WCTH S8 Episode Review: What the Heart Wants

 

    I may get some comments after this post.... Lol!

   Hello Hearties and welcome to another Wednesday and another review! I hope you all are having a great week so far!

    After watching this week’s episode…. I kind of have to recant my previous statement about liking the new direction John Tinker is taking the show. I love how alive the characters feel, and how the storylines have more grit to them but…. Oh, boy…

   All of the romance is just… gone. Carson and Faith, Jesse and Clara, and even…. Lucas and Elizabeth. (I will explain all this later.) Everything I loved about the last two seasons, all the love and romance that had been built, just seems to have been turned on it’s head.

But that's not to say I didn't enjoy the episode, as I did. Just... somethings made me... how shall I say... frustrated.

    And with that being said... Let's get to the review! 😁

 

Notes:

Hickam likes Fiona! Hickam likes Fiona! Lol! Yay!

What's with Little Jack's absence? He was barely in the episode. And... WHAT'S WRONG WITH HIM???

 

 

FloYo

     I love Ned delivering the mail! That is such a fun idea, and he's just so cute and happy as he does it! I hope to see a lot more of Ned's delivery service in the future. As for his romance with Florence...

    Yes, the man actually has romance in his life, and the woman is absolutely perfect for him. Just as he is for her. Ned and Florence are perfect together! Florence shows such a deep concern for Ned when she sees he's in pain. She's so sweet, even putting her hand over his! Wow! A very bold move for this woman! And Ned is just shocked, and stuttering like a school boy. Lol! And what do you know but for once Florence was interrupted! 😂 That's a first!

    I agree with you Ned. A bell would be a very good investment. Lol!

 

Henry

    Henry really didn't get much time this episode, which was sad. And yet the two scenes he did have left me with some big questions. It's a sweet thing to see Henry back in his office again. I'm glad him and Lucas have managed to work things out, and I'm really enjoying the lightheartedness between them. Their snarky banter is so fun to watch and brings a smile to my face. I too hope that Lucas won't regret bringing Henry back on board. (Come on, Henry! You can do this!)

    However... Henry looked terrible this episode! His first scene with Lucas his hair was a mess and he looked like he'd just woken up from a nap. The second scene in the office... He looked like he may never get back out of that chair. Wow, he looked so sad and depressed, and not in the best of health. Maybe it all has to do with that letter he received. I caught him holding one in this picture of him talking to Lucas. Did he receive another one? Or is it the same one he previously got? OR maybe he was sending ANOTHER one. I really don't know.

    Hopefully next week's episode will provide some much needed answers.

Bill

    Wow! That was some dramatic stuff with Bill! I give huge kudos to Jack Wagner on his wonderful acting in that scene! I mean, wow! He looked like he was going to cry! And now I find myself with some new questions...

    What is his emotional attachment to the red serge? Is it simply nostalgia? Does he miss being a Mountie? Will he... trade places with Nathan??? This is purely speculation, but it's worth noting. Nathan has shown multiple signs that he would give up being a Mountie. Part of the reason he became one was just so he would be the complete opposite of his father. Now I know he said he loves his job, and he feels called to make the world a better place. But... I'm not sure how attached he is to his career. Not at this moment anyway.

    Meanwhile Bill is clearly having a struggle giving up his red serge. Again this is all complete speculation, but I'm really wondering what may come of this. 

    As for Bill's "love life".... Lol!  It's hilarious that Bill knows Molly so well that even with a sheet covering her head he knew it was her. Lol! Oddly enough I am sort of enjoying the little game Bill and Molly's seem to be playing. Molly still is not my first choice for Bill, but I really am enjoying their antics. I'm interested to see where things go from here.

 

The School Ceremony

    And the school term is over! I partly believe this plotline may be due to Covid, and the writers wanted to avoid filming with so many people in the school house. However I do like how we got to see the school term actually come to a close as we've never gotten to see that before. Usually school is in session through the whole season, so this is a nice change.

