Hallmark
The Way Home Recap Season 4 Episode 3 – We Have a Theory About Fern and Tessa
Kat and Alice had unfinished business in the 20s and the 70s, though, in true The Way Home fashion, it helped fans inch closer to the truth, while unlocking many new mysteries in the process.
On The Way Home Season 4 Episode 3, titled “Dust in the Wind,” the string that we continue to pull at, and that begins to unravel, is the mystery surrounding Tessa’s disappearance. Where did she end up? Who did she go with? Why did she leave? These are all answers we have only managed to drum up hypothetical answers to, which is frustrating, and we begin to understand why Elliott simply wants to know less about his biological mom at this point.
Was Tessa Augustine/Cooper a Time Traveler?
What Elliott is seemingly learning about his mother is far worse than the stories he’d tell himself to explain why she left him. At least, for now, with the limited pieces of information they’ve gotten and the jumbled way they are coming in.
Elliott’s bracing for the worst, as all signs point to Tessa jumping for love to live in a different timeline, and abandoning him with a father she didn’t ever believe was fit enough to be a parent. Heck, she didn’t even leave him in a place that guaranteed he’d be found.
Yet, plenty is pointing at Tessa also being a time traveler, and one who has crafted a life for herself in two very different eras. So, figuring out her story is much more complicated—she’s not the person operating in black and white; she exists in the gray areas.
Alice meets Tessa in 1978, as she works as a waitress at Coyle’s, who also steals from the till and shushes Alice to keep her secret. It’s weird, but the episode doesn’t fully get into it, so we’ll keep it in our back pocket for a later time.
This time, Tessa is no longer just a tourist passing through, and while she and Alice don’t exchange much, there’s a lot unsaid between them and a sense of familiarity, almost as if Tessa knows who Alice is. She even comments that she knows a wayward soul when she sees one, hinting at knowledge of time travel.
We also get our first glimpse at Griffin, who is seemingly also a pond time traveler. At this point, anyone who disappears for longer periods of time and becomes untraceable must be utilizing it. Not to mention, he clocked Alice heading in the direction of the pond during his brief visit to the Landry farm and seemingly knew what she was doing.
In the present, Del reveals she always assumed Tessa and Griffin had an affair and left together, though she’s never thought to mention it because she has no proof of it. Since we’re seeing them both in the same timeline, there has to be a deeper connection here.
Betrayal hits Elliot hard, especially from Del, as he points out that she, of all people, knows what secrets can do to a family. It’s a little unfair for Elliott to take it out on Del, but he’s going through a tough time and needs someone to blame, which just so happens to be the person who has always been on his side.
All this talk of Tessa and what happened to her reaches Vic, who blows back into town after his honeymoon to confront Del before making amends with her and Elliott. I’m now very suspicious of who Vic’s wife is. Is there a reason we haven’t met her yet? Why is she an off-screen character? Why wouldn’t he bring her to meet his son after the wedding?
Everyone Is Moving on Without Alice
Alice is more focused on how rapidly everything in her life is changing. In 1978, much like teen Kat and Elliott back in the 90s, Evelyn, Cole and Del are growing up without her. When she jumps back into the pond mere moments after meeting Griffin in 1976, she returns again, only for the timeline to jump two years. The realization that Evelyn has given birth to Louis and she’s missed this entire chapter of her life, unintentionally and through no fault of her own, despite promising to be there for her, is heartbreaking.
Evelyn isn’t one to hold grudges, but Alice feels the finality of their hang, fully knowing that she won’t ever be able to return and visit Evelyn and Louis again, as she can no longer explain not aging and the long periods between her returns. She can’t risk it, so she can’t be a part of their lives moving forward.
This moment serves as her final goodbye with Evelyn and Cole, and yep, I’m getting emotional. I’ve never been good at goodbyes.
The good news is that, in the present, she has finally found her tribe with Noah and Max, though everything is bound to change once Noah reveals his plans to open up a restaurant five hours away from Port Haven, which actually brings Max and Alice closer together.
At one point, he pushes her into the pond; thankfully, she doesnt time travel, but they nearly kiss, which may be the first moment that they’ve both realized there’s something there. Is the prophecy fulfilling itself? Whatever is meant to happen will happen, even if Casey isn’t their future child, though I kind of think they are.
