What Does Season 9 Hold? Part 3

 

    Hey, hey, and hello all you Hearties! I hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday today! I also hope you had an amazing 4th of July this past Sunday!

    I am here today to post the final installment in my three part series detailing what I hope to see/what I think we'll see in Season 9 for all the WCTH characters. We've now come down to the final three main characters. Yes, that's right. All three former love triangle members, Lucas, Elizabeth, and Nathan. (Oh, and of course Little Jack!) I realize this can be a rather... risky topic nowadays. But in all honesty I enjoy watching all three of these characters, and I'm very curious to see what's next for each of them. I'm also including the newest villains in this article as well, because I also have some predictions for them as well.

    So, let's get right to it!

 

Little Jack 

     Now obviously I couldn't say I have covered all the characters without including this little guy, could I? Honestly I'm disappointed at how little screen time we got of him this past season. Now I understand full well why we didn't get more of him, and that was partially due to Covid. I say partially as I just recently discovered that the reason Lucas and Little Jack didn't interact much was because... John Tinker forgot to make them. Lol! I find this kind of funny actually, and I appreciate Tinker's honesty. There was a LOT crammed in S8, and he's only human. We forget stuff all the time. However... (Holds up pointer finger) I've heard that Little Jack had a scene with Lucas that got cut out. (Sniff!) Why? How could they deny me a Lucas and Little Jack moment? How? (Single tear runs down cheek...)

    So, with all that being said... I. Want. More. Little Jack!!! :)

    I want to see him running around, talking up a storm, and just being the sweet little boy he is. It would be so funny to see him running around town, and Elizabeth struggling to keep up with him. Lol! I also think it would be absolutely amazing if Lucas volunteered to watch Little Jack for Elizabeth. That would be pure gold. Period.

    I also want to see him with his mother more often. It doesn't even have to be something huge and specific. Like remember when Elizabeth was teaching Angela how to read Braille? Little Jack wasn't a huge part of that scene but we just got to see that he was there. I want some more moments like that. The scene doesn't have to focus on him. I just want to see Elizabeth bring her son with her more often.

    But on that note I also want more focused scenes with Elizabeth and Little Jack as well. They can just be playing with his blocks, or kicking a ball around, or maybe they even more on a sweet little picnic. Just sweet scenes of Elizabeth being a mom, and interacting with her son. I'd also like to see some... not so sweet scenes as well. being a mother isn't always easy after all, and I'd like to see not just the good times, but the challenging ones as well. 

    All in all... I want more Little Jack. :)

 

Nathan

    Okay... I feel it's a bit... dangerous right now to talk about what I'd like to see next for this guy. (Especially after seeing some of the responses I got on my recent tweet asking what Hearties hoped to see next for all the former triangle members.) However I really do want to know what the writers have planned for him. Nathan is such a multi-layered and complex character, which is a very, very good thing. He's funny and sweet, kind and caring, as well as deep with a dramatic past. All of this makes for a wonderful character! I really do like Nathan, and I really want to see more of him in S9.

    So what would I like to see next for Nathan? Well first off... I want to see the man happy. And I'm not talking about "finding love" kind of happy. (Which I also want that too) I mean I just want to see him happy, confident, and smiling, enjoying life with Allie. So often Nathan is sad, mad, or grieved about something and it doesn't allow us to see him at his best. Remember how happy he was in the first two episodes of S9? He was like a different person. He was so excited about the future, and confident, and just plain happy. I want more of that. I want more sweet moments with Allie as they run and play in the streets. I want more of his witty/humorous comments, and more of that confidence we got a glimpse of. Basically... I just want to see the man happy. And I think most Hearties do too.

    I also want to see more Mountie action! Yes! I love the excitement, drama, danger, and mystery of a Mountie tracking down the bad guys, and all the chasing, fighting, and shooting that comes with it. Honestly I was surprised at the level of grit John Tinker added when poor Nathan went to meet his brother-in-law, fell off his horse, and then literally kicked in the stomach to boot! I mean... ouch! And I want more of that! (Sorry Nathan. It's the drama I like. You're stomach just happens to be a part of it. ;) I hope to see more action and danger in S9 with Nathan tracking down the bad guys and throwing them in jail where they belong. And... He may have a couple men next season in need of being locked up. (Cough... Wyman and Spurlock... Cough...) 

