WCTH S8 Episode Review: Honestly, Elizabeth

 

    Oh, boy! Has anyone seen my heart? First it melted, then it bounced in laughter, and then....then it got lost somewhere down in the pit of my stomach when it suddenly dropped there.

    Hello everyone and welcome to this marvelous Wednesday! How do I know it's marvelous? Because this is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalms 118:24) This Sunday we got the second episode out of twelve for Season 8, and wow was it a roller coaster of emotions! This episode was written by the new show runner John Tinker just as last week's was, and I very much enjoyed it! It made me laugh, it made me gasp, and it made my mouth drop down to my toes.

    Now once again this episode wasn't perfect. There were a couple different things I didn't care for, and some storylines that were not my favorite. But all in all I think I was better suited to watch this episode since I got over the shock of the first. (The first time I had way too many expectations...)

    I shall now attempt to re-cap this episode, and just as last week it turned out to be an incredibly long post. There is just SO MUCH to cover! I also wont be posting anything this Friday again. I believe I will be doing just one post a week from now on, unless I find a topic that I really need to discuss. Lol! It's easier for me, and leaves me with more time to pursue my dream of being published!

    Alright! Let's get down to business!

 

Notes:

How on earth does Robert not know how to ride a horse?!? Doesn't he live on a farm?

Pastor Zeke has been found! (More on that later. :) 

Faith is in a doctor coat! I'm sorry but I don't have a topic for her or Carson this time. They really didn't do much this episode surprisingly, and this post is long enough as is. Lol! So I settled for just a quick note this time.

Little Jack is adorable!!!

 

Lee & Rosemary

    Say it with me, Hearties... Poor Lee. Lol! Well, it appears Lee isn't as young as he used to be....He also seems to really like coffee. Like, really like coffee. :D

    I just laughed out loud during the scene where Lee threw his back out. (Sorry Lee!) Between his yelps of pain, and Jesse with his mouth full of bacon it was a pretty humorous scene. 

    Now while I did enjoy this storyline, I failed to see it's purpose. At first I really saw absolutely no need for it plot wise, and it appeared a bit random. However, after reading the definition for this episode, I got a better understanding of what the writer's intention was. Part of the description on the WCTH website states,

"When Lee gets injured, a newcomer's words of comfort cause Rosemary to reflect on what she wants in life."

    This helps the storyline make much more sense, although I really didn't come away with this in mind. But it does mean some exciting things may be on the way for the Coulters! And I believe that sweet yet sad little scene with Rosemary and Little Jack may serve as a big hint as to what may transpire! For so long the Coulters have struggled with their infertility issue, and while this is such a deep and heart-tugging story, I really believe that the time has come for Lee and Rosemary to make a decision. (And for all us Hearties to know what that is.)

    Thus far it appears that Rosemary may never become pregnant. Now I still believe it's a possibility, but Rosemary may not agree. Therefore I think her and Lee need to have a very important conversation. Will they just remain childless, and continue to love on Little Jack and their wonderful Hope Valley family? Or will they possibly look into adoption? I still would absolutely love to see Rosemary's dream come true and find out she's pregnant. I just think it would be such an emotional and fun storyline. But should that not be in the cards for them, I'd really just like to know what's next for this lovely couple.

Bill & Molly

    Alright now....Where on earth did this come from? Molly has been in Hope Valley since day 1. Bill has been here since the last few episodes of Season 1. And....they're just realizing now that there may be something there?

    I'm going to be completely honest here. (Seems fitting considering the title.) And honestly....I hate the idea of a Bill and Molly romance. I'm sorry. I know that some people probably love the idea, and I really do like Bill, and Molly can be fun but....no... Just no. I mean, it's funny in a way, but....no. Me no likey..

    My favorite love interest for Bill has been AJ, and it would appear that she's not coming back any time soon. But I really, really, really don't want him to end up with Molly. Like, really don't want him to.

