When Calls the Heart Season 12 Episode 1 Recap

©2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

When Calls the Heart, Hallmark

The twelfth season of When Calls the Heart picks up where Season 11 left off, with Superintendent Hargreaves delivering an important message to Elizabeth. He informs her that a road crew uncovered a commissioner’s medal near the site of her late husband Jack’s death. After returning the medal, Hargreaves takes the opportunity to throw jabs at Nathan, highlighting his connection to Jack’s last mission, and informs him that a new recruit will soon arrive in Hope Valley for training.

In the days that follow, Elizabeth helps her young son, Little Jack, overcome his anxiety about starting school. She gives him his father’s medal to boost his confidence, which he later passes to Lily to comfort her on their first day. Together, they step into the schoolhouse and enjoy their new beginning. Little Jack’s initial apprehension about leaving daycare and having his mother as his teacher eases when his classmates point out how special it is to have Mrs. Thornton as both mom and teacher.

The town is swept up in a comic book craze, captivating most of Hope Valley’s students. Meanwhile, Angela, Emily, and Tommy face their final year of school with significant decisions ahead, including Angela’s interest in learning more about the school for the blind in Hamilton.

Elsewhere, Lucas and Lee are deeply engaged in planning their national park project. While they are enthusiastic, Rosemary expresses concern about Leland spending extended time in Capital City, away from her and their daughter Goldie. She eventually agrees to the arrangement under the condition that Lee checks in with her daily. At the same time, Rosemary worries about declining readership at their newspaper and brainstorms a new idea—launching a radio show in Hope Valley.

Meanwhile, Henry and Joseph’s friendship grows over a game of chess. Henry updates Joseph on his projects, which notably exclude joining Lucas in Capital City, while Joseph shares his concerns about Angela’s future.

As Nathan begins training Oliver, the new Mountie recruit, he suspects there’s more to Oliver’s story. Though Oliver is fascinated by Mountie books and protocols, Hargreaves described him as a struggling recruit, raising questions about his potential.

The episode delivers heartfelt moments as Elizabeth and Allie grow closer now that their relationship extends beyond teacher and student. Elizabeth also encourages Nathan’s bond with Little Jack by asking him to take Jack for a riding lesson while she prepares for the next school day. While grooming Pal, Nathan and Little Jack share a meaningful conversation about Jack’s medal and its significance, and what a hero really is.

As Elizabeth and Nathan explore their new relationship, Nathan wrestles with insecurities about measuring up to Jack and worries about how Little Jack might react when he learns of Nathan’s involvement in Jack’s last mission. Rosemary reassures Nathan, reminding him of the happiness he brings to Elizabeth and Little Jack, and encourages him to live in the moment. Elizabeth affirms Nathan’s place in their lives, promising that they’ll face future challenges together, including talking to Little Jack when the time is right.

With emotional depth, moral lessons, and heartwarming character development, Season 12 begins with a promising and uplifting return to Hope Valley.