    Another minor thing I'd like to see is just Nathan letting Allie know that the adoption process is completely finished. This is more for my clarity than anything. I want to know that everything is finished and finalized, and that Allie is truly his. However... I'm not sure I want her to call him dad. I just really like the "uncle/niece" relationship, and it's really fun and sweet hearing Allie call him "Uncle Nathan." So I'd prefer it if she didn't call him dad, but that's just my personal preference.

    Speaking of him and Allie, another thing I'd like to see is just more moments with them together. Funny moments, playful moment, heart-melting and emotional moments. I want it all! :D It really was a great idea for the writers to make Hope Valley's new Mountie be a single parent. The story possibilities are endless and it brings a brand new dynamic to the show that we've never seen. Nathan and Allie are so sweet together, and I want to see more of them in S9. And I definitely think we may see Nathan learning how to deal with Allie having a crush on Robert, which will be so fun!

    I'd also be up for Nathan's mother coming for a visit to Hope Valley. We've gotten to meet his father and his nasty brother-in-law Dylan, but never his mother. I think it could give us even more of a glimpse into Nathan's past/childhood, and make for some great moments. I'm also curious if Dylan will return next season, but I have my doubts about that. I mean... anything is possible.

    And of course... last but certainly not least... I hope Nathan finds love! Now obviously this isn't just going to happen in a snap. Nathan did in all honestly get his heart broken, and is probably going to be dealing with the aftermath when the season starts. However I think it would totally work and be realistic for him to develop feelings for someone new in S9. And I really think this may happen. Maybe they won't kiss until S10. Maybe they'll kiss this season. Either way would work fine. But Nathan finding love is honestly the main thing I want to see for him next season. He deserves to find his soulmate. Deserves to be loved unconditionally. I think he'll get all of that and more.

    Now who this may be with... I have no idea. All I can say is that I want someone new for Nathan. Not Fiona. Not Faith. Someone brand new. I'm not sure if Nathan would end up with Fiona as Kevin and Kayla are a couple in real life. As to Nathan and Faith... I have no idea what the writers' plan is for either of them, but I'm not sure if they're going to be a couple either. (Oh please, oh please, don't make them a couple, Mr. Tinker!) I want someone new to come and take his breath away. Someone that maybe he doesn't realize at first that he has feelings for. Maybe some girl who infuriates him and he annoys her, resulting in some wonderful banter. And then of course they both realize they're head over heels for each other. This could be so fun and romantic! But as always... we'll just have to wait and see.

 

Lucas

    Alrighty… (Rubs hands together) Time for the moment you've been waiting for. (Okay if you're Team Lucas then you may have been waiting for this. :D ) What do I think is going to happen next for Lucas Bouchard…

    Well, first off, on the business side of things I think he is still going to be figuring out/managing the oil company. With Henry out of the picture for the moment, Lucas’ new man in charge is Mike and I think we’ll see the two of them working together to solve any problems that arise. And I think they will arise, especially with Wyman Walden around. I’m curious to see if the man will try and buy the oil company, and what he might do if Lucas doesn’t sell to him. Will he cause trouble in an attempt to force Lucas’ hand? Will someone get hurt because of it?

    I’d also like to see Lucas and Mike become better friends and interact more. That could just be fun. :)

    I also think Lucas will most likely still be running the saloon, as Chris McNally stated on a podcast that Lucas didn’t sell it to Wyman. However I say likely as you never know what the writers have up their sleeves, and could change their minds. Especially with how unspecific the details were during the finale. However I hope to still see Lucas behind the bar, and running the Queen of Hearts. He just works so perfectly in that role, so I really hope that doesn’t change. Obviously Wyman Walden would love to buy it, and a lot of Hearties don’t really like the fact that Elizabeth is now dating a saloon owner. Would the writers make him sell it so Hearties don’t consider it a strike against his character? I don’t know. I, however, really enjoy him in that role and hope he stays the owner of the Queen of Hearts.

    Moving on from his business ventures, I have one main requirement for Lucas in S9… Lots. Of. Romance!!! Lol! It is going to be so… different now that there is no triangle in the way of Lucas and Elizabeth’s romance. The writers no longer need to keep us guessing in that matter, and so the love, chemistry, and romance can just flourish! And I want it all!

    Romantic date nights, horse rides, picnics, dances, hand-holding, hugs, kisses… You get the idea. :D I really want to see Lucas and Elizabeth just fall deeper in love with each other, and realize how strongly they feel about each other. Speaking of which, I have to… like no exceptions… have to hear them both say THE words. That’s right. I-L-O-V-E-Y-O-U!  Honestly there can be no exceptions with this IMO. It just has to happen, no ifs, ands, or buts.

