WCTH S8 Episode Review: Old Love, New Love, Is This True Love

    Wow! Talk about a long title. Lol! Hello Hearties and welcome to today's blog post! (Sorry it's a day late!)

    Now I will be up front and say that this was definitely not my favorite episode this season. And no it had nothing to do with the ending. In fact I actually saw the ending as a good thing for Team Lucas, but more on that later. ;) I'm more speaking about the entire episode as a whole and how it was written.

    To me this episode was more of a filler episode. The whole time I was just waiting for something to happen. But it did have a lot of sweet and heart-tugging moments, and... Florence and Ned are married!!! Yes!

    And I am going to just get right to the review! :)

Side Notes: 

Little Jack was absent... again. (I know, I know... Covid...)

Christopher and Rachel weren't shown or mentioned sadly. I'm hoping they come back in this next episode.

Where. Is. Murphy!?! Katie was supposed to marry him! ;)

Fiona

 

    Well... I don't know that Fiona and Mike are going to stick. And it's sad. They really are cute together, and Mike is the first guy I've actually liked for Fiona. But it appears that she doesn't quite feel the same way Mike does. But I didn't know from the very start if they would become a permanent couple as there has been talk of her being for whoever Elizabeth dumps. (To put things bluntly.) And I wonder if we got a bit of a hint of that during this episode...

    Now... I am not going to do the cringy thing Team Nathan thinks I'm going to do and gush over Fiona fixing Allie's hair, and say how this totally means Fiona and Nathan are going to become a couple. I am not yet a fan of the idea of them as a couple, although the fact that Kevin and Kayla are a couple in real life makes the idea sound WAY better. Lol! (That would just be sweet!) But I am going to say that the whole scene between her and Allie could be the writers giving us a clue as to the way things may end up. 

    They made a point to show Fiona not only fixing Allie's hair (Something a mother would do for her daughter) but they also showed them connect over fishing. IMO this was one of two things. Either this is showing us that Nathan may just end up with Fiona, or this was all one big red herring to throw us off. I really don't know. But I just had to mention it as I do think it could be a clue as to who Nathan may end up with if Elizabeth doesn't pick him.

    However, with all that being said... I am not a big fan of Fiona this season. There. I've said it. I know some people really like her, and she is such a cute and sweet woman. I just... I'm just not a fan of how... "business-y" she is. And this all is just based on my personal preference. Fiona really is a very kind and beautiful person. I guess I would just prefer someone else for Nathan. (Or Lucas if Elizabeth doesn't pick him.)

    I also think Fiona may join the oil company... and I'm NOT thrilled about that prospect. And no, before Team Nathan laughs and thinks I'm being "Team Lucas-y" about this, my dislike for this idea doesn't only revolve around the fact that Lucas works there. (Although if Elizabeth doesn't pick him it absolutely will.) Once again... I just don't like this "business savvy" side of Fiona. I know, I know... That's just who she is. I just am not a fan of it. 

 

FloYo Is Married!

 

    Yes! They did it! Huzzah! Lol! (Oh, sweet Molly. :)

    The wedding was small and sweet with just Edmund and Florence's closest friends in attendance. (Lee's reaction to Ned's full name was hilarious! Lol!) And Florence... 

    I think Florence admitting that part of her has always felt like she's a bit of an "ugly duckling" was one of the saddest scenes we've ever had with Florence. Florence is beautiful inside and out, and her wonderful friends were there to show her that. I also thought it was really sweet that Fiona was the one to tell her that. Those two have this mother/daughter relationship that's sweet to see.

    Also it was so sweet and so wonderful how Molly gave up her dress (The one she tried to impress Bill with) just because she knew her best friend would love it. That is beautiful! Speaking of the dynamic duo...

    I think that was one of the sweetest and most heart-felt FloMo scenes we have ever gotten. These two have been by each other's side since Season 1, but this is the first time they have truly and deeply expressed what they mean to each other. Florence's words were so touching, and Molly's absolute pure joy at seeing her best friend get married was as well!

    As to Katie... First off... Yay! She's returned! And apparently she's a teacher in Hamilton. Wow! But secondly... sigh... Why Katie? Now I absolutely understand her fears. She says that Ned nearly died when he lost his first wife, and she couldn't bare to see him go through that again. I also believe she was scared of Florence taking her place in Ned's life. But with some help from Elizabeth, Katie was able to swallow her fears and be there for her daddy's big day!

