‘When Calls the Heart’ Love Triangle Cliffhanger as Elizabeth Makes Major Decision
[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for When Calls the Heart Season 10, Episode 11 “Long Time Running.”]
The latest season of Hallmark Channel‘s When Calls the Heart has Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) once again torn between her fiancé Lucas (Chris McNally) and Mountie Nathan (Kevin McGarry), and Sunday’s (October 8) penultimate episode saw her make a game-changing decision.
To recap, Lucas has been venturing into politics this season, and his opportunity to take public office came around much sooner than expected. When Governor Bixby Balfour’s (Mark Brandon) opponent drops out of the governor’s race at the last minute, Lucas is called upon to step in as a candidate.
While this is a huge opportunity for Lucas, it comes with life-changing consequences. Yes, he would be able to help Hope Valley and protect it from the crooked Balfour, but should he win the election, he would have to move Capital City. That means Elizabeth would have to leave behind her beloved Hope Valley.
Elizabeth pushes Lucas to go for it, knowing how big of an opportunity it is. But she is reluctant to commit to moving, at least initially. After discussing the matter, the pair basically decide to cross that bridge when they come to it. In the meantime, Elizabeth says she will support Lucas on the campaign trail.
Hallmark Channel/YouTube
When Nathan finds out about the potential move, he confronts Elizabeth, showing that his feelings for her perhaps go beyond that of just friends. The Mountie asks her what she really wants, and Elizabeth replies, “What I want is for [Lucas] to win.”
“Well, I hope it makes you happy,” Nathan responds.
Elizabeth’s true feelings become clearer in a later conversation with her friend Rosemary (Pascale Hutton), where she admits that she chose Lucas because he was the safe choice.
“I was just so afraid of getting hurt again,” she confesses. “I don’t think I was listening to my heart.”
Hallmark Channel/YouTube
This leads to a dramatic cliffhanger, where Elizabeth finally reveals her decision to Lucas at the train station. “You are destined for this… but my whole life is here,” she tells him, seemingly backing out of both the election campaign and the relationship.
While Lucas says he will stay, Elizabeth urges him to continue, letting him know that he’ll regret it forever if he doesn’t go for it. It eventually sinks in for Lucas that Elizabeth’s heart is elsewhere.
“Your heart isn’t there,” Lucas says as a tearful Elizabeth apologizes. “I wish you all the happiness in the world,” he continues, kissing her goodbye.
There is still one episode left in this season, so fans are now wondering what this cliffhanger means going forward. Are things between Elizabeth and Lucas truly done? Will she confess her feelings for Nathan? Or is there yet another twist in the tale?
“Wow! What an episode tonight! I loved it! The ending was great!!” wrote one fan on the official When Calls the Heart Facebook page.
“Go team Nathan, however, next week is the season finale. I see lots of cliff hangers for season 11,” added another.
“Wow, this episode flew by, my heart broke for Lucas because I feel he truly loved her and thought she loved him, too, until, recently whenever she was with Nathan, such a chemistry between those two. Can’t wait until next week!” said another viewer.
“Oh my gosh!! I don’t know how I feel about this! I love Elizabeth, Lucas and Nathan!” added one fan.
“Fantastic show tonight!! My fingers are crossed!! I love Nathan!! But it won’t happen right away and will go into next season! Wonder if Lucas is getting written out off the show for next season????” said another.
“I am thinking that there won’t be an immediate Elizabeth/Nathan couple,” stated another viewer. “We will still have to wait to see if she does end up with him. They may have her stay single with Nathan as her good friend. They seem to like twists and turns. The writers may leave both sets of fans upset.”
When Calls the Heart, Season 10, Sundays, 9:00 PM ET, Hallmark Channel
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O
Elizabeth is a complete mess. She professes to be this pioneer women and yet all her actions demonstrates she is insecure and gutless. She has messed with these 2 men's lives and hearts expecting sacrifices from them that she herself is not willing to give. Lucas has stayed small town for her and yet she continues to spin herself into a tizzy. Nathan approaching Elizabeth was completely inappropriate preying on the the "engaged" couple. If Elizabeth goes back to Nathan - this show is done. Retreads are boring.
77 7
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I thought elizabeth truly loved lucus and when she accepted his marriage proposal i was glad. She messed with both of these men and i felt she is selfish and immature. U dont accept a marriage proposal to play it safe. Lucus is too good 4 her my opinion
66 3
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I really don't like Elizabeth's character anymore. She played both these nice men.
