Season of Renewal

Read Time:3 Minute, 56 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
Heartland: Season 17
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Genre: Drama, Family
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Lionsgate DVD
Runtime: 10 x 45m episodes
Developed by: Murray Shostak
Based on: the Heartland book series by Lauren Brooke
Cast: Amber Marshall, Michelle Morgan, Chris Potter, Shaun Johnston
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: As the series story is returned to the Bartlett-Fleming clan in the 17th season of HEARTLAND, the season plays out comfortably along familiar trails and blazes new paths with a reinvigorated spirit. Aptly titled Just the Beginning, this installment is a cozy embrace of the past and a bold stride into new stories, blending established charms with refreshing plots to craft a season that surprises.

This journey through the sprawling beauty of Alberta’s landscapes sees the HEARTLAND saga continue to explore the nuanced tales of family life. Amy Fleming is at the heart of these stories, whose resilience and relationship with her daughter Lyndy form the emotional cornerstone of the series. Nathan's introduction into Amy’s life incorporates a new thread of subtle romance laced with tension. Family patriarch Jack regards the newcomer with suspicion, injecting a dose of realism into their world.

Amidst personal stories, the broader strokes of the season are colored with change and challenge. The plot expands around Shane and Chloe’s wedding, which becomes a dramatic angle that tests and ultimately underscores the family's adaptability and unity. Their decision to navigate life together in Philadelphia parallels the Bartlett-Fleming ethos of resilience, portraying how personal choices reflect broader family values.

The stakes are equally high on the business front, where the future of Heartland Beef hangs in the balance after a sudden split from Garland Foods. Lou rises to the occasion, championing a pioneering business model that challenges the norms of the ranching industry. Though initially met with skepticism, her efforts underscore a theme of innovative survival, highlighted by a cattle drive that unites the family in a common cause.

The spotlight also shines on the next generation. Katie makes a statement about her readiness to take on more responsibility, symbolized by a daring stunt that marks her coming of age. Lyndy, too, steps further into the limelight, signaling a promising shift toward new perspectives in future storylines.

Mallory’s return to the ranch reinforces HEARTLAND’s core message about the essence of family not being bound by blood but forged through bonds and shared experiences. Her arc, culminating in the joy of motherhood, beautifully encapsulates the series' enduring themes of homecoming and community.

The cinematography makes the most of Alberta’s stunning vistas to enhance the dramatic and emotional depth of the series. Each frame is crafted to contribute to the importance of the story, even in its 17th season. The musical accompaniment, carefully curated to resonate with the storyline's peaks and valleys, complements the visual spectacle without stealing the spotlight.

However, the season isn’t without its blemishes. The pacing sometimes struggles, especially in exploring Amy and Nathan’s budding relationship and the ranch's business disruptions. These critical elements, teeming with potential for richer storytelling, occasionally feel underexplored, leaving a thirst for a more thorough narrative exploration.

HEARTLAND’s 17th season supplements the beloved series with intriguing new storytelling, blending cherished nostalgia with fresh, engaging tales. It stands as a testament to the series' capacity for growth and reinvention, continuing to capture the hearts of viewers, new and old, with its authentic portrayal of life’s complexities woven through the enduring fabric of family and community.

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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