 

Joseph Canfield

    Well, Joseph Canfield has finally made his debut into Hope Valley, and I have three words for him. I. LOVE. Him!!! Oh, my goodness! He didn't have an incredible amount of screen time, but guys... He's just a sweetheart!

    First off, he's got a 1910's version of a pickup truck. (Nice!) Second, he's just the sweetest guy! First he helped get Lee to the infirmary. Then he turns and says these beautiful words to Rosemary, "I'll be praying for your husband." And immediately after that I literally said out loud, "I love him!" 

    The other moment that just made me melt was after his car had ran out of gas along the road. He then gets out, grabs his gas can, and starts walking back to town....singing. Yes! That man started singing, It Is Well, as he walked back to Hope Valley. And that sealed the deal for me. (Not to mention that guy has a really nice voice!) It was such a beautiful little moment that spoke volumes about Joseph's character.

    He has now bought a cabin for his FAMILY (Yes. Hope Valley is about to have an actual family, complete with BOTH parents and two children! Yay!) and I actually wonder if he is to be Hope Valley's new pastor. And this is where I rabbit trail....

    FINALLY we now know what happened to the mysterious and elusive Pastor Zeke. And as it turns out he's not locked away somewhere in some random outhouse calling out for help. He has left town and become a missionary. I am very glad this was addressed and if I'm being honest I'm glad. He just wasn't what I was hoping for in a pastor for HV. (Sorry, Zeke!)

    But the idea of Joseph being Hope Valley's pastor sounds very intriguing, and I'm super curious to see if this becomes a reality. For now I just wish Joe (Can I call you Joe?) and his whole family a very big welcome to Hope Valley!

Helen Bouchard

 

   Okay, Helen Bouchard has won me over and instantly earned my deep sympathy. I really enjoyed her character this episode! She's definitely.... strict. At least when it comes to grammar anyway. (Which I find that humorous.) But inside she's a sweet woman who's actually come to Hope Valley seeking a safe haven from her own disastrous life. (More on that later.)

    The relationship between her and Lucas is really sweet. I love how he was so concerned about her and Helen clearly loves her little boy. (I love how she's still correcting his grammar. Lol!)

    I also enjoyed her and Elizabeth's dynamic, and can see them being very good friends in the future. Although I was actually taken back when Elizabeth went to see her for the first time. Oooo.... Helen was quite stiff, and ever so proper. But it just makes her a more interesting character.

    But I have to say that I was really not expecting the bomb she dropped about...wait for it....Mr. Bouchard leaving her!!! I mean, what? How could that cad do that? How could the writers do this to Helen? To me? (Hope, breathe...) Helen just seemed so sad and lost over the whole ordeal, as she should. Her husband of so many years just walked out on her. Really this instantly gave me so much sympathy for her character. It also gave me a lot of questions.

    Why did Mr. Bouchard leave her? Was he just a jerk and left? Did he cheat on her? Or did he find Helen too difficult to get along with, or they had a terrible fight? (Which is NO excuse to leave your wife, mister!!!) I also wonder if the reason why Mrs. Bouchard kept insisting on Elizabeth calling her "Helen" is because she no long wants to be called a "Bouchard." Just a thought. Not a fact.

    What I do have to comment on is the fact that Lucas' parents love story has been...well it's been ruined quite honestly. And it was such a big part of Lucas' storyline last season. Lucas even seemed to base his own life philosophy off of his parents. How he'd be patient like his father, and how he'd wait as long as he had to win his soulmates heart....like his father. And now just like that...POOF! It's gone. And I'm not sure how I feel about that.

    I believe it's too soon to judge. Who knows? Maybe Mr. Bouchard will realize the error of his ways and come back to try and sweep Helen off her feet again. (Because if he doesn't he will now have the pleasure of my eternal hatred.😠) As always we'll just have to wait and see.