Kat’s Speakeasy Experience Isn’t All That
Meanwhile, Kat tries to take a break from pond jumping, but honestly, her work isn’t finished yet, and Elliott is foolish to think she will rest without getting any answers. He may not want them, but Kat knows their puzzle is incomplete, and Tessa cannot be judged until they know the full story.
So while he presses his dad, Kat jumps again and ends up back in the 20s with Fern, at another prohibition-era party at a speakeasy.
But overhearing something concerning about “ending him” from the Augustine boys makes Kat uneasy. She’s not sure who they are referring to, but since they’ve worked with or for Grayson Goodwin in the past, she warns Fern about their intentions, just as Kane arrives to warn them of an upcoming raid. Fern doesn’t heed the warning, however, returning to give the crowd a grand finale, but the main reason seems to be so she can spike Kat’s drink.
Kat falls unconscious just as Temperance officer Kane raids the party, waking up behind bars, confused and betrayed. Is their trust too broken to be fixed?
I’d like to think Fern had her reasons, though I can’t fully figure them out just yet. Why would she do that to her own blood? How would this benefit her? Is she working for someone who knows about time travel?
Could the person be Tessa? Fern mentioned something along the lines of “it can’t be you, you’re a woman,” so maybe she’s waiting for Elliott?
Is Fern Connected to the Future?
There’s also undeniable proof that Fern has connections to the future.
First, Kat confronted Fern about knowing Tessa after seeing the two wear the same bracelet, so either she’s lying about now knowing a Tessa (which I think is the case) or the moment hasn’t happened yet. There’s also the fact that Fern performed a rendition of “Tainted Love,” a song recorded in 1964, way in the future, meaning she’d have to hear about it from someone in the ’60s, like Tessa, who possibly time-jumped with Griffin?
As for who the boss was and who the Augustine boys wanted to take out, it’s unclear, but Kat pieced together that Grayson Goodwin had a gun from photos found in a history book, later discovering the bullet shell that Alice picked up in the mines at Lingermore.
Is it possible that Griffin and Tessa were in the ’20s and got caught up in the violence?
Fern and Tessa Are Working Together… A Working Theory
All this leads me to my working theory… I’m starting to consider that Tessa meant to come back for Elliott, but something simply went wrong in one of the timelines. Maybe she’s stuck there? Maybe Griffin is the one who gets shot, and she can’t get back via the pond without a time traveler from the Landry bloodline. Fern can’t take her because the pond doesn’t allow anyone to travel to the future, so it would make sense as to why Fern drugged and had Kat locked up.
What do you think about the theory?
Elliott’s Heart-to-Heart With Vic
In the present, Elliott’s heart-to-heart with Vic may have finally allowed them to make some amends. It showed a softer side to the man who has endured his fair share of heartbreak and pain, likely forcing him to become cold-hearted and closed-off to everyone around him. He never intended to be a terrible father, but being abandoned by the love of ur life while you’re on a job can do that to you.
However, it also underscored that his father truly believed Tessa loved Elliott, so the reasons she chose to walk away from them are unclear even to him. Maybe it wasn’t willingly after all.
Vic is convinced she died after receiving a letter that her time is coming to an end, and though it included the family ring, it could have been from anyone, and honestly proves nothing. Also, someone sending letters?! He may want to compare the handwriting against the notes Del is getting.
Elsewhere in the episode, Elliott gets one more hint at his mother’s love when the clock only chimes at 11:11, as Vic tells him the specific time meant a lot to his mom. The clock clearly has to be some kind of message.
Kat Presses Pause on Her Future With Elliott
Elliott also tells Kat about his desire to have kids with her, which, frankly, takes her by surprise a bit, considering she’s sending her daughter off to college, but seeing how much it means to Elliott, she asks him if they can table the conversation rather than just flat out saying no. Could this be the thing that breaks Kat and Elliott for good?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Hallmark
‘Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story’ Celebrates More Than Romance—It’s a Love Letter to Chicago and Its Beloved Football Team
One thing is especially clear this holiday season: The Hallmark Channel loves Chicago.
