When Stars Align

I really enjoyed this episode -- I can't give it a 10/10 because there has to be room to go up, but I do think it was perfect in many ways. Also to have balance, I will tell you a couple things I did NOT like about the episode.

The episode opened with a No Gaps scene that picked up immediately after the s10 finale cliff-hanger. This was a new thing for WCTH, and much appreciated. Then after a diary montage, there was a four month gap.

I was happy to see a lot of sparks between Nathan and Elizabeth, strong friendship feels between Elizabeth and Rosemary, a wonderful surprise scene between Nathan and his daughter.

Lucas had a really strong presence in the episode, after a sad and scary s10 finale for his character. I feel a lot of purpose and momentum in him and am excited for the rest of the season.

I was impressed that there were actual outdoor scenes of Union City and at least one new set there. For ages now, When Calls the Heart has only had scenes in Hope Valley and it felt lame and cheap. I'm glad that is changing.

Also the ciniematography is improved this season -- more attention is given to colors in the background, to angles, close-ups and etc. It really improves the viewing experience.

I was loving the story so much that I was easily able to suspend disbelief over the little things -- but there are some nagging questions. For example, why did it seem like Nathan rode his horse home from Union City which was a 22 train ride away? Why was Lucas' head bandage just a single ply of roller guaze around his head?

I fully recommend that everyone and everyone watch season 11. I seems like the cast and production team are thriving creatively under the leadership of showrunner Lindsay Sturman!

The first episode felt like coming home again. In the first few minutes last season's cliffhanger is addressed and a new chapter begins. I felt like they set up several good storylines for the new season and I'm sure there will be more to come as far as storylines go but it was a great start and I'm looking forward to seeing how this season plays out!! It's nice to be able to watch a heart warming, family friendly, romance, with a bit of drama and mystery! There is a something for everyone in this series and I do believe this will be a very successful season!!! The writers have really brought it back to the roots. I know not everyone is happy about that but all the negative that you put out totally defeats the theme of this series, and you may not have been the fan you claim to be.

What a great start to S11! Feels like you're home again with the way the writers reeled us in. Every scene keeps one attention as no one is left behind in this Season. Everyone has a story and it fits. No one is acting out of place and it's great to see cohesive and honest storylines this time around. S10 saw a true calling of a return to the roots with Elizabeth finally answering her heart's call. How many of us can step out of the box someone else molded for us? Why should she marry someone that she knows hasn't gotten the full depth of her love? Because others say that she should? By leaving Lucas who did everything for her, she's selfish, a liar and a cheater? Please show us the perfect person because they don't exist. She didn't intentionally mislead Lucas but she felt that he was dependable and had no reason to be lost and would always be there, safe and comfortable. She knows Nathan is her next great love and he loves her unconditionally and unabashedly.

I hope those that are criticizing see that they find fault only because their hero no longer has the girl and while no fault of their own, how they navigate the rest of the season says a lot about them. All in all, this episode was beautiful and I can't wait for the others.

This is the first time in two years that I have been excited to watch. The first episode did not disappoint! Gone is all the angst of the last two seasons. It was great to see the characters returning to themselves which was like a breath of fresh air and very heartwarming. There are several storylines that I'm looking forward to, especially Nathan and Elizabeth. My hope is that they get married and see how they work things out with the blended family (so many stories to tell). It will be fun to watch Bill and Rosemary work together. I'm glad Lucas is ok and I'm sure he will do a good job as governor. I have to say kudos to Lindsay and the writing team. They have done a wonderful job bringing the heart back to WCTH. Great job team! I love what you've done so far and can't wait for the rest of the season. I hope we get a season 12 and many more.

So glad to be back in the true Hope Valley! I love Faith's new story line. And I found it quite interesting that 'taking the plunge' meant two totally different things to Elizabeth and Rosemary! LOL! Nathan's humility is still on point. And it will be interesting to see how Nathan copes with his daughter approaching adulthood! Interesting return to real life issues and how people cope. However, Hope Valley could probably use a hospital before it gets a resort. JMO!!! I guess my review is too short because I tend to be as quiet as Nathan instead of as loquacious as Lucas! All righty then!!!!!!!