WCTH Episode Review: Heart of a Writer

    

    Oh, my word! - Shirley Temple

    Yep. That pretty much sums up this episode. Welcome Hearties to another WCTH episode review! Wow! This episode was Team Lucas overload! (Which I hope is a good thing!)

    Now, just a disclaimer on my part before we dive into this review, I have to admit something that will probably shock both teams. Despite everything this was not my favorite episode. (Shields for on-slot of tomatoes.) Gagh! Yes, I know, I know! It was pretty much Lucas and Elizabeth's first date, and while it was full of sweet moments, it still failed to climb to the top of my favorite episode pile for this season. (Don't worry, I shall explain in a moment.)

    However it was still totally an episode to remember, and it has me asking questions to be sure. Here are my notes.

Why did Fiona leave? Why was she being suspicious?!! I want answers.

Pastor Frank's name was spoken!!! (And that's more then I can say for some people...)

Elizabeth's fancy dress (Or Rosemary's) was SO PINK! But it was fashionable while still remaining modest, which I applaud the WCTH designers for.

Little Jack is still adorable!!!

My Explanation

    And now to explain my earlier sentiments. I'm not going to bog down this whole blog by being a Debby Downer. Many Team Lucas fans loved this episode, and I'm not going to rain on their parade. I just want to clarify why this episode failed to leave me as breathless as I wanted it to.

    Part of it was the evening and Lucas felt too stiff and fancy for me. I enjoy watching him be more down to earth, like when he was meeting with the guys to discuss the bachelor party. I enjoyed the sweet scenes between him and Elizabeth when he was reading her chapters, or looking for humble pie in the mercantile. His more confident, fancy demeanor just rubbed me the wrong way. (However I am NOT criticizing his fancy suit! He looked very nice!)

    Maybe another problem was this whole date/not date scares me, as I wonder if it means that Elizabeth isn't going to pick Lucas. (Kind of funny, with this whole episode being centered around them.) Yet the words they said actually give me some hope for their future! (More on that later. Again. Lol!)

    Also maybe another part of my problem was just that I had a different idea of what their first date/non date would look and feel like. I guess I pictured something more quiet and intimate, like him asking her out to discuss her book and secretly decorating the saloon in an array of candles. Something more like Jack would have done. Then again, Lucas is not Jack. He has his own way of wooing a girl, and is a very sweet and thoughtful guy!

    However do NOT think for a moment that I am not Team Lucas. He and Elizabeth could be such a cute couple. I just prefer a more down to earth Lucas, and not so much flashy "I'm trying to impress you" persona, which I actually have a theory about, but that is for another day. Anyhow, now onto the good stuff!

Lucas and Elizabeth's "Not a Date"

    It happened! You saw it folks! Lucas made the first move for an actual date! (But it totally wasn't...Lol!) This episode was chalk FULL of Elizabeth and Lucas scenes! It was actually crazy to watch them ride in the same car together, and just go on the whole adventure! So much of my time is just spent envisioning what could happen to them, as they've never really done anything like that together. Now when it finally happened it took a moment to register.

    Be warned. This is going to be a LONG section! Lol!

    So first we have Lucas coming to the school, and Nathan's annoyed remarks. It's fun to have Lucas show up at the school house like Jack used to.

    And then, low and behold, he's procured two tickets to go and see a famous author. This, by far, has been the boldest move Lucas has ever made. And he's scared! He sees Elizabeth's concerned face and he's like, "Oh, I really just sprung that out of the blue." He really wanted her to go, and it was SO evident by his reactions in the saloon.

    He was totally nervous from the moment Elizabeth entered the saloon until she said yes. This is the second time Lucas has tried to fix things before hearing Elizabeth's answer. He started taking back his invitation really quick at Elizabeth's facial expressions. But then he heard her "yes" and his face totally lit up! He was ecstatic! And Elizabeth was actually really happy too! I mean, just look at her face as she's walking across the street. It was like she was walking on the clouds.

    Then we come to the car ride. Yay! This was a scenario that seemed like I would only be able to dream about, and it was actually surreal to watch them take pretty much this whole trip.

As for Elizabeth leaving her son for almost two days, it's a back and forth thing. It was sad she left him, but also I would like for Lucas and Elizabeth to have some romantic scenes by themselves so...Yeah it's a more difficult situation, but since the Coulters are literally like family to Little Jack and see him pretty much everyday that made it much better and gave us a fun storyline on the side.

    Anyhow, moving on I know that there are Hearties who are dissing on Lucas for "rushing" Elizabeth and looking impatiently at his watch. But the truth is that they had a deadline to make. I don't know how far Union City is, but they were trying to make it by that night. So without the facts of how long it takes to get there, I can't really say whether Lucas was in the wrong for telling Elizabeth that they needed to get going.

    However he did, assure Little Jack that he would bring his mother back safely, and that scores him a point, as he could have completely over looked him, but he didn't.

    Next we have the picnic. Man, Lucas is such a romantic! He really did think of everything, as Elizabeth said, and come on! Just look at this picture, and try telling me that they don't look good together!

    I'm also glad that Lucas called Little Jack by his name, and didn't just call him Elizabeth's son. It makes things more personal and breaks down that wall of formality.

    And then we of course have that mistake that the hotel clerk made by calling Elizabeth, (Sniff!) Mrs. Bouchard! Well, (Violins start playing) if I never get to see Elizabeth marry Lucas, at least I will have gotten to hear at least one person call her...Mrs. Bouchard...(Buries head in pillow, and sobs.) But I will commend Lucas on being a gentleman again, and paying for a suite for Elizabeth, and giving himself just a single room. (Very nice, Mr. Bouchard!)

    Next we come to one of the most spark flying scenes in this episode. First we have the moment when Elizabeth and Lucas saw each other all dressed up for the first time. They were both speechless, and Lucas complimented her nicely. Me and my friends will sometimes try and guess in Hallmark movies what the guy will say to the girl when he sees her all dressed up, but I think Lucas did a nice job here. He was sincere, and heart-felt in his words.

    And then we got the moment. Yes, the moment he helped Elizabeth with her wrap. There were sparks to be sure. This whole scene actually reminds me of Elizabeth and Jack's first date. They were both breathless at the sight of each other, Jack helped pin the flower to Elizabeth, and she took his arm for the first time. Which is what happened here with Elizabeth and Lucas. (Oooo!)

    Next we have them dinning at a very nice restaurant, and talking about their night. It was fun to see Lucas laugh like that, when Elizabeth said she couldn't remember what she had said. Oh, he's given a little chuckle here or there, but to just see him laugh heartily like that was nice. The truth here is that Elizabeth and Lucas have a lot in common in their interests and hobbies. It's not that Nathan isn't a smart guy, but I have a feeling that Elizabeth's description of the novel might have been a bit over Nathan's head, if you know what I mean.

    And here in this scene is also where Lucas came clean. He didn't do any of this trip for himself. (Well, not in the way Elizabeth thought.) He brought her to the city, to a novel reading, to the fancy restaurant, all just for her enjoyment, and so he could sweep her off her feet! He did it all for her, and to my thinking, to try and win her heart. He, in all reality, wanted this to be a date, which let's be honest. It was. He really likes, if not loves Elizabeth, and wants to make her happy. So he bought the tickets, "just because."

    I also think that he wanted to impress her, which moving on to the next scene he asks her does she miss her city life. Elizabeth's response is very natural. She loves her life in Hope Valley very much, but after experiencing fine dinning and such all her life, it's very natural that she would miss it some.

    We then learned that Lucas likes Hope Valley too, and that he wants to raise a family there, and...Wait! What? Kids? When did this conversation become about starting a family? Yes, turns out that Lucas is tired of moving around and wants to finally settle down. (Very interesting, Bouchard...)

    And then we come to what is probably the biggest conversation they have ever had. And by big I mean, this could mean something big! Lucas told how his father had courted his mother for five years before she would marry him. Now first off, why on earth is Elizabeth so surprised? How long was it before she married Jack? Yep! Five years, or possibly more! Lol! And it was as Lucas said. Life happens. Things get in the way.

    Secondly, (And this is where it gets good!) Lucas and Elizabeth both said somethings that very well may affect their future.

"My father says he always knew she was the one. My mother says she got tired of turning him down. But she loved him. I think she just wanted to be sure." - Lucas

    (Cough!) Yeah, I think that one kind of explains itself.

"So you plan to be patient? Like your father?" - Elizabeth

    (Cough! Cough!)

"I have always had faith that I would know the perfect woman for me when I met her. And I will wait as long as I have to, to win her heart." - Lucas

    Okay, you cannot deny those smiles! Or that whole conversation! Oh, what does it mean?!! Tell me, Alfonso! What does it mean?!! It could mean, nothing, or everything! It could mean EVERYTHING!!! (Gasps!) Okay...okay... just breathe...

    While this episode didn't give me the feels I wanted, (Which may just be coming later as they may get closer and more intimate.) I cannot deny all the looks, and that last conversation they had. Lucas is such a hopeless, I mean, hopeful romantic. Lol! He puts so much effort into everything he does for Elizabeth, and treats her like royalty. I can see Lucas loving Elizabeth very very deeply. In fact he may already love her. He just has to be patient.

Temporary Parents 

    Boy, oh, boy did Lee and Rosemary find out what it's like to be parents! And it was very enjoyable to watch! That was a great storyline! Not only were Lee and Rosemary very funny to watch, but Little Jack was adorable! He totally has stolen the spot light! And he talked so much in this episode! It was so sweet and fun! The best thing he said that whole episode was, "DUCK!"

I laughed out loud when he did that! It was so funny and just cute! (I so, SO need a scene of Lucas and Little Jack playing and having a conversation together! Do you hear me, Papa Bird? I NEED one!!!)

    Anyhow, Lee and Rosemary truly were a joy to watch as they tackled this new adventure of parenting for two days. Between Rosemary's desperate, cracking voice over the phone to Lee to find "Dog" and Lee waking Little Jack with the creak of a cabinet, this was a great story for the Coulters. Which once again leaves me asking the question...

    When are they going to have a child of their own? Whether they adopt, or Rosemary finds out she's pregnant, the Coulters truly want a child and would be amazing parents! Why is it taking SO long? (Oh, wait. I forgot what show I'm talking about. Lol!)

    If they were going to adopt a child it's too late to do it in this season. So I have three guesses.

1. Rosemary will find out she's pregnant by the end of this season.

2. Lee and Rosemary will decide they are going to adopt by the end of this season, and will adopt a child from Brookfield in WHC season 2. (Should there be one.)

3. Lee and Rosemary will decide they are going to adopt by the end of this season...and wait until next season to do it.

    I personally am hoping for the first option. It would be so fun to watch Lee and Rosemary have a child of their own and go through the adventure of pregnancy. We could watch Rosemary waddle around, and gross Lee out with her weird cravings, and then we could watch Lee freak out once Rosemary went into labor. It sounds like lots of fun! And just imagine the tears that would be shed once Rosemary found out she was expecting! And then all the tears when she tells Lee! That would be such a fantastic finale for the Coulters!

    But no matter how it happens, the Coulters would truly make such amazing parents!

Just Felt Like Chopping Wood

    Darn it, Nathan! Now I understand you taking the first wood chopping scene, but did you have to look that good chopping it? Lol! Yes, Team Nathan I'll give you this. That was one of the, if not the best, looks Nathan has had on this show. (Again, got to contribute it to that floppy hair. Lol!)

    Nathan has got an issue, the poor man. He really does like Elizabeth, and cares about her, but every time he sees Elizabeth with Lucas his jaw starts clenching, and he gives us the sad puppy-dog glare. This last episode we got this burst of boldness from Nathan, when he told Elizabeth that he's not afraid of competition.

    And then he did a very sweet thing and gave Elizabeth that apple. I will admit to Team Nathan that that was a nice move on his part and reminds me of something Jack would do. But then...(tsk, tsk) then he found out that Elizabeth took a trip with his rival and that puppy-dog came right back.

    Now let me point out two humorous parts to Nathan's whole story this time. First you have to admit that this whole situation is funny. Nathan comes to school, tells Elizabeth that he's going to be out of town, and what does he find once he comes back? That the girl he likes has gone off with another man on a two day trip to the city. Now this is in no way funny for Nathan, but just the way it all happened is humorous to me.

    The second thing is the way everyone treated Nathan when he came back. Lol! Boy, is the cat out of the bag! Everybody is fully aware that Elizabeth had two suitors, and they're just watching the show take place like we are. They knew Elizabeth left with Lucas and now they can barely look Nathan in the eye. Lol!

    How Nathan found out, brings us to a whole new topic. Allie is just sandwiched between this whole thing. She likes Elizabeth, but she also cares very much about her uncle and doesn't want to see him get hurt. She didn't want to tell him about Elizabeth, and then felt the need to protect him once Elizabeth came back.

    We then of course got the wood chopping scene. Okay! I will admit defeat on this one. Nathan got the infamous chopping scene and Lucas didn't. I think Lucas could possess that skill, (Although I'm unsure if he does) but there hasn't been a real reason for him too as of yet. Who knows? Maybe this next episode will have Elizabeth with Nathan the majority of the time, and Lucas will get the sudden urge to start splitting wood. Lol!

    Side Note: Kudos to Jack Wagner for chopping that wood! 👏👏👏

    Anyhow we now come to my final point for Nathan. Yes, his comment to Elizabeth once she got back. Now different people are taking different ways. Some are saying he had no right to be like that to her, which I would totally agree with if he meant it that way. The thing is I don't know if it was that bad. The episode guide on Hallmark's website describes it like this.

Elizabeth and Little Jack run into Nathan and Ally at the market. Ally pulls Nathan away to get ice cream. As they depart Nathan says, “Welcome back,” alerting Elizabeth he knows where she has been.

    Now if Nathan meant it in a, "I know where you've been" kind of way then I say shame on you! She's not yours yet, and your acting like she cheated on you! But, if he didn't then it's not that big of a deal, and we don't need to make much out of it. His statement just made Elizabeth realize that Nathan knew where she had been, and that he's hurt. She was worried from the start about this, and now it's become a reality.

    The big question is obviously, does this mean something? I don't know. It feels like it could, it really does, but I just don't know. This whole episode scares me for Lucas' sake, but again I can't overlook all the other Team Lucas' moments. So as always I'm left hanging. (As I've been since the end of Season 6.)

 

Jesse's New Home

  

    They're back! I'm glad we get to watch Team Classe settle into married life this season and not have to wait until next season. (Should there be one.) And he carried her over the threshold! Yay!

    I have NO idea where Jesse lived before this, but at least now I do. At the cafe. But of course this is just temporary until he builds their house! I really feel that that could happen next season! (Again, if there is one.) That would be neat! We never got to see Jack and Elizabeth's house (sniff) and it will be fun watching it be built and having a new building added to Hope Valley.

    Anyhow, for now Jesse has got a problem. He gave away nearly all his stuff, (Which wasn't very much mind you.) because he didn't want to mess up Clara's home. But it's not just hers anymore. Now it's the home of Mr. and Mrs. Flynn, and Jesse's stuff belongs there too. Good thing for him he has such a loving wife, as she tracked all his stuff down, and placed it in their new home.

    Jesse still has this issue with self-confidence, which is sad as his wife adores him. I also think that he needs to learn how to communicate with Clara better. He always keeps his concerns to himself whether it's for fear of not being good enough for Clara or some other concern. But by now he should realize that Clara loves him for who he is. His past, not finishing school, or his broken down chair don't matter to her. She loves the wonderful guy he is, and if he would not be afraid of opening up, and telling her this, he would see that and know just how much he is loved. 

    It will be interesting to see what the future episodes hold for the newly-weds.

Gowen's in Trouble 

  

    Oh, my goodness! Gowen is going to have a heart attack! Okay I don't know this for certain, but this is what comes to mind after hearing Carson list all the things that could happen to Henry because of his stress!

    And the poor man! Can't he ever catch a break? He lost his job at the mine, as mayor, was arrested, went to jail, got on parole, struck oil, and had finally started to turn his life around. And now...now he seems to be falling in debt! And to make matters worse he's dragging Lucas down with him, and not even telling him! NOOOooooo! (Drops to knees, and yells into the sky dramatically.) Okay, I don't need to be that dramatic. This could actually prove to be an exciting plot twist for both guys.

    Now this is just a bunch of guesses from me, but you have to admit that things aren't looking good for Henry. A friend of mine brought up the idea that maybe Henry is going to leave the show, but it's a bit early to start despairing.

    But this whole thing could actually prove to be a good sign for Team Lucas! If Henry's story is going to have something to do with the finale, that very well may mean that Lucas will be dragged along with him. And if Lucas has a big dramatic story in the finale, possibly with him arguing with Henry leading up to it, what would this mean for Lucas and Elizabeth? Will Elizabeth get mad at Lucas for not trusting Henry? Will they "break-up" for say, leading Elizabeth to explore her feelings for Nathan, but then realize that she truly loves Lucas?!! I really don't know, but I really REALLY want to find out!

Overall Thoughts

    In the end, while it was different then what I would have pictured in ways, it was a HUGE episode in terms of the love triangle!  It scares me since it was so fancy, that this next episode could be about Elizabeth exploring her feelings for Nathan and he would end up being more like Jack was! (Breathe...) I don't know very much about this next episode, and so I'm very curious to see what happens. Maybe the writers will try and even things up, (Which will take some doing, especially after this episode) and make it all about Elizabeth and Nathan. Then the last two episodes will be about Elizabeth's ultimate decision! Yeek! Can you believe that we only have THREE more episodes? It's so sad yet thrilling at the same time!

    Thanks so much for reading! Feel free to comment below or on my Twitter page! (Blog comments will be answered in a separate blog post.) Stay safe, and God Bless!