Hair Clips & Ear Snips

    Well, the "Nichols & Dimes" barber shop is officially open! And yes, I get the pun. Lol! (I maybe wish she would have spelled Nichols like Nickles but oh well. :)

    Having Fiona as Hope Valley's "female barber" is a fun plotline, and has actually made me like her character more. The whole story with her trying to cut Hickam's hair was hilarious! Oh, my goodness I was laughing out loud when she accidentally cut Hickam's ear, and the poor man just jumped up and ran straight to Carson. Lol! "Don't faint! Don't faint!" (That was comedy gold!) 

    I do wonder what will come of this new business venture. I mean, it's great comedy, but I'd like to see something deeper come from it for Fiona. Maybe she hears something from one of the men that causes a chain reaction. Maybe this venture will spark something from her family, or a secret past we didn't know about. Or maybe this will actually bring some "permanent romance" into this girl's life. Speaking of which...

    I am now a strong advocate for Team Fickle! I mean, Team Hiller. Team Hiona? (Cough...) I mean Team Hickam and Fiona. I have never liked the idea of her with any of the men in Hope Valley....until now. (Dum, dum, duuuummm!) Yes, I have finally found a guy I can root for her to end up with. Guys...these two could be SO cute together! I felt chemistry between them and am now hoping to see some sparks fly between them in future episodes!

 

Henry's Health

 

    NO! No you did not! You did not hurt Henry! (Speaking to the WCTH writers) Oh, my goodness, guys! What on earth is going on with Henry? One moment he's happy and asking to partner with Lucas again, and the next he's yelling at Ned, and almost fainting! Alright, alright...let me start at the beginning. (A very good place to start... :D )

    So in the first episode Henry had mailed a letter. (Something I should have mentioned in my last review.) I was curious just who he might be sending it to. It could be anyone from an old work acquaintance to someone much more...personal. Anyhow, this episode we found out that the letter was returned to him...opened.

    To me this screams SECRET PAST!!! I'm not positive but this almost sounds like a secret lover of Henry's or even a relative of some sort. After all who opens a letter and then sends it back? Of course someone else could have, but I really am doubtful of that theory. Poor, Ned though. I really don't think he opened it, and now he's left to deal with Henry's back lash.

 

    During this episode Henry also made the surprising offer to be Lucas' business partner again! Wow. This also really makes me wonder about his health as well, which I will explain in a moment. 

    So Henry tells Lucas that he wants to be his business partner again. Now Lucas did turn him down, apparently not sure that he can trust Henry, or that things would be any different between them this time around. But Henry wasn't deterred, and tells Lucas that the oil business is a cut-throat thing and that should Lucas hire him, he would be willing to "get his hands dirty" for Lucas. That doesn't sound promising for Henry, as it sounds like he would get into a lot of trouble. He also made quite the proposal.

    He said that if Lucas hired him back he would double the oil company's production by the next year. If not he would walk away, BUT if he did....he would again become majority owner and run the company how he pleases. Wow. Talk about some ultimatum. I'm very curious to see if Lucas accepts this offer or not.

    And finally....we had that heart stopping moment when Henry almost fainted. He was so distraught over his letter being opened, and outright accused Ned of being the culprit. (Poor Ned...) Henry then stormed out of the mercantile, and collapsed on the step. My eyes just popped wide as he crumpled to the ground! (Kudos to Martin Cummins on his performance!) 

    It is clearly obvious that Henry has a serious health issue. Even with the stress of the oil company gone he is still suffering from high blood pressure. Now we have him trying to connect with someone through that letter, and he's even offering to go back into business with Lucas so he can make the company flourish. I really don't know what's going to happen but I can't help wondering if all of this is connected. Does Henry know his health is failing? Is he trying to fix past wrongs because of it? Is he going to....

    No! I'm not even going to go there. Again I really have no idea what is going to happen, but I am extremely intrigued to say the least.

