‘When Calls the Heart’ Aftershow: Kevin McGarry Says Lucas’ Return Affects Nathan & Elizabeth’s Progress (VIDEO)
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for When Calls the Heart Season 11 Episode 2 “Tomorrow Never Knows.”]
Just as it looks like Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) and Nathan (Kevin McGarry) could possibly be taking a step closer to something, a certain someone crashes the birthday party that Nathan didn’t even want in the first place in the second episode of When Calls the Heart Season 11.
It’s none other than Elizabeth’s ex-fiancé, Lucas (Chris McNally), with the new governor returning to Hope Valley in the final moments of the episode. Nathan’s “a little trepidatious moving forward now with Elizabeth,” McGarry tells TV Insider as part of our weekly When Calls the Heart aftershow, Heart Beats. “He doesn’t know what’s going to happen now that Lucas is back in Hope Valley.”
In the premiere, Elizabeth admitted that she was worried Nathan’s feelings for her had changed, but, “it’s pretty clear based on the last five seasons that Nathan has been on the show, that there’s a very soft spot in Nathan’s heart for Elizabeth,” notes McGarry. “I think he’s trying to see where he stands after kind of opening himself up to her in Season 8 and kind of getting rejected for reasons I think we’ll find out as we move along. And he’s got this great friend now and he doesn’t want to screw anything up. He’s kind of in this awkward situation where I think he’d be open for more if she was open for more, but he doesn’t want to ruin anything by saying the wrong thing, which sometimes Nathan does.”
There’s quite a bit to take into account for Nathan and Lucas this season. There’s the Elizabeth of it as well as Nathan’s investigation into Lucas’ shooting. Just because officially the case isn’t open doesn’t mean that everyone—namely Nathan, Bill (Jack Wagner), and Rosemary (Pascale Hutton)—buys the “confession.”
While Nathan’s “hands are tied because his superior office has shut down his request to keep the case open, Bill’s the old curmudgeon Mountie that can just open up the case purely for interest,” says McGarry. “And I think he’s going to keep the ball rolling on this thing. He’s not going to just go along with what he thinks is a false accusation.”
As for Nathan and Lucas, “there’s a lot of obstacles going on. It brings us back a little bit to some of the elements that were around in Season 8. I don’t think Nathan has as much to worry about as he thinks he does as we move forward with this, but he really doesn’t know,” according to McGarry. “He let that go and he tried to move on unsuccessfully with other people, and now he finds himself kind of back in the ring with the person that he has confessed his love to and her ex-fiancé is still in town.”
He continues, “also Nathan and Lucas were getting as close as they’ve ever been as well. And on top of that, Lucas is his boss. So there’s a lot going on professional- and personal-wise in Nathan’s life right now. I mean, I know where his heart is. I don’t want to say anything, we’re only in the second episode right now. But yeah, he’s got a sense of duty for sure, and professionalism, so things might get a bit messy.”
McGarry did tease that some key people—ones we’ve heard about, ones we’ve maybe already seen, and ones we’ve never seen before—will show up in Hope Valley. “Each one tests Nathan in a different way. There’s one that comes back that kind of moves the investigation with Lucas forward. There’s one person that comes into Nathan’s life that he’s never met before, but Elizabeth has a past with, and it draws them closer together,” he shares. “And there’s another one that comes in that I think it is a big one for Nathan to meet, a character that shares a connection with Elizabeth and Nathan together and it’s important that Nathan is liked by this person.”
Watch the full video interview above for more from McGarry, including about Nathan and Elizabeth, Lucas, the investigation into his shooting, what he enjoys most about who his character is now, and what’s coming up. Then, head to the comments section, below, with what you’re hoping to see for Nathan and Elizabeth and who you think those upcoming characters the star teases are.
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The writers manipulated their viewers with the Nathan Lucas thing for three years….Lucas was the one she chose…all of season 11 is a joke now and totally seems fake with her now crushing on Nathan. It’s a ridiculous story line to throw on viewers…Elizabeth seems very immature and of a high school mindset with her Nathan boy crush. I am not watching the show anymore…the writers played this storyline way, way, way too long already. It’s like a total different show with new characters and so very fake.
33 7
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Totally agree with you! This particular storyline is old and boring now. I’m not watching anymore, which is sad I really have been enjoying the other characters story’s. Let’s hear about other characters.