    And... I absolutely HAVE to address Florence and Ned's first kiss! Those two are just... perfect! Between how sweet and understanding Florence was to Ned when he admitted to having cold feet, to the love and amazement on Ned's face for the woman he loves. They are just precious! And I think it was really sweet and romantic how they decided to share their first kiss right there at the barber shop instead of in front of all their friends. And... I don't think Ned needed those thicker socks after that smooch. Yeah, from the look on his face I'd say he warmed right up after that. Lol! And Florence was as giddy as a school girl! As I said... they're perfect!

    And the wedding went wonderfully. I loved how we not only had the very talented Angela playing the piano (Although it did take her a minute to find just the right song... Lol!) but we also had Mike on the trumpet! And I loved the combination! It made the moment so special! I also thought it was sweet how Florence gave a hug to not only her son, but her future daughter Katie before turning to Ned. So sweet! There was so much love in that room. From Henry standing beside Ned, to Katie showing up for her Daddy's big day, to the pure love in Florence and Ned's eyes. It truly was a beautiful event.

    And the reception was just as sweet as the wedding. From Ned's loving words, to the sweet mother/son and father/daughter dance. There was just so much love being shared that day!

And... we finally know who Florence's other child is, their name, and where they are! Wow! Apparently she has a grown daughter named Deborah who is away at school. Mystery solved! (And just think! It only took eight seasons! Lol!) 

 

Molly & Bill

    I was so right! Molly totally let Bill's serge out! How sweet is that? And Bill rightfully thanked her for it as well as the wonderful send off she organized for him. And what did he do before that? He actually complimented her on how lovely he thought she looked and... asked her to dance! Oooo! The Bill and Molly romance is heating up people!

The Canfields

    These two are fitting into Hope Valley beautifully! They honestly bring such hope, and peace to this show. And it's so, so clear just how much Joseph and Minnie love each other. Minnie's face held such love and pride as she watched her husband officiate that wedding. Speaking of Minnie...

 

    Minnie is such a sweet and wise woman. She has this sense of peace about her that's wonderful, and sort of fills the "mother of Hope Valley" shoes that Abigail left empty. She just has such a gentle and caring heart for the people around her. Her advice to Carson about "licking the spoon" was so good, and was honestly just what Carson really needed to hear right now.

 

    She also is turning out to be a great addition to the cafe, and is apparently a very good cook/baker. Her comment about learning how to cook and bake from her families' housekeeper is very interesting and gave us just a tiny snippet into her past/childhood. I'm curious to know more about her past and wonder how much more may be shared in these last 2 episodes.

 

    As for Joseph... He did a wonderful job officiating Ned and Florence's wedding along side Bill. He had a nice combination of wisdom, heart-felt sentiments, as well as a fun sense of humor. Yes, I think he will be one of the best, if not THE best pastor Hope Valley has ever had. I also enjoyed the addition of the bell he brought. It really added such a great touch to the end of the ceremony and I really like the idea of Hope Valley's church having a bell. I very much wonder however two very important things...

    How will Elizabeth take to the bell being added? (Honestly how is no one thinking they should ask her permission seeing as though Jack built the school/church for her?)

    And secondly.... how on earth are they going to get that bell up there?!? And... will anyone get hurt in the process? I mean... It's a LOOOONG way up there to that steeple.

 

 

Team Classe

    Oh poor Jesse! If I could I would grab that scoundrel Bill Avery style and demand he give you that money back! I mean... Augh! That disgusting, lying cheat!

    Now we finally understand just what happened to Jesse and Clara's money. (Well, mostly anyway.) Basically it seems Jesse thought he'd found a great opportunity to make some extra cash.... and ended up getting swindled and losing it all... This man, Wyman Walden, (What a name, though!) obviously runs some kind of scam investment scheme and Jesse got tangled in his web of lies.

    Wow. Jesse was so desperate to catch that thief he slid right onto his backside in the middle of the street! He feels so terrible that he let this happen. I've always believed that one of Jesse's biggest problems is that he lacks self confidence. We've seen it over and over throughout the show from his past, to him not finishing school, to his jealousy problem in Season 6. He just wants to be the best man he can be for Clara. He wants her to be proud of him, and be the person she deserves. And this... this had to be one of the lowest moments in his life.

    But Clara... Bravo girl! She handled the whole thing with such love, grace, and forgiveness in this episode. She seems to have really learned an important lesson (Thanks to Pastor Joseph) and has learned to forgive Jesse... and to never ever trust shady business men. :D

    I'm very curious where this whole "mysterious business man" plotline is going to go. Something is going on in Hope Valley. Speaking of which...

