, and is now kind of filling the role Abigail would have played in Henry's life. Being that listening ear, and showing him kindness when he feels he doesn't deserve any. Again, I look forward to learning more about Henry's past, and hopefully more about what went on with the mine disaster. Isn't it crazy that event took place in Season 1 and it's still being talked about and investigated in Season 9?

    And finally I have two last comments to make. First off... Was I the only one who thought he was possibly going to take that hammer and smash the door's window? And second... WOW! Just get a load of that hair!

The Canfields 

    Oooo... We've got a trouble maker in Hope Valley. But... what do you expect from a preacher's son? Lol! Cooper is in some sort of rebellious phase and it's really taking a toll on his parents. Mainly his poor Pop. Joseph just doesn't know what's gotten into his son, and I don't fully know either. It seems to have something to do Minnie teaching while Elizabeth was away, and possibly Elizabeth in general as Angela says that Cooper behaves when she's around. I'm sort of confused, and am curious to discover why he's acting out.

    As for his mama Minnie, she's got some plans now. She really seems to love working at the cafe. So much so that she wants to buy it outright from Bill. Is this how Abigail shall be completely extinguished from Hope Valley? Will the cafe change from Abigail's Cafe to Minnie's Cafe? (Dum, dum, dum!!!) Also I wonder if the Canfields will eventually move into the cafe. Nobody lives there anymore, so it would work.

    But all this aside, Minnie truly seems to enjoy working at the cafe, and to be honest... We really needed someone to work there full time. To have that passion that Abigail did when she was running the place. For so long it was Bill and Clara running the place, and they both had second jobs after that. Now Minnie has taken the reins, and we finally have someone who truly loves running the cafe.

Faith On Her Own

    Dang it, Carson. Just look what you've done. You've left Faith not only in this weird mental state of "I want to move on, but I don't know how," but you've also got Faith worried about keeping the infirmary up to date. For shame, Dr. Shepherd. :D

    Okay it's not a bad thing to make the only medical center in Hope Valley as great as it can be. But Faith is definitely struggling to cope with Carson's absence. It figures, doesn't it? Even with Carson gone we're stuck in this weird back and forth. Everyone telling how Faith misses Carson and she should call him, while Faith says that Carson can call her if he wants and that things are over between them.

    Great.

    But since I know Carson isn't coming back, at least in this season, I'd say that things between them may be over for good. Which is fine IMO. Faith has run the infirmary by herself before and she can do it again. She'll find her way. Also, may I add that her look this episode was very pretty and feminine.

Elizabeth, Lucas, & The New Little Jack

    Love is in the air....

    (Sighs happily...) There is no more triangle. Elizabeth and Lucas are in love. Little Jack and Lucas are buddies. Sighs....

    I mean, wow. Those two are "cozier" than her and Jack were... and I love it!!! They are so sweet, and in love, and I love how comfortable they are with each other. Honestly, I wish I could have gotten more of them together, but there are just so many characters to cover in one episode.

    Now I first have to say that the new kid, Hyland, playing Little Jack is precious and is so fun to watch. I absolutely love how animated and talkative he is. And how stinking cute was his and Lucas' little exchange? "Hi buddy!" Lol! Absolutely adorable!!! Those two seem to have hit things off quite well and are the best of pals. I'm really looking forward to seeing more sweet moments between Lucas and Jack. Oh, yeah, and I have to agree with Lucas. We're going to have to stop calling him "Little Jack" pretty soon. Lol! Oh, and it's great to see Elizabeth spending so much time with Little Jack as well. Just bringing him with her where ever she goes and being a mom.

    Moving onto her and Lucas, we got some very sweet and romantic moments between them. And... the man has FINALLY stepped foot in her house! WOW! Lucas was trying so hard this episode to balance work and his relationship with Elizabeth. I was about to be quite disappointed when he wasn't going to walk her and Jack home when they first arrived, but the man quickly righted his wrong, and walked them home. Bravo Mr. Bouchard! And it was so sweet that he held Little Jack's hand, and swung him. So sweet.

    But along with all the romance I wonder if we're going to see Lucas and Elizabeth getting to know each other on a more personal level. Including all their little habits that might drive each other crazy. Lol! Lucas just had to fix her clock? Really? :D That's Helen Bouchard's parenting for you. Either that or he's just really trying to balance everything, and has a very full schedule so he's really watching the clock. And seeing it five minutes off just doesn't help him with that. Lol! I'm not sure just yet, but I think we might see them learning more about each other, and learning each other's quirks and habits. (As well as their pet peeves possibly. Lol!) But that could make for some funny yet realistic tension, which could be fun.

    It's also quite something that Lucas is completely removing himself from the oil company. But you know... that's a good thing. That company only ever brought him stress, and problems. Now he's free to run the saloon, and focus on the two people he cares about more than anything. Besides, I enjoy seeing him as a saloon owner, waiting on people and running the bar. And what the what? Lucas knows how to operate a hot air balloon? Hmmm... What else haven't you told me, Mr. Bouchard? :)

    Overall I really enjoy seeing Lucas and Elizabeth as such a sweet and loving couple. The way they're so in love, and affectionate is perfect, and I love just how "cozy" they are together. (I can't find a better word for it. Lol!) They're still breathless around each other, and that romantic hot air balloon ride was a fun and romantic way to end things for them this episode. Just so in love, with Elizabeth wrapped in Lucas' arms. 😍

    In the end this was such a fun, and feel-good episode to kick the season off with. I smiled, and laughed, and just felt happy watching it. I'm also very intrigued and have to know what happened to Nathan! (And Newton. Don't forget Newton.) Sadly I think I spoiled what happens to Nathan by looking on social media, but I'm not going to say anything until I've seen Episode 2. (Please, don't tell me if you know. Thank you. 😀)

    Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed my first review of Season 9. Feel free to leave your thoughts on the episode below or on my Twitter page. (But please try and avoid talking about spoilers for my sake and any other Hearties who may not know. Thank you. :) Have an amazing day! God Bless!

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