“When Calls the Heart” continues season 13 on Hallmark Channel with episode 2, which follows the fallout from the dramatic cliffhanger introduced in the season premiere. As Hope Valley faces a new emergency, familiar characters step into action while ongoing relationships and storylines continue to unfold.
A Fire at Goldie National Park Drives Episode 2
Hallmark Channel’s longest-running scripted series, “When Calls the Heart,” recently returned for season 13 and has already been renewed for season 14. The franchise has also expanded with spinoff series “When Hope Calls” and the upcoming prequel “Hope Valley: 1874.”
Episode 2 is titled “Up in Smoke” and centers on the fire seen at the end of the season premiere. According to Hallmark’s official synopsis, “Nathan responds to fire in Goldie National Park while Elizabeth leads relief efforts in Hope Valley.”
Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry) heads directly into the emergency as part of his Mountie duties, while Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) remains in town to help coordinate support. The episode places a spotlight on how the Hope Valley community responds when faced with danger.
Elizabeth Thornton & Nathan Grant Face New Pressures
Season 13 picks up after Elizabeth, Nathan, Little Jack Thornton (Hyland Goodrich), and Allie Grant (Jaeda Lily Miller) returned from Cape Fullerton, where Little Jack received treatment for diabetes. While the certification of the clinic in Hope Valley allowed the family to return home, new challenges quickly arise.
Episode 2 continues to show how Elizabeth and Nathan balance their relationship with the responsibilities that come with their roles in the community. Nathan’s work places him in potentially dangerous situations, while Elizabeth remains focused on helping others in Hope Valley.
Governor Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally) and attorney Edie Martell (Miranda MacDougall) also remain part of the broader storyline following their interactions during the Goldie National Park opening.
Erin Krakow Shares What Viewers Can Expect in Season 13
Erin Krakow spoke with People about where Elizabeth’s story is headed this season.
“The end of season 12 was pretty fraught for Elizabeth, and it was a really dramatic way to end the season,” Krakow said. “But luckily, we start season 13 with some very renewed hope, and we’re seeing Elizabeth, Nathan, Little Jack and Allie preparing for their triumphant return to Hope Valley.”
Krakow also discussed Little Jack’s health and the historical context of the storyline. “At the time in 1921, diabetes was a very, very scary diagnosis,” she explained. “Luckily, insulin was created in that same year… getting to include some real-life history is very meaningful.”
She added that viewers will see subtle signs of progress in Hope Valley, including a stoplight and the arrival of motion pictures, while the town maintains its close-knit identity.
How Many Episodes Are in Season 13 of ‘When Calls the Heart’?
Season 13 of “When Calls the Heart” includes 12 episodes. Across its first 12 seasons, the series has aired 131 episodes, including five extended Christmas specials.
Upcoming Season 13 Episodes
- Episode 2: “Up in Smoke” — Jan. 11
- Episode 3: “Back in School” — Jan. 18
- Episode 4: “Until Proven Guilty” — Jan. 25
New episodes of “When Calls the Heart” premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and stream the following day on Hallmark+.
LUCAS (Chris McNally) is the reason I watch the show. He and Henry are the best actors on WCTH and need to be front and center.