    I also want to see a very deep connection between the two of them. Not that they don't already have a connection mind you. They already finish each others’ sentences, (Aww!) and clearly understand just "get" each other. But I want to see their love and connection deepen. I also want to see them have all manner of conversations. Flirty and playful ones, as well as deep and meaningful ones too. I also think it would be fun to see them have their first real fight. Now I know these two have already had quite the dramatic journey, but the argument doesn’t have to be huge or anything. (Although I do think they should have one as they haven’t had a whole lot of tension in that way.) It could just be over something silly, like when Rosemary drove Lee’s car. It would start and end all in the same episode, while providing us with some humorous dialogue.

    Another thing I want to see (Because I love drama and romance:) is some danger! It doesn’t even have to be life-endangering. Hey, it could even just be potential danger, or someone thought someone was in danger when they were really fine. Any of those would work. I just want to see Lucas or Elizabeth be afraid for each other, and see all the emotions and romance that comes with that. But in all honesty there really could be some life-threatening stuff in this next season with that Spurlock guy around. After all Elizabeth was the one who figured out Charles Spurlock’s crimes so… Maybe the lovely school teacher will find herself in trouble.

    Coming back to Lucas I also think this next season will feature him and Little Jack having some sweet moments together. After all if he plans on marrying Elizabeth (Which he obviously does) he’s going to become Little Jack’s step-father. Therefore some father and son bonding time is an absolute must. He may even be worried about if he’s capable of raising a little boy, and how Elizabeth would feel about him stepping into that role. But more than anything I just want to see some precious moments with him and Jack, and see what it would be like if he were Jack’s father. I want to see him laughing and playing with Jack, throwing a ball around and chasing each other. I want to see them really bond and grow closer.

    Another thing that could happen is both Lucas’ father and mother coming for a visit. Hopefully we’ll learn next season that Helen and her husband have indeed reconciled, bringing a great deal of peace and hope to poor Lucas. It would also be so fun to see Lucas interact with his father and learn what kind of a relationship they have. I’m also curious what he does for a living and just what kind of person he is. So all of that would be fun.    

    Now this next idea may not go over well with some Hearties but… I really, really would love to see Lucas and Nathan have some scenes together. Brian Bird has already made the statement on the Christopher Closeup podcast that he believes Lucas and Nathan will have some interesting friendship moments in the future, similar to how Elizabeth and Rosemary became close friends. 

    Honestly that sounds like it could be a lot of fun! I know things are going to be incredibly, and immensely awkward and truthfully... that's what makes things fun! I mean both of these guys probably want next to nothing to do with each other. Nathan openly tried to steal Lucas' girl, while Lucas got the girl Nathan loves. So... yeah... They are not going to be buddy-buddy anytime soon. But I would love it if this coming season gave us some humorous scenes between the two of them, as well as some friendship building moments. I have this silly idea of them getting stranded outside of town and having to walk all the way back to Hope Valley together. Lol! I can just imagine how awkward that would be, and the snarky comments they both would make. Chris and Kevin are just so fun to watch together off-screen, and I think it would be epic if they had some scenes this season. I get the feeling that one day the two of them will definitely be friends. Maybe even best friends. And I really would love to see that!

Elizabeth

    And now we come to Hope Valley's beloved school teacher. The main leading lady of WCTH. The one, the only.... Elizabeth Thornton!!! (Could you hear my impression of a wrestling announcer there? :D )

    Alright now... This lady... well let's just say she's had quite a time this past season. Okay, scratch that. She's had quite a time the past 3 seasons. Lol! But praise the Lord it's over! Now we can finally, FINALLY see her happy, in love, and moving on with her life.

    Now obviously this next season we’ll probably see Elizabeth’s book finally be published. If so we may also see her and Lucas celebrating this monumental event (Possibly with a romantic date night) as well as some "book related events." I'm not exactly sure what the writers are going to do ,as there are a couple different events that I could see taking place. One would obviously be a book signing, which could happen in Hope Valley and/or outside of Hope Valley. Perhaps Elizabeth, Lucas, and maybe even the Coulters could take a trip to whatever city the publisher is in (Please let me know if it was ever mentioned) to take care of some last minute details. Maybe Lucas will throw a party at the saloon in Elizabeth's honor the day her book hits the store shelves. The possibilities are endless here.