First, there was A Knight to Remember, which was set in the Windy City. But while Chicago provided the backdrop for that romance, it didn’t become a character in its own right quite like it does in Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.
This year’s installment of Hallmark’s annual Holiday Touchdown franchise is all about the Chicago Bears, celebrating the team, the resilient spirit and most importantly, the lifelong fans.
It also put a huge spotlight on what makes the city distinctly Chicago, especially around Christmas, when we really get to shine.
There’s plenty of fun local Easter eggs, and while I don’t recall a single mention of deep-dish pizza, they did serve Italian Beef at the family get-together, and Malört got its well-deserved moment. It’s a rite of passage!
Bears fans will also appreciate all the cameos from newcomers and legends alike, including Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Mike Singletary. Stranger Things‘ breakout star Jake Connelly, who played Derick in season 5 and is a local hailing from Arlington Heights, also makes a brief appearance, as do a few Hallmark favorites, Tamera Mowry-Housley and Marilu Henner.
It also serves as a beautiful tribute to one of the most legendary figures in Chicago sports history, Mike Ditka, affectionately known as “Da Coach,” who led the Bears to their historic Super Bowl XX victory in January 1986. The tribute takes on even greater significance now, following his death on Oct. 9 at age 86, just days before the film’s premiere.
The rom-com follows Avery (Lyndsy Fonseca), a New York-based reporter who doesn’t like staying in one place for too long. But when she arrives in Chicago to visit her mother, Jody (One Tree Hill’s Barbara Alyn Woods), and get to know her new husband, Ron, whom she married after a whirlwind romance, Avery finds some much-needed perspective in the most unexpected place.
Avery has absolutely no interest in sports, making that clear when a handsome stranger at a bar approaches her with an enthusiastic “Go Bears!” mentality. Her response? She’s strictly Switzerland when it comes to football.
But even Avery can’t resist getting swept up in the magic of Chicago’s passionate fandom, especially when she takes on a freelance assignment profiling Darlene (Marsha Mason), an octogenarian Bears superfan preparing to attend her 500th Chicago Bears game.
On the surface, the two women couldn’t be more different. Avery seems like an odd choice for the piece, as she couldn’t care less about football, while Darlene’s life has largely revolved around the Bears.
But what Avery doesn’t realize is that this seemingly random assignment—and the woman at the heart of it—might be exactly what she needs to stop running, get off the sidelines, and start living her own life.
The assignment comes at the request of Darlene’s grandson, and anyone who’s ever watched a Hallmark movie can probably guess where this is going and how it’s going to end up.
The grandson turns out to be Matt, the very same Bears-loving guy Avery met at the bar. Oh, and he’s also a Chicago firefighter, played by One Tree Hill alum Robert Buckley, so we’re definitely not complaining. (Say thank you, Hallmark!)
Avery writes an article profiling a woman attending her 500th Bears game who only agrees to the story if her grandson serves as Avery’s ambassador to Chicago for the holidays. Photo: Robert Buckley Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Elizabeth Sisson
Darlene agrees to the profile on the condition that Matt serves as Avery’s personal Chicago ambassador, showing her around the city and giving her all the family insight she needs for her story. After all, Darlene is a very busy woman. And, as it turns out, something of a matchmaking wizard.
Not that Avery and Matt really need it. Their pull toward each other is organic, though they both benefit from the little nudges to actually take things to the next level.
What makes Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story especially charming is that their blossoming romance almost feels like a secondary storyline, as there’s so much more happening beneath the surface.
Darlene, for one, is an absolute spitfire, and her love for the Bears is about far more than football.
Her own love story began at a Chicago Bears game in 1971, where she met Bernie, the man who would become her husband. Sadly, Bernie didn’t live to see her reach her 500th game.
But his memory remains a driving force behind the milestone, especially after Darlene’s breast cancer diagnosis. Reaching that 500th game isn’t simply a testament to decades of dedication to her favorite team; it’s also a celebration of survival, resilience, and the promise she made to keep going.
Of course, the Bears and Chicago are just as central to the story as Avery, Matt and Darlene, even if some of the local references feel a little on the nose.
