‘The Way Home’ Creators on Jacob’s Emotional Homecoming in Season 3 Premiere, Exploring the ’70s and That Mysterious Baby

As a fan of time-travel dramas, I am thrilled to see how the new season of “The Way Home” is going to unfold, especially with the focus on the ’70s era. The creators’ attention to detail, from costumes to music, promises an immersive experience for viewers.

For Alice, the ’70s seem like a breath of fresh air after her life in Minneapolis, where she’s been trying to be practical and focus on PR. However, her return to Port Haven reminds her that she’s still young and carefree, and that perhaps her future isn’t as set in stone as she thought.

The ’70s also hold significant importance for the relationship between Del and Colton, a love story that Alice, as an outsider, gets to witness from a completely different perspective. I’m curious to see how this newfound insight will affect Alice and her own relationships in Port Haven.

It’ll be interesting to watch Evelyn navigate these changes too, especially given her history with both Del and Colton. And let’s not forget about Kat, who will undoubtedly bring her unique perspective to the ’70s storyline.

Lastly, I can’t help but wonder if there’ll be any disco balls or bell-bottom jeans in this season – because if there isn’t, someone needs to check their groove!

⚠️ Caution: The following text may reveal plot details from the Season 3 premiere of “The Way Home,” which is available to stream on Hallmark+.

In simpler terms, this sentence warns readers that the information shared after it might expose important details about an episode of “The Way Home” that can only be watched on Hallmark’s streaming service.

After a winding journey, ‘The Way Home’ has returned to Hallmark Channel. In the third season opener, the key point is that Jacob (Spencer MacPherson) is now back in Port Haven, present-day, and has found his biological mother Del (Andie MacDowell). Fans who have been eagerly anticipating this reunion since Season 1’s cliffhanger where Jacob fell into a pond, will not be disappointed. The emotional reunion was filled with tears and warm embraces as the Landrys welcomed Jacob back home.

Consequently, when Jacob returned, it fell upon them to explain time travel to Del and concoct a tale about Jacob’s whereabouts over the past 20 years for the rest of the world. They informed news crews that Jacob had fallen off a cliff near the fall carnival the night he disappeared, and was saved by an isolated couple living off the grid. Since Jacob suffered amnesia from the fall, he couldn’t disclose his true origins, and since there was no internet in his youth, young Jacob remained oblivious to his family frantically searching for him in Port Haven. Kat (Chyler Leigh) shared with reporters that it wasn’t until Jacob’s parents were on their deathbed that they finally divulged where he came from, enabling Jacob to find his way home.

Over a span of nine months, the narrative skips over subsequent events in the story, yet the intrigue is merely escalating. Del is now receiving ominous letters that imply she’s been dishonest. It’s plausible these letters are linked to Jacob’s reappearance, but given this series, it’s always uncertain. As for Alice (Sadie Laflemme Snow), the upcoming school year finds her resolute on maximizing her senior year experience.

Nevertheless, the pond seems inviting. Despite Jacob’s recent arrival with no immediate cause for Alice or Kat to reenter the water, they listen to an old recording of Colton’s from the 1970s. In that recording, Kat recognizes Alice’s voice. This realization occurs just as Alice is inexplicably shoved into the water, hinting at a possible return to the time when Colton and Del first fell in love.

EbMaster had an engaging conversation with Heather Conkie and Alex Clarke, the creators and showrunners of “The Way Home” who are also a mother-daughter duo. We discussed the heartfelt reunion scene, the direction of Season 3, and their venture into a fresh timeline. Of course, we couldn’t resist inquiring about the intriguing baby delivery that kicks off the new season as well.

Jacob’s return is something that fans have been looking forward to for two seasons. What was it like shooting that scene and putting it together?

Heather Conkie: What’s fascinating is that everyone on set had been eagerly anticipating that particular scene just as much as the fans are now. Watching it was immensely therapeutic and awe-inspiring, and revisiting it during editing only added to that feeling. It was such an emotional experience for us that it was tough to get through. We’ve been waiting for two seasons to show this scene, and the way it’s filmed is stunningly beautiful. The acting in it is truly exceptional.