 

Lee & Rosemary

    Oh, boy. Whoever is behind this whole "mysterious land survey thing" better look out! Rosemary is onto you and she will get answers! I'm very curious where this plotline is going. It feels... a bit random in a way if I'm being honest. Sort of last minute. But I'm all for mystery and drama so I'm definitely interested to see where this goes. I also find it interesting that Rosemary is the one who is trying to figure  all this out. Does this play into her finding a new calling in life? Like exposing  evil in a... newspaper maybe? It sounds like a great job for Rosemary, and who knows? Maybe "Ask Mary Rose" will make a triumphant return!

    As for Lee... Lol! He was just his lovable self. It was so sweet to see him playing piano with Angela! And he did a great job! I also loved his reaction to finding out Ned's full name. :D

 

Allie & Robert

 

    So Robert. You finally wised up. Lol! Well it's about time. And all it took was Allie making him jealous.

    Oh, that Allie... She is such a handful.:D I was honestly quite surprised by her behavior in having absolutely no problem leaving the switchboard unattended. Even when her Uncle Nathan called her out she didn't seem to consider it a big deal. But then again... she's a young girl currently dealing with what is very possibly her first crush. And so I give her a pass. Lol!

    Also, somehow this girl has become an expert matchmaker. First she attempted to bring her uncle and Elizabeth together. Now she's acting all mushy over Paul just to make Robert jealous. Lol! It figures she'd get caught in her own little triangle, doesn't it? :D I also wonder if watching how her Uncle Nathan acts toward Lucas and Elizabeth has had any effect on how she approaches romance. Now this is a way, WAY smaller situation, and from what I can tell, I don't know how interested Paul is in Allie. HOWEVER if he is... Allie is going to have a pickle to deal with, and has possibly hurt Paul. AND Nathan is going to have to talk with her... again.

    I even wonder if those wheels started turning in her mind over attempting another match... between her uncle and Fiona. Now I really don't know about this. I'm just basing this off of the face Allie made after Fiona mentioned knowing what a "dropper loop" is, and how her brothers used to take her fishing. Or it simply had to do with the fact that she was surprised and happy to find another girl who knows about fishing. Anyhow, something was going through that girl's mind. And I'll just leave it at that. :)

    In the end however... Robert actually complimented Allie on her hair (Kudos to you, young man!) and... (Drum roll....) asked Allie to dance with him! And Allie was ecstatic! So maybe Robert really does like Allie. I'm curious if we'll see anymore of this "school girl/boy crush" before the season is over. 

Team Infirmary

 

    Faith... sweet little Faith... What in blazes is wrong with you?!? One minute she tells Carson she wants him to stay, the next to leave, the next how she's going to miss him, the next how he needs to follow his dreams... Back and forth, back and forth... I mean... ugh!

    I feel bad for Carson. He must be so confused! And yet... sigh... I understand Faith's point. Carson just doesn't seem to want to stay in Hope Valley, and would only grow discontent if he did. However neither Faith or Carson wants to be parted again.

    So in my very blunt opinion... Carson and Faith need to break up. Stat. Neither one of them is willing to give up what they want in order to be with the other person. Well... Carson was willing... TWICE! But Faith won't let him give up on his dreams. Which is sweet and actually wise in this case as she knows that he won't be happy in Hope Valley. I just think it would be... sort of dumb for them to stay together at this point. Their lives are constantly pulling them apart, and I see no reason that will change in the future. They may both just be better off apart IMO.

    But then again... They both keep claiming just how much they love each other, and Carson already has a ring and everything... Alright! Back up!

    The man has a ring?!? And he's had it since Christmas?!? Whoa! He obviously was pretty serious about Faith being "the one." But... can they make things work? Faith has changed some since she went to college and became a doctor. And now that Carson has this brand new dream that came right out of the blue... I really don't know if they are going to last.

    The most interesting thing for these two that happened in this episode was Pastor Joseph's words. He states, "The giving of one's heart is not to be taken lightly." Faith and Carson are then shown, and Carson gets a very serious/thoughtful expression on his face. Joseph then mentioned about not being selfish or self serving... "insisting on one's own way."

    Now at first I was thinking this could mean something good for them, but... after thinking about it I'm starting to think it actually may mean something... bad. Joseph was talking about not being selfish or insisting one's way on another. IMO both Carson and Faith would be being selfish if they "insisted on their way" to each other. Carson wanting Faith to come with him to Baltimore, and Faith wanting him to stay in Hope Valley. It also would seem selfish for either of them to make the other person wait years before they could finally be together.

    In the end I'm really not sure just what is going to happen for these two. But... I don't know if things are looking good.

Henry....and Abigail?

