When Calls the Heart || Underrated Characters

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Today's post is going to focus on characters from the show that are/were, in my opinion, underrated. Either they didn't get much attention, appreciation, or screen time, or they disappeared from the show without a trace.

Afterwards, be sure to hop over to Rebekah's blog for her post of the day, by clicking the graphic near the bottom of this page. :)

{ Cat Montgomery }

Cat Montgomery, a widow of the coal mine disaster that took place shortly before the start of the show and a mother to three adorable children, was a special part of the first season of this TV show. Sadly, for some reason and unlike many of the actors and actresses from Season One, she's not seen later on!

Also in that season, Cat has three children. Emily and Miles remain on the series, often spotted among the crowd of schoolchildren. But there was also Gabe, the oldest, who disappeared along with his mom. I'd have loved to see a continuation of this whole family's story!

{ Julie Thatcher }

Julie, Elizabeth's sister, is the youngest of the three pretty, privileged, and polished Thatcher girls. She has a bit of a wild side that escalated greatly when she crossed the path of—and fell in love with—Tom Thornton, Mountie Jack's brother.

For all of her faults, dramatic responses, and adventurous escapades, Julie is a character that I always enjoyed. Sure, she and Tom were immature and irresponsible in the way that went about pursuing a relationship (and there was that little thing about "borrowing" her father's car...) but I think there was something genuine between them.

{ Tom Thornton }

Tom Thornton, younger brother to Hope Valley's constable—brothers that are quite opposite in many ways—and the aforementioned temporary boyfriend to Julie.

Honestly, how could I talk about Julie without throwing Tom into the mix? He's definitely got his fair share of problems—many of which he brought on himself—but anyone could change, and after his goodbye to Julie in Season Two, I believe he truly wanted to. And then after their reappearances in Season Four... well, I'm still routing for him and Julie to get back together.

{ AJ Foster }

A.J. Foster, the woman who was paid dirty money to keep quiet about the discrepancies she uncovered while working as an auditor. That is, until Detective Bill Avery found her hideout.

Okay, okay, I know. There was probably quite a few breathing sighs of sweet relief when this crazy lady disappeared from the show—and most likely some groans when she reappeared. And honestly, I may have been one of them.

But after re-watching, I concurred that she was indeed an "underrated" character. While I didn't like her with Bill in a romantic sense, their banter and the way they bested the bad guys was superb. And she did kind of save Bill's life, so I guess she gets bonus points for that.

{ Shane Cantrell }

Shane was one of the men working for the railroad and single father to young Phillip, one of Elizabeth's classmates. He even took Nurse Faith Carter out a few times (they were cute!) and I assumed they'd all become a continual part of the show.

Until they vanished. Shane was already gone from the show—something about working in another town—and then Phillip left to have an operation at a city hospital. And then...nothing. Currently, neither character has returned to the show. I'd certainly like to know what happened to them. ;)

who's your favorite underrated characters? have you entered the giveaway yet?