Season 12 Ep11 Recap – The Hope of Hope Valley
BY: Rach Kayrooz for GOOD.
Elizabeth is imploring ‘why?’ following the news of LJ’s diabetes diagnosis. Mei is scouring her pharmaceutical papers for an article about a new insulin treatment at the University of Toronto.
Faith relays access to the treatment, and the insulin itself, is hoping for a miracle. Mike agrees they should hope for a miracle, because without it, LJ may only have a year to live.

Nathan remains by Elizabeth’s side, as Faith and Mei meet with the couple to discuss the program. Faith doesn’t think travelling as far as Toronto is a good idea, however, Mei offers to go with Mike on their behalf. They will plead the case of LJ being accepted into the program, with the hope of returning to HV with the insulin.
Rosie and Minnie are packing a basket of food for Elizabeth, with the help of Allie running errands. Minnie emphasizes they must hold onto hope, as Rosie does her best to keep busy and distracted.

LJ is resting, while Elizabeth prepares to write a letter explaining why her son deserves this treatment. Rosie helps Elizabeth to recall her son’s early years.

Bill kindly arranges for Nathan to take leave, returning to active duty himself in the Chief Constable’s absence.
Henry arrives, announcing LJ’s pony is missing from the stables. The men go out to find Pal, who must be missing LJ’s company.
Rosie accompanies Elizabeth – and the letter – to meet with Faith before Mike and Mei’s departure. Minnie and Joseph are also there for support, leading the group in prayer.

Elizabeth reflects on the letter she wrote while Nathan cared for LJ, reading him a book and keeping him company.

Henry is enjoying a macchiato at the Saloon, awaiting news on the pony and the insulin, as Bill, Lee, and Lucas join him.

Henry shares there was a recall poll this morning, with Lucas’ own party voting 2-1 against him. Lucas may leave the legacy of Goldie National Park, but there is more he wants to accomplish. Will this be the end of his Governorship?
The kids are making get-well cards for LJ. Cooper wants his friend to join them in a baseball game, but Minnie reminds him that LJ doesn’t have capacity. Cooper comes up with an idea, so his little buddy doesn’t miss out.

Cooper and Toby arrive at Elizabeth’s, with their best Hallmark cards, and news of airing their baseball game on the radio so LJ can listen in.
The students have come up with a genius way to relay the game to one another, inspired by Angela. It’s the first Valley Voice Sports Hour show. Ned is so excited he’s heading online to place a bet. Don’t tell Florence!

Nathan and Elizabeth are sitting with LJ at home, ready for the ad-free play by play. Oliver, Allie, and Angela all pitch in to ensure LJ can hear the excitement from home.

The town gather at the Saloon for the launch of the first radio sports game of the Hope Valley Hopesters baseball team.

Timmy makes a home run, dedicating his play to LJ. The town’s overjoyed squeals and spilled popcorn are like Suncorp Stadium on the third State of Origin game.

The students take Timmy’s lucky ball to Jack Jnr. Oliver consoles Allie, as she blames herself for not noticing any changes in LJ. There’s a tender moment of trust building between these two.

Mike and Mei call Faith with the devastating news that the University won’t send insulin to Jack, as it must be kept cold and used within a few days. They also won’t transport it for only one patient. They are looking at building site clinics, but that won’t be for some time.

Bill visits and checks in with Nathan, who is feeling devastated that despite protecting people as a Mountie, he feels helpless when it comes to LJ’s diagnosis.
Faith relays the news to Elizabeth and Rosie. She advises that a territorial clinic requires ten patients and staff trained to administer insulin. The women suggest Mei be trained by the lab in Toronto, then train Faith. Sadly, HV doesn’t have access to the latest testing equipment, nor a lab to manufacture insulin. But, they do know the techniques and would be willing to participate in expanding the trial.
Faith and Rosie make good use of the gossip trail in HV, by getting the word out.

The women will visit every watering hole, church, and hotel with the flyers, whilst Rosie prepares for a radio announcement. Soon, the phone starts ringing.

Faith advises Elizabeth that LJ will have to stay at the infirmary, as he declines with fatigue.
The town rally to get eight additional patients for the trial. Elizabeth talks to the University on the phone, achieving a miraculous outcome!

Elizabeth races to the infirmary to tell Nathan the news. The University will include HV in the trials, and send insulin back with Mike and Mei.

There’s been an incident blocking the train line, delaying Mike and Mei’s arrival with the insulin. Bill and Lee head off to get them.
They arrive as Minnie and Rosie keep Elizabeth company at the infirmary.

Nathan places Jack’s medal in LJ’s hand as Faith administers the insulin, and Elizabeth prays that the medicine will work to bring her son back to health.

Bill relays to the others that LJ isn’t awake yet, but it’s good news so far with the first dose. The group plan to stay up all night, with the help of Lee’s lattes, and Mike’s grilled cheese sandwiches.
Soon, LJ awakens to find his mother in tears. Happy tears.

It’s a beautiful and blessed morning, with everyone gathering to sing praise at the Church. They have a lot to be thankful for.It’s a beautiful and blessed morning, with everyone gathering to sing praise at the Church. They have a lot to be thankful for.

Joseph reminds the congregation that their prayers were answered; for LJ’s medicine, and bringing Pal home!

As Joseph proceeds to bless the animals, including Pal and Scout, Rosie has another idea – a dog for Goldie! Lee isn’t so sure.

As Elizabeth ponders the confusion from “the best and worst day” of her life, Nathan reminds his girlfriend that they have the rest of their lives to figure it out, and so does little Jack.

Can these two please get married already?!
Memorable Quotes:
Elizabeth (in her letter to the University): “Little Jack’s spirit is pushing me forward.”
Nathan (to Bill): “I came to Hope Valley to protect Elizabeth and little Jack. (But) I can’t stop the bad guy. With her, I can’t stop the hurt. I can’t do my job.”
Bill (in reply to Nathan): “Your job is to be there when it counts. It looks like you’re doing a pretty good job to me.”
Joseph (to the congregation): “May God grant us the grace to protect and sustain one another, whether on wings or in water, four legs or two, we are all God’s creatures, great and small.”
When Calls the Heart season 12, airs Friday nights at 7:30pm AEDT on GOOD or stream afterwards from the free GOOD app. Watch now: CLICK HERE. Next week May 30 is the FINALE. Episodes will remain on catchup for 4 weeks after their air date. The season will repeat starting August 6, 2025.
About the Author: Rach is an AACTA Award-winning writer, tv/film content creator, director, and producer, with a background in human rights advocacy. A proud mum, and a lover of animals and music (especially 80s power ballads), she spends her ‘spare’ time writing children’s books, watching GOOD., and adding to her dream list of places to travel.
Rach is currently working on her reality TV show pitch, Facing the Fear, and pre-production for her documentary, FND: Not My Story.
Socials: @rachkayrooz
Feature Image: When Calls the Heart promotional content from GOOD.