 

    Alright people... Ned asking Henry to be his best man was just the absolute sweetest thing! I mean... wow! And Henry was absolutely ecstatic! It was just so, so sweet! I do wonder how Henry and Ned became so close as Ned claims they are. I never remember them being any sort of friends. However Henry and Ned have always had a friendly sort of relationship between all the times Henry would shop at the mercantile or come for his mail. And with the whole "opened-letter mishap" that Henry so sweetly apologized for and all that money Henry stuffed in Ned's ledger during S7's Christmas Special... I'd say they've had a few friendly moments. Henry's words of encouragement to Ned were so sweet and heart-felt! He really had Ned's back, and let him know he doesn't need to feel pressured to get married. It was so nice seeing Henry as the one giving advice for a change.

    And... Oh. My. Goodness. Henry and Abigail have been writing each other?!? That is... absolutely... adorable! I mean... excuse me while I melt into a puddle! Henry you are such a sweetheart! (Did I just say that about, Henry Gowen? Lol!) I mean... just the thought of Henry writing Abigail is just so romantic and tugs at my little heartstrings. :D He is SO 100% in love with Abigail. Period. And all this "sudden" talk of that woman leads me to thinking of one thing...

    Abigail just may be coming back. I mean... It really feels that way. Erin Krakow herself has stated that she would love to see Lori come back to the show "sooner rather than later." You can read about it here: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a36075313/when-calls-the-heart-lori-loughlin-return-erin-krakow-interview/

    I don't know guys. It would be the sweetest thing ever to see Henry and Abigail reunited. It honestly feels like they should have a huge "run and embrace each other" moment like Elizabeth and Jack did in Season 5. Lol! Not that they would. It's just been awhile and Henry is so clearly in love with her. I also think it would be so sweet to see Elizabeth and Abigail reunite as well. Who knows? It's a very interesting possibility and with all the talk of Abigail I wouldn't be surprised if she comes back soon.

 

Nathan

    This guy really didn't have very much screen time this episode, just like Lucas didn't. But.... boy did he make an explosive end scene. Lol! We didn't see much of him in the beginning of this episode. His first big scene came when he dragged Allie back to the switchboard. Good for you! But... he just had to cast a longing glance at Elizabeth... No! Bad Nathan! ;)

    He didn't get another scene until he showed up for the wedding. I then learned that.... he really, REALLY does not know how to do little girls' hair. Lol! I have a friend who is very much into hair-care and knows how to style hair quite well. She also watches WCTH and Nathan's "hair-do" very much disturbed her. Lol! But I absolutely loved the fact that he tried to fix Allie's hair! I mean, that's just adorable!

    We also had Jesse and Clara tell Nathan about the "shady business man" who stole their money. Nathan tells them that there isn't much to go on, but at least he now has the man's name. That's a start.

    After that the wedding began...

 

    And now... I am going to say a very Team Lucas-ish thing. And I'll be honest....I completely laughed out loud when this happened. And I would be talking about no other moment than when the camera switched to Nathan and Allie during the wedding. Why would I laugh out loud at that? Well, it wasn't just the sight of Nathan or something silly like that... It was what Pastor Joseph said before the camera switched to Nathan.

    All throughout Joseph's speech the camera would switch to different couples who seemed to be absorbing his words, reevaluating their relationships. For Faith and Carson it was "The giving of one's heart is not to be taken lightly," and not "insisting on one's own way." For Jesse and Clara it was forgiveness.

    But for Nathan? Well... (Team Nathan you're probably going to want to cover your ears...) Pastor Joe says, "And keeping no records of wrongs..." and the camera lands on Jesse and Clara. BUT the camera then goes back to Joseph who humorously says, "Because you're going to be wrong." Everyone laughs, and the camera goes straight to... yep. You guessed it. Nathan Grant. Now, before all you Team Nathan fans band together to string me up by my toes, I am not saying this is absolutely 100% meaning Elizabeth isn't going to pick Nathan. Anything is possible at this point. But...

    Out of all the beautiful things that Pastor Joseph said, and all the couples the camera went to after each sentiment.... why did Nathan get, "Because you're going to be wrong?" To me... I really wonder if this is a clear clue as to who Elizabeth is going to pick. I mean, call me crazy, but the writers were very, VERY specific in the words Joseph said and who was shown during each statement. It wasn't random, and each sentiment was meant to go with each person shown. So... Why did Nathan get "you're going to be wrong?" Is it because he's going to be wrong in his pursuit of Elizabeth? Was it a red herring to throw us off? Or was it touching on something else entirely like how he was wrong to with-hold his "Fort Clay secret?" I never can tell with these things. All I know is that the writers don't do these things by coincidence or accident. And Allie taking his hand was just the cherry on top. It was like she was consoling her beloved uncle for some reason. Maybe due to the fact that she knows he likes Elizabeth but Elizabeth likes Lucas?

