When Calls the Heart: Some fans are still demanding the return of Jack Thornton
Some When Calls the Heart fans want the impossible
Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart recently finished its seventh season, and although it’s been two years (season 5) since the death of Constable Jack Thornton (played by Daniel Lissing), some fans still won’t believe he’s dead.
Those same fans are demanding he be brought back to life or that his return be treated as a dream much like the Dallas scenario when Bobby was brought back to life.
Daniel Lissing has moved on. Most recently, he’s had guest appearances in S.W.A.T. and The Rookie. Lissing told ETOnline in February that if he hadn’t have left When Calls the Heart, he wouldn’t have met his future wife. And though the actor says he’d be up for a cameo, he is enjoying the way his career is moving at present.
That isn’t comforting to the fans (called Hearties) that still mourn his character’s death even two years later. In fact, some of those fans have reached out to Executive Producer Brian Bird and to Hallmark Channel’s Michelle Vicary to ask for the star’s return.
Mr. Bird always treats the fans with the utmost respect, and he kindly reminded this one that “the series is bigger than one character,” and that “life must go on.” He also pointed out that the character has never been forgotten on the show.
Leaving When Calls the Heart was Daniel Lissing’s decision
Daniel Lissing’s character was killed when the actor decided not to return to the series after season 5, and although many fans stated they would not watch the show without him, that hasn’t reflected in the ratings. One of Hallmark’s top dramas, When Calls the Heart was recently renewed for season 8.
The fans that won’t accept the finality of Constable Jack Thornton’s death continue to offer ways that it would be feasible to bring the character back to Hope Valley, the town in which the series is set. But with Lissing’s decision made and the character’s death, it doesn’t appear that Jack Thornton will be returning to the town in any capacity.
As difficult as that might be to accept, Bird gently reminds fans that “Hope Valley is the true star of the show.” And the writers have proven that with the past two seasons, including last season’s Christmas episode which has garnered five LEO Award nominations.
What do you think about Hope Valley without Jack Thornton? Have the ongoing seasons held your interest? Share your thoughts in the comments below.