‘When Calls the Heart’: Erin Krakow & Kevin McGarry React to Shocking Cliffhanger to End Season 11
Spoiler Alert
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the When Calls the Heart Season 11 finale “Anything for Love.”]
The honeymoon phase can’t already be over for Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) and Nathan (Kevin McGarry) on When Calls the Heart … right? The two just got together at the end of the season’s penultimate episode, and now, the finale ends with shocking news—for Elizabeth!
But they do get to enjoy being a couple first, having a picnic with their kids and attending Mei (Amanda Wong) and Mike’s (Ben Rosenbaum) wedding together. (Watch Wong and Rosenbaum take us inside that event during TV Insider’s last weekly aftershow, Heart Beats here.) Between those two occasions, the new couple shares secrets—hers, a light-hearted story about kissing a potato as a little girl after her sister told her she’d find her heart’s desire that way and his much more serious. He reveals that when he was offered that job in Union City, he’d wanted to leave because of her. He’d found himself falling for her, and it felt wrong because he asked to be assigned to the town to protect her after her husband Jack’s death. She admits she dreaded the idea of a new Mountie coming to town, convinced she’d despise whoever it was because they were alive and Jack wasn’t. She also assures him that he’s not responsible for Jack taking his place in that mission.
Superintendent Hargraves (David Lewis) interrupts Elizabeth and Nathan as they share a moment following Mike and Mei’s wedding. He says he’ll explain why he there’s in private—but he doesn’t want to speak to Nathan. Rather, he’s in Hope Valley for Elizabeth, and it’s about her late husband!
“I hope they’re able to deal with that news and move forward,” McGarry told us as part of our Heart Beats aftershow for the penultimate episode.
“We’re not going to pretend that conversation never happened, so we will come back in Season 12 and address it,” teases Krakow. “Our scripts are still in flux as we’re moving toward filming. I will leave it at that. It’s a juicy enough cliffhanger on its own.”
The star and executive producer also reveals that there were “a few different versions of the cliffhanger and we shot a few different versions of it.” Adds McGarry, “all of those endings were in the same world. It was just variations of different things. It was always going to be the idea that they’re getting pulled apart. … It’s nice you don’t see it coming. It’s this kind of comical light thing and all of a sudden this really heavy news comes out of nowhere.”
For Nathan, it’s very much, “Oh great, at the worst possible time again,” McGarry says, referring to the multiple interruptions that the couple has dealt with. “It could have been comical. Every time you go in for a kiss, it’s like ‘Grant!’ ‘What?’ Then he drops the bomb that this is about Jack. And then all of a sudden, especially after having that conversation that they had earlier and now Jack’s memory is back and we don’t know why or what’s going to happen, I think there’s a bit of fear that maybe he’ll lose what he holds dear.”
Krakow says Elizabeth’s “first and foremost [in] shock, but she turns to the person that she loves and trusts most in that moment to share that emotion because who could have predicted that Hargraves would be coming to talk to her about that at all, but about that?”
That comes after they’ve revealed to the town that they’re together, as everyone saw Mei and Mike off after their wedding. “I think they found a real comfortability together, too. I just remember even the body language, it just seemed very easy together with the two of them only to be halted by Hargraves,” McGarry notes.
After Elizabeth had checked off all the boxes she needed to—talking to her son Little Jack (Hyland Goodrich) and ex-fiancé Lucas (Chris McNally)—”it just felt like they didn’t want to hold back anymore,” says Krakow.
What do you think Hargraves has to tell Elizabeth? Let us know in the comments section, below.
When Calls the Heart, Season 12, TBA, Hallmark Channel
For Hearties Only
Get absolutely everything about When Calls the Heart in your inbox!
Conversation45 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
R
Also I saw a comment that was a very good point ,Jack was referred as late husband! I think the super intended is probably trying to get nathan in trouble! They did seem to not get along with each other! I wonder if he will say something to jeopardize Elizabeth and Nathan's relationship.
23
-
R
I don't watch anymore Nathan and Elizabeth are dull. Show had lost its fun
1 1
-
E
Yes writers please break up Nathan and Elizabeth's new buddying romances between them their romance between them isn't real, get Lucas and Elizabeth back together romantically again their love between them was real look at seasons 6-8
1
-
-
R
Can't we just have a wonderful romantic love story for Elizabeth and Nathan and a loving family they create together?