    I also wonder if Elizabeth will start or already have started a second novel. (Which would be all about her and Lucas’ love story, of course. ;)

    I also really, really, REALLY want to see more of Elizabeth’s book/knowledge loving side come out again. Recently I’ve been re-watching S1 and I love how much she loved books and how she quoted Latin. Anytime she had a problem she’d dive into her precious stash of books and find the answer. It would be so fun to see that side of her reemerge, and Lucas is the absolute perfect person to help that happen. I so incredibly want to see the two of them take on a problem together, like Elizabeth becoming licensed to teach a blind student or saving the school. I love the thought of them researching the answer together at the library late at night, geeking out over books and literature. It would just be so cute and romantic!

    I also think we’ll probably see Elizabeth indeed become qualified to teach a blind student. And of course she’ll be fighting for her students, although this time I think she may have to fight for the school itself. I think she’ll be fighting off the Country and maybe even Mr. Landis from taking over her beloved school. I actually wonder of she’ll lose her job for part of the season due to having Angela in the classroom. Speaking of whom, I also think Elizabeth will continue to help Angela learn, as well as learn how to teach her as she goes. Teaching a blind student is very new territory for Elizabeth, and so I think we my see her learn the best way to help Angela succeed and learn.

    I also think it is SO time that one of Elizabeth’s relatives, whether her own or by marriage, came for a visit. Like… sigh… What’s wrong with those people? (Okay yes I know it’s up to the creative team and the actors but… you know what I mean. ;) At this point I would accept anybody coming for a visit. Like anyone. Elizabeth’s father or mother, or either of her two sisters. I mean only two of those people I mentioned have ever even been to Hope Valley. Jack’s mother is incredibly overdue for a visit as she has never even met her only grandchild. Not to mention she would probably give Elizabeth her blessing to move on. (Eventually…) It would also be fun to see Tom make a visit and see his nephew, while checking in on his sister-in-law. Goodness I would even like to see Elizabeth’s Aunt Agatha come to town. (Actually that would be really, really fun! Especially if she met Lucas!) Anyhow… You get my point.

   I also think Elizabeth and Nathan are going to have some fence mending to do… And I definitely think that’s going to be a part of S9. The two of them are going to have to work things out to some extent. After all Elizabeth is Allie’s teacher, and… Hope Valley is a small town. They’re going to see each other, and I don’t think they want any bad feelings left hanging between each other. Now… this is not going to happen lickety-split. This is probably going to take place over the course of the entire season. Things are not going to be easy. I foresee a lot of awkward conversations, and stares between the two of them in the beginning of the season. And not like romantic stares, at least not from Elizabeth. More like… sadness. Elizabeth has a big and caring heart, and never ever wanted to hurt Nathan. She can never rest easy when she knows something is wrong and someone is hurting, especially if she caused it. And so I know that she’ll want more than anything to make things right in anyway she can. But I can definitely see the two of them on pretty good terms by the end of the season. Not 100% perfectly okay… but as two friends who can smile and talk to each other without so much pain and awkwardness.

    And of course we’ll see her and Lucas’ relationship blossom and deepen. I feel like this next season we’ll see Elizabeth the most free and happy we’ve seen so far in her courtship with Lucas. She’ll finally be comfortable and willing to let her heart love Lucas, as well as accept Lucas’ love to her. However… I also think we could see some of that fear still sticking around of loving another man, and for a very good reason. Now that Elizabeth has realized where her heart lies, she’s also going to realize this season just how deeply she truly loves Lucas. And this, IMO, should spark a deep fear in her. A fear of losing this man who she loves so much. Now of course I don’t know if this will happen, it just feels like something that could happen. We also could get two different reactions from her if this should be the case. She’d either eventually pull back to protect her heart or… hold on even tighter. And now that we’ve got this Spurlock guy around… there’s lots of danger potential… But again this is just me spit-balling ideas.

    I’ve also seen a lot of people wanting Lucas and Elizabeth to take a trip out of town with Little Jack, and that honestly could be really fun. I know that TN considers Lucas to be like Charles, and says that Elizabeth chose her life in Hamilton. Therefore a trip to a city would probably only bolster their resolve, but… (As Bob Ross would say…) Oh what the heck. A trip outside of Hope Valley could be so much fun! I plan on writing a post concerning this argument in the future, so I’ll just leave this right here for now.