Yes, we love our Christkindlmarket. And yes, cornhole (or bags) is a Midwestern staple, but I’ve never seen anyone get passionate about an annual cornhole tournament at the Christmas market. In fact, in all my years of visiting, I don’t think I’ve ever even seen anyone playing bags there. It’s usually way too cold for that!
Still, I had to chuckle at the suggestion that cornhole is practically the Midwest’s official sport.
I’m also not from a sports-obsessed family, so while I know Chicago fans live and breathe for their teams, I can’t say whether people really shout “Go Bears!” at random holiday gatherings or wear their Bears gear on Christmas morning (though I did really love Avery’s Bears jacket). If you do, please feel free to correct me!
Avery writes an article profiling a woman attending her 500th Bears game who only agrees to the story if her grandson serves as Avery’s ambassador to Chicago for the holidays. Photo: Lyndsy Fonseca Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Elizabeth Sisson
But I understand the sentiment that the film is trying to drive home—Chicago’s relationship with its teams is less about what happens on the field (mostly), and more about community, loyalty, and a shared purpose and love that brings together—and bonds—generations.
I also appreciated the city setting. While so many holiday rom-coms unfold in picturesque small towns, it was refreshing to see a major city receive that same kind of treatment, allowing me to romanticize Chicago for a moment, even if life here isn’t always as simple as it is in those fictional holiday villages.
The movie even earns a few points for acknowledging one of Chicago’s less magical realities: downtown traffic.
When Darlene needs to make it to her milestone game, the script recognizes that getting across the city without an assist from the Chicago Fire Department is nearly impossible. She would have never made it to Soldier Field on time.
The film also brings home the resilience and pride of Chicago. As Darlene mentioned, Chicagoans keep going when things get difficult; we stand by our people, and we don’t count ourselves out when there’s still time left on the clock.
That spirit runs through Darlene’s journey, starting in 1971, and eventually to Avery’s realization that she can put down roots without giving up the career she’s worked hard to build.
On the surface, Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story is a sweet Christmas romance about two people who fall in love and find themselves reconsidering what they want out of life, but it’s also a love letter to Chicago and the beloved Bears, whose fans remain loyal through the highs and lows, the victories and the defeats.
Avery writes an article profiling a woman attending her 500th Bears game who only agrees to the story if her grandson serves as Avery’s ambassador to Chicago for the holidays. Photo: Lyndsy Fonseca Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Elizabeth Sisson
And by the end, Avery found something she didn’t even know she was looking for—a home in sweet home Chicago.
She’s no longer content sitting on the sidelines of her own life, as she accepts a job that allows her to stick around and build a future with Matt, along with new traditions with her mom and Ron.
She falls in love with Chicago, the game, the passion and the people, which is something any Chicagoan can understand, despite the freezing temperatures, unpredictable traffic, and occasionally heartbreaking football seasons.
Hallmark
5 Real-Life Chicago Spots to Visit Featured in Hallmark’s New Christmas Movie ‘Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story’
Spending the holidays in Chicago is nothing short of magical, even if the temperatures dip well below freezing and you quickly realize that a cute little winter jacket just won’t cut it. But as Hallmark’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story proves, there’s plenty to love about the Windy City during the most wonderful time of the year.
The film, starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Robert Buckley, premiered October 17, and Chicago is practically a character of its own, with the city’s beloved landmarks and holiday traditions getting just as much attention as the Chicago Bears.
And as Chicagoans, we couldn’t be prouder! The movie shines a spotlight on some of the city’s most festive experiences, offering plenty of inspiration for places to check out once the first snow falls, the holiday decorations go up, and you’re craving a cup of hot cocoa (or Glühwein!) to warm you up.
From ice skating with skyline views to cheering on the Bears at Soldier Field, here are five Chicago experiences to add to your holiday bucket list.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
There’s something magical about ice skating in the heart of downtown Chicago, especially when you’re surrounded by the city’s stunning skyline. (It really is the perfect view.)
Unlike a traditional skating rink, the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon winds through the park, giving visitors a chance to glide along a winding path while taking in the winter scenery.
It’s a favorite holiday activity for locals and tourists alike, and whether you’re a seasoned skater or just trying to stay upright, it’s a fun way to embrace Chicago’s chilly winter weather.