Alex Clarke: That day on set was truly special, as even those from the office joined to catch a glimpse of the wide shot of the reunion, eager to see its initial part unfold. After capturing the scenes involving Andie and Spencer, things became more subdued. It was incredibly emotional for everyone involved. The entire crew is deeply invested in the scripts. To witness this significant moment materialize and have everyone there – we were all embracing and shedding tears.

As a long-time fan of fairy tales and someone who has experienced the rollercoaster ride of life, I wholeheartedly agree with Conkie’s sentiment. Giving characters a magical, enchanting moment at the beginning of their journey is indeed captivating, but it’s the events that unfold post-happily ever after that truly make the story come alive. In my own life, I’ve found that the most memorable moments are often those that follow the initial joy and success, when challenges arise and characters (or people) must navigate through pain and adversity to grow stronger. So, while it’s essential to provide a happy moment for our audience, it’s equally important to introduce some pain or conflict to keep the story engaging and realistic. In this way, we can create an unforgettable narrative that resonates with people on a deeper level.

Del is accepting of time travel and the pond early on, but what is her relationship going to be with it once the shock of having Jacob back wears off?

As a grandmother, I can attest to the complex emotions that come with the birth of a new family member, especially when it happens unexpectedly. Initially, I was filled with joy and excitement, but as time passed, I began to reflect on the ordeal my daughter and granddaughter had to endure from the start. It’s not just love-hate; there is a deep sense of resentment towards the circumstances that led to this event. I find myself asking the same questions over and over again: Why did it put my precious daughter and granddaughter in harm’s way? This situation is far from good, it’s not a gift. It may bring moments of excitement for Kat and Alice when they return home, filled with wonder at what they’ve seen, but for me, it’s been difficult to accept and understand. Forgiveness has been especially challenging.

As a longtime fan of the show, I find the character development of Clarke to be particularly captivating this season. One scene that stands out to me is when she says, “A mother should have known,” after learning the truth about Kat. This sentiment seems to echo throughout the season as Clarke begins to re-evaluate her past actions from Alice’s perspective rather than Del’s. As someone who has watched many characters grow and change over time in various stories, I can appreciate the depth that this theme adds to Clarke’s character arc. It’s always fascinating to see how characters grapple with their past mistakes and how they use that self-awareness to shape their future actions. In this case, it seems that Clarke’s realization about her motherly instincts will have a profound impact on her as she continues to uncover the truth about Kat and herself.

They come up with a story to explain how Jacob is back, but it’s not like they have your writers’ room white board to explain everything. Is it going to come back to haunt them that there aren’t a lot of specifics about Jacob’s disappearance?

Clarke: One of the appealing aspects of the letters Del has been receiving since Episode 1 is their abundance, even after nine months. We’re definitely going to explore that thread further. To elaborate on your observation, during our brainstorming sessions in the writers’ room, we envisioned a scenario where Kat and Elliot sit down together and ask, “What’s the story here?” In response, Kat approaches it from a journalistic angle, suggesting a version of events that won’t spark too much curiosity. It seems to me they haven’t given this matter thorough consideration yet.

They rely on the idea that the most convincing lie is nearly true. They’ve portrayed him as dwelling in a rudimentary society without internet access, similar to the Amish lifestyle. This was indeed his living situation. His memory of it had been erased due to the shock of falling off a cliff. It wasn’t until one of his parents were near death that they disclosed the truth, which could be considered somewhat true. In Season 2, Elijah mentioned that it wasn’t until his wife was on her deathbed that she revealed finding Jacob emerging from the pond and he hails from another realm. They seem to grasp onto familiar things, yet twist them for contemporary times. Whether they manage to do so effectively remains to be seen.

Well, speaking of mysteries, this season actually starts with a baby being left by the pond. Is this a season-long mystery or is it going to extend further into the series?

Clarke: You’ll know more about the baby by the end of this season.

Me: With a fair amount of conviction, I can tell you that sometimes we find ourselves serving as guides, leading us into new phases of our lives. We have a knack for doing this, having navigated many such transitions myself.

Even though we don’t see the new timeline in the premiere, we do know that we’re going back to the ’70s because of Alice’s voice on Colton’s demo. What can you tease about that timeline and what we’ll find there?