    (Note to WCTH writers: Don't. Kill. Henry. Period. Thank you.)

 

Lucas

    And Lucas' life continues to go down the toilet... (Sighs...) I was happy to see him get more screen time this episode, and he has some exciting plotlines going on. But....I was still left disappointed and wanting more if I'm being honest. I just don't know what happened to him and Elizabeth's relationship. Lucas seems to have backed off completely from pursuing her (Something that very much makes sense considering everything he's seen happen between her and Nathan) and Elizabeth doesn't even seem to consider him a suitor anymore. But more on that later. For now, let me attempt to give a rundown of Lucas' story this episode.

    So obviously I have to start with him and his mother. They are so cute! Lucas really seems like a "Mama's boy" which I find adorable. He was so concerned for his mother, and just kept constantly checking in on her. (So sweet!) She never wanted to leave her room, and so he took matters into his own hands....and gave it over to Elizabeth. Lol!

    I do find that he came to Elizabeth for help sweet. He figured that if anyone could get through to his mother it would be Elizabeth. Why? Because she's easy to talk to. (Aww!) That was a compliment right there folks!

    In fact all throughout this episode Lucas continued to keep complimenting the lovely school teacher from afar. Mostly when he's with his mother.

    First Helen comments that she believes she's going to like Elizabeth, to which Lucas says that, "She has that effect on people." (Very sweet!) Later on Helen then comments that Elizabeth seems special, to which Lucas replies, "She is." (Again, another point for Lucas.) Helen then says that Elizabeth must be the reason he decided to settle in Hope Valley, and he confirms her suspicions. 

    All I can say here is that Lucas is quite the gentleman. He's clearly in love with Elizabeth, but believes that she maybe loves another man. And so he's kept his distance, but still can't help admiring her from afar. His sweet little comments help boost my hope that maybe, just maybe Elizabeth will pick him.

    But, pushing the triangle aside for a moment, I have to mention the tragic story of his father. Lucas' huge moment last season was the Union City trip with Elizabeth, in which he gave that beautiful sentiment about how he'd wait for his soulmate. And his whole statement hinged on his parent's love story. A story which has just bitten the dust. And the worst part? He doesn't even know. You know what? Scratch that. The worst part is that the woman he loves knows, and he doesn't. 

    Yes, I sense stormy waters ahead for him and Elizabeth. What will he do when he discovers the truth about his father? Better yet, what will he do should he find out Elizabeth knew and didn't tell him? OR even better yet, what will he do if Elizabeth does spill the beans to him? 

    AND THEN to top everything off what if he believes Elizabeth has chosen Nathan? His whole life is just spiraling downward and quite quickly I might add. After all this his entire outlook on life and love may change. He may stop being a hopeful romantic! (Hope! Please breathe!)

    And while my hopes have been dashed some concerning a Team Lucas ending, I haven't yet lost all hope. I still think it's a possibility. Just...not before Lucas' life gets flushed away. Or blown to pieces....

 

 

Nathan

 

 

    Guys! I think I finally figured this out! An alien has come down from the planet "Confidencia" and has possessed Nathan! 😂😉

    Honestly, though.... What happened to this guy? Last season he could barely express himself, and now? Wow.... But once again I really do enjoy seeing him so happy and confident. It's just such a dramatic change from S7.

    So, let us start from the beginning, shall we? I mean...(Cough!) alright? (How did a Lucas line end up in Nathan's section?)

    So first things first...

🎵Allie has a crush on Robert! Allie has a crush on Robert!🎵 (Sung in a playful and teasing manner.) 

    Well, it's about time girl! And you couldn't have picked a better boy. Oh, poor Nathan though. Lol! His little girl is growing up, and now is entering the world of romance, be it puppy love at that. It's actually funny that it was Robert who Nathan was mentoring just last season. Well, at least he knows the boy a bit, so I'm sure that helps his nerves some. Then again....maybe not. :D

    Anyhow, after telling Elizabeth that he may need to ask her advice since Allie is now noticing boys, he then brings up that dinner she turned down last episode. He then asked how she was feeling (A very thoughtful thing) and says that maybe they could try to get dinner again sometime. (Again there's that confidence.) 

