Hope Valley: 1874 has been a wonderful addition to the When Calls the Heart universe.
It featured fierce females, strong friendships, slow-burning romances, and an interesting love triangle. These thighs have been lacking in many shows.
It introduced us to the Yost family, and I’ve loved watching where Ned came from.
(Jeff Weddell/Hallmark Media)
The series fed us well, but it still has room to improve. Certain cliffhangers will need to wrap up quickly to keep the audience’s attention.
The cast seemed to become bloated, and some characters weren’t getting enough screen time.
Some of these concerns can be fixed. Keep reading to find out how.
Make Rebecca’s Arrest and Family Drama the Focal Point of Hope Valley: 1874
After the cliffhanger with Rebecca’s arrest at the end of Hope Valley: 1874 Season 1 Episode 8, the series should pick up shortly after and show how everyone is coping.
Rebecca quickly became beloved in town, and arresting her will likely make Constable Vaughn look like the enemy unless he treats her differently from any other law enforcement officer.
(Jeff Weddell/ Hallmark Media)
Hopefully, he’ll surprise us all and hear her side of the story, and we’ll learn what her in-laws have over her head.
It also seemed partly his fault that they found her with the drawings the government requested, and Jim’s mother saw a sketch Olivia had done of Rebecca and Sarah in the paper.
I’m intrigued by this arc because Rebecca is a devoted mother.
I suspect she’ll have the entire town backing her if Jim’s mom tries to take Sarah, with Hattie Quinn and Tom Moore leading the charge.
I don’t want Rebecca to spend long in jail, and I want to see the town rally around her and protect Sarah. Community stories contain heart and connection.
Capitalize on the Charm of the Love Triangle
(Hallmark+/Screenshot)
Hope Valley: 1874 featured one of the best love triangles in Olivia, Clayton, and Alexander, with both men being upstanding guys. They also both have incredible chemistry with Olivia.
Olivia and Clayton embodied the angsty, captivating friends-to-lovers trope that’s so popular.
He was so cautious that viewers were unsure whether Olivia knew of his intentions, or if they were destined to stay in the friend zone, sharing longing looks.
Olivia also connected instantly with Constable Alexander Vaughn. While she shared a love of art with Clayton, she and Alexander bonded over nature.
(Hallmark+/Screenshot)
The series needs to continue with this triangle, and I’m hopeful that Olivia will not attend art school.
I’m all for women following their dreams, but she’s such a vital part of the community in supporting Sarah and helping with the boarding house.
Her kindness appealed to both men, and we need more of that.
Utilize the Yosts More
While I realize that not every character can have an important arc, every episode, they’re legacy characters with untapped potential.
I find them so interesting, in addition to being Ned’s parents, and I long to know more about Lars and Rachel.
(Jeff Weddell/ Hallmark Media)
Times were tough in the 1870s, and men faced extra pressure if they couldn’t provide properly.
We only scratched the surface of Ned’s insecurities. I’d hoped the series would have explored that further.
Did he appreciate Rebecca’s deal, in which he and Rachel worked the mess tent in exchange for room and board, or did he resent it, thinking of it as charity?
I’ve also wondered why Rachel hasn’t been there with him. I think her loneliness has added to her frustration and depression when dealing with baby Ned.
Those are legitimate issues young families experience, and hopefully, Hope Valley: 1874 Season 2 explores them.
(Jeff Weddell/ Hallmark Media)
Be Cautious of Expanding the Cast Too Much
I originally enjoyed Hope Valley: 1874 for its smaller cast and some recurring players. But then it seemed like the series added more people, such as Mr. Maxwell.
While he initially seemed like the shady thief, he was actually hunting for coal near Tom’s land. He still seems shady, but do we need another character to screw Tom over?
Doyle is gifted at that already, and Tom will have his hands full with Jeremiah working the ranch to pay off the prospectors.
Let’s give some airtime to his men, Nash and Clayton, instead of the newbies.
We would rather see how Nash is working the ranch with his injured leg and dealing with the extra responsibilities of helping his wife, Sarah, while Rebecca is gone.
(Jeff Weddell/ Hallmark Media)
As mentioned before, the love triangle seemed lopsided because Clayton has not received the same amount of screen time as Alexander.
Hopefully, Season 2 amends that issue, so we learn more about his dreams beyond his affection for Olivia.
Find a Better Way to Reach New Viewers
I had hoped that Hallmark might run the first season on the Hallmark Channel, as they did with Mistletoe Murders.
However, I received confirmation that Hope Valley: 1874 will remain an exclusive Hallmark+ series.
In that case, the network needs to find better ways to attract new viewers. Having the series premiere available free online is a good starting point.
(Jeff Weddell/ Hallmark Media)
Hopefully, seeing big-name stars like Bethany Joy Lenz, Benjamin Ayres, and Jill Hennessey in new roles will encourage them to watch and return next season.
Over to you, Hearties. What were your favorite parts of Hope Valley: 1874 Season 1? What would you like to see tweaked in Season 2?
Let us know in the comments.
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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Romantic intentions were made on Hope Valley: 1874 Season 1 Episode 8, and that cliffhanger left us wanting more. Our review!
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