What's Next? An SSD '16 Watch List

10/27/2015

Hints were being dropped all around, but you probably missed them.

We didn't know it at the time, but in Truth Be Told and Impossible Dream, there were some things happening---some big, some small---that are likely pointing us in the direction of things to come in 2016.

It's not unlike those obscure references to the Miss Special Delivery National Pageant and that reference to Steve during the series that ended up becoming absolutely everything in those last two films, and which A&D correctly pointed to pieces of in my Postable Wishlist a while back.

So you bet I was watching these films like a hawk for any seemingly obscure or passing references on the off chance it might be the golden ticket to plots in the upcoming films!

And, of course, there were a few things that definitely stood out!

Norman DOrman: Science Foreman

Chief scientist, references to cyclotrons and "Norman Dorman's Revelation Solution" got me thinking that this might be an important thing to pay attention to.

Norman might not have any ambitions for his scientific creation beyond its application to his immediate work, but it's worth noting that, if commercialized, it could prove quite a lucrative venture, especially if Oliver chose to invest.

Think about it---if Norman is as concerned about future planning as his offhand reference to a five-year plan in Truth Be Told suggests, he might have started considering how to build a nest egg to support himself and his future spouse (Rita). Selling his Revelation Solution would be one way to do that.

Above all, keep your eye on science!

Mentor Material

Rita is an encourager by nature, and nothing proved that more than her support of Mindy before and during the pageant.

It won't be long before Rita is handing over her crown to the next Miss Colorado, and it wouldn't surprise me one but if Martha didn't find some avenue for her to start mentoring her successor---or some other young girls---in the near future.

Mom Goals

Between her birthday card and the late macaroons, it's clear Shane's mom is still alive---and baking!

Knowing now that Shane opted to hit the spa over Christmas rather than visit her mom suggests there might be some stuff they need to work out.

I'm all for Mrs. McInerney making an appearance, and with four films ahead it seems there's plenty of opportunity for her to appear. Keep your eye out for any blonde female guest stars appearing in set pics!

After all, Oliver's going to have to ask somebody for permission to marry Shane....

Owning It

I started alluding to the abstract significance of the O'Toole foundation in Oliver's House Rule check-in, and I'll be taking that to the next level fairly soon.

But in a practical sense, there is a reason that Oliver has come into this inheritance and has already started making plans for it. One wonders if the existence of the foundation will become a prominent feature of the series, or simply fly under the radar until convenient.

I certainly haven't figured out what will be done with the O'Toole Foundation, or even that novelty company of which he is now an owner---remember, the one that destroys perfectly good vinyl records?

With that still up in the air, it's all the more reason for us to keep our eyes peeled!

So, Postables, what hints for 2016 might I have missed? Any ideas to add to what I've already discussed? Drop it in the comments!

Calling It Now,
~C

13 Comments

Barbara

10/27/2015 01:30:49 pm

I would like to see perhaps Shane preparing dinner for Oliver at her home. We never see the personal home side of the main characters.Any thoughts!!!

10/27/2015 03:18:28 pm

I've noticed that the locations we see Shane & Oliver have mirrored the status of their relationship. Colleagues - at work / Friends - porch. It wouldn't surprise me to see scenes inside a home once the relationship becomes "official."

Mary Bramble Morgan link

10/27/2015 03:46:50 pm

I think it would be great to see Oliver and Shane having dinner in one of their homes. I know this will all take time and we have to be patient but I can't be more excited to see the next movie, no matter what material they cover!

Judy

10/27/2015 02:03:47 pm

I agree mama McInerney is coming to the screen, but I also believe we have not seen the last of papa o'tool, at least I hope not. I loved his character!

nona wallace link

10/27/2015 02:38:53 pm

I agree with Judy. I think Shane's mom will appear and I also hope we have not seen the last of Papa O'Toole. I think he gave such a great preformance on TBT especially since he now lives in Colarado. I wait patiencely for next year with the next set of movies. Oh gosh I hope the next couple months goes quickly!!!!!!!

10/27/2015 08:05:55 pm

Just read through this again and remembered another reference to Rita's parents in Impossible Dream. While I agree that Shane's mom's appearance is inevitable, here's hoping Rita's ummm...eccentric folks appear soon as well. Who wouldn't want to meet the crop-circle making flower children?

Kathy

10/27/2015 08:52:19 pm

No matter what happens the story line can go in many directions. Just keep it going. I am sure I speak for women everywhere. We look forward to knowing there is going to be a love mystery story on the Hallmark channel. With you might say our 4 family members

Carol

10/27/2015 09:01:09 pm

we haven't met Norman's adoptive parents either. In one of the series 1 hr. episodes, Rita said she had met Norman's parents the the summertime Postal Picnic and they were wonderful people. Norman then talked about he and his parents winning some of the races/games at the picnic, and how hard they had practiced for them.

10/27/2015 09:41:45 pm

I love that scene.

"We trained really hard for those."

Leora Kemp

3/26/2016 12:35:17 pm

I believe that was in "A Hope and a Future," the episode where he acknowledged that he was adopted and that he met his grandmother.

Pam

10/27/2015 10:02:56 pm

This is off-topic, but I'm desperate! I had not heard about the movies Truth Be Told and The Impossible Dream until they had already aired. Does anyone know if I can watch them online or purchase them somewhere? I love this show! My 13 year old grandson does too!

JLT

10/28/2015 02:10:54 pm

I think one big issue that will need to be addressed is how each feels about children. In the Christmas movie there is a scene where Oliver is standing in the hallway in the hospital looking on at the family is gathered around the hospital bed admiring the new baby and Oliver has such a look of yearning on his face. At the time I thought that he was speculating whether he would ever have that with (or without) Holly. In the same movie, Shane has some slightly awkward moments when she is working with Hannah on her parts for the play and eventually comforting her. She seems hesitant and possibly a little reluctant to embrace this role. That being said, by the end of the movie she seems more comfortable with this interaction. Thoughts?

Sandy

11/1/2015 07:54:26 pm

Agreed, there are undercurrent mom-daughter issues with Shane, the likes of which Martha Williamson explored in TBAA and will likely bring to the surface in SSD. Just hope Shane's mom doesn't couple up with Oliver's dad. That'd be too strange or predictable or both!

How will Shane and Oliver start dating? First, his divorce needs to get finalized. That could be a story or two on its own.

Will construction start on the retirement home, after blueprints located - or held in abeyance a few years?

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