Dream a Little (or Big) Dream

Erin Krakow and Kevin McGarry, When Calls the Heart, Hallmark

We are less than three weeks away from the premiere of When Calls the Heart Season 12, and fans already have some insights into what’s in store for Hope Valley. One particular storyline was first hinted at during the Hearties Family Reunion (HFR) this past September. During the cast panel, Kevin McGarry, who plays Nathan Grant, teased with the phrase “Not in your wildest dreams,” only for Erin Krakow to correct him with, “Or IN your wildest dreams.” Chatter immediately began as Hearties tried to decipher what they might be hinting at. During that same interview, Krakow asked fans if they had read a romance novel. Many hands went up, surprising her—a reaction suggesting that the romance she had in mind might be spicier than what fans are accustomed to on the show.

Since then, other clues have surfaced that, when pieced together, provide some compelling hints about upcoming events. In an interview with Suspenders Unbuttoned, Kevin McGarry mentioned that “hay” might make a reappearance in Season 12. He also teased that something would blow up in the fan chats, encouraging viewers to prepare for surprises.

Most recently, the stars of When Calls the Heart participated in the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City. During a “Stars on Stage” moment, Krakow and McGarry were asked to describe their characters this season using a single word. Staying true to their Elizabeth and Nathan dynamic, they conferred and presented their clues together. McGarry offered the word “fever,” followed by Krakow’s “dream,” and then they dramatically said the phrase “fever dream” together. Kavan Smith humorously joined in by adding “illness” to the mix. In another on stage interview, Krakow mentions that there is a section of the season that is a real dream, a fantasy come true for some. and that it gets a little wild. The pair even mentioned a “sleepover” between their characters in a different weekend event, which had fans gasping, though Krakow clarified it would be entirely chaste and appropriate for the show.

Piecing these clues together starts with identifying who might be sick. Considering Nathan’s accident in Season 9, Elizabeth seems the likely candidate this time. Krakow hinted during fan panels that Rosemary would be feeding Elizabeth, adding weight to the theory. Plus, the idea of Elizabeth dreaming (fantasy) about her and Nathan adds an intriguing layer to the storyline. It’s more entertaining to imagine her fever-induced dream than Nathan’s.

The word “hay” points back to the jump scene from Season 11, and fans believe there’s more to explore there. A plausible scenario might involve Elizabeth falling ill with a fever, leading to a romantic fantasy about Nathan in the barn where the hay is. Fans have expressed a strong desire to see Nathan care for Elizabeth, and having him watch over her and Little Jack while she recovers would fit perfectly. This setup could justify the term “sleepover” while maintaining the show’s family-friendly tone.

So, when might this storyline occur? Given that HFR happened in mid-September, the series had filmed a few episodes by then. The fact that McGarry and Krakow shared these hints suggests the moment had already been filmed and was fresh in their minds.

The remaining questions are: How long will Elizabeth be sick? What might she be suffering from? Possible illnesses of the early 1920s, such as pneumonia, influenza, or diphtheria, come to mind. How will this experience bring Elizabeth and Nathan closer? And will she confide in anyone about the fever dream? Her blushing cheeks could make for a memorable scene. Tell me what you think in the comments below.