    And finally... the big question. Do I think Lucas will pop the question in Season 9? Oh boy... If I look at this through my "Team Lucas" eyes I can say, "Oh he could definitely propose next season." Honestly he very well could if that's what the writers want to do. Him and Elizabeth have known each other for three seasons, and S9 will be their fourth. And after that kiss on the bridge... yeah. He could propose. But... (And you knew there was going to be one.) If I look at things realistically, taking into account past seasons, as well as Brian Bird's own words... I'd say... probably not. I mean I really don't know at this point, but I would honestly be surprised if Lucas did.

    Brian Bird has stated that one of the reasons Elizabeth chose Lucas was so that WCTH would get as many seasons as it could. And one way to get even more seasons is to drag out Elizabeth and Lucas' romance and not make them engaged right away. We saw how this worked with the love triangle. Everyone was so done with it, and yet... we all continued to watch and wait excitedly to see who she picked. It sort of works the same way with an engagement. It helps keep things interesting, and everyone invested as they wait for the engagement and then the wedding.

    However... I could be very wrong. Maybe the writers will surprise me and make Elizabeth and Lucas get engaged next season. I don't know. I would imagine, however, if they did it would happen later in the season, half way being the very earliest. But again I'm super doubtful that would happen. The end of the season feels more likely. But I guess we'll see. Either way, just for the record, I totally want to see them engaged eventually. I'd like some courting to happen first, as their romance was overshadowed by the triangle, but... I wouldn't object to an end of the season proposal. :)

 

Wyman Walden/ The Pinkertons

    As odd as it may sound to include these bad guys (Or at least I think they're bad) they are technically in Hope Valley now, and probably will serve as a big storyline all of next season. And so I thought I'd share what I hope/think will happen with them as well. 

    So for Wyman... I see lots of trouble. Lol! He's probably going to be trying to buy up anything he can in town, and possibly offering a lot of money to the business owners so they'll sell. I also wonder if he's going to make things difficult for the people who won't sell to him, sort of forcing their hand. I also have a thought about him... what if he somehow became mayor? He obviously is a very greedy sort and would probably like nothing better than to control the town. Honestly this feels like a real possibility for S9 and... I would actually totally be for it. It's been a long time since we've had a villain try to take over the town. Gowen isn't really a villain anymore, so I could see Wyman stepping into those bad guy shoes.

    However... I feel like he's more of a puppet in another man's game. And I'm not sure if the Pinkertons are the real villains behind all of this either. There could be another man... A much more greedy and evil man looking to control Hope Valley... (Gasp!)

    As to the Pinkertons... They too are going to cause trouble. Especially that Julius Spurlock. (Isn't that a great villain name? :)

    Now there is no way in a million-billion years that this guy's last name is Spurlock for no reason. He is SO related to Charles Spurlock from Season 1, and it wouldn't surprise me if he's here because of him. I'm thinking Charles was probably his brother. Most likely his younger brother. Now... what does this all mean? I'm really not sure. There are so many, many ways this could go.

    Perhaps Julius is here to get justice for his currently incarcerated brother? Or maybe Charles Spurlock managed to break out of jail, or is going to break out of jail (Possibly with Julius' help) and is coming back for revenge. Perhaps Julius is coming after Henry who has dirt on him or Charles Spurlock due to the mine disaster. Or maybe (And this is the best one) Julius is coming after Elizabeth for discovering Charles' crimes. (Dum, dum, DUM!!!) Honestly that would be SO fun, and really would be my dream scenario. Then he'd kidnap Elizabeth, and Lucas would have to save her... yeah. It would be SO good!

    But... there is always the possibility that Julius is here for other business. Business that isn't related to Elizabeth, Henry, or even Charles Spurlock. Perhaps he's working for an even worse villain. Or maybe... just maybe... he's the worse villain. 😱😱😱

    As I said... there are so many ways this could go.

    And there we have it! My series on what I hope to see/what I think we may see in S9 is officially complete! Thanks for sticking with me through this rather long post. It’s so easy to just drone on and on about everything I’d love to see happen for these characters.

    Thank you so much for reading! Please feel free to tell me your hopes and dreams for these characters below or on my Twitter page. But please remain respectful and kind in your response. Have an amazing day! God Bless!

 

    P.S. Have you seen the newest design at the Heart & Family Mercantile? Feel free to stop by and take a look! https://shop.spreadshirt.com/heart-and-family-mercantile