28 14
-
A
That would never work! At least we know why they are marketing the show. For all of the fans that they have lost. They need their live ratings to go up.
-
R
I agree >why have, Nathan go through so much trouble to find love and get duped again after Elizabeth has supposedly moved on from both Jack Thornton's death & Lucas's choice to be governor more than her husband >It would be sad to see Nathan & his adopted daughter rejected also as a hopeful family in Hope Valley. I wonder if the producers are trying to please a lot of hearties instead of keeping life as is, sometimes in Reality. But, hey just my opinion not a fact. Realizing drama is drama and life is reality.
3
-
-
R
I just want Nathan and Elizabeth to finally be together, have a quick wedding and a baby. Leave the last in the past,there can be many other dramas written into this series.i stoppedwatchingtnis show when she chose Lucas, finally she saw the light in her heart. Let’s move on….
28 15
-
R
I think Jack is still alive. Suffering from amnesia.
23 10
-
R
So do I. Daniel Lissing left Hallmark during that Cameron-Bure mess, but during a promo last night there he was in a preview with Erin Krakow. Did he come back to Hallmark or what?
2 2
-
R
If he is then this is turning into an afternoon soap opera, where the dead have a habit of coming back. Not only that but Jack was a ghost in the Christmas episode of When Hope Calls. Leave him dead! He made the choice to leave the show.
7
-
-
R
It better not split Nathan and Elizabeth. Hope it’s good award for something Jack did. If it split Nathan and Elizabeth again- I might stop watching!
21 8
-
R
Why is it when there is a budding tv romance something is thrown in to stop it!! It’s stupid and VERY PREDICTABLE.
12 1
-
R
It's the exact trick they pull in every single Hallmark movie. A misunderstanding stops the relationship cold & then magically clears up for the happy ever after kiss. Just once I'd like to see the couple square it away together & not just split over it. Think about it, how are these couples going to get thru an actual marriage.
6 1
-
R
Every movie ends the same … in last 10 minutes … my hubby says, “it’s about time for the kiss and the credits!”
1
-
-
R
Jack was still referred to as late husband, so something about his last few days or service.
10
-
R
First, other articles with L . Sturman, says Jack is still dead and not coming back. This is about keeping Jack memory alive for LJ. Linsey said, although there is a little bump in beginning of S12, Elizabeth and Nathan will weather it and be a couple. S12 is about a Couple who has to deal with challenges and some things in past, but their love for each other is strong enough. So the S12 is about their romance and solidifying that love.Hargraves is the one to who sent Jack on the training mission, he has always been a problem for Nathan for some reason. He is the one who tried to get Nathan removed fromThe Mounties and Allie went to defend him. So. not surprised to have a man who jealous and unbecoming professionally would try to hurt him again.However, Sturman said it will end up sweetly and they will be fine.
12 6
-
R
Are you sure about that?
-
-
R
I have this feeling that there was a mistaking identity of the landslide death and Jack is still alive but had an injury where he couldn't remember. BUT I'm hoping I'm wrong don't get me wrong I loved Jack and Elizabeth BUT he's been gone for 6 episodes (6 years) and now she's with Nathan.. I've been team Nathan from the first day he showed up so I'm hoping I'm wrong and it's just more information about the investigation of his death which will not effect Nathan and Elizabeth in any way, shape or form...Team Nathan
6 1
-
R
Not sure but if they split upNathan and Elizebeth I am done watching!
6 1
-
A
This is exactly why some Lucas fans can't watch anymore. At this point who really can trust anything that has happened with WCTH?
6
-
-
R
Don’t want Jack to come back
4
-
R
He’s not coming back, it’s something else!
1
-
-
R
I’ve always thought Nathan and Elizabeth characters can be a bit boring, and sadly they put them together. She needs to be with a character who has some excitement, like Lucas did. Just my opinion.
4 2
-
A
Jimmy Reno@jimmyrenowrites#hearties @LindsayHeartie & HM have officially confirmed that Daniel Lissing is not returning to the series and neither is his character Jack. #jackthornton #whencallstheheart
3 1
-
R
It just seems like a lazy soap opera cliffhanger writing. Jack has been gone for years and now some Superintendent goes to Hope Valley rather than call or even write to Elizabeth about Jack? SMH
3 1
-
R
I think it's to keep Jack's memory for little jack alive so he doesn't forget his father.