Nathan shouldn't pursue her, she flip on him again. Lucas really is in love with Elizabeth and so is Nathan, and she accepted Lucas proposal like she was so happy. I had better respect for her character.
8 1
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I agree!!
4 1
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O
I totally agree. Elizabeth said she wasn’t in love with Nathan and went after Lucas. I am so angry at her decision to break it off with Nathan. She is so selfish. I am done with this show….. the “mounts thing” is so overrated! They seemed to be so happy and almost a family. Poor Lucas.
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Agreed
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I am done I have watched from the beginning and I think breaking lucas and elizabeth was not the right choice.I feel you are sending the message that if the going gets tough you just stop working on a relationship.I also feel that it is not good for little Jack one day lucas is with his mom and then the next day nathan is with his mom.
61 8
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I agree! I have watched all season, but I'm done. Sickening Elizabeth is playing games.
5 2
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Agreed
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It probably because of contracts and maybe the chance for the actor to move on to something better
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Lucas is Elizabeth's best choice. Time to move on. Her dedication to Hope Valley is noble, but she is way over the top with it. Nathan has not moved on and needs to give Elizabeth her space. I think she is too obsessed with the mountie thing. My vote is Lucas, and Nathan needs to move on.
57 10
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I agree... I am team Nathan the whole way, but I don't want him being second best. He deserves better than that. I think he should have a love who is true and will embrace their love... Elizabeth chose Lucas she should move on with him.
10 1
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Agree
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I am so upset over this. I loved Elizabeth and Lucas together. I saw this coming early in the season. They had Nathan mooning around and couldn't settle with anyone else. Elizabeth on the other hand has been so weird all season. This really makes me mad. Not sure I'll watch next season.
25 3
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I agree 100%. It depends on this last episode and the 1st one or 2 of the new season.
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Im don’t
Not watching
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Yes yes yes
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I saw them writing off Lucas this season and it confirms that I will no longer watch the show. It makes the Elizabeth character less appealing to be so frivolous. I also think that the actors that play Nathan and Elizabeth have absolutely no chemistry, so I’m done. The shark has been jumped twice. Time for this viewer to move on.
41 2
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I totally agree. I'm so tired of the whole love triangle. I'm done also.
9 1
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I so agree with you. ZERO chemistry for Nathan and Elizabeth. What a disappointment. The writers really got it wrong. It makes Elizabeth look like an idiot. I can’t watch.
I Can see her going through the affects of the trauma of Jacks death but not this. Sorry!
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I dod not like Elizabeht leaving Lucas. I really like him. Dont want to see the actor leave the show. Nathan has other women to fall for.
41 3
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Agree
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I want Elizabeth to stay with Lucas they have good chemistry I would like Nathan to find someone else
47 9
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If Elizabeth backtracks to Nathan this show is history. She has played two men. That innocent face and sad eyes just doesn’t get it. Lucas really loved her and hopefully Nathan turns away from her. She is such a fake. I hope this show ends with her totally alone. Her actions are sickening. You do not play with people’s lives and not suffer the consequences
34 4
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To be honest, I feel the whole feel of the show changed when Jack died. It’s become too fluffy for me, at least now it has more tension. I have continued to watch due to Lee and Rosemary because the two of them always cracked me up. They are great characters and great actors. On an Australian talk show the actor who played Jack even said “they never showed the body, so who knows”. In the end, I do love the feel good feeling of Hallmark and will always be a fan.
32 2
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Agree
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I am tired of Elizabeth. I want Abigail back. Much better show. Elizabeth is a selfish character.
31 2
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What was disappointing is that she’s been lying all the time that she loved Lucas. She can’t be trusted so why keep her on the show. I have no faith and can’t watch these flip flopsSomeone said that’s life.. people change their minds…. we all know.. on Hallmark we get the happy ending always and to take us through Season 9 , the Kiss and now say all the time she was choosing him because he was a safe and comfortable choice is just a Lie.
24 1
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S
I think Elizabeth needs to grow up. Her drama is getting boring. I mean Really?
I have watched this series from the beginning but lately Elizabeth is not even believable.
Not sure I will continue to follow the series.
28 1
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I'm watching the finale and that's my finale. I'm done with Elizabeth.
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Me too! Her (Elizabeth) character is so nosy - into everyone’s business but her own! I think it’s quite boring. Miss Abigail - wish she would return.
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Hated this!!!
28 2
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I'm done with this show. Her relationship with Lucas was what kept me watching this season. Nathan seems self-absorbed and arrogant - never a good fit for Elizabeth. Her handling of this ruins any credibility she had as a sincere, caring person. Not sure what the writers hoped to accomplish with this ending but pretty sure they'll be losing more than just me.
27 3
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So agree with you
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ABSOLUTELY agree. I kept loyally watching because I liked them together but if not I'm done also.
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I loved Jack but Nathan be careful she wants to have Jack and you are there. I am not sure she loves Lucas or Nathan
Sorry but stop the triangle
23
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Yes stop triangle. Nathan reminds her of Jack that’s it
No chemistry. None
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To be honest why did she choose Lucas if she wasn't inlove with Lucas it was soooo hinted between those two romantically. If that was the case between Nathan and Elizabeth for the record the last time I've checked Elizabeth was never interested in Nathan in that way she was always inlove with Lucas why did she have the oh lord look whenever Nathan came around but lights up whenever she sees Lucas was that just a front? Why did she tell both Rosemary and Abigail that she was more interested romantically with Lucas than she was towards Nathan? Why did she tell Nathan that she sees Jack Throton in Nathan and she'll be loving the idea of Jack Throton instead of loving Nathan himself? Why did she lie about, not beinging inlove with Nathan but was actually inlove with Lucas? I can't understand Elizabeth she's acting very childish and not like an adult
25 2
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Totally. Nathan tells Lucas that her heart has always been with Lucas. ‘They don’t share what, she and Lucas share”. We watched all season 9 of them deepening their love and bond. Her saying yes, yes to it all, to now she was making it all up because he was the safe choice. It’s weird and crazy.
18 1
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Bring Jack back, it was all a dream!
1 1
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Done watching after many years ..no morals..true love tarnished..Elizabeth’s character is despicable…it turned into a soap not a quality wholesome show.
17 1
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The ONLY way I am ok with this is if Daniel Lissing comes back! I don't dislike Nathan but I've never cared for him very much. His character is boring IMO - team Lucas all the way unless Jack can somehow come back....
18 3
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I’m done with when calls the heart! Lucas deserves better!!
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If Lucas and Elizabeth are over, I’ll quit watching. I loved that combination. Nathan is not a good choice. My shock because of the break up has upset me. If this is true, they just lost my family
13 1
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I’m not sure what they’re doing! Didn’t she explain all the reasons why she was picking Lucas in season eight. She will be replacing Jack with Nathan. Maybe they can use the town camera and take a picture of Nathan’s face and just posted on their wedding pictures. Good thing all Jack’s stuff still in the house Nathan will need it when he moves in. If you end up with Nathan, he better hope the Hope Valley doesn’t get any bigger and they need another Mountie because we know how Elizabeth likes them😉 she’s a mountie hopper.
13 1
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I am a Elizabeth and Lucas fan. Why would Elizabeth do that to Lucas? She felt he was a safer bet but at Lucas expense.
11 1
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Safer bet had nothing to do with it until the show ruiner got ahold of the script and they grabbed Team Nathan's talking points. Terrible season. Lucas and Elizabeth were When Calls the Heart to many. Enjoy your burnt down forest.
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I think I’m tired of Elizabeth
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I loved the episode -- when she chose Lucas last season, it seemed like Hallmark simply made a final decision on that story arc. But since the time Lucas was introduced to the series, hints about him being "destined for something bigger" have been dropping all along, and now that's become reality. I wasn't completely convinced anyway that Nathan and Elizabeth weren't going to end up together, there's too much chemistry. Either that's the endgame, or Jack mysteriously reappears next season, if next season is the last one. Everyone complains that Elizabeth is immature and a mess ... perhaps. To me it just makes her more human - she's still pretty young and still figuring out who she is and what she wants, and more importantly, gaining the confidence to voice that.
18 9
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Storyline is inconsistent. On one hand Elizabeth comes off as caring, thoughtful, mature and insightful to all her friends and community. Wasn't she the one that was suspicious about Montagne? Then with Lucas she is selfish and takes advantage of his generosity, patience and love. Lucas wants an egalitarian relationship which she has thus far demonstrated she is not capable of having.
Nathan is arrogant, temperamental and patriarchal. Even his dog doesn't like him. LOL
32 1
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Agree
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You forget that Elizabeth and Nathan had a thing going on until Lucas came in the picture. I believe Elizabeth doesn't know what she wants but I think Nathan is a better choice for little Jack I can’t see Lucas as a father figure.
