The television landscape experienced a notable shift with the recent revelation that Melissa Gilbert’s character in the popular Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart,” Inspector Georgie McGill, shares a romantic history with Jack Wagner’s character, Judge Bill Avery, culminating in a kiss. However, after only two episodes, Gilbert’s character was unexpectedly written out of the show.
Wagner, who has portrayed Judge Bill Avery since season one, expressed his excitement about Gilbert’s return as production for season 13 approaches. He highlighted the unique opportunity to explore the romantic dimensions of his character, which have been lacking in previous seasons. Reflecting on the evolution of his role, Wagner compared Bill Avery to his previous character Nick Marone from “The Bold and the Beautiful,” noting the distinct layers and depth that romance added to his narrative.
He acknowledged the long absence of romantic storylines for his character and expressed gratitude for the chance to reignite that aspect with Gilbert, who returns to the fictional setting of Hope Valley. Wagner indicated that this development allows him to tap into emotions and storytelling elements that had been dormant.
Gilbert, meanwhile, confirmed her return during an appearance on the “Hey Dude… The 90s Called” podcast, where she recalled the nostalgic feelings of revisiting a set reminiscent of her past on “Little House on the Prairie.” She expressed her excitement and anticipation for the collective experience of revisiting the town and her character’s connection to Wagner’s. Gilbert also hinted at the potential for further development in their characters’ romantic relationship, emphasizing the significance of portraying love at any age.
As both actors gear up to explore this evolving relationship in the upcoming season, audiences can look forward to a deeper exploration of romance within the narrative of “When Calls the Heart.” This storyline not only enhances character dynamics but also emphasizes the importance of representing love and relationships among people of all ages on television.