Mistletoe Murders Season 3, Episode 1, “Don’t Fear the Wreather” Part 1 Spoilers Ahead
A lot has changed, but so much is still the same in Mistletoe Murders. “Don’t Fear the Wreather,” which is an A+ title, by the way, picks up right where the Season 2 finale, “‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas,” left off with Aaron’s return to Emily’s life. We then flash forward to the following Christmas, but before we get there, communication takes center stage in the episode’s jumping-off point, making a solid one at that.
There’s a new case in store, but unlike last season, this time we aren’t getting two episodes at once, which also means we’ll have the show on for a bit longer than usual. And I, for one, won’t be complaining. It’s mostly the communication in this episode I can’t get over, and it makes the show twice as excellent already.
Circumstances May Have Changed, But Emily and Sam Are Still Going Strong in Mistletoe Murders Season 3, Episode 1
Aaron’s visit thankfully isn’t a long one because he’s presumably here to warn Emily that the people they used to work with are getting killed in various places. He tells her that Chimera could be coming for her next because she’s left a paper trail, and it’s there that Emily realizes she needs to figure things out on her own so she doesn’t hurt anyone else in the process. Understandable.
But before Emily leaves to handle all of this, she and Sam come to the conclusion that they’re still on the same page. He also makes it clear that he wants to be there for her, but he can also understand what she’s trying to tell him by letting her go. This is something she needs to take on alone because Emily’s lost enough people in her life, and she’s not about to put Sam or Violet or any of the townspeople at risk.
Fast forward to her return, and while circumstances have changed because one month turned into multiple seasons, feelings have stayed the same for Emily and Sam. Mistletoe Murders Season 3, Episode 1, “Don’t Fear the Wreather,” sends out a clear reminder that this show’s a romance. It’s on the Hallmark Channel, so that alone gives us the comfort of knowing they’re endgame, but at the same time, there’s a maturity in their communication that makes it so easy to come back to this show.
The fact that they’re still openly talking about everything they can disclose to each other is huge, and it’s exactly what makes them so riveting as a couple. It also never fails to floor me how protective Sam continues to be over Emily because these two have some of the best hugs on TV, and I appreciate that we keep seeing variations of them. The concerned hug. The welcome back hug. The slow, quiet, I care hug. It’s all gorgeous, and if this is just the first episode of the season, I’m so giddy to see what else is in store.
Because this is exactly what ensures that the show remains fun. The mysteries are exciting, sure, but it’s Emily and Sam’s relationship that’s the series’ heart. They’re the ones we’re all invested in, and the show’s done such a great job of developing them that it’s easy to continue to want more. So all of this content is trekking us straight toward an even stronger season. And I’m especially in awe of how much softer they are right now, even if they’re wobbling a little because Emily is only back temporarily.
The Grim Wreather – What’s in a Title?
The case here is also compelling because there’s something fascinating about casting an actress like Catherine Bell and potentially making her the villain. Except clearly, there’s so much more to her character than we know, which is exactly what makes this season premiere so exciting. While it’s unclear if she’s actually the culprit here, it’s an interesting twist that can also add some interesting nuance to the idea of a grim reaper.
Stray Thoughts
- “If you’re stepping on my toes, that means you’re close to me. And I’d never complain about that.” Never change, Sam. Never change. This line was A+ and made my heart flutter a little.
- “I own a year-round Christmas shop. What’s more dedicated than that?” Okay but like is she wrong? She’s 100% right.
- I love June and Violet meddling so very much.
- I’m deeply sad that Emily had to leave her cats behind?!?! But like, as someone who’s also a cat mom, I get it. I do.
- Has Sam gotten hotter this season or is his softness just getting to me?
Now streaming on Hallmark+: What are your thoughts on Mistletoe Murders Season 3, Episode 1? Let us know in the comments below.
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