‘When Calls The Heart’: Chris McNally on Whether Lucas Will Fight for Elizabeth’s Hand
Okay, Hearties, TV Insider recently had a preview of the new season of Hallmark’s hit drama, When Calls the Heart, from Kevin McGarry, who plays Nathan Grant and is one third of the love triangle involving charming Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) and her other suitor, Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally). So, it’s only fair to give McNally equal time!
As any Heartie can tell you, the season finale featured an OMG moment where Elizabeth, distraught because she thought Nathan may have been killed in the line of duty, saw him very much alive and ran to him as Lucas watched. Does this mean Elizabeth is choosing Nathan? Or does Lucas still have a fighting chance…that is, if he even wants to fight for Elizabeth?
Who better to ask than McNally, who shares his thoughts on Season 8 (which premieres Sunday on the Hallmark Channel), Lucas’s mother, Helen (Teryl Rothery) coming to visit, and where the businessman’s head is at when we return to Hope Valley for another season of heartwarming and maybe heartbreaking stories.
Season 7 ended with Elizabeth in Nathan’s arms. Can you tease Lucas’ reaction in Season 8?
Chris McNally: Lucas takes off after the hug! He’s quite shaken by it and subsequently leaves Hope Valley to clear his head and gain some perspective. He also takes that time to grow a fairly decent beard, if I do say so myself — and I do.
Is Lucas is ready to fight for Elizabeth?
Lucas comes into Season 8 more grounded than when he left and with a more tangible sense of vulnerability. He isn’t looking to “fight” for Elizabeth, per se, but wants what’s best for her — for Elizabeth to be happy.
We get to meet Lucas’s mother in the season premiere. What’s their relationship like?
Lucas and his mother are close, though it’s been some time since they saw each other. Helen’s visit to see her son is long overdue and, as a bonus, her arrival in Hope Valley allows the audience a glimpse into Lucas’s semi-mysterious past.
Is Lucas concerned about what his mother will think of Elizabeth when they work together on her book?
No, I wouldn’t say Lucas is concerned in either a working or personal capacity. Lucas recognizes Elizabeth’s talent and knows Helen does, too — though Helen certainly puts Elizabeth to the test — and he also prides himself for being a great judge of character so he has no doubt his mother will respect and admire Elizabeth’s character.
Will she offering up any advice or commentary in terms of the Nathan-Lucas triangle?
Helen is as sharp as a tack and she picks up on the situation immediately. She most definitely has opinions, commentary, and cuts to the chase with her questions, putting Lucas in the hot seat.
In terms of the oil company, has Lucas bitten off more than he can chew now that he bought Henry (Martin Cummins) out? And who will he turn to for guidance?
I wouldn’t want to give away any potential spoilers, so I won’t say if Lucas turns to anyone or not, but I will confirm that he has bit off more than he can chew. He senses it at the end of Season 7, and Season 8 sees those worries come to fruition.
What do you hear from Team Lucas fans who want to see him with Elizabeth?
It’s great to be a part of a show with such a passionate following! In terms of Team Lucas fans, I read a LOT of comments about how Nathan is too tall, too handsome, too empathetic and sensitive…all these great things, and at the end of the day it’s just too much to handle, so Elizabeth should go with Lucas instead. I’m kidding — though Nathan is certainly those things — but I do see Team Lucas support voicing how he’s adventurous, spontaneous, affectionate, and how he appreciates Elizabeth more than anything in the world, which I feel is very true.
Lucas and Nathan are always very cordial to each other, but could they ever be friends?
Season 8 ends in a place of authentic mutual respect towards one another, and I’d say this is an essential foundation along the journey to friendship. Is friendship now possible after the Season 8 finale? I think so. Will it happen? I don’t know. Hopefully we’ll get picked up for Season 9 and can find out!
When Calls the Heart, season premiere, February 21, 9/8c, Hallmark.
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I chose Lucas. He is more honest and kind with Elizabeth. She likes men that help others and Lucas is always helping people. Lucas is also able to express his emotions and thoughts about life much better than Nathan. Lucas started the library, the Christmas celebration, encouraged Elizabeth to write, shows gratitude for help