It’s that time of year. The time of year when our television stations are bombarded with Hallmark movies. I know, I know… Hallmark movies play all year long and their plots coincide with whatever the relevant holiday is. And I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of Hallmark movies. But, I understand why they do as well as they do. Believe me, I understand.
I’m a storyteller – mostly in hobby, but also to some extent in trade. I understand the formula of plot and what makes a compelling story. One of the great things about compelling stories is that they don’t have to be rife with unexpected twists and turns. On the contrary. A compelling story can be predictable. This is where Hallmark excels.
We all know the formula. You have your two main characters who meet – usually in some sort of meet-cute situation. Think: reaching for the same item in a store, being forced to share the same taxi in a rainstorm, one of them tripping and falling into the arms of the other. A variant of that last one actually happened to me, but sadly, did not result in a Hallmark movie-plot love story. Anyway… They both usually have their reasons for resisting the flutter of attraction at first sight – a potential promotion at work, family obligations, recent heartbreak. Eventually, they start to give in. They go on a few dates, they spend time together, their friends think they’re a match made in Heaven – maybe they even meet each others’ folks. Then, the inevitable misunderstanding occurs. This happens for a variety of reasons. One of them is very guarded and the other can’t quite step over the threshold of the other’s broken heart. One sees the other with someone else and jumps to conclusions. One has to leave town for an emergency and forgets to tell the other… Regardless of the reasons, there’s a misunderstanding, a miscommunication. And then, when all hope seems lost, things set themselves right and our two lovebirds live happily ever after. Or, at the very least, share a meaningful kiss and are assumed to be together for at least a while afterwards.
Take this plot and plop it into any major Western holiday – Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas – and you’ve got yourself a heartwarming Hallmark movie.
As I mentioned earlier, this plot is predictable. And Hallmark excels because of this predictability. Action-adventure stories with twists, turns, and excitement are wonderful, and even predictable in their own ways. But there is a comfort in the predictability of the Hallmark movie, a comfort in the everything is going to be okay happy ending. Knowing out of the gate that these fictional characters are going to get through their trials and misunderstandings doesn’t make the journey less enjoyable. Sometimes, it makes it more enjoyable because we know what’s coming. We know what to expect. We all need that comfort especially when we’re surrounded by the struggles and anxieties of the world around us.
“But I thought you didn’t like Hallmark movies!” I can hear you saying. You’re right; I did say that, and no, I’m not the biggest fan of them. This is because they remind me of things I want that are missing in my life. Plus, the one time I had a Hallmarkian (is that the proper term?) start to a relationship, I ended up being treated like an option rather than a priority. In truth, for me, Hallmark movies can be emotionally painful to watch. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate or understand the importance of Hallmark and Hallmark style storytelling. Quite the opposite actually. I’m glad it exists. It feels like a warm fuzzy blanket to so many people. Some of those people are good friends of mine. I’m beyond grateful that they have that comfort. And for that reason, I’m grateful Hallmark exists.
If you don’t enjoy Hallmark movies, that’s okay. Let those who do enjoy them do so without disdain or ridicule. They bring comfort and solace, maybe even catharsis to people in a hectic, often unkind world. That’s important.
If you do enjoy them, then I hope you curl up on the couch with a blanket and a big bowl of popcorn as often as you can. Enjoy them with reckless abandon. Even if you’ve seen the same one a thousand times before, the next time it’s on TV, watch it again.
And until next time: Stay safe, stay well, and keep on keeping on.
Jen
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