If you get to know me for any amount of time, you'll quickly discover where my loyalties lie when it comes to television shows. Just head over to my YouTube channel's first Q&A. I talk way to much about the holy grail of TV over there. Meanwhile, you'll be surprised to discover I do watch more than just one show. In fact, I have seen so many wholesome and uplifting television shows through the years. Most of them are shows from the past that stopped airing years ago but still remain as classic and profound as ever. Even if folks make fun of older television, I will never. I'm loyal. Granted, there are some weird shows out there from back in the day. But 2017 has its share of loony toons also. Okay, enough with the old soul soap box rants! I came here to give you all my first impressions of Heartland's season eleven opener "Baby on Board." Heartland is a show that is somehow still alive and going after an entire decade! That's right, folks. Heartland first hit the air waves in 2007, and is one of the longest-running shows still on TV today. Why do I love this show? Well, let's say LIKE A LOT. We can't throw the love word around here. A Walker Texas Ranger character may be listening. Haha. But I have been watching Heartland basically since it first began those many years ago. I love the western lifestyle. Horses, ranch homes, beautiful scenic views, cowboys and cowgirls, romance, drama, wholesome values...Heartland has it all. Sure, there have been things that rubbed me the wrong way throughout the series' lifespan. But those are few and far between. I will forever treasure the little escape that is the Heartland ranch and the values of a strong family and enduring legacy that the show has managed to keep on air in a day in time when life seems far from ideal. It's a respite from our hectic world that reminds us what really matters in life. Family. Faith. Love. Courage. Loyalty. And some of these values were already tested in this past weekend's season opener.
So literally how cute is baby Lyndy, guys?? Season eleven has been anticipated far more than any other season most likely because of the reveal of Amy and Ty's precious angel's name. Which brings me to say how much I think the name choice was absolutely perfect. For those of you that may have missed the boat, months ago after season ten concluded, the folks at CBC held a contest in which fans could submit three different name choices. One would be chosen, and bragging rights would go to the lucky submitter. I was one of the fans who submitted three name choices. And to this day I am as annoyed as ever. Not because they didn't choose the name I selected. Well, they may have! You see, I can only remember two out of the three names I submitted. Yep, you guessed it. I may have big bragging rights here but will never know. **insert pouty face here** That said, no matter what I am very pleased with the name selection. Lyndy Marion Borden. It pays such a touching tribute to the matriarchs of Heartland and could not have been a better choice for Amy and Ty (and the fans) to choose.
Lily's back! As a very die-hard Anne of Green Gables fan over the years, seeing Megan Follows in another role has always been a treat for me. It was exciting seeing her play Ty's mom early on and was especially exciting when I found out months ago that she'd be reprising her role to come visit little baby Lyndy! As always, she was wonderful in the role. Despite the challenges Ty and Lily Borden have encountered over the years, I still root for them. She is a strong woman who has a bright future and raised a pretty good son, don't ya think? Bright future...hmm...that leads me to my next first impression. With Tim's relationship potentially on the rocks, why in the world doesn't he and Lily get together?!? Seriously, guys. The chemistry from their scene together in the season opener was scintillating. When they found common ground and Lily said "our granddaughter", I started melting on the spot. Writers, these two should definitely be a couple! Megan Follows would make a stellar regular cast addition. Just saying... #TeamTily Get it trending, folks!
Well, it seems that our much-loved series has come full circle. The old Val Stanton is back and so is show jumping! Show jumping was a significant hallmark of the early days of the show. So I am eagerly looking forward to seeing how the world of show jumping will impact the next generation at Heartland. Of all the characters on the show, I probably can relate to Georgie the most as far as personality goes. Our life stories are completely different. But in some subtle ways as she has grown, I see parallels of myself through her. Taking on new challenges. Navigating territory you never thought you'd step into. Discovering talents you never thought you'd excel in. Being a feminine tomboy. Haha. Anyways, it will be interesting to see how Georgie handles the transition from trick riding to show jumping. Transition between two interests in life can be hectic. Hopefully things go smoothly for the blossoming teen. But if I know anything about the motion of the ocean when it comes to predicting the Heartland future, I'd say the smooth sailing of episode one was preparation for a rocky road ahead. Careful, writers. You can't trick me. I've been following the show for too long. hehehe And this little resurrection of the old Val Stanton has me wondering what other things from the past may be in store for our characters' future. Val was too happy when Georgie agreed to jump for her. Undeniably, Georgie might just be asking, "How high?" soon enough. But again, I could be wrong.
Last but not least, the old blue beauty received an upgrade. **a mix of boos and awes** After seeing Ty struggle through the need to be the best father he could imagine, it was inevitable that he'd want his family taken care of well. And a new truck simply means a new era. The old girl definitely has had its share of memories attached to it. Hence the beautiful conclusion to a beautiful season opener. It was adorably perfect how Ty took Amy and Lyndy to the back of the truck to relive a timeless moment from their life together. The new blue beauty was christened perfectly. And I'm sure that it will have many memories attached to it in the future thanks to little Lyndy. Can you just imagine her learning to drive in it?! Okay, I'm getting way ahead of myself here. That said, the Walker Texas Ranger fan in me was just happy it was a Dodge RAM. A perfect ranch truck. Haha
New beginnings. Love them or hate them, they are everywhere we look. Some bring us joy and others pain. Some tears, others smiles. But in the end, we grow from them and with them into the people we were meant to be. Just as Amy and Ty have grown over the years and experienced new, scary, and exciting things, they survived. And so can you! Live life to the fullest. And as Jack told Ty, cherish it. Don't let worry overtake you to the point you miss out on taking the step that could change your life or simply add a dose of joy to it. Life's waiting for you. Embrace it fully.
I hope you all enjoyed my first impressions of Heartland's season eleven premiere episode! If you loved it, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you! Also, head over to the "About Me" page to subscribe to my email list so that you never miss another post like this in the future. Be sure to share this post on social media too and spread the Heartland love. Until we meet again!
P.S. - I'm still secretly holding out hope for #TeamScott. Sorry, Mitch.