    (Okay, Team Nathan. You can unplug your ears now. :)

    I also have to ask.... (And this is a silly question...) What was up with the way Nathan was sitting at the wedding? He was slouched (As Ben Rosenbaum hilariously put it) like he was sitting in a hot tub. Lol! Come on man! Sit up straight! It's a wedding! :D

 

    And of course... we had that final moment between Nathan and Elizabeth. The one everyone is talking about. And I am going to de-bunk it! Lol! Okay, rather I am going to give my opinion on it. (A very Team Lucas-y opinion.)

    So after Nathan and Lucas' whole "conversation" (Which I'll get to in a bit) Nathan walks past Elizabeth to go talk to Bill. Elizabeth's eyes follow him, and stay on him for good moment, and Rosemary notices. Now I could dismiss this as concern or what not, but I really don't know what it means in terms of the triangle. As always I could see things going either way, and so I'll refrain from saying much here.

    So Elizabeth then approaches Nathan, and asks him to step outside with her. They leave the saloon.... and Lucas watches from a distance. (As he always ends up doing. :( 

    Anyhow, once outside, Elizabeth tells Nathan something very big, and very meaningful. 

    She doesn't blame Nathan for Jack's death. (Hurrah for you, Elizabeth!)

    Now I personally felt this declaration came too soon. Not that I didn't want her to say it, as I truly did. She needs to come to terms with Jack's death, and Nathan absolutely needs this heavy burden lifted from his shoulders. And so I can only imagine how relieved and amazing he felt to hear Elizabeth tell him that she doesn't blame him. I guess I just felt like we should have seen Elizabeth processing things more before this moment came. I mean, Nathan withheld that information for three years, and Elizabeth has yet to fully move on and grieve Jack's death. I just felt the whole "Fort Clay secret" was underutilized in a way. I guess I also expected a more... how do I put it... dramatic and emotional moment when she finally told him that she doesn't blame him. It feels like the whole thing had been built up nearly all season long, but then got brushed over really quickly at the end. But this is just my opinion. Maybe more will come of this in the final episodes. Maybe not. I guess we'll see.

    So after Elizabeth tells Nathan that she doesn't blame him... he uh... well... he decided to... take her hands in his. And with emotion in his voice he thanked her, clearly relieved to hear those words from her. They shared a sweet moment... and of course Lucas just had to catch them at the worst possible time. (But more on him later)

    Now this is my very biased Team Lucas opinion but... did anyone else think Nathan was maybe just a bit... forward in grabbing Elizabeth's hands? Just a little? I mean, I am not overlooking the fact that she didn't pull back (Which is forward and concerning in itself) but... for the time period, the place, the fact that it happened at night, in the dark, while Elizabeth is currently dating another man... That was a bit presumptuous for Nathan to do. And again I know Elizabeth didn't refuse him taking her hands, but... couldn't the man put his hands on her arms instead or something? Lol!

    The big question here however is this... Was this a moment of romance or forgiveness? The way I see it, it may totally have been for Nathan, but I'm not so sure about Elizabeth. I just still don't know what she feels for the man. He obviously has some very strong feeling for Elizabeth (Whether they're from love or guilt I still don't know) but does she feel that way about him? 

    Now for all you Team Lucas fans reading, no I do not consider this moment to mean Elizabeth is picking Nathan. I mean, sure it could, but... the fact that Lucas saw this moment makes me think Elizabeth may just pick him and not Nathan. Which I shall explain in the next topic!

 

Lucas

 

    In the lyrics of Brett Young...🎵"So if you're gonna break my heart, just break it...."🎵

    (That's probably something like what Lucas is thinking right now...) Honestly that whole chorus works pretty perfect for this situation. Lol!

    Oh, poor, sweet Lucas! You don't deserve this heart break! (Falls to knees dramatically while lightening flashes on cue.) This man has been so patient. So loving. So understanding. And yet... ugh!

    So Lucas didn't get a lot of screen time this episode. In fact he got about four scenes in total. But I do think this episode set things up for a big finale and has, in fact, boosted my hopes for a Lucas endgame!

    So I enjoyed seeing Lucas included during all the chaos surrounding Ned's "cold feet." Lol! It's nice seeing Lucas as just one of the guys. :)

    We then got Lucas and Elizabeth's first scene together. It wasn't much, but it kind of started the ball rolling in a way. Then again, Elizabeth kind of did that already at the end of last week's episode. 

