“When Calls the Heart” had a rather confusing development in its latest episode that could have implications for Lori Loughlin’s potential return.
What happened on ‘When Calls the Heart’ this week?
According to CheatSheet, Jesse (Aren Buchholz) left town with his business partner Lee. But Jesse never returned home, which prompted a search for him, led by his wife, Clara Stanton, and Lee.
- The group found Lee’s car in the mud but no signs of Jesse. Lee tells Clara that Jesse is probably OK and that she doesn’t need to worry.
What does this have to do with Loughlin?
Jesse is currently married to Clara Staton, who is the widow of Abigal Stanton’s son, Peter Stanton. So there’s something of a familial connection between Loughlin’s character and Clara Stanton. Jesse married Clara back in Season 7. He wasn’t happy with Clara when she wanted to buy into Abigal’s Cafe in the town of Hope Valley after Abigail left town.
- This is all theory and speculation. But with Jesse missing, it opens up the possibility that Jesse went to visit Abigail. Or that he has been killed somewhere and Abigail may have to return for the funeral.
- It’s not a lot to go off of, but when it comes to “When Calls the Heart,” nothing can be ignored.
Rumors of Loughlin’s return
There have been small teasers for Loughlin’s return to the show, as I wrote for the Deseret News. For example, in last week’s episode, the character Ned got some cold feet before his wedding. He talked to his friend Gowen about the wedding, and Gowen said he had a huge regret when it came to Abigail Stanton.
- “When I sit at my desk and I look out my window across at the cafe and I see her name, I’ve got nothing but regret,” he said, referring to Abigail Stantion.
Brian Bird, the creator and showrunner of “When Calls the Heart,” has not responded to a request for a comment on the rumors of Loughlin’s return.