They need to introduce


Characters beyond the family. Not as main characters, but as side or tertiary characters so we can get to know the town beyond the family. I'm struggling to care about this show, I really want to like it. I think if they can give the characters other people to interact with outside the family, we'd see different sides of them. It doesn't have to be any big storyline, but give Abby a friend, or some shopkeeper who everyone knows at the town bakery or something. 1. It would help us see the characters beyond their family roles, which is limiting and can grow old. 2. I think "bonding" with the town helps people invest in the show. I feel like we only ever see the shoreline and their front yard. It's beautiful, but I like to feel like this is a family with roots somewhere. Abby grew up there, but knows nobody else, or hangs out anywhere other than their house. Seriously, they are only ever at that house.

Finally, while I'm all about taking time to grow a romance, they're taking way too much time. Never thought I'd say this, because I almost didn't watch because of him, but Jesse is pretty good and one of the best characters. They need to give him something more to do. They also need to give more teasing in the romance. I actually do think they have chemistry, but it's being ruined by Abby's no-nonsense, straightforward practicality. They need to have her loosen up around him, let him be the one who brings out a different side, but I'm not seeing that. I'd like to feel like they are really drawn to each other, but are fighting it for whatever reason -bad timing, bad memories. The whole relationship is too matter of fact and boring. No tension or real obstacles to overcome.

I thought this would be more focused on the romance, and while I'm glad the family is there as a secondary storyline, it feels more like the primary. They need to get back to the romance.

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I agree with everything you said. In the first episode or two, they showed the friendship with the diner owner. I'd love to see more old timey relationships like that.

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The series includes 13 books and it involves a lot more than just romance. There is just as much family dynamics and relationship building outside the 'couples'. I do envision more of the 'towns' people being introduced in the next season/future episodes. I read the first book in the series when it came out 7 years ago. I intend to re-read the series before the next season as just a refresher. I love both the books and the show.

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