It's that very special time just before a new film hits when A&D wildly---and sometimes wildly accurately---speculates about anything and everything. And I am proud to say this time is no different.
That said, it's going to be a little interesting this time given I was actually on set when some of Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Higher Ground was being filmed. There are some things I know, but even as I view the photo gallery it's quite clear there was quite a bit I was in the dark about---so much so I won't even need to tease the stuff I do know to get us really thinking about what we're about to witness on February 19.
So this week I'll be issuing some insights and observations based solely off of photo gallery pics this description of the film in the latest Hallmark press release: "Featuring inspirational music by Grammy Winner Keb’ Mo’, “Signed Sealed Delivered: Higher Ground” begins in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, where local New Orleans handyman and blues singer-songwriter Gabe Recolte (Keb' Mo’) was left homeless and broken hearted. The storm came right before he had a chance to express his love for club owner Hattie (Karen Holness). As he is forced to evacuate and relocate, Gabe wrote a heartfelt letter to Hattie. The POstables face unusual challenges in solving the postal mystery in post-Katrina New Orleans. Oliver grapples with his unexpressed feelings for Shane while Norman and Rita’s relationship continues to get stronger." |
Given how we left things with Shane and Oliver---especially Oliver, who was his most candid and vulnerable in that final scene of Lost Without You as we've probably seen him all series long--- it's clear that "thank you for saving my life" wasn't cutting it when it came to expressing his feelings for Shane. As a result, we can expect some angst, grappling and probably some uncomfortable ShOliver moments mixed with what could very well be some of our favorites of all time?! Hang tight, ShOliver gets two days to dive into what their story could look like and why---trust me, you will want to tune in for that.
Hurricane Katrina took place almost 12 years ago, so I also wouldn't rule out the possibility of a flashback of some kind. Wouldn't it be neat to see the POstables back in the day, especially if Gabe was relocated to Colorado and they crossed paths somehow without knowing it? Obviously Shane would be excluded from this, but we might get to see Oliver, Rita and even Norman before they all came together. How cool would that be?! Speaking of Norman and Rita, we haven't seen much of them in terms of the trailer, but we've seen quite a few photos of them engaged in what can only be described as a public or community garden tending to some undisclosed item. That's something we'll tackle when I make quick predictions based on a few choice photos from the photo gallery this week. |
Lots of people have noted Shane's noticeable absence from many of the promotional photos and remember she wasn't on set with the rest of the cast very much during filming. Many, including myself, are starting to suspect that its perhaps Shane who either volunteers or is sent to do some ground work on her own in New Orleans. There's even the possibility that at some point Shane is joined by one or more of her fellow POstables. What causes her to go solo is up for debate, but the purpose and consequences of her departure are something well within our grasp to discuss, which might give us a greater picture at what's happening in Higher Ground overall.
I think it's pretty obvious that this film is going to elicit all the emotions humanity has to offer (have you seen the trailer?!), meaning you should have already bought at least two boxes of tissues and properly stocked your "feels kit" as they've come to be known, with whatever you require to not completely become a sobbing mess on the floor of your living room or other viewing locale.
One thing is for sure, I'm really looking forward to discussing more in-depth this week. Hope you'll join me!
Diving In,
~C
More From Speculation Week:
#1: Time & Tone | #2: Visual Aids | #3: At Home, By Himself | #4: Far & Away | #5: What Else To Watch For