Lori Loughlin is back on Hallmark, and she sounds genuinely glad to be there. The actress has returned to her role as Jennifer Shannon in Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes the Stage, which hits the network tonight. It is her 17th film in the franchise, and she tells Decider that coming back felt like a homecoming.
The new movie centers on a murder at Jennifer’s true-crime book club, where members are reenacting the infamous Borden killings. Loughlin says she was not that familiar with the case before filming, though she knew the rhyme about Lizzie Borden.
The Borden Case She Knew As A Child
“I was familiar with that, but I didn’t know a lot about the story,” Loughlin says. “So even I’m surprised to [learn about the] jewelry and things that I didn’t know, facts that I didn’t know at all that make you do pause and go, ‘Hmm,’ you know?”
She adds that the case remains open-ended for her character. “There are so many arguments on both sides to make a valid case,” she says.
A Netflix Coincidence
The release comes at a strange time. Ryan Murphy’s Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story premiered on Netflix this week, and Loughlin says the timing was a coincidence.
“Oh my goodness, that was a fluke!” she says. “We had no idea. But that’s exciting. I love all of Ryan Murphy’s stuff. I love Ryan and I think he’s a really nice man, too.”
Why The Borden Case Endures
Loughlin thinks the case’s enduring appeal comes down to its ambiguity. “It is a case where you can argue both sides,” she says. “It’s interesting that she wasn’t found guilty. People are still trying to figure out what really did go on, what really did happen. And if she did it, what was her motive?”
She quotes her character’s line directly: “You can’t figure it out.” It is perplexing.
The Longevity Of Garage Sale Mysteries
Loughlin credits the franchise’s staying power to a simple formula. “They’re not too scary. The whole family can watch it,” she says.
She also points to the characters themselves. “I think the characters we’ve created and their relationships are fun to watch,” she says. “I think they’re a group of people that the audience tunes in to hang out with.”
She describes the dynamic between Jennifer and Detective Frank Lynwood, played by Kevin O’Grady. “She’s always getting in the way, and she’s kind of always stepping on his toes and driving him a little crazy,” she says. “But then he also appreciates that she does have good detective skills, and so he kind of also relies on her.”
She also praises the marriage between Jennifer and Jason, played by Steve Bacic. “It’s not a perfect marriage, but you can tell that this couple is meant to be and destined to be together,” she says.
Reuniting With Old Co-Stars
The cast reunited for the shoot, and Loughlin says the chemistry held. “It felt really natural,” she says. “We had directors in the past that we used multiple times, but this time we hired this phenomenal woman, her name is Paula Elle. She brought such enthusiasm, and that kind of enthusiasm really also can permeate through the cast and the crew.”
She described the reunion with Sarah Strange, who has been with the franchise since the first movie, as heartwarming. “It was so beautiful, like just so heartwarming and beautiful,” she says.
A Second Hallmark Role
Loughlin is also reprising her role as Abigail Stanton on When Calls the Heart. The actress spoke to Decider just days before the network’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas lineup was announced.
She is also starring opposite Tom Cavanagh in their upcoming Christmas film, What If Christmas.
What Fans Can Expect
The movie airs tonight, and Loughlin hopes viewers enjoy the return. “I think all the characters together, along with some creative mystery plot line, have made for a a good show,” she says.
- The 17th Garage Sale Mysteries film
- A murder at a true-crime book club
- Loughlin’s first return to the role since 2013
- The Netflix Monster release came out this week
- A reunion with Sarah Strange and Kevin O’Grady
- Loughlin’s second Hallmark role as Abigail Stanton
Fans who have followed Loughlin across both franchises will likely find plenty to enjoy. The actress clearly cares about the work, and her warmth toward old co-stars is evident throughout the interview.
The Borden case may remain unsolved on screen, but Loughlin’s own feelings about the franchise are clear. She loves it, and she is happy to be back.
Source material: “Lori Loughlin Opens Up About Her Return To Hallmark’s ‘Garage Sale Mysteries’ and Teases Her New ‘When Calls The Heart’ Arc,” Decider.
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