As a history enthusiast who has always been fascinated by the 1970s, I must say that working on this project has been a dream come true. The immersive experience of stepping into that era through the costumes and sets has been nothing short of magical. While it’s true that the ’70s fashion is trending again now, it still presents its own unique set of challenges. However, our team didn’t shy away from these obstacles; instead, we embraced them wholeheartedly.

To bring authenticity to our production, we didn’t settle for store-bought replicas of ’70s clothing. Instead, we went the extra mile by either sourcing vintage clothes or having our talented costume designer, Patricia Baker, create pieces herself. This attention to detail has paid off, as our key actors look every inch the part in their period-appropriate attire.

In addition to the costumes, we also took great care to authenticate the cars and music of the 1970s. By leaning into these iconic elements of the era, we’ve been able to transport our audience back in time, creating a truly immersive experience for all involved. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I can’t wait to see how this project unfolds!

Speaking of music, Alice comes back from Minneapolis in the premiere and says that she’s going into PR, and that music is just a hobby. Obviously, the cliffhanger reveals she’s not completely done with music, so how is that relationship going to evolve over the season?

Clarke: Spending summer with Brady, her dad, and returning all “Brady-fied” with a newfound determination to excel at school is an appealing thought for us. However, it dawned on us that she’s entering her final year of high school this season, which serves as a reminder of the impending future. She’s a character who has lived much of her past, but what about her present and her upcoming years? It was fascinating to discuss this for the current season, and the concept of her jumping right back into Port Haven life and declaring, “I need to be practical. Music is a hobby, and I want to pursue PR. I need good grades.” I believe the ’70s serve as a reminder for her that she’s still young, allowing her to continue having fun and being carefree. The seriousness of the future may not be necessary quite yet. It’s another instance of her exploring new paths. I anticipate that the ’70s will provide a delightful, inspiring setting for her this season.

Based on my personal experiences, I believe that Conkie learns valuable lessons about persevering in her dreams and embracing new ones during her time with Colton, Del, and Evelyn – all teenagers. From these interactions, she seems to understand the importance of holding onto dreams and not giving up on them, even when faced with challenges or obstacles. As someone who has also navigated life’s ups and downs, I can relate to Conkie’s journey and appreciate the wisdom she gains from her encounters with these young individuals.

The ’70s are very important for the Del and Colton relationship, but how significant is it for the town of Port Haven?

Sam: I find that the narrative centers heavily around Colton and his upbringing, with a touch of ’70s culture sprinkled throughout. However, it’s not just about the era itself; instead, it delves deep into our characters and their environment. As someone who grew up during that time, I can say that the ’70s story is truly reflective of the lives and worlds of those who lived through it.

As a lover of heartwarming tales and someone who has experienced my own romantic journey, I find myself drawn to stories that explore the complexities and beauty of human relationships. The narrative of Del and Colton, as depicted from an outsider’s perspective, promises to be a captivating exploration of true love.

The outside viewpoint offers a unique vantage point for understanding the nuances of their connection, allowing us to witness their journey with a fresh, unbiased eye. It’s this perspective that makes me eager to delve into their story and appreciate the depth and authenticity it will surely bring. As someone who has navigated my own romantic landscape, I can only imagine the rich insights and emotions that this tale will evoke.

In essence, I believe that a well-crafted love story, seen through the eyes of an outsider, offers a rare opportunity to witness genuine human connection unfold, making it a truly compelling read for those who seek to understand and celebrate the power of love.

As a history enthusiast who has spent countless hours researching and analyzing the lives of notable figures from various eras, I find the presence of Alice and, to some extent, Kat in the 1970s particularly intriguing. Del’s cherished memories suddenly become shared memories, and it makes me wonder about their significance. This raises questions about identity, connection, and how our memories shape us.

In addition, observing Evelyn’s journey throughout this time period offers a unique perspective, especially as we are aware of the rejection she experienced in her love story with Colton. Alice, being an outsider to that love story, sees it from a completely different point of view. This dynamic adds depth to the narrative and highlights the complexity of human relationships during that era. It’s a fascinating exploration of how personal experiences can intersect and influence one another in unexpected ways.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-01-04 06:18