    So Elizabeth showed up at the saloon looking for Katie. As always Lucas was a perfect gentleman, even paying Elizabeth a compliment. He can't believe Katie (Who obviously must have been very curt with him) is the daughter Ned said wanted to be just like Elizabeth. (How sweet!) The scene was pretty brief, but it was the ending that had the most substance. 

    In that moment Elizabeth became pretty much surrounded by every person she is current having a problem with. Rosemary showed up, and the two of them are far from okay. Then Allie was there to the side, and Nathan showed up to drag her back to the switchboard. Elizabeth and him shared a glance before she walked away... and Lucas stood behind watching the whole thing. It seems that gradually all these little seeds of doubt are being planted in his poor heart, making him wonder just where Elizabeth's heart lies. However I do not at all take this to be a bad sign for Team Lucas nor a sign that Elizabeth is picking Nathan necessarily. I actually see this as a good thing. (Which I will get to in a bit. :)

 

    Moving on... Eeeek! Elizabeth and Lucas sat next to each other during the wedding! How sweet was that? I love the couple-vibes these two portray and.... Elizabeth actually gave Lucas his first real compliment! She told him he looked "very handsome" to which Lucas responded, "And you beautiful." (Aww!) There we have it folks! Elizabeth has actually let Lucas know that she thinks he's handsome!

    I also loved how Lucas is just so thoughtful and how he knows Elizabeth so well. It's like he knows what she's going to say or do before she does it. Like when Katie showed up. Instantly Lucas reached and grabbed her bouquet, handing it to Elizabeth before she even asked for it. I mean...

COUPLE-VIBES!

    We then come to a very significant, very important moment. And that would be Pastor Joseph's wedding speech. There were two parts that focused on Elizabeth and Lucas, and they may have been quite telling as to this whole triangle. So Joseph began his speech and very early on he says...

    "Giving yourselves to each other in a life-long covenant. To be neither selfish or self-serving."

    During this scene the camera cuts to Elizabeth and Lucas, but pans down to focus on Elizabeth, who is twisting her wedding rings. I found it interesting that the camera also kept Lucas' hands in view, and that he was clasping his own hands together. I'm not sure if that means anything, but I thought I'd mention it.

    (Also I'm not sure if the, "To be neither selfish or self-serving" part was intended for Elizabeth or Lucas, but Joseph said that while the camera was still on them.)

    So I took this moment to mean Elizabeth was reflecting on her own wedding day, and the covenant she made to Jack. Therefore she was twisting her rings, remembering when she made that same promise to love Jack forever. I also wonder if she was thinking about how she's trying to move on, and how she knows she needs to remove her rings. I find it interesting that once again while being with Lucas she started twisting her rings. I've never seen her do that after being with Nathan. Again I don't know if this means something good for Team Lucas or not. I'm just pointing out what I see.

    We then got one more moment during Joseph's speech where the camera switched to show Elizabeth and Lucas. And this one was possibly the most important of the two.

    Joseph says, "With humility, gentleness, and patience..." before the camera switches to Elizabeth and Lucas. That seemed pretty perfect, to be honest, as their whole relationship has revolved around the word, "PATIENT." I also think these words sum up their relationship very well. Anyhow, Joseph then goes on to say, "Looking to bind yourself together..." At which point Elizabeth and Lucas turn to look at each other before Joseph finishes with, "In perfect unity through love."

    Hmm... Okay. Wow. 

With humility, gentleness, and patience, looking to bind yourself together in perfect unity through love.

    I think Joseph just perfectly illustrated a Lucas and Elizabeth ending. Lol! I mean... That was a big statement! And the camera just happened to land on those two in particular, who happen to be sitting together, AND even turned to look at each other during the speech. It was as if they were considering his words, and thinking about their own relationship. I mean... I'm not saying this means Elizabeth is 100% picking Lucas, but... you know.... It just might. ;)

    We then moved on to the reception. A minor thing I want to add is... Why didn't Lucas ask Elizabeth to dance? I mean, surly he wanted to. Maybe this is part of him distancing himself from Elizabeth because he doesn't know where her heart lies? Or... the writers needed to keep this dang triangle going so they didn't dance. (Sigh...)

 

    Anyhow we then see Nathan approach Lucas... and... Look out people! Sassy Lucas is back! Lol! I feel like his frustration and fear of where Elizabeth's heart lies has been slowly mounting. And now... Lucas decided to finally speak his mind to Nathan.