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What show were you watching? Seriously! Nathan never had a THING with Elizabeth! Nathan came on the show two episodes after Lucas met Elizabeth. He never had a date. He never had a kiss. He never held her hand. She never said she loved him to him. She never worried he wouldnt propose. She never accepted his proposal. The only thing, per canon, that Elizabeth had with Nathan was a friendship that was overshadowed by reminders of Jack. Even now you people don't get it.
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Agreed. She has never shared anything with Nathan. With Lucas she shared her dreams, her writing , her family and her son.
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You are absolutely right
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I don’t see Nathan and Liz at all
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For her to break it off with Lucas, it would reveal that she has no sincerity at all. Like a spoiled brat. Who loves a school or community more than her husband to be? Nonsense script
9 1
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He is literally doing this to save the town she loves so much. To save Hope Valley and she won’t support that because she likes that Rosemary can see her light on ?
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I hope they write Jack back into the story line. I also think Elizabeth was selfish to do that to Lucas. She played this whole time that she loved Lucas.
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The show is no longer wholesome…no morals..no depiction of true love…Hallmark channel is going down down…not watching anymore after many years just immature soap like
12 4
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Nathan's character is too weak and needy. Elizabeth and Lucas are better match. After last Sunday and Elizabeth flaking on Lucas, I am done with WCTH.
8 1
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Did anyone notice that a Mountie was shown at the end but no face? Perhaps, it could be Jack! They didn’t show Jack died or his funeral. Remember, “Bobby Ewing”. Years ago, “it was only a dream”. The whole season??????
9 4
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It showed jack’s funeral.
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I’m going to say I was team Lucas from the beginning. If the actor is leaving then I understand the need for a breakup but do it in a better way! I would have rather them see their differences and Lucas wanting to get involved in politics and her not being comfortable with it and they amicably breakup realizing they aren’t meant for each other. I could buy that story line easily and then she would be single for a few months and then maybe grow to love Nathan if that is what you feel like you need to do. But turning her into this mess of a woman that throws away a several year relationship with a good man who would do anything for you for a guy who does nothing is just ridiculous and unbelievably. We need better writing and Hallmark needs to remember who their audience is! We come to hallmark to get good values and plain and simple romances.
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I wrote something very similar! I just felt it was sudden and a little mean spirited toward Lucas. I really was on board when I thought it was going to be them deciding they wanted different things in life, but this was just awful .
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I"'m disturbed by how this narrative is going. If she drops Lucas I will stop watching.
5 1
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So tired of this yo yo story line!!! Move on and create something new!!! How many years have we been waiting for her happily ever after and how many times has she changed her mind??? Over this!!!
5 1
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I I have been watching this show from the very beginning and loved the romance of Elizabeth and Jack. After several seasons, I was happy that Elizabeth chose Lucas. It makes no sense to pick a Mountie. I will not be watching the next season if Elizabeth chosen Nathan. There are so many of us that want Elizabeth and Lucas to marry. You will be disappointing so many of us, and we won’t be watching.
5 2
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I think Elizabeth should stay with Lucas and it makes not want to watch if they put her with Nathan. Elizabeth said she loved Lucas she should stay with him. Nathan is a good man but he needs to find someone else.
5 2
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My issue isn't about Lucas and Elizabeth not being together, it was how it was done. Like many of you put in your comments, there were hints dropped throughout the season and I think most were a little mean spirited toward Lucas. In particular when little Jack left Lucas at church to go sit with Nathan and Allie. What happened to the adorable "hey buddy" thing from season 9?? There was also the whole silly bit with her keeping one of her banana bread pans because Nathan said how much he liked her banana bread. I also feel like when she choose Lucas and the "thank you for waiting for me" line, it made it appear as though she had made a thoughtful honest choice. All that aside, I was very disappointed in the outcome because in Episode 10 when it was apparent Lucas was going to run for governor, I thought Lucas and Elizabeth's break up would be because he won and she did not want to give up the life she built in Hope Valley. I was on board for an Alexis and Ted from Schitt's Creek style break up where they loved each other deeply, but their lives just went in two different directions. As much as I love the actor who plays Lucas, I hope he's not in Hope Valley next season. I think that would be so sad to have him watching Elizabeth's and Nathan's love story.