Christkindlmarket
No Chicago holiday season is complete without a visit to Christkindlmarket, the city’s beloved German-inspired Christmas market.
With its charming wooden stalls, twinkling lights and festive decorations, the market brings a little European holiday magic to the Windy City.
Visitors can browse handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts while indulging in everything from bratwurst and pretzels to roasted nuts and sweet treats.
And, of course, there’s the famous Glühwein, a warm spiced wine traditionally served in collectible holiday mugs.
The downtown market returns to Daley Plaza on November 20, making it the perfect stop for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit. There are also locations in Aurora and Wrigleyville.
Soldier Field to Catch a Home Game
You can’t have a Chicago Bears love story without Soldier Field!
The iconic stadium plays a major role in the Hallmark movie, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s football culture than cheering on the Bears alongside thousands of passionate fans.
Located along Lake Michigan, Soldier Field offers an unforgettable game-day atmosphere, complete with tailgating, team traditions and plenty of Chicago pride.
Just remember to bundle up if you’re catching a late-season game. Those lakefront winds are no joke and will have you regretting the decision not to wear layers—the Chicago way!
Santa Claus Sleigh Ride Cruise
For a different perspective on Chicago’s holiday magic, why not take the festivities onto the water?
The movie features a scenic cruise aboard the historic Fred A. Busse Chicago Fireboat, showcasing the city from a completely different angle.
A Santa-themed holiday cruise is another festive way to experience Chicago’s waterways, combining seasonal cheer with beautiful views of the skyline.
It’s an especially fun option for families looking to add something a little different to their holiday celebrations, though sailing schedules and seasonal availability should be checked before booking.
Another option is to simply walk along the Riverwalk and warm up at the restaurants along the way.
Irish Nobleman
If you’re looking for a cozy place to warm up after a day of exploring Chicago, the Irish Nobleman is worth adding to your list—it’s where Avery’s mom and stepfather work in the film and was filmed there!
The neighborhood Irish pub (W. Erie St., in West Town) offers a welcoming atmosphere, hearty food and a laid-back setting that’s perfect for escaping the winter chill.
Whether you’re stopping in for a drink, grabbing a bite with friends, or simply looking for a festive neighborhood hangout, it’s a great reminder that some of Chicago’s most memorable experiences happen away from the major tourist attractions.
Hallmark
When Will ‘Mistletoe Murders’ Stream on Netflix? Everything We Know About the Hallmark Holiday Whodunit’s New Streaming Home
A rewatch of Mistletoe Murders before the third season premieres is a must.
But fans who don’t have the Hallmark Channel are about to get a new way to watch the first few seasons.
The Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney-led show just got a new streaming home on Netflix!
Here’s everything we know!
When Will Mistletoe Murders Stream on Netflix?
Mistletoe Murders is following in the footsteps of The Way Home and coming to Netflix.
The streaming deal proved to be extremely promising for the small-time time-traveling show, introducing it to a wider audience that fell in love with the characters and storyline. Hallmark hopes history repeats itself with the holiday whodunit.
Just days before the third season premieres on the Hallmark Channel, Mistletoe Murders’ first two seasons will be calling Netflix home starting Nov. 1, 2026.
Both seasons have a total of 6 episodes each, meaning you’ll be able to watch all 12!
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What Is Mistletoe Murders About?
Per the Hallmark Channel’s synopsis, “Emily Lane is a good-natured Christmas shop owner with a secret past. When local murders begin to pop up in Fletcher’s Grove, Emily can’t help but to use her unique talents from her past life to help solve murders that affect people in her new life. She crosses paths with Detective Sam Wilner who she starts to make a connection with, until he comes to learn there is more to Emily than meets the eye.”
When Does Mistletoe Murders Season 3 Premiere?
Season 3 of Mistletoe Murders premieres on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel.
The new season will pick up following the explosive cliffhanger of season 2, which brings Emily’s hacker ex, Aaron (played by Aaron Ashmore), into the fold. Additionally, Good Witch fans will be happy to see Catherine Bell arriving in Fletcher’s Grove as a “mysterious and less-than-sweet character,” who appears in the first two episodes.
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