    So, first off... Why did Nathan walk over to Lucas? These two are SO FAR from friends. Did Nathan have something he wanted to say to Lucas? Because otherwise I see no reason he would approach Lucas. Anyway, Lucas brings up the conversation he had with Allie saying he doesn't think she should be caught in the middle of this. (AKA the triangle) Nathan thanks him for his concern and agrees that Allie has been through a lot and that he doesn't like adding to it.

    Lucas then informs Nathan that there is a way to avoid that.... And that would be for Nathan to stop pressuring Elizabeth.

    Whoa! Lucas has taken a shot at the Mountie... and... I sort of agree with him. While all is fair in love and war (Okay not really, but until Elizabeth has a ring from Lucas on her finger Nathan can pursue her all he wants) I would say that Nathan has put pressure on Elizabeth, whether he intended to or not. She is currently dating Lucas, but Nathan continues to tell her he loves her. This is putting a lot of pressure on her. Regardless of what she feels for either man, she has a very big and kind heart. She never wants to cause pain or heartbreak for anyone. So the fact that she's dating Lucas, but has Nathan who keeps pursuing her and she knows he likes her, AND knows his niece wants her to choose him... does not help things.

    Nathan (As I keep saying) cannot accept her choice of dating Lucas. However... this whole argument falls flat due to Elizabeth's actions. If she was 100% sure of her choice, she would be able to turn Nathan down and reject his advances. However something is keeping her from doing that. Now before Team Lucas thinks I've jumped ship, I am not saying that her confusion means she loves Nathan. Then again I'm not saying it means she doesn't. I'm saying that she is dealing with something inside her, an internal struggle, which is not allowing her to reject Nathan nor is it letting her fully give her heart to Lucas.

    As always I'm left with two theories. My guess is this. Either her confusion comes from the fact that she really does love Nathan but is too afraid to love another Mountie... or it stems from her losing Jack. 

    Nathan is indeed a Mountie, and has a clear connection to Jack. (A very big connection in fact.) I wonder if her words to Ned about wishing they could have just "one more day with the person they married" has something to do with her inability to fully reject Nathan. Does she truly love Lucas, but feels that rejecting Nathan would be like rejecting Jack? Or does Nathan, being a Mountie, serve as a reminder of the life she wanted with Jack, and she can't let Jack go, so in turn she can't let Nathan go? As always... I. Don't. Know.

    All I do know is that Nathan isn't having what Lucas or anyone else is dishing to him concerning stepping away from Elizabeth. I find it interesting that this is the third time that Nathan's intentions/actions have been brought into question. And I'm not saying that Nathan doesn't love or want the best for Elizabeth. It's just... when a character's actions are repeatedly brought into question we should ask ourselves why.

    And finally we had that sad end scene for Lucas... (Sniff!) Oh the poor man! He doesn't deserve this! I mean, just look at his pitiful face! The instant he saw them together, holding hands, he turned away in despair. He clearly seems to think that moment was one of romance, and possibly that Elizabeth doesn't love him.

    BUT! (Holds pointer finger high) I consider the fact that Lucas not only saw Elizabeth and Nathan holding hands, but misinterpreted the moment to be a very good thing. (For Team Lucas anyway) To me things have been perfectly set up for a Lucas ending.

    All this season Lucas and Elizabeth's relationship has been growing and we've been getting this romantic buildup. They've had TWO "almost kiss scenes" and have slowly worked their way to holding hands, and showing themselves as a couple in public. However.... Elizabeth is still holding back, and Lucas knows this. Now he saw his girl holding his rival's hands. If you ask me, this is the perfect "Hallmark misunderstanding" trope moment, before.... the break up. With two episodes left this moment beautifully sets the stage for Elizabeth and Lucas to have a "big fight" moment followed by the "break up." Then... (And this is just me spit-balling ideas) I wonder if something bad is going to happen in the coming episode/s. Something dangerous maybe. Or maybe Lucas simply breaks things off between him and Elizabeth, and she ends up having to fight for him for once. A friend of mine had the idea that maybe he'll even decide to leave town and she'll have to chase him down. Honestly I don't know how he could bare to stay if he thought Elizabeth was with Nathan. (Sniff!)

    All in all... I am very hopeful right now! I think that Lucas absolutely has a shot and really could be the one Elizabeth chooses! I'm so curious to see how he reacts to her in this coming episode. Will he keep everything inside? Or will he come right out and ask her what she was doing? OR will he finally just explode with all the feelings he's kept inside for so long and just burst out suddenly and tell her he loves her? I can't wait to find out!