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I think that if the writers ran out of Ideas for this show, then finish it with a good wedding Elizabeth and Lucas,
But don't portray Elizabeth's as a sleazy, first she was playing with bot guys then she made her choice, she was in love with Lucas, now she is the one pushing Lucas to run for governor so she can get rid of him to be with Nathan. Who does that! I quit!
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I’m done watching this show! I’m not happy how things are going with Elizabeth and Lucas. I love them together. If she chooses Nathan , that’s it!
2 1
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I could never stand Lucas and Elizabeth. He is not what she is about and he was always trying to buy her. Not what she is about and have loved this season because i could never understand her with Lucas. I love all the new characters and plots and finally look forward again to watching.
It will never be as good as when it was her and Jack. But Lucas definitely wasn't the match.
3 2
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Im disgusted. I refuse to watch last weeks show or going forward. I’m done. Elizabeth is not an idiot. She chose Lucas and fell deeply in love with him. Nathan and Elizabeth don’t have the same chemistry. I don’t see it. Nope I’m done
2 1
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I hate the writers of the show! I’m not going to waiste my time watching it again. Elisabeth can go with Nathan but I hate the show now.
2 1
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I am so done watching this show!!
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I have completely lost interest in the show if they were going to put her with Nathan why didn’t they do it a long time ago I knew something was up when they never let them get married but she is going to encourage him to run then leave him at the train station was completely out of her character I will not be watching that show any longer
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I have always been team Nathan. Don't say you won't watch it cuz you will.
If you started from the beginning you will continue.
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How about when Lucas let her go in season 8, told her that love is an act of will, it must be given freely. Had the chance to sell the Queen of Hearts and move on.
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Needs to be Lucas!!
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I dont want Elizabeth with Nathan. I love Lucas
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I think this episode showed how Elizabeth does not really know what she wants except she wants to stay in Hope Valley and be safe. She is not strong enough to face her fears of losing the love of a man like she lost Jack hence she refused to face the face that yes she was in love with Nathan. So for her to now go and expect Nathan to welcome her back is so selfish. I hope he tells her to take time to be by herself and come to terms with Jack's death. But my gut tells me he won't because he is so in love with her and wants her so much.
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Elizabeth and Nathan belong together.
4 6
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I have always believed that Elizabeth was in love with Nathan
I would like to see them together
Makes more sense than Lucas
He has nothing in common with Elizabeth
He needs to move on
Elizabeth was scared to get hurt, she had list Jack and the thought of losing Nathan was more than she could bare.
That’s why she picked Lucas, safe, secure,
8 10
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There was always something off about Lucas. Always been very subtle hints that this romance wasn’t going to last. I think Nathan is adorable and more like Elizabeth. Still enjoying the show and characters but Florence and Molly need serious acting lessons.
2 5
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This was a mature decision. She finally realized what her heart was telling her all along. Since the beginning Lucas has been a big dreamer and a bit shady at times. Nathan has been her constant friend and the only person she could talk to about Jack. She was totally afraid of getting hurt again if Nathan died that she wouldn’t let herself love him, but she has all along. They need to end up together and create their blended family. I have been waiting for this episode!!! The chemistry between Lucas and Elizabeth has never been there.
5 8
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I quit watching because she chose Lucas. But if there is a chance for her & Nathan … I’ll definitely be watching.
2 7
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Lucas he loves Elizabeth but her hearts 💕 belongs to Nathan I'm excited what the come up the love of triangle!! Next week
1 6
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Love has twists and turns and is complicated. Leave Elizabeth alone and let her journey of self discovery continue. Lucas was never the right one, but she had to figure that out. Thats life and love.
3 9
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Elizabeth was always in love with Nathan and thought she could fall for Lucas to put him behind her. No it wasn't right for her to do that, I hoped Lucas meet someone who is worth loving him more than Elizabeth claimed she did, she liked the idea having two men wanting to be with her. Now I hope Nathan doesn't get her by Elizabeth, because if Jack is alive she will definitely drop Nathan.
1 8
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I am so happy with her decision. I don't think she is ready to move on with either man.
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I want Elizabeth with Nathan!!! They have amazing chemistry together . When he proclaimed love the first time it was tearful. He had great rapport with little Jack too. Please this is what it should be. Do it right Hallmark!
13 30
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No they don't. Brother and sister is what they seem like.
10 2
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Exactly. Nathan is boring. Can’t imagine them together.
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I agree with you but I have not watched it since she chose Lucas instead of Nathan.Get it right this time Hallmark.
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