When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 1 Review: ‘The Mountie Way’

When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 1, “The Mountie Way” Spoilers Ahead

School is back in session at Hope Valley, and guilt is a prominent force in more ways than one. Twelve seasons is a tremendous accomplishment for any series, and When Calls the Heart standing its ground year after year is entirely a testament to the characters, performers, and thoughtful writing. We’re in for a ride this season, but in the true spirit of this show, everything’s going to be okay by the end.

The biggest issue I have with this episode is the beginning, primarily revolving around why the superintendent made finding a medal seem like a terrifying tragedy of sorts. But that aside, “The Mountie Way” doesn’t signal smooth sailing, in fact, I hope that we’ll continue to explore some of the matters brought up here because none of these issues are an overnight fix. Fear and guilt are locked in a convoluted box together, and unpacking them is going to take a lot more than a few conversations. And I, for one, am excited to see how it all unravels.

When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 1 Prepares for the Future 

From the moment that Nathan and Elizabeth get together, it’s obvious that his survivor’s guilt will hit twice as hard. He’s living the life Jack Thornton should’ve been fortunate enough to live in every way where it matters. And while that was never his intent when he transferred to Hope Valley, life doesn’t always care about what we plan for ourselves. Invisible strings have a way of revealing themselves, and whether that’s in God’s plan or by virtue of our own choices, the answer isn’t ever black or white. 

Human beings and our emotions are too complex to simply view them through one lens that hides all the dimensions. A single conversation isn’t going to miraculously free Nathan from his guilt, and quite frankly, nothing might because true freedom in this sense is impossible. Today, it’s Jack’s medal turning up; tomorrow, it’ll be someone reminding him of Jack’s legacy, and years from now, it’ll indeed be little Jack asking questions. While Nathan isn’t directly responsible for Jack’s death, it’s understandable that he’ll always feel like it should have been him. That’s how survivor’s guilt operates. There’s no rhyme or reason to it, and it especially stings here because of how deeply he loves Elizabeth and still feels as though he’s undeserving of her. 

With this, it’s also important to talk about Allie’s role in this little family, and I love the fact that When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 1, “The Mountie Way,” delivers both a conversation between her and Elizabeth as well as one with Nathan and little Jack. When we start examining Nathan’s guilt, we also have to look at Allie and what would’ve happened to her had he been the one to die that day. Her biological father wants nothing to do with her, and even while her grandfather is trying to be a better man, would that still have been the case if he lost both his son and daughter? Allie would’ve been left without a guardian, far from a place like Hope Valley, and it’s so hard to predict where she could’ve been and how the immense pain would shape her future.

However, today, she not only has someone who’s both her uncle and her father, but she has the kind of teacher who’s been serendipitously like a motherly figure from the moment they met. She has friends, a community, and a little boy she’ll do anything for—blood isn’t thicker than water here; it’s the opposite, and if it had been Nathan who died, it would’ve destroyed Allie’s life. Thus, the fact that the episode allows Elizabeth to essentially let Allie know that she’s beside her through everything while elsewhere, Nathan affirms to little Jack that his father was indeed a hero is such a beautiful thing. It’s how a horrific tragedy brought people together and unquestionably made them better. Jack might not be around but because of how prevalent his legacy is, in many ways, it makes Nathan try even harder to be a better man. 

So, in short, it’s a good thing that the show is continuing to explore these fears because it’s so deeply human for these characters. As Elizabeth tells Jack—it’s reflective. It is funny how we could feel two things at once, like how I swore I’d never watch this show after Jack’s death, and here I am, so very in awe of how everything pans out. 

It’s also beautifully reflective of how Nathan makes a wooden box to safely display Jack’s Commissioner’s Medal in because it’s his way of symbolically honoring him, too, while also promising that he’ll continue to protect Elizabeth and little Jack. Despite his own aches and fears and the tireless belief that he isn’t good enough for Elizabeth, he still tries, which is such a lovely thing because Kevin McGarry is phenomenal at conveying nuanced emotions. 

Why Rosemary’s Decision Feels Right 

When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 1, “The Mountie Way,” doesn’t just showcase Nathan’s fears, but Rosemary’s as well. Who’d want to be away from their husband? No one. Similarly, having the two of them be the ones to have this significant conversation about what matters and what their partners also want is what is so lovely in how it essentially sways Rosemary’s decision to let Lee go with Lucas to build the national park. 

Yes, much of it also has to do with the perfect (albeit, cheesy) name, but it’s also because, at that moment, she realizes that it’s something Lee really wants to do as well. There are plenty of new changes this year in Hope Valley, such as a new Mountie trainee and comic books surfacing, but Rosemary and Lee’s obsession with each other is a perfect constant. They’re the couple, in more ways than one, as they continue to be so ridiculously and loudly in love with one another that the whole town knows she needs to give her permission before he leaves. Yet, in the end, it’s not even permission, but it’s agency that’s anchored in their relationship and inspires Rosemary to understand that they can both choose a middle ground where they’re happy with the decisions.

When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 1, “The Mountie Way,” effectively grounds the newest arcs in place and quietly sets up where the show will go. It’s a reminder of why a place like Hope Valley is home to so many people, and I can’t wait to see how we’ll continue diving deeper into these characters’ mindsets.

Stray Thoughts

• There was no reason for the superintendent to be this dramatic about a medal. And the side comment. You good, bro?
• Nathan is so soft with Elizabeth. 🥹 My heart. 
• Bill finding out about Nathan and Elizabeth in the middle of the street is actually hilarious.
• Goldie got so big! 😭
• “It’s 1921 — has the governor not heard about a telephone?” I cackled.
• Comic book introductions? Here for it. “The movies tell stories just fine.” Yes, they do. 
• Rosemary, never change. Please.
• Angela wants to go to Hamilton work students like her.
• Erin Krakow is so lovely in this scene with Allie.
• Rosemary wants to include the news on the radio, and I’m here for it. Our girl would hop on the podcast trend so quickly if she were living in our time.
• I also think it’s so rational that she still thinks Lucas is a wildcard. 
• Nathan calling Elizabeth “MY BEST GIRL” — Oh, I’m weak. 
• Oliver Garrett, new kid and Nathan’s recruit. Do we trust him? Do we not? Dead dad, mom left him? Is she going to come back and cause trouble?
• “Nobody beats Mrs Canfield’s cooking.”
• Little Jack calling Nathan a hero, stating he thinks all Mounties are heroes. Accept the compliment, my guy.
• Kissing under a full moon. Okay, cuties. 

Now streaming on Hallmark+: What are your thoughts on When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 1, “The Mountie Way?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen