I Hated The Pilot, Part I: Signed, Sealed, Re-Directed

2/8/2016

Redemption has stories to tell---this is mine.

I was there.

I saw Signed, Sealed, Delivered air on Hallmark Channel on October 12, 2013. I witnessed it's half-finished story, pondered its inexplicably diverse band of misfits, and questioned the value of returning letters. I balked at Oliver's lack of touch with reality and over-dramatic story, felt bad for Shane, had no words for Rita and questioned the necessity of Norman. And when I heard they were turning it into a series, I was like, "Yeah, good luck with that, Hallmark."

Needless to say, I had no intention of tuning in when they did. And, for all intents and purposes---I didn't. The first episode I saw was "Soulmates"---but that's getting ahead of myself...

The first case.

In October of 2013 I was a few months out of college, a week away from starting a permanent, prominent job with the State, and dating a guy whose cynicism on his best days was at least two times worse than Oliver's. In fact, he was who Oliver could have become if he had turned into the bitter snowman (little did I know, I was frozen, too). He was a little chilly, but he was warming up. And like Shane, I had learned to manage the thaw. For all intents and purposes I should have been happy with all the exciting developments---and yet I was miserable.

The courage to open it.

You see my attitude towards to Pilot really had nothing to do with the Pilot---but everything to do with me. Years of hurt and growing discontentment with my circumstances were finally arriving at their inevitably bad destination. I needed diverted from Direct Line Operations before I became completely un-deliverable---and permanently miserable.

And so it was one day the following January that I was brought to my knees by the realization that I was going to have to tear open all the pain I had been carrying around and hand it over to the only One capable of restoring the envelope once I did.

When I finally had the courage to tear open that disintegrating envelope and accept its contents, I was surprised to find that there was a little something stuck in the bottom corner---hope, and a future. And with that little bit of hope, God started doing an infinite amount of redemptive work in me.

I didn't get to start rebuilding immediately---the Builder and I had to get re-acquainted first. And I guess that's where my path and that of Signed, Sealed, Delivered began to cross.

God had much to teach, and my heart was willing and eager to learn--and I did so, quickly. And while we started with scripture, He was intent on giving direct instruction through a medium He knew I would be well-equipped to discern Him through: television. More specifically, Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Much like Oliver's thaw, mine started with reconnecting with my feelings. As you know well, SSD certainly exercises all of them! I was surprised, and even ashamed, at how hard-hearted I had become. I certainly had not followed Theresa's sage advice to "guard you heart."

The first series episode I saw was "Soulmates," and I didn't watch again until "The Future Me." Before I knew it, I was tuning in on Sundays and tracking down the installments I had missed. The more I watched, the more of Him I saw, and the more He transformed my heart to respond like His. I changed---dramatically.

This teaching and transformation extended itself to more and more areas of my life, but, as Oliver learned in Truth Be Told, sometimes the deconstruction is only just beginning...

More Tomorrow,
Chandel

Click here for Part II

10 Comments

Julie

2/8/2016 12:19:49 pm

Funny you say you hated the pilot. I didn't know it existed until I was well into watching the show, and I didn't see it until well after all the episodes had aired.

I am glad I didn't see the pilot movie until after, and here's why: if I'd seen it when it aired, I might've thought it somewhat unfinished, and certainly unlike Hallmark movies, where the hero & heroine always end up together in the end. The hallmark formula should have had Shane & Oliver getting together & it didn't because it was complicated. Seeing it when I did made it obvious that the pilot was meant to lay the groundwork for a series, but when it aired, it was not so obvious, especially given the length of time between pilot movie & series.

When I came to SSD, it was because the Down syndrome community was advertising the show with excitement because there was an episode that would focus on Down syndrome and marriage. Were it not for the DS community, I might only have seen the SSD for Christmas installment, and that, too, in isolation, may have seemed odd. (Again, not following the Hallmark formula for a movie where hero & heroine get together).

I truly believe it is no small miracle that I am a #POstable, and I don't think seeing the pilot in isolation would've gotten me there.
I am glad to have come by the series as I did. Having a show that treated marriage for those with intellectual disabilities with dignity & respect had me firmly in the show's corner from my day 1.

Marybeth link

2/8/2016 01:59:50 pm

Thanks for this thoughtful and honest reflection on the state of your heart when the pilot aired, C. Your story just goes to show the redemptive value of this series in the lives of real people. And Julie, your story reveals how Martha’s stories focus on real societal issues that don’t always get much publicity elsewhere We who love SSD and know what a wonderful gem it is, need to share it with others to get a wider audience and keep its magic alive.

I didn’t get into Signed, Sealed, Delivered until a marathon one Saturday after I retired. Before that, being a single mom of 4 kids (my youngest two are still undergrads) with a full time job as an English teacher gave me little time for TV. One Saturday in Spring 2015 I found an SSD marathon and dvr’ed a few random episodes. After I watched those, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find other opportunities to view the rest. Before long previews for “From Paris With Love” aired and I knew enough to know what that meant! Now I’ve seen every episode many times over and never tire of the compassion, integrity and love that the DLO delivers faithfully. There’s just something about these lovably unique characters, their work, their connections to one another, and the lessons they learn along the way that relates to me, and I think, to every human being who is open to self-reflection.

Both Chandel and Julie mentioned the untraditional Hallmark ending the pilot presented – no hook up of the two main protagonists. But there was enough at the end to know that the sparks were flying! In hindsight (which is always 20/20) we can see what Martha was up to, and can appreciate her vision even if we didn't know it then.. At this point, we don’t know how long it’s going to take Martha to get Shane and Oliver to the altar, but here’s what I hope for fervently – continuation of the films after the inevitable marriage(s). That’s another of Hallmark’s traditions—once the relationship is a sure thing, there’s no further development. That would be such a waste in the case of SSD. Martha is showing the world the groundwork that needs to be laid for a healthy committed relationship. The world needs to continue to see how a marriage built on such preparation withstands the inevitable pressures of daily life, and Martha is sure to deliver.

Besides that aspect, the topics that can be explored in the investigation and delivery of the lost letters is frankly, endless. I know I should just enjoy From the Heart and the next 3 films in 2016, but this series (and its reflection in this outstanding blog, Chandel, plus the community of POstables that has built around it) has become such a joy in my life that I don’t want to lose it. I hope that God’s plan is give Signed, Sealed Delivered a long run because it surely gets to the heart of what’s important in life.

2/8/2016 09:10:21 pm

Marybeth -

I cannot tell you how many times I have said this very thing. I want so much to see what Martha can do with these characters after "happily ever after." Perhaps it is because in my own life - though I am blessed with a wonderful husband - I have learned that no marriage is easy. Every couple faces trials, some of our own making and some from outside sources. Like so many others on this blog and in the #POstables world, I have learned a great deal from this show. I think there could be some wonderful lessons conveyed through SSD about the type of love and commitment and communication that is necessary for a successful marriage.

I am going to commit to praying for this very specifically.

Crissy Loughridge

2/8/2016 03:33:09 pm

Thank you Chandel for sharing your story (and I can't wait for part 2 tomorrow). I couldn't help but cry as I read your words knowing that, indeed, SSD has been utilized by Him in my life as well. I don't often hear people talk about the Lord using TV - so I neglect to share my heart for fear of reprimand that "evil TV" couldn't possibly reveal things of my Savior. But there is no denying I'm a changed person having watched SSD - having allowed Him to take the themes that Martha wrote so beautifully - of forgiveness, and redemption and hope - to penetrate my hard heart. Even more miraculous is finding other POstables - finding this blog. I cannot count the number of times that I have read a post and known that was what He wanted me to hear...it was what I NEEDED to hear. I am so grateful for second chances - especially that you were led to give this show a second chance. :) I can't imagine SSD without this blog, and I am grateful for how you have allowed Him to use your words to speak to so many.

Chandel link

2/8/2016 08:57:40 pm

Crissy---your story SO RESONATES with me! God made all things---including television, making it subject for His use for His purposes. He is crazy about you and will get, use or do ANYTHING He knows will get your attention! Never feel ashamed to say you know EXACTLY how Your Father reaches out specifically to you. It should be a badge of honor! Many people go a long time trying to figure out where to find Him. It seems He found YOU!

Marybeth link

2/8/2016 10:54:02 pm

Crissy and Chandel, couldn't help but notice that last line -- GOD HAS FOUND YOU -- just like the answers in the lost letters find their rightful recipients -- right on time! What a marvelous parallel to SSD. I believe God IS working miracles of various kinds through this TV show. I too have been reluctant to discuss this conviction with others. The "addiction" to a TV show seems crazy, but this discussion is making me see that the Lord has led me here for a purpose. "Coincidence is the middle name of the Almighty!" Oliver said in the pilot, and it's no coincidence that this series and this blog has brought us to the Lord or to each other.

Frankie

2/8/2016 05:09:45 pm

I liked the pilot for being unlike the usual Hallmark movie finished endings. As much as I lover them, they are just so far removed from my life that I wanted something to identify with more, and SSD is more real as ongoing.

It really felt like a pilot to me, not just the open ending, but also because it didn't all quite gel just yet! However I'm probably more into pilots as, even from childhood, I've seen pilots being recorded / reviewed them before full series.

I stuck with SSD because I've desperately wanted an every day Christian character in a modern family drama and Oliver is indeed that! But yes, I do prefer the series episodes to the pilot. It's kind of a movie of two halves - the first has a strong movie feel, but the later scenes - and the set up for two couples etc - really make it feel TV saga rather than movie material.

Leora Kemp

2/8/2016 06:13:51 pm

I've been a committed SSD follower since my first encounter in last fall's marathon. In no time, I had purchased all available DVDs and have watched them over and over. Unlike some of you, I love the pilot. It just goes to show that we're all in different places regarding the series. I've been reflecting on Oliver's way of witnessing for his faith. And I believe this whole series is Martha's way of witnessing for her faith. Anyone who continues watching surely must be gripped by the Holy Spirit in different ways.
It has been interesting to me to compare Oliver's speech to Shane regarding her hope for redemption in the birthday card from her father with his own lashing out at his father when he shows up unexpectedly. He could certainly have taken his own words to heart. I'm glad to hear that papa O'Toole will be returning. I think Oliver has needed a dad for a long time. Now he will get a chance to have one. As I've watched his interactions with Rita and Norman, he often seems to be an older brother, but he also seems to be a father to them sometimes. I can hardly wait for more.

Many, many thanks to Martha, all the actors of the show, and to you, Chandel, for all you bring to us in this delightful way. I will continue to spread the word to my family, friends, and Facebook group. God bless you all.

Jen Das

5/26/2016 02:43:24 pm

It's so neat to read all your stories! God bless you all because the thread of redemption runs through all of them. From the first time I laid serious eyes on the pilot, I knew this series was different. It's so heartfelt. And quirky. And real. Each character has their challenges and just as in the real world, God is meeting them where they are. Not in a hit-you-over-the-head way but through the loving actions of others, accidents and other coincidences that become God incidences an sometimes mysterious ways. It's a beautifully crafted series and it speaks to my heart. Thanks to all if you for sharing your reactions because it certainly seems to have touched all of you!

Beth

9/27/2016 10:35:41 pm

I hated it the first time I saw it but Last night when I rewatched, It was awesome! Still not my MOST fave though that would be a toss between for Christmas and LWY!

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I Hated The Pilot, Part I: Signed, Sealed, Re-Directed

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