RECAP: When Calls the Heart “Hearts and Minds”

The second episode of the fifth season of the Hallmark Channel family drama When Calls the Heart aired last night, focusing on the railroad deciding to not build a depot in Hope Valley, Rosemary trying to help out one of the ladies in town and Julie still working as an apprentice teacher alongside her sister Elizabeth.

Is She Cut Out?

Throughout the episode we got to see Julie shine a little brighter in that little school house in Hope Valley, finally getting her footing with the students. Especially during their art lessons. But that footing slipped a little when she didn’t quite handle an issue between students Anna and Robert. Elizabeth had to give her a bit of direction on how she could have handled that situation better. Then Elizabeth had to give Julie a lesson on how to properly grade the students, especially when student Laura didn’t complete an assignment correctly. In the end, Julie announced that she would be ending her apprenticeship, focusing on her own love of art. I don’t think it was so much that she couldn’t cut it as a teacher, just that she was meant to be something different.

Making a Difference

Rosemary stepped up to make a difference for one of the ladies in Hope Valley: the newly introduced Wilma. Wilma and her husband were soon to be celebrating their 10th anniversary, and Wilma wanted to get a new dress for their big night out. She fell in love with a dress at Dottie’s Apparel shop, which was designed by Rosemary. The only problem was that she and her husband couldn’t really afford it. So, Rosemary – who really does have a heart of gold – gave the pattern to Wilma so she could make it herself (thankfully Wilma was a talented seamstress). When Rosemary revealed to Dottie what she had done for Wilma, it gave her an idea for a new marketing strategy: sew your own.

NOTE: Thanks to some keen eyed Hearties (the dedicated fans of the show), I was alerted to the fact that Wilma is not a new character. She is Mrs. Lawson, Timmy’s mother. They were one of the families from the settlement. Thank you Hearties!

Breaking Promises

The Pacific Railroad was supposed to build a depot in Hope Valley. In fact, they had signed a contract with the town. Unfortunately, the powerful business decided to renege on their word – their promise – intending to build the depot in the neighboring Jamestown. This revelation, naturally, upset everyone in Hope Valley – with some of the residents doubting Abigail’s ability as Mayor. But leave it to her adopted son Cody for making a difference with the railroad’s attorney – Mr. Weston – convincing him to convince the railroad to stand behind their promise.

Upsetting News

Near the end of the episode, Elizabeth read a headline in the paper about the Mounties in the Northern Territories who were facing resistance in their attempt to clear out the criminal gangs who were plaguing that area. It would seem the Mounties were suffering losses and potentially losing the battle. Of course, Elizabeth was worried about Jack, but given that the clips for next week’s episode find her beloved fiancée back in Hope Valley, she won’t be worrying for long.

What did you think of last night’s episode? Please share your thoughts in our comments section? And remember the next new episode of When Calls the Heart will air on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, March 4 at 9/8c.

Photo Credits: Hallmark Channel and Spoiler TV