    Nathan is also incredibly eager to get the adoption process for Allie completed since Allie's father is now in jail. (A very smart move.) Bill's a little cautious about it, but Nathan wants everything signed, and sealed. He then notices a particular piece of land on a map, and asks Bill who owns it. Turns out Bill himself does, and he is willing to sell.

    And since Nathan didn't give that money back to Lucas, he may have some extra cash on hand.... Lol! Bill's face said it all when Nathan admitted where he got the money from. Actually his words said it all. "You do love your niece." :D

    Oh boy, Hearties. Turns out Mountie Nathan Grant has finally decided to settle down in Hope Valley. And I mean really settle down! Like buy a piece of land and build a house settle down, and he told Elizabeth as much. He was so excited about that land, and could totally picture them living there. Him and Allie of course... Yeah...that's what he meant. (I'm on to you, mister! :D )

    Of course something else happened after that.... Something I'll get to in a minute....

 

 

Elizabeth 

    Wow. Wow, wow, wow, WOW. Honestly, Elizabeth....could you get anymore honest than this? (Yes, I had to say that. Lol!) Oh boy...Where to begin? 

    Obviously I have to start with that heart-tugging scene of Elizabeth telling Little Jack about his father. Really, John Tinker? You had to go right for the jugular? Just the sight of Little Jack staring at his father's picture is emotional enough, but to have Elizabeth come and ask him "Is that your Daddy?" and then have Little Jack utter such a soft and sweet, "Yeah," I mean... That was so sad yet so sweet! And it seemed very appropriate considering....the ending...

    Anyway, Elizabeth then has a run in with Nathan. There is still tension between them, and Elizabeth still seems very uneasy. I have to wonder if this is because she knows she really "like likes" him or just because she's so conflicted still.

    She also had some scenes with Lucas. Two to be exact. I believe I understand Lucas' actions more than hers. She doesn't really seem interested in him anymore, but it is only the second episode. There's still time for a lot of stuff to happen. But I did enjoy the bit of banter they had going about his mother, and was sad she turned his offer for dinner down. I got a little hopeful when she turned back toward him, but she was simply asking his help. (To which he couldn't refuse giving. :)

    I fail to see the point of Robert and the "horse incident" as not much came of it. This made it quite a random storyline, but it did add some excitement and drama. However a friend of mine said she believed it was to show how brave Elizabeth is, so maybe that was the point.

    As I mentioned before I enjoyed the dynamic between Helen and Elizabeth, despite Helen appearing a little cold at first. I really loved how despite their differences they were able to smile and laugh together. And then of course Helen just dropped that bomb in her lap. (Which I didn't find very considerate.) I'm so curious to know what will come of this between her and Lucas.

    Elizabeth was also very sweet in giving Lee and Rosemary that special Hawaiian treat. (Always thinking of others.)

    And then.... the last three minutes happened.

The Last Three Minutes....

 

    Oh, my chicken crackers! Did that just.... Did she just... did he just...WHOA!

    Guys...that ending. To be honest when Elizabeth first started talking I wasn't sure if she was going to accept or reject Nathan. Her words first indicated rejection, but then turned to something much closer to admitting that she loves him. (Much to my fear and worry) I will now attempt to give this scene a run down. (Even though it really deserves it's own post.)

    So Elizabeth is sitting all alone, presumably thinking, when suddenly Nathan rides up. Now I am curious why she said, "Oh my goodness," when she saw it was Nathan. My guess is that she was currently thinking about him, or what she was going to say to him and then what to do you know? The man himself showed up. And she probably realized that she now had to say what she'd been planning on saying.

