Finding Mr. Christmas Episode 8 gives us our first Mr. Christmas, and though it’s not a surprise to see Ezra, who has come from behind to steal everyone’s hearts, particularly in the last three episodes, come away with the win, it is an emotional moment when his name is announced. But it’s not just an emotional moment for Ezra, we might even say it’s an emotional moment for Hallmark, and for the people who conceived of this show.
Because if we can say something about the first season of Finding Mr. Christmas it’s that it’s been an unquestioned success. The casting was A+, the vibes were immaculate, the camaraderie was real and believable and the guys exuded that Hallmark spirit at every second. Hopefully, this will now become a yearly event. Maybe we will even get a female version, though I’m not sure it will work as well. But who am I to judge Hallmark at this point? Consider me a convert. Whatever Hallmark wants to give me, I’m buying. And that includes Ezra. When is his movie premiering again?
MORE: Check out our interview with Jonathan Bennett and the cast of Finding Mr. Christmas.
EZRA
They said it a few times in Finding Mr. Christmas Episode 8, and it was true—it didn’t seem like Ezra was a frontrunner early in the season. For a while there, it truly felt like he was holding something back. And it was hard to blame him, either. Sure, this is a Hallmark competition and the whole point was to be vulnerable and open, but that’s easier said than done. The most “open” people you know are probably people who aren’t actually all that open. Vulnerability is a choice. And it’s a really hard one to make.
But at some point, Ezra realized vulnerability wasn’t just a choice he had to make for the competition, it was one he had to make for himself. That being open would allow him to be a better actor, but that he was in a place where he was safe to do so, with people who would have his back. And though that kinda included all of us watching at home, which is harder to control, if there’s one thing that can be said about the Hallmark audience, is that it is a family of sorts. It will have your back.
So yes, in a way, it feels like Elijah or Hayden had a more complete journey to the finale. They would have been great and deserving winners. On the other hand, after watching the magic in that final scene he filmed and just how nice of a guy Ezra is, it’s hard to argue against him, isn’t it?
MORE: Check out our review of the Hallmark movie Sugarplummed!
ELIJAH AND HAYDEN
We, however, cannot close out Finding Mr. Christmas without saying something about Elijah and Hayden, because they too made this journey absolutely worth it. Elijah was infectious enthusiasm from the get-go, and he always seemed to have an answer for every challenge. But as Jonathan said in this episode, he went at everything with no ego and instead was just open and giving. If that doesn’t make for a Hallmark leading man, then what does?
Then there’s Hayden, who feels like he has the best instincts out of all the men in this competition. From his first challenge to his last, Hayden just knew what little things to add to elevate his performance, and he was such a genuinely good guy who always wore his heart on his sleeve. And of course, we realize what the price for this show was, but can we give the rest of the guys secondary roles in a Hallmark movie? That doesn’t feel like a cop-out. We’re not talking about leading roles! Just like someone’s best friend! As a trial run, maybe?
Either way, Finding Mr. Christmas was a success because it found us not just one leading man—but multiple, and because it ended up showcasing male friendship in a wholesome way, which is pretty on brand for Hallmark. Now, the only sad part is we have to wait until next Christmas for another season. Because we’re getting another season, right? Right?
The first season of Finding Mr. Christmas is available to stream on Hallmark+.
Our Finding Mr. Christmas reviews:
