La lettre de Holly

I am watching Signed, Sealed, Delivered, From Paris With Love, during a 2 day Marathon on Hallmark. I have seen it several times, but it is one of my favorites. Some have said there is no chemistry between Holly and Oliver, but I think that's the way the writers intended it. During their living together it's brought up several times how totally opposite they were. If Oliver was not a religious man, I'm sure he would have gotten a divorce. Also I just love the choice of music in all the SSD movies. Very beautiful, orchestra & always just the right song for the moment.

I don't know, but after watching this particular episode in the SSD series Mrs. Shullivan and I thought it was okay but not as well written as other episodes. First of all, this episode does not take place in Paris as the title would have you believe. The gist is that Oliver's estranged wife Holly (Poppy Montgomery) who was last heard of living the bohemian lifestyle in Paris France decides to come home to "visit" with Oliver but not to live with him. Duhhhh????

In the meantime while in the process of doing his job by delivering lost letters Oliver and Shane's latest assignment has them having to deliver two year old divorce papers to a woman who seems to be very happily still married to her husband who sent the (lost) letter.

At the same time a lost letter that Oliver himself had put in the mail some time ago on a very rainy evening which he addressed to his wife in Paris, France had made it back to the Lost Letter department and with Shane's coaxing Rita opened the letter and the two women read parts of the letter and put it aside when Oliver and Norman came back in the office which leads to a couple of compromising positions.

This was a convoluted story which has lots of romantic sizzle but no steak. I could only rate it a 5 out of 10 IMDB rating.

There is something about this particular combination of actors and writers that I find to be very universal. There is almost a Jane Austen quality to the story, and a deep authenticity in the dialogue and acting that is extremely rare. I have come to rely on Hallmark Network for family entertainment that minimizes violence and focuses on character development. For me, this particular series brings that family entertainment to a new level. The evolving stories of the characters and their emotional bravery in building love with each other despite their vulnerabilities and hurt in the past rings with authenticity. I know because I can't help watch this show without at least once breaking into tears. Even when I know what's coming. All I can say is - thank you. Please ignore the reviewers who must categorize everything into meaninglessness and who tell you this is just like show X with character Y and plot Z. This is unique and should be celebrated for it's uniqueness. I particularly find the female characters to be beautifully conceived - so strong, yet so open to feeling. A true gift.

8.2 stars.

This is one of those Hallmark film series where they definitely have invested a lot of time and funds into making it high quality entertainment. It would seem they've allocated some of the best writing and production to the 'Signed, Sealed Delivered' franchise.

There is a lot of romantic tension between the four characters. Oliver's wife is back from Paris, we get to meet her for the first time, it's a thrilling revelation to watch him come out of his shell a little, and at the same time, watching his character's metamorphosis. In this movie, a few leaps of faith are taken and rewards are doled out. The dead letter aspect of the narrative is also quite endearing. This episode is one of the best so far, if not THE best. The dialogue is engaging and it's entertaining start to finish.

I don't understand myself and I make myself sick. I actually got into this.

These Hallmark movies are harmless. In particular these Signed, Sealed, and Delivered ones are on the slow side because they're not really about murder. I enjoyed it. At this point I'll do anything to get away from the news.

I really like the characters and the stories are very sweet.

There's a place for all forms of entertainment - this is a delightful series.