    Nathan started off talking about how perfect the land was he'd gone to see, and how he could totally see them living there. Of course he quickly adds "him and Allie" to clarify, which I find pretty humorous. Smooth Mountie. Smooth.

    And then it started. Elizabeth's face dropped and she said that she had to tell him something...something that she's known for awhile now. (Really? And just how long have you known this?) She said that Nathan and Allie mean a lot to her, but that she knows he wants more than friendship from her. And after he was almost shot she's come to the conclusion that she can't give him what he wants...and that would obviously be love. She knows the dangers incredibly well of falling for a Mountie and knows how much it would hurt to lose him the same way she lost Jack.

    A very emotional back and forth then starts between her and Nathan. Nathan tells her that he wouldn't let her lose him the way she lost Jack. Elizabeth's response is very appropriate. He has no right to say that to her. He can't control the future, and he can't make promises that are out of his control. He then says that he would quit the Mounties, a very bold statement. This is a very noble thing in itself, as he'd be willing to give up his dream if it meant he could be with her. But I think both I myself and Elizabeth know that it just wouldn't work. 

    Being a Mountie isn't just a job. It's a calling, and Nathan knows inside that it's his calling. I believe that at first he would indeed give up being a Mountie, but eventually he would truly regret it, and long to be fighting for justice again.

    And so Elizabeth moves to leave saying that it would only be harder to go if she stayed. Nathan pleads for her not to go, and then makes an extremely bold statement. He grabs her arm, looks her in the eyes, and says that he knows that she feels the same way he does. Wow. That's quite an assumption there, Mr. Grant. I'm not a fan of him seeming to tell her how she feels, but then again she didn't deny it. She simply said, "she can't." Now I'm going to be honest. I was really wondering if they were going to kiss somewhere in this scene. The whole thing just really gave me that impression, but Elizabeth was SO not ready for that.

    She then mounts her horse to leave when suddenly.... Everything just came spilling out of Nathan.

    He said....(Exhales slowly...) Nathan Grant told Elizabeth Thornton that... he's in love with her. Correction. That he loves her. Whoa. Let me just....wow. And I'd like to now give Nathan a round of applause as that was so incredibly bold. (And...ugh... okay maybe romantic....Ouch! That hurt!) Although I don't know if that helped his case, as it only made Elizabeth even more overwhelmed.

    Elizabeth was speechless, and I believed just so overwhelmed at this point. What could she say after that? Truthfully nothing at this point. She was just too conflicted inside.

   She then rides off, and in slow motion no less. That gave quite the dramatic effect, as this show hardly ever uses slow motion. And it is Elizabeth's heart-breaking face that leaves me asking a thousand questions. What is it that is tormenting her so? Is it her true love for Nathan that she's too scared to admit? Or is it perhaps she's just overwhelmed with her conflicting feelings, not knowing if she's truly in love with Nathan or not.

    To be honest this last scene really threw me for a loop. Going into this season I had foolishly not set up a firewall of sorts, and was way too excited at the possibility of a Team Lucas ending. Now my heart has taken quite a beating these last two episodes. Nathan sure seems like he really may be the one Elizabeth chooses. But in my despair I turned to a fellow Team Lucas fan who has given me a measure of hope. They told me the writers have promised that not only would this season be a roller coaster, but have "red herrings." Now of course this in no wise means that this scene was one of those, because... let's be honest...Elizabeth was pretty real here. But it does help me breathe again.

    And there we have it. My incredibly long review of this Sunday's episode. Honestly... it was a fun and enjoyable episode. I actually think I enjoyed it more than the first episode.... until we got hit with the ending and my stomach dropped. But I am so excited and curious to see what happens next! I really could probably write a whole other post about this episode, as there was just so much to cover and talk about, but I shall leave things here for now!

    Thank you so much for reading! Feel free to comment your thoughts below or on my Twitter page! (Please no spoilers though!) Have an amazing week! God Bless!