10 2
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I am so tired of this triangle! Dear Writers you have strung this out so long no one wants to watch it. I don't watch for the triangle, there are others in the cast that I watch this show for. Like Lee & Rosemary, Bill, I Love Henry. Such a versatile character. Enough with the triangle. I barely watched last nights episode because of this back and forth. It is ridiculous. To me she is the same insecure little girl that left her daddy. If she is this indecisive she needs to go back home. The writers need to do a better job. You are losing me. You have made her look disloyal. Ready to marry Lucas and the next minute she is ready to hop in Nathan's arms? Is this the example you want to set for kids? No loyalty? Why not show Faith saving lives in a Frontier town with primitive conditions or promote Mike & Mae's relationship further, or make Henry a pastor, anything, just Stop 🛑 with the triangle! I am so over it. I was over it in season 8. And also, Elizabeth is not perfect, please stop projecting her that way. Kids are very impressionable. And Nathan has wondered aimlessly for so many seasons, pair the 2 up or give him someone else. I am not trying to criticize, it just my observation, but this is weak writing. You need to go back and watch the beginning and see what made viewers want to watch this show. The grit that was there is now a soap opera? Life is not all pretty dresses and new haircuts. Put some meat in this story. Well, That's my story and I am sticking to it.
29 4
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I agree with you as well. I prefer the Lucas character but understand there needs to be a Mountie in town. I like Kevin who portrays Nathan but not his character for Elizabeth. I know people are divided over who she belongs with - and that’s the problem - it went on for 3 seasons, then she choose, then 2 seasons of that relationship “developing”, only to be where we were 5 seasons ago now. Move on from this. Putting her with Nathan won’t solve it either.
32 9
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And there are so many storylines the can create for N and a romance with one of the others.We thought it might be faith at one time and maybe now that she is going to raise the little girl , she would be more open to trying again.Id like to see Nathan spotlighted as a caring, mature, man instead of one who is so immature and needy. How did a big pouty, crybaby man get to be a mountie and how can he be seen as someone who will protect the town? Lets make N strong.Wont happen if all we see is N and E making googling eyes and giggling like a teenager.
6 4
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Lucas and Elizabeth belong together !!!
You spent seasons showing all the reasons why.
36 17
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This story line has outlived it's time.
If things don't get better, I am going to stop watching
20 5
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Please stop with this Nathan, Lucas and Elizabeth triangle. It is getting old!!!!! Put Nathan and Elizabeth together and bring a new love for Lucas.
28 13
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I think that the flip was a big mistake and now they have the task of making what seems to be no sense at all into something that viewers can make sense of. For me, not sure that can be done. Ive watched for 10 years and its like the real thing. Even if they manage to get N and E together, will it ever be a good, true relationship. Already N has doubts and doesnt trust E to be over L and ready for another relationship. It will always be that.They can not move forward to a nice little feel good relationship if N is always looking over his shoulder and having doubts that E really loves him. Plus HM viewers dont like soap operas. Eventhe TN fans may get impatient seeing this kind of format instead of just a nice little romance. Dont want a cliffhanger every season.
21 9
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I hated the entire triangle season so stopped watching when Elizabeth broke her engagement. She took all of that time supposedly to be sure of her heart, then flipped. They ruined the romance of the show; they wronged Lucas; & they made Elizabeth uncertain, self-centered, & unlikeable.
16 5
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I totally agree! The character of Elizabeth has always seemed to be decisive, strong and level headed. Making her flip flop on this whole "love triangle" has her appearing weak, indecisive and selfish and not deserving of a pivotal role in the town. I was so disgusted with the turn of events and no longer have an interest in watching this show
3 4
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Nathan and Elizabeth belong together always should have been together. Enough with Lucas. Find him somebody . The story is getting old with the 3 of them. I don’t even watch the show anymore.
21 11
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Abbigail will be probably returning.
11 1
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I hope so
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Unfortunately I don’t think she can save the show and the direction they are going.
1 1
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I think the story line has gotten ridiculous! And I don't think Elizabeth deserves anybody. She is terrible at relationships and hurts everyone. I am not watching anymore because it really has gotten mind numbing at this point. Nathan and the doctor would be a much better couple. Nathan and anyone but Elizabeth would be better. Lucas should have a new beautiful, smart, bi-lingual, and educated woman who will truly help him as governor and love him like no other.
14 5
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I agree with everyone else, enough with the Elizabeth/Lucas/Nathan triangle!! She made her choice, let her live with it! I would love to see Nathan and Fiona together. They were excellent in the two movies they made for Hallmark. Being together in real life made their love in the movies so beliveable.believable.
I do not like Elizabeth anymore. She thinks she's the end all to be all.
14 5
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They spent three years putting Lucas and Elizabeth together. During that time, Nathan and Elizabeth were more like siblings with their banter. Now we are to believe it was all a mistake? The audience is not that ignorant. Lucas is the better match, but it's clear now that he deserves better than Elizabeth. The whole "safe choice" storyline is bogus since she went through it already when she realized Lucas was the one she truly loved.
19 11
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Sorry guys I am for Lucas and Elizabeth...she seems to be very comfortable with him. Remember she said she would not consider getting involved with another mounty especially losing Jack
17 9
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Jack being found alive and with amnesia would be more believable than Nathan and Elizabeth. 😆
12 5
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My sister and I watched WCTH since season 1. Every Monday we talked about it. We both stop watching this season. We are sick of the Nathan/Elizabeth saga. Need to fire the writers. Last season was my favorite with Elizabeth and Nathan. I can't bring myself to watch the show anymore. I'm through.
12 6
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Have watched from day one and I'm seriously considering dropping it if the writers don't get their act together.
Elizabeth and Lucas had real chemistry. She ran after him like a puppy dog when told he left town. Then at the last minute when Lucas is boarding the train she tells him it's over. To make matters worse, she never even grieves their breakup but immediately fawns all over Nathan. She lived through a Mountie relationship only for it to end in the death of her husband. So now she is willing to go that same route again? I have never like Nathan from the start. He's too immature and not even that good looking. If the writers wanted Lucas off the program then bring in someone really handsome and mature. And one that can ACT!! If WCTH continues with the
E & N storyline then I will say goodbye to a program I use to truly love.
7 2
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I am siding with most of the fans. N is not for E. There is no chemistry. They are Like brother and sister.
Elizabeth needs to come to her sences and grow up. She is a mess just like that haircut.
I am becoming less interested in watching.
8 3
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I have not seen the new season 11 or 12. Elizabeth made her choice..then the writers tried something else which made Elizabeth so fickle minded....it's not for me. Get your story right. Lucas was thrusted to be governor.
Elizabeth could still maintained to love Lucas, but no they decided to gave Nathan step in.....not good for Elizabeth, like she us really FICKLE MINEDED, SHE DIDN'T REALLY LUCAS IN THE FIRST PLACE
7 2
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I knew since the beginning of this triangle that it should be Nathan and Elizabeth, but Lucas was definitely more forward and won, but I never felt that connection with them. I guess that had to be sorted out so no one was left wondering, what if?. I feel the connection with Nathan and Elizabeth and this storyline for them now needs to get moving. It's been drawn out too long!
20 15
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Never saw any chemistry with N and E not even before L became a contender..Was always just a feeling of pity/sympathy fromE to N.She knew he felt guilty over jacks death but didnt know how to help him lose that guilt.She thought of him as someone who needed her friendship to purge his guilt.Being the widow of a mountie and the one that caused his guilt, she felt responsibiit to help him work thru it.. With L it was sparks from the beginning and we watched as those sparks flamed and grew brighter. No matter how they change N, with clothes or sense of humor or more sociable(traits he never has had). We will never see him as the person E really loves.
20 10
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I'm with you!
2 2
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I'm not liking the flip at all. Was disheartened end of last season with the breakup and possibility of Nathan being the one for Elizabeth! SHE BELONGS WITH LUCAS. I've been such a fan and even considered no longer watching thinking you may have written Lucas off the show. But I've got 10 years vested in you'all, trying to hang in there to see what's Happening. Now with a glimpse of hope because Lucas is back!
7 3
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Enough with this Nathan and Elizabeth nonsense. Put Nathan with someone else. People get upset over who she should be with maybe they should find someone new for Elizabeth.
8 4
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I want Lucas and Elizabeth together but hurry it up. Getting tired of it
18 14
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Merging all Seasons as a whole Nathan and Èlizabeth make a completion of the whole process in the storyline with Lucas possibly pairing with Fiona as she seems more the public reporter public relations type of go getter for a governor. Having said that...I agree it It is getting old and almost ridiculous risking fans to depart from the series. Just stop the triangle period it has lost its appeal...move on with the characters . Possibly reconsider Abigail returning....people are over the whole college scandal. She was an epic part of the series and could refresh things up a bit. Elizabeth character doesn't match to a silly fickled schoolgirl trying to play 2 men....stay with her decision to break it off and know herself and her heart as a woman ...coming to her true realization as a wife mother teacher and author.
6 3
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I enjoyed this episode, I’m glad the triangle is officially over. Glad Nathan was celebrated for his birthday and enjoyed the twist with Lucas showing up during it. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Elizabeth & Nathan and watch their relationship grow from friendship to more, I’m very interested in the Lucas and Janette story coming up as well. I’ve been waiting to know more about the interesting man that Lucas was before they turned him into what they did in season 8 & 9. He’s interesting, he had a back story. Can’t wait to learn more about him.
9 7
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I am over this triangle also. I don't know who was stupid enough to let this thing drag out anyway, its lazy writing. Lucas and Elizabeth were a good match, she has zero chemistry with Nathan. They make him seem like a wimp having him yearn on the sidelines for so long. Give him a real grown up girl to go on with, Elizabeth is to wishy washy, she doesn't deserve either but if they must than Lucas is the better match.
This used to be my favorite show but I'm about to throw in the towel, this storyline is getting lame. There are other characters that need love stories and would probably do a better job with it.
Oh, by the way HATE the new haircut, now she looks like a school girl. I guess if she is going to act like one she should look like one too.
7 5
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Shake some babies and kiss some hands??!!
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Stopped watching due to this stupid change
11 10
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We want Nathan for Elizabeth!!! Duh!!! 💕😊😊💕
17 16
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I think Nathan is the better fit for Elizabeth. Always felt Lucas was not really a good connection for her. But get to it already. This is taking as long as it did with Jack .
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What I'm hoping to see is Nathan and Elizabeth admitting their love for each other by the end of Season 11. Followed quickly by a wedding, because they've waited long enough to be a family! I also hope Lucas gets a great love story with a beautiful woman, as long as it's more than "just fancy dates and kissing". I'll be rooting for them!
4 5
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I like the idea of this. I am excited to see the potential of Janette and Lucas when she shows up in episode 4. I’ve been waiting for Elizabeth and Nathan to figure out they should be together since season 7. The end of season 8 shocked me but I didn’t go bitter and post rude, nasty and hateful comments about L & E or stop watching, I enjoy too many other characters on this show to lose it by throwing tantrums because things didn’t go my way. I’m sure Chris would want them to keep watching and support the show as a whole
4 3
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I absolutely love that they are correcting the huge mistake of season 8. Thank you, Lindsay, and writing team for bringing the show back to its roots and returning all of the characters back to their true selves. I and many others came back mid-season 10 and were pleasantly surprised. N and E were made for each other and can't wait for their epic love story. The end of episode 2, S11 was so disappointing. I and many others feel that L needs to stop being pushed into N's happiness (he should have come back AFTER the birthday party was over). That needs to not keep happening because many fans that came back are tired of it and will leave and never come back. We've had enough.
7 10
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Herein lies the issue - the show is not going back to its roots, it’s a soap and that’s no good for any viewer. By reneging on a decision that was made on the “romance” front after 3 seasons just to change after another 2 seasons, seems like lazy writing. There is so much more that can be told about the other characters and the changes they will go through as progress occurs. We don’t get that to the extent that would make the show so much better. Everything should not be about Elizabeth. That said, it should be about the bigger picture as seen through her eyes/perspective.
9 3
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So excited for Nathan & Elizabeth 🥰🥰🥰
2 6
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same! I think their love story is even better than the one she had with Jack! And all she had with Lucas was a bunch of fancy dates and kissing. The "trappings of romance". It's easy to give any couple that.
3 8
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I love her dynamic & chemistry with Nathan much more, so I'm here for it! 😉 Btw LOVE your user name lol and I agree 😂
3 5
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😄I like couples with lots of buildup, not "insta" couples who suddenly love each other for no reason, lol
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I love the triangle because it leaves us hanging. If everything was cut and dry it would be boring.
2 7
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I think N and E have great on screen chemistry.. really enjoyable to watch
4 11
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