Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From Paris with Love

Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies have yet to disappoint me. Another great addition to the series. Love how the relationships progress in a believable fashion. Last porch swing scene is one of my favorite scenes of the series. Added bonus...Kevin McGarry of WCTH plays a prominent part in this ep.

Love this SSD series so much. This was my favorite movie. First time seeing Kevin McGarry and loved his performance. Glad Hallmark made him a leading man. He's great.

Another great installment of the series. These movies have humor, love and a little bit of mystery.

I was looking forward to this episode in the Signed Sealed Delivered series as soon as I read the title, "From Paris With Love" ... at last Oliver will have to deal with his estranged wife and their future together... or not!

I was right, but I was so wrong.

There are three stories in this movie, not only does Oliver (Eric Mabius) have to choose his future but his and his wife Holly's outcome affects Shane (Kristin Booth) in a way that she had perfidiously told herself wasn't real; so she has to face up to the truth of her feelings. Them there's the story of a husband and wife going through tough times and whose marriage was on the rocks. Could trouble be waiting around the corner when The Postables deliver the divorce papers he signed years earlier?

There's quite a bit to be resolved in this episode and though the creator Martha Williamson wrote the story with Brandi Harkonen (both have strong stories in the TV series, and Williamson's were always the best of the bunch) this film feels as flat as Lassie - run over by a Steamroller. I even found one of the characters rather irksome. Holly O'Toole (played by Poppy Montgomery) is a very two-dimensional character when compared to all the others in the cast. Though I am uncertain if this is the writers' or director's fault or their vision of the character or that Montgomery couldn't portray the character correctly.

Then there's the plainly obvious fact that there's NO chemistry between Holly and Oliver. This is as shame as it would have added an interesting dynamic to the story.

I wouldn't believe it could have been either the writers' fault or the director's because of the strength of previous stories, however, the story of the husband and wife isn't as deep or as strong as it should have been. We, the audience, should have felt for them as we have felt for previous dead letter receivers. Except for this time, instead of this being the main story it actually feels more like an aside, it's told and resolved so fast that no drama or tension is created. This in itself is highly unusual for the series.

So with just these three problems the usually happy and warm atmosphere is quite diminished and verges on nonexistent. Thank god for Rita (Crystal Lowe) and Norman (Geoff Gustafson) as they keep this atmosphere ticking over. Poor Norman may have an opponent in the affections for Rita, in the shape and sound of heavily accented Ramon Rodriguez (joyously portrayed by Zak Santiago who keeps the character teetering on the edge of over-the-top).

So I will hope that this movie is the exception to the rule and hope and pray that the next instalment will have me smiling with joy, through the tears.

If you've watched the other episodes then give this a watch to tie-up loose ends. Though if you've not watched any then I'd stay clear of this one until you've caught up. It's not really a stand-alone episode, and not reflective of how good the series is.

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.