    Wow, Robert how you've grown. He's really become such a young man, and I'm curious what the future holds for him. Will he leave and attend college, or follow his dream to become a Mountie? I'm fearful he may leave the show now that his school days are over, but you never know. Maybe he'll stay and find a job, and maybe even love someday right in Hope Valley. I guess we'll see. (But he learned a very important lesson... You're never too big or grown up to give your teacher a hug. :)

    Moving on, the performance he planned with the children was so sweet. The kids sang a whole song (To the tune of, When Irish Eyes are Smiling) praising Elizabeth as their teacher and sang it in front of everyone! That was such a thoughtful and sweet thing! Elizabeth just loves those kids so much, and does everything she can to help them succeed in life. The tribute was so special, and fitting for their beloved teacher!

    And what do you know but Elizabeth is winning Minnie over! That sure happened fast. I do wish there had been more "push-pull" for say, of Elizabeth trying to convince Minnie, and Minnie learning she can trust Elizabeth. But after seeing what a wonderful school Hope Valley has and how much the children love Elizabeth, Minnie can't help but re-consider putting Angela in school. And Elizabeth was so ecstatic! I can see how much Angela wants to be around kids her own age and make friends. (And she may have already!) Everything just seems to be going so well...until....

    Alright. Who on earth is this Mr. Landis? This guy just dropped out of the sky it seems, and yet Elizabeth seems to know him pretty well. I found his appearance a bit random, even odd. It's like we're supposed to know who he is, but yet we clearly don't. Either way, I don't like him. At all. That guy is proud, arrogant, and a first class trouble maker. I can clearly tell he is going to make Elizabeth, and possibly the Canfield's life miserable until he gets his way. And his way would be for the "Jack Thornton School" to not be an independent Now I don't know about you, but I think that would be terrible if that happened. This disgusting Mr. Landis would no doubt make all kinds of trouble. And so while I find this plotline very random and kind of just thrown in all of the sudden, I'm curious to see what happens.

Bye Bye Dress Shop, and the Disappearing Rachel Plotline

 

    Can nothing go right for these poor Hope Valley dwellers? Alright, first off I have to say... How dare Dottie consider selling the dress shop! I mean, I know she has every right to but... Doesn't she even care what she'd be doing to Rosemary and Clara? That shop has brought them so much joy, and has served as their occupation for years. And now with one tug the rug is being pulled out from underneath them. 

    Now for Rosemary this isn't as big of a deal as she was getting the itch to move onto something better anyway. Something more meaningful. Something more fulfilling. However.... Ooooo! That Lee! He really was no help to Rosemary. He didn't really show a lot of concern over his wife possibly losing the store he currently believes she loves working at. And... yeah he kind of had that, "Go stuff you're trout!" line coming. Lol! So good! My goodness, I don't know if I've ever seen Rosemary so miffed at Lee, and I understand why. I also think there was more to her outburst than she let on, and so I think she owes Lee and explanation. But goodness that was funny! :D

    As for Clara... I think she'd eventually be okay with losing the shop. She actually seems more interested in working at the cafe, now that Bill has offered her a partnership. (But more on her later.) 

    The person who actually was effected the most was Rachel. She was having such a great time working there, experiencing what it's like to be an independent woman in the world. And now she's worried that if the dress shop is sold that she'd have to go home. (To her suffocating mother....) All of this is understandable... However... (Sigh...)

    What was the point of Rachel getting lost? I understand she's new to town, and even just being out on her own. Maybe this served as a wake up call for both her and the Coulters. Lee and Rosemary really need to keep a better eye on her. But... It all ended very suddenly with the Coulters finding Rachel and... that was pretty much it. There wasn't a scene afterward of them at home discussing what had happened. It just... ended there. Maybe next week's episode will explain things more, and I'll get a better sense of why this whole plot was added. But for now... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

Team Classe

 

    Alright. This is where I rant. What on earth happened to Team Classe? They have always had their share of troubles, and quarrels but this is a whole new level. These two used to show each other such a deep and beautiful love, I’m struggling to grasp what happened to them.

    They’re newly weds and should still be head over heels for each other. Now obviously every marriage is different and it’s not that arguments shouldn’t happen. But… Augh! They should still be feeling the excitement of being newly weds! Jesse shouldn’t be bored and looking for entertainment in Lee’s motorcycle. And Clara… well… that woman needs a talking to. She kicked Jesse out of the house! She didn’t ask him what happened. She didn’t show him any level of love or understanding. All she cared about was that all their money was gone.

