Ep 1. Lost and Found

When Calls the Heart is a highly-rated and popular American television drama series that explores life in the 19th century Canadian town of Coal Valley. The show's first episode, titled Lost and Found, introduces viewers to the series' central protagonist, Elizabeth Thatcher, a wealthy and privileged young woman from the city who has just been assigned her first teaching job in a rural community.

Elizabeth is sent to Coal Valley to teach the children of the local miners who have been orphaned by a recent mining disaster that claimed the lives of dozens of men. Initially, Elizabeth is apprehensive about her new role and struggles to adapt to life in the simple and rugged mining town, but she gradually begins to develop a newfound appreciation for the community and its people.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are introduced to a host of other colorful characters, including the town's tough yet compassionate coal miner, Jack Thornton, who Elizabeth initially clashes with but later falls in love with. They also meet Abigail Stanton, a widow whose husband was one of the miners killed in the disaster, and who is struggling to raise her children alone in a town that has been left devastated by the tragedy.

The episode's title, "Lost and Found," refers to the central story arc of the episode, which involves Elizabeth's discovery of a group of lost children who have been hiding out in the woods since their fathers died in the disaster. Elizabeth takes it upon herself to help the children, who are scared and traumatised, and to find their families and bring them back together.

Along the way, Elizabeth encounters several challenges, including resistance from some of the townspeople who blame the children for the disaster, and from the children themselves, who are scared and mistrustful of her. But, with the help of Jack and Abigail, Elizabeth is eventually able to earn the children's trust and reunite them with their families.

Overall, the first episode of When Calls the Heart does an excellent job of setting up the series' central themes and characters and establishing the show's overall tone and style. The episode is heartfelt and emotional, with a strong focus on family, community, and resilience in the face of adversity. If you're looking for a new drama series that will tug at your heartstrings and transport you back to a simpler time, When Calls the Heart should definitely be on your watchlist.