Elizabeth's Advice & Friendship With Rosemary

 

    Boy, Elizabeth do you know how to give some amazing advice! You must know what to do all the time, and never have problems with love and opening your heart, and taking risks, and all that jazz... ;)

    Honestly, Elizabeth felt like the best and worst person right now to give advice. She's been through so much and clearly knows what Ned and even Katie are going through. She was an amazing friend and gave each person the exact words they needed to hear. And... maybe in doing so... she gave herself some much needed advice as well.

    Katie was worried that her father would one day lose Florence, and the grief he would suffer from it. Elizabeth didn't understand her worry at first, saying she should be happy Ned had found someone to love again. Katie then corrects her saying, "To lose again." Those words are practically a mirror of Elizabeth's own internal struggle, and she openly admits that she still struggles with that fear. One of the big reasons she's afraid to move on is she now knows how short and unexpected life can be. This is something she touched on with Ned.

    She told him that after losing Jack she doubted whether she'd be able to open her heart again. And Ned's response just made me laugh. He says with a smile, "And look what happened." Lol! Yes. Look what happened. A whole dang triangle happened, that's what! :D

    Now I do have to wonder if Ned was specifically speaking of just the triangle itself or whether he was relating to her current relationship with Lucas. I'm not sure just yet. Anyhow, Elizabeth then says that while opening her heart should have been a comfort, for the longest time all she could focus on was the loss. This is very true. These past three seasons she has held herself back, too afraid to fully give her heart to someone else. She knew the pain she'd suffered in losing Jack, and the promise she had made to love him forever. 

    But she then goes on to tell Ned that people like them have to remember what they've learned from that loss.... And she then says...

    "That life is brief and unexpected. And we always have to ask ourselves, "What'll I do with today?"

    Yes, Elizabeth. What will you do with today? Oh, wait. I already know the answer to that, and it came in the form of that cliffhanger of an ending for this episode... Lol! But it truly was very good advice, and gave Ned the confidence he needed to go on with the wedding.

    BUT... Obviously the biggest, and most meaningful piece of advice Elizabeth gave that day (Which I purposefully saved for last) was this...

    "But there will always be uncertainty in life. And if we start to shrink back from those things that might hurt... well, then our greatest risk is possibly never experiencing our greatest joy."

    Wow. Talk about relatable. I mean, she might as well have been talking to herself here. Lol! I honestly could write a whole post just about this statement, but I'll settle for just a basic summery.

    Now obviously this advice completely fits Nathan and Elizabeth's situation, and very much could signal a Nathan ending. I mean... duh. Shrinking back from things that might hurt. Greatest risk. Yes, it is a very Team Nathan-ish statement, and could signal her picking him. However.... I do not take this to mean that Nathan is Elizabeth's choice. I also think this statement can be used on either man. It just depends on who is truly in Elizabeth's heart. Because if she truly loves Lucas, then he technically would be a greater risk for her than Nathan as she would have to fully open her heart again and love someone like she loved Jack. It also makes going with him a great risk because she could get hurt and we have actually already seen instances of her "shrinking back" from him. (The hand-holding incident, the almost kiss scenes, etc.) So again, in a nut-shell... her advice to Katie does NOT mean she is 100% going to pick Nathan. I still very much feel things could go either way still, but I'm feeling so much better than I did throughout a lot of this season about Elizabeth possibly picking Lucas. I say he still has a very, very good chance and could totally be her choice. I just still have to realize the writers can do whatever they want and things aren't set in stone just yet.

    As for Elizabeth and Rosemary's friendship... Augh! ;) Elizabeth what is wrong with you? If you don't blame Nathan for Jack's death, then why are you still mad at her? Elizabeth was so cold to her this episode, and Rosemary is still clearly hurt by Elizabeth's actions. And while Elizabeth's little speech was better than nothing and held a lot of truth... she still needs to apologize. Very much so.

    Again, I understand that Elizabeth is not herself lately. She even admitted that to Rosemary which was great. And despite Elizabeth telling Nathan she doesn't blame him... she still has some things to get sorted out. And she will. I feel quite confident about that. However once she does... she better fix things with Rosemary.

    And that brings us to the end of another very long review. :) In the end this was definitely not my all time favorite episode of the season. I felt like there should have been more that happened, and that this one felt more like a "filler episode." However there were still some great scenes in here, and some very sweet and heart-tugging moments. And now.... We have reached the final stretch. Only TWO MORE EPISODES to go!!! Wow! Can you believe we're here already? It's crazy! And I'm SO excited to find out what happens next! 

    Thank you so much for reading! I hope this has been a blessing to you! Feel free to leave your thoughts on this episode below in the comments or on my Twitter page! (Just please no spoilers from promos, previews, or cast interviews. Thank you! :) Have a wonderful and blessed day! God Bless!