    Now this is a huge, and devastating shock, and she has every right to be overwhelmed, and angry. And I am in no way letting Jesse off the hook. I mean, goodness Jesse! What did you do?!?

    I’m failing to understand Jesse this season. He seems to be acting out of character. Foolish, and even childish. He’s always been so level-headed, and responsible most of the time, showing Clara just how much she means to him.

    But despite everything, even if what Jesse did to their money was just outright wrong, and even dumb… I have more sympathy for him than Clara. He’s human. We make mistakes. Sometimes really big ones. But if he can’t find understanding from his own wife…. (Sighs….)

    Clara should know Jesse would never do something like that on purpose. The man was devastated, and instead of getting any kind of love and understanding from his wife, he was kicked to the curb.

    My problem is Clara didn’t even try and understand exactly what had happened. I still don’t even know all of what happened. She should have sat him down and started from the beginning, getting all the facts before making any rash decisions. But all she seemed to care about was the money. Not her husband.

    Now I’m left to wonder if Jesse was trying to save the dress shop or even buy it from Dottie. Just a thought, and I have no evidence to back me up. It was just a thought. If so…. Clara is going to feel HORRIBLE. Or maybe he was trying to invest his money so he could fix their financial troubles and build their dream house. Or maybe it was just a foolish mistake.

    All I can say is… This better get fixed. Quick.

    (On a happier note, Clara burning Molly's hair off was hilarious! Lol!)

 

Team Infirmary

 

    And now I move onto the other troubled couple. I figure it’s best to take care of both couples I’m mad about in one big swoop. Lol!

    Oh, Carson…. What’s wrong with you? I thought you loved working in Hope Valley. Now I find you’re struggling to find contentment and meaning? Now I totally understand his thoughts here. He’s a great doctor, and wants to make the world a better place. He wants to save lives. But…but… Oh, where has the romance gone? Where has the love for Hope Valley gone? This is two people I’m getting the feeling that they’d rather be somewhere else. (I’ll explain the other person later.)

    After all the time Faith has been gone, now Carson wants to leave when she’s finally back. And she doesn’t want to leave. Not even for the man she’s supposed to love. I have to be honest… I thought things would get better for these two, but now… I’m left to wonder if they’re even going to stay together. It would figure that once I finally start to like them together, they would split. Lol!

    Now I don’t know if they are. But it is distressing to me that Carson seems so unhappy in Hope Valley. Faith has a better understanding of the joy of being in Hope Valley as she’s been out in a big city for awhile now. Now she’s just so happy to be back home, helping the people she loves. I thought Carson was too.

    I don’t know. Only time will tell at this point. We still have 7 episodes left (Which is amazing!) and so a LOT can and will happen. Maybe things will get rough for awhile, but hopefully in the end everything will be okay.

 

 

Abigail?

    Oh, my GOODNESS!!!!! Abigail's name has been spoken!!! Three times!!! In. One. Scene. I outright paused the episode after Bill said her name the first time. I was so shocked. I didn't know if they were even allowed to say Abigail's name on the show anymore. I mean, Clara didn't even mention her not coming to her own wedding! But finally Abigail's name has been spoken. It was a bit odd how many times Bill said her name. It kind of felt like the writers were trying to make up for all the times people didn't mention her. But either way... Wow! I'm shocked. 

 

Nathan

 

    Nathan's life seemed a bit sunnier this time around. Not completely rosie, but I saw that big happy smile of his again which was nice. He kind of went on his own little roller coaster ride this episode. He was happy and joking with Bill, then sad when he saw Elizabeth with Lucas, then mad and selfish when he didn't show for the meeting, and then... very sincere and kind when he apologized. Yes, I will admit I was impressed with him there. (More on that in a minute.)

    I really enjoyed Nathan's lightheartedness with Bill. It was fun to see him so happy and playful. I'm also getting the opinion that maybe...just maybe Nathan doesn't want to be a Mountie anymore. He told Elizabeth he'd quit, he really didn't seem to care if he lost his job, and now he's taking a vacation from crime fighting entirely and leaving Bill in charge. I'm not sure what's going to happen just yet, but it seems that a few of these Hope Valley men want a change in their professions.