1
-
R
Not watching anymore, a bit boring.
-
R
I stopped watching when they killed Jack, I did the same with Heartland, I skipped the season where they killed off TY, I just watched all seasons after and it depressed me. Time away from television for me. Not very many good quality programming, too much gloom and doom. I saw this article and I bet Jack is coming back. Doesn't matter if the word late was mentioned. I have a gut feeling, I could be wrong but...
-
R
I am sorry to say I find Nathan acting like a school boy drooling over Elizabeth at lease Lucas was more of a gentlemen treating her with respect and class...he couldn't wait to suck face with her. This is not a love story and wish they had done it differently. Love the wedding and the craziness around it at least that part was good. The rest not so.
13 13
-
R
I agree, I did not care for Nathan. I was through when she left Lucas. Like a schoolgirl. Like a trollop from one man to another.
2 1
-
-
R
Nathan and Elizabeth are so boring together. They are each more entertaining when engaging with the other characters on the show. There’s no chemistry between the actors. So, it doesn’t really matter what the news is about Jack. As long as those two are together, it’ll still be ho hum. I’ve watched this show from the beginning starting with the tv movie. It’s sad to see how far downhill it’s gone.
28 28
-
R
Agreed. The other characters are more interesting. This is just too predictable and drawn out entirely too long. Move on.
7 9
-
R
Exactly, like she’s a middle schooler who can’t decide which boyfriend she wants. For she would have to pull her arms out of Lucas’ every morning and rush home to him every night.🤮Then she decided she’s in love with Nathan🙄The writers have totally destroyed the show. Lucas was definitely much better for her. There is zero chemistry between her and Nathan.
1 2
-
R
This season did indeed lack in magic, mature romance, and inspired and authentic writing. Where did all the townspeople of Hope Valley go? Where did Mollie, Florence, and Ned go? Did Faith even see one patient? Did Rosemary and Lee do anything besides sit across a desk from each other ? Did we even see the inside of the cafe all season ?If I did miss any of these scenes, I apologize, as I was trying to calm myself having to stomach Elizabeth and Nathan's " romance. " I give them a failing grade for their awkward courtship. The writing was horrific - falling into a hay wagon together, E. tripping off a stool into N's arms - how inspired. Their kisses are the most uncomfortable looking of any couple I have ever seen on tv. Sorry, Team Nathan, but please watch those scenes again, then check out out the romantic kisses with Lucas. It doesn't matter what team you were on, a real kiss is a real kiss. Soulmates, I think not. I have done my best with Nathan's character. I tolerated him after Jack's death. I tried to warm up to him until he underhandedly pursued Elizabeth even when she was engaged and had told him she was not in love with him. ( Although fickle E. Turned that around rather quickly. ) And now I just can not watchE. And N. so seemingly immature in love. Their goo goo eyes are ridiculous looking. What is with Lucas spending the entire season in Hope Valley? | thought one of E's reasons for dumping him was that she wanted to remain there, her home. Lucas spent 12 episodes
1
-
-
R
Could there be more to share about how Jack really died? The Superintendent seemed a bit annoyed with Nathan. Maybe Nathan is hiding something about the situation.
1 2
-
R
I think Jack’s still alive, but never recovers his memory or feelings for Elizabeth. Nathan and Elizabeth stay together, but it’s touch and go. Jack does see his son Jack Jr. and wants to be a part of his life.
3 4
-
R
I think this show is rather slow , I watch but don't miss much if can't . Pascale is annoying. Erin is so milk toast & boring . Show needs some excitement , to many situations going on .
9 10
-
R
I agree and when there is trouble it is sooo quickly resolved . No suspense , no drama. Boring!
1
-
-
R
I think Jack is still alive and was under covered and they faked his death
2
-
R
I think Jack is alive!!!
3
-
R
He’s alive, not dead
3
-
R
Jacks alive
6 9
-
R
I wish
2 4
-
-
E
1) Jack is missing2). Jack is severely wounded or blind 3) he’s alive and I don’t want him to be Finally Elizabeth and Nathan and you give us a thrill for 5 minutes but spend a whole show on Michael and Mei
2 7
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services