Alison Sweeney returns in a brand new Hannah Swensen Mystery, where she takes on the role of a professor for the first time. In a special sneak peek of "One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery" on We, fans can catch a glimpse of Hannah (played by Sweeney) engaging with her students and cleverly referencing the books that began the series.
"We really enjoy being in your class, Hannah. The yummy treats you make are always a highlight, and it's a bonus that there's no homework," Willa (Matreya Scarrwener) shares in the video, poking fun at how serious her classmates look in the library.
Perry (Sebastian Greaves), Willa's brother who is not part of Hannah's baking class, joins in and jokes, "I've heard all about your class. Who knew my little sister had such talent in the kitchen?"
Alison Sweeney Drops Hannah Swensen Easter Egg in Hallmark s One Bad Apple Sneak Peek
Alison Sweeney. Hallmark Media/David Astorga
Willa is completely focused on talking about Hannah and her English professor, Bradford Ramsay (Oliver Rice), who came up with the idea of merging their classes to bake something inspired by a classic novel.
Hannah shares that many great authors have used cooking or baking as a symbolic representation in their works.
A second student is inspired by the idea and exclaims, "There are so many mysteries all centered around desserts!" Pam (Chezca Vega) mentions Joanne Fluke's books, saying, "The recipes can be found in the novel."
Excitedly, Willa responds, "A mystery novel about desserts? That sounds like a lot of fun," once again showing her love for the Hannah Swensen series.
Perry prefers math equations over novels and baking, while Hannah argues that baking also involves science. She explains that having the wrong ratio of wet to dry ingredients can result in a disaster in the kitchen.
Sweeney, the scriptwriter for One Bad Apple, shared details about her creative process before the movie's premiere on Friday, April 5, in an exclusive interview with Us.
Alison Sweeney Drops Hannah Swensen Easter Egg in Hallmark s One Bad Apple Sneak Peek
Matreya Scarrwener. Hallmark Media/David Astorga
Writing a script is a whole different ball game, she told Us. Despite enjoying the process, she admitted feeling nervous about passing it on to others.
As an actor, Sweeney explained that she crafted the script with her co-stars in mind. She wanted to provide a foundation for them to showcase their talents and shine on screen. The goal was to set the stage for their funny moments to come to life.
Alison Sweeney Drops Hannah Swensen Easter Egg in Hallmark s One Bad Apple Sneak Peek
Oliver Rice, Alison Sweeney. Hallmark Media/David Astorga
In the movie, Hannah is asked by Professor Bradford to help solve a murder case at the college where she teaches. Along the way, she meets a new prosecuting attorney named Chad Norton (played by Victor Webster) and must determine if one of her students is involved in the crime.
Sweeney mentioned that although previous movies focused on her bakery, there is a chance for Hannah to return to college in future films.
"I believe she really enjoyed it. Teaching seemed to bring her joy, and I felt the same way. It was a refreshing change of pace to see her doing something different," the actress shared about the experience. "Although I don't think she will immediately return to teaching after facing challenges, I am confident she will do it again. It was a truly enjoyable experience."
One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery will debut on Hallmark Mystery on Friday, April 5, at 9 p.m. ET.
Editor's P/S:
The latest installment in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series, "One Bad Apple," brings a refreshing twist as Hannah takes on the role of a professor. Alison Sweeney's portrayal of Hannah remains charming and engaging, while the new setting and characters add intrigue to the beloved franchise. The sneak peek showcases Hannah's wit and warmth as she interacts with her students, cleverly referencing the books that inspired the series.
Sweeney's transition to scriptwriting is evident in the well-crafted dialogue and character interactions. The script provides ample opportunities for the cast to shine, particularly Matreya Scarrwener as Willa and Sebastian Greaves as Perry. The chemistry between Hannah and her students is palpable, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. The murder case adds a layer of suspense, while the introduction of new characters, such as Chad Norton, promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Overall, "One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery" is a delightful addition to the series, offering a blend of cozy mystery, humor, and heartfelt moments.