    We then saw Nathan just happen to be passing by as Elizabeth accepted a date from Lucas... Because these guys just always happen to be around when Elizabeth is having a moment with one or the other. Lol! He didn't do much here, but the pain and disappointment he felt was obvious. It even may have contributed to his decision not to attend the teacher/parent meeting. Which makes sense.

    And so Elizabeth took matters into her own hands to get some answers from the man. She sent him a note and he showed up that night. He seemed very concerned, and worried that something was wrong with Elizabeth.

    Elizabeth then tells him that he missed the meeting…. And then Nathan started to get a bit… ???. He explains that he thought it was best that he didn’t show up considering their last encounter.

    He then started getting a bit irritating as he was like, “What do we need to do? Do I need to make an appointment or can we talk now?” At that point I was like, “Nathan… You better get a hold of that temper.” And Elizabeth clearly didn't appreciate his tone.

    He then entered Elizabeth’s house for the second time, something Lucas has yet to do once sadly, and very awkwardly sat down on her settee. (Couch, settee. Whatever it’s called. Lol!) He sure didn’t look too comfortable. :D

    Elizabeth then went though Allie’s school year saying what she excelled in most. Which unlike me was math. Lol! She even thought Allie should be put in an accelerated math program which would require Nathan’s help. 

    But it appears that whatever happened at Fort Clay is still weighing on Allie, causing her to become distracted in class. And this makes the perfect opportunity for Nathan to explain things...but what does he do? He says the same thing Jack said about the Northern Territories. "It's all behind me now."

    Hmmm... Yeah... I totally believe that. (I'm onto you, mister!)

    Elizabeth then says something very deep and wise, that really seemed to hit Nathan. She says…

"Nathan, you are Allie's world. You're the only father she's ever known. And as she grows up, you will always be the measure of the qualities she'll look for in a man as she chooses who to marry."

   This is such a true statement, and it really just helped break down some of his walls. He then comes right out and admits that he should have come to the meeting, and that it was hurtful and selfish of him not to. He even apologizes for his behavior, and I was quite impressed with him in that moment.

    Despite everything he was feeling, and all that had happened between him and Elizabeth, he was still able to admit that he was wrong. He humbled himself, and realized that no matter what Allie has to come first.

    Now for all you Team Nathan fans, no I am still Team Lucas. Lol! But even I can admit when Nathan has done something very honorable. And that's all I'll say for now. :)

 

Lucas & Elizabeth

 

    Okay.... So I feel I'd better warn Team Lucas that my opinion here is probably not going to be the most popular. (Like... at all...)

    Having been through 5 seasons of Elizabeth and Jack's romance I've come to understand the mood that is set when a very intimate and romantic event was happening. Maybe it's given me too high of standards, but.... I feel the writers didn't portray Elizabeth and Lucas in the best way they could have this episode. And I'm by no means saying the writers are not good writers, or that Elizabeth and Lucas aren't adorable together. (As they so are!) I'm saying rather that the writers chose to make the scenes feel the way they did for a reason.

    Throughout this season I have been able to weigh through Elizabeth's scenes with both men, and come to terms with how I interpret her to feel about each one. And..... (Takes a bracing breath) I'm just lacking something in Elizabeth's scenes with Lucas. 

    So before all you Team Lucas fans band together and raise your swords to charge at me.... let me explain.

    Throughout this whole season I have had a hard time figuring out where Elizabeth stood with Lucas. In the beginning they had very little interaction, and she didn't really seem to even consider him as a romantic suitor. Finally they got some scenes and I've come to a conclusion. (And it ain't pretty for Team Lucas.)

    I am more convinced than ever that Elizabeth is not picking Lucas. Honestly, I will be shocked if she does. There is certainly still a chance she could, and I will continue to hope, but for now.... It really seems her heart is with Nathan. I'm just failing to find the depth and intimacy I want to see between Lucas and Elizabeth. I feel that their scenes were played off a particular way that made them not feel as deep and connected as they did before. Things always feel too perfect, carefree, and light.

    I find more feeling from Lucas sometimes than I do from Elizabeth. He constantly shows us that he just absolutely adores Elizabeth, and would lasso the moon for her if she wanted it. But I'm failing to find that from Elizabeth.

    So once again, this has absolutely nothing to do with the actors. It's just the way the writers chose to have their scenes play out. (I'm now going to my fortified Hearties bunker to wait this out...)

    Anyhow, I have talked your ear off about this long enough. Let's get to discussing their scenes!

 

    So Elizabeth walked up to Lucas right after he had hired Henry back. I liked how she was actually looking for him for once. They start talking and he says how if someone can figure Henry out, he would be a better man then he is. Elizabeth says Henry isn't that hard to understand, and Lucas clarifies that he said a "better man." He wasn't including women in the equation.

    Lucas then says how he thought he could read people, hinting that he can't read her lately. And rightfully so. Man, Elizabeth has been a mystery to both men. Elizabeth then denies his insinuation and says that she's not that hard to read, making Lucas smirk in disbelief. She then laughs and says for him to try.

    Lucas then asks her to join him for dinner in the saloon to celebrate the end of the school term. In other words...he asked Elizabeth... on a DATE! Not a dinner. Not a "pretend date." A real date. It's so funny that Lucas literally made her spell it out for him. She first responds with a touch of hesitation, and says she would be delighted. Lucas then asks, "Delighted how?" Lol! She then tells him she'd be delighted to go on a date with him. And yet Lucas still feels the need to have her clarify if this would in fact be a "real date?" (The poor guy. :D ) And she assures him that this would be a REAL date.

    YAAAAAaaaay!!! Finally! FINALLY! They get a real date! And of course.... Nathan had to ride past in that moment and see them. (Go figure... Lol!)

    Very quickly I want to throw in here Lucas' conversation with Carson. Guys.... What have they done to my Lucas? First off his comment about wanting to be Robin Hood was great! Lol! But...

    Why does it sound like Lucas isn't happy in Hope Valley? His words almost made it sound like he was just settling because of Elizabeth, and that he'd rather be somewhere else. I thought he loved being in Hope Valley, and that his dream was to finally find a place that felt like home, settle down, and raise a family? (Then again I thought Carson liked being a doctor in Hope Valley...)

    Now I may totally be jumping the gun, but the way Lucas sounded... It didn't make me feel the best. He claims he never envisioned running a saloon or an oil company. Was he just hinting that he'd like a change in profession, or something else? 

    But as to Lucas' whole conversation with Gustave before that... Lol! That was gold! I could see just how important this date with Elizabeth was to Lucas. As for Gustave? Piff! Don't try and tell that guy about romance. He's a Frenchman after all, so he totally knows all about romance. Lol! (I love Gustave!)

    So... that horse ride... That seemed like something I could only dream of happening! That was so sweet and romantic! Just seeing them ride side by side through the country side.... Sigh... They really are so cute together! And it was SO romantic that they stopped at that beautiful bridge!

 

    As to their conversation there, I don't know how much debate there has been over Lucas not coming to the school celebration. Personally... I wished he would have gone, of course. It was sad he didn't take part, and spend more time with Elizabeth. But Lucas appeared very sincere in his explanation to Elizabeth. After all it's not like he doesn't want to spend time with her. He adores her. And if he truly was allowing Nathan to have this moment without his presence effecting what should be a happy moment for them... Bravo, Mr. Bouchard! That was a very thoughtful and noble thing for him to do! I don't know if his gesture was necessary, but it was sweet nonetheless.

    We now move onto... the date! Or we will in a moment...After I mention Elizabeth's choice of attire.

 

    What did I think about it? Well… Maybe Julie should have kept it for herself. Lol! It was just… just… not Elizabeth. And I know that was the whole point but… It just wasn’t very modest. Of course this is just my opinion, but that was one of my biggest problems with it.

    I just think the dress she wore during the Union City trip was much more appropriate, especially for a widow and a mother. Now I’m absolutely not saying that Elizabeth can’t get dressed up, and fancy, even wearing something a little different. This dress was just a bit much…  (More like not enough actually. Lol!)

    As to the date itself, I was so glad she didn’t cancel it! I was a bit scared that she was going to send a note canceling the evening, but she didn’t! In fact it turned out to be possibly even better than having it in the saloon!

    The whole setting was so intimate and romantic! From the candles lit all around them, (Yes, I like the candles.) the fancy dinner in the moonlight, to the slow music playing… SO romantic!

    For the first time Elizabeth just feels so free and doesn't have something weighing on her. A statement I find quite interesting. She always seems so happy and carefree around Lucas.

    Lucas was just ecstatic to be there. He didn’t care that it was in Elizabeth’s backyard. In his own words he put it so sweetly… “You have no idea how happy I am to be here with you.” I mean… Talk about swoon worthy! And the whole time I was wondering if he was going to ask her to dance. (Which I was really hoping he would, but oh well.)

    Lucas just absolutely, positively ADORES Elizabeth. It’s like he’s a high school boy out on a date with his crush. Honestly, all these two can do is gaze after each other and giggle. Lol! 😍

    And then…. (Silence falls over the room...) Lucas held his hand out to her…. And she very cautiously... placed hers in his!!! Eeeek! They held hands! They actually held hands! A step has been taken Hearties!

    But Elizabeth cautioned him, letting him know that they would need to take things slowly. And Lucas’ response? 

    “We have all the time in the world.” 

    First off… How sweet and romantic was that? Secondly…. I’m very curious to know if his words meant anything for their future, and if something will come into play concerning them.

    The way I see things, Lucas appears to want things to move faster than Elizabeth wants them to. Not that he would ever want to do anything to make her uncomfortable, that’s just the vibe I’m getting. And it makes sense. Lucas isn’t a widower, and he’s known Elizabeth for over two years already. And for all we know Elizabeth could be the first woman he’s ever felt this way about.

    But I believe Lucas understands her fears and hesitation, and will agree to take things at her own pace.

    However… despite all the wonderful scenes Lucas and Elizabeth got, and how romantic they were… I still… wasn’t satisfied. I’m sorry I’m such a Debbie Downer about this. I really wanted to like their scenes. I truly did. I just… there was something lacking in their scenes. A depth I wanted to see between them. An intimacy, and breathlessness. And sadly I just didn’t get that from them.

    Don’t get me wrong. The settings were beautiful and SO romantic. And I still absolutely love Elizabeth and Lucas together. Honestly they would make just the cutest couple. I just don’t know that they’re going to stay together, and I believe the writers have changed things between them. On purpose. Their conversations just lacked a depth that they had before. Which can only lead me to one conclusion... (One I shall not speak of... ;)

    In the end… Things were far from perfect for me this time. All the characters are acting so different and discontent all of a sudden. The connection and sparks Elizabeth and Lucas used to have is vanishing, no one is happy with their jobs, and all the romance and love just seems to be dying. I know we still have a lot of episodes to go, and I don’t want things to always be perfect. It’s just… characters seem to be acting out of character, and it’s not going over well for me right now.

    But yet with all of this I still found myself laughing at times, and wide eyed at the drama. And I got to see Elizabeth and Lucas ride horses together! Eeeek! And so I still definitely enjoyed the episode. I'm just kind of scared at the direction things seem to be going.

 

And now a note for my readers:

    I want to thank you all for sharing your thoughts with me in the comments as well as on Twitter. I’m so grateful that you’d take the time out of your busy day to share your thoughts and opinions with me. However I would like to ask a favor. 

    Lately there have been a lot of spoilers shared with me in the comments. I love that you guys feel that my blog is a place you can come to to get away from the drama of social media. And I always want things to be that way. But I would like to ask that everyone please not share any spoilers with me directly. I like to be surprised, even by the tiniest detail, so I'd rather avoid spoilers including promos, previews, and interviews. It also makes it harder for me to read and respond to your thoughts you share with me that I truly love to read. So thank you all so much for taking the time to comment to me. I love hearing from you! 💗

   Thank you all for reading! I hope you're having a wonderful week so far! Feel free to leave a comment below or on my Twitter page! Have a great day, and God Bless!