When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 3 Review: ‘All That Glitters’

When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 3, “All That Glitters” Spoilers Ahead

When Calls the Heart’s latest episode is about doing the right thing, even if it’s not always the traditional or ethical path to take. It’s about second chances and it’s about hearing people out, which will undoubtedly lead to some riveting storylines for multiple characters. 

It starts with a kid’s minute on the radio show, then leads to a revelation about Oliver’s credentials, which momentarily stuns both Nathan and Elizabeth. Lucas is back in town, and so is Edie Martell? Lee is trying to find a new way to make it up to Goldie and Rosemary, while Allie is trying to figure out what she’ll be doing for her birthday party. There’s a lot going on, yet thankfully, “All That Glitters” never feels overstuffed. In fact, the pacing is pretty great in this one and even includes one of the prettiest final shots in the show’s history. 

When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 3 Shines With Second Chances

Part of this show’s appeal is the innate goodness present in all the characters, and in Elizabeth Thornton especially. She’s a prime example of a great teacher for a reason, and her inability to give up on students is at the top of the list. Now, while Oliver might not be one of her students (yet), he’s still a kid who’s made a tough decision in a desperate moment and a human being who needs an education. Simultaneously, he’s someone who needs people to believe in him because, as he confesses to both Nathan and Elizabeth, his former foster parents didn’t let him finish school.

Understandably, Nathan’s first instinct upon learning this is to report it to the superintendent, which then likely means failing Oliver from the Mountie trainee program. Yet, Elizabeth talks him down and explains why neither of them can give up on him, even if Oliver initially lied. Bill also feels the same, which is a bonus to vouch for Oliver and give him the chance he deserves.

I’ll always have a soft spot for how this show handles students who might have learning disabilities of any kind without ever once shaming them for it. It’s something we could always use more of in fiction, and it’s never a narrative I’ll complain about seeing because it’s more common in the real world than people know. Seeing Oliver’s progress is likely going to be such a lovely part of this season, and I can’t wait for it.

Riding Off for a While

First things first, big shoutout to Allie for calling Nathan out on the fact that a picnic is not a date. Like, sure, picnics are cute and all, but bud—Elizabeth deserves more. They both do. So despite some of the hiccups in their day, it’s lovely that When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 3, “All That Glitters,” ends with the two of them having alone time through a gorgeously scenic ride. 

Yet, before we get into that, Nathan once again proves that he’s perfect for Elizabeth by listening to her. I’ve said it once, and I’ll probably say it a hundred more times, but this show is tremendous at allowing men to credit the women in their lives. This detail is especially significant when we consider the time period the show takes place during. Nathan doesn’t shy away from admitting when he learns things from Elizabeth, and it always results in a sweet moment that also highlights how great they are at communication. 

Except that’s not all, and three cheers for director Alysse Leite-Rogers for giving us the dazzling closeup shot of Nathan proposing they get away. Every frustratingly interrupted moment of intimacy that led to this image of the two has me in utter shambles. The tension, vulnerability, and unmistakably sincere display of overwhelming desires make for a stunningly romantic scene that I’ll be replaying over and over again.

We knew the tension was palpable throughout the episode, but this moment cranks up the dial and presents us with something that’s both scorchingly hot and achingly tender—a top-tier combination, in my book. 

Goldie Park Round II and Lee’s Fears

Lee Coulter is such an exceptional character and Kavan Smith is without question the episode’s MVP. The subtlety in which he touches on Lee’s fear is no small feat, and I’m particularly floored by the clinic scene with Faith. In many ways, Lee’s a sunshine character, so there are few things that change his demeanor. It’s happening a lot more this season (with Lucas), and now as he voices his concerns about his health because his father was his age when he passed.

Few fictional properties address the harrowing fear that engulfs a person when they reach the age where their parent died. It’s an odd, indescribable feeling, and it’s especially terrifying when you have people you love that you’re afraid of leaving behind. And Lee Coulter loves his people so deeply that he holds all of this in so he won’t have to burden them. Thus, it makes perfect sense that he’d keep the outcome of his time with Lucas a secret from Rosemary, while simultaneously keeping the fear of his checkups close to his chest. And Smith’s means of delivering each of these confessions are some of the most vulnerable moments in the episode because even while he has a smile on his face, we can see the piercing fears the moment we look deeper into his eyes.

Can We Trust Edie Martell?

When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 3, “All That Glitters” doesn’t shine a positive light on Hope Valley’s newcomer, but that’s actually plenty of reason to be intrigued by her. Lucas is a delightfully complex character, and in more ways than one, she continues to feel like his match. While it’s unclear whether we can fully trust her, what’s important is that the show is giving us a character who’s multifaceted.

She’s clearly someone who’s determined to do the right thing, but it appears that she’s also a woman who isn’t afraid of doing what’s necessary to get her way, which could be both a good thing and a controversial one. Either way, the cards stacked in front of her (and inadvertently Lucas) are riveting to reveal different sides of perhaps the same coin. (This is also an interesting metaphor when we look at Rosemary and Bill’s discovery.)

Similarly, Lucas is trying his best in this national park endeavor, which in turn, is bringing the show’s biggest conflict with some of the men to work through. I don’t doubt they will overcome this, and quite frankly, it’s doing a great job of revealing that these characters aren’t perfect. There’s a brokenness in Lucas that also exists in Lee, which can be so fascinating to explore further while he’s in town and the two men continue working together.

In general, it’s important to note that each character on this show is capable of messing up and making the wrong choices from time to time. If every single person were perfect, the show would be dull, and that’s not something I’m interested in. Give me flawed characters trying their best any day. Overall, I’m here for whatever this episode wants to set up, and I can’t wait to see what next week will bring.

Stray Thoughts

• When did Allie turn 17!?!?!?!? 17!???!? 17!?!? When did that happen!?!? She was 13 five minutes ago.
• Earl Wyatt’s return is going to be v interesting for the kiddos, but like I don’t want to see it?
• No, but actually, why are Elizabeth and Nathan so cute!?
• Also, I adore the hazelnut stand the kids set up.
• Rosemary and Elizabeth teaming up to spy just feels so right for these two.
• Ask me how many times I replayed the last scene of Nathan and Elizabeth.

Now streaming on Hallmark+: What are your thoughts on When Calls the Heart Season 12, Episode 3, “All That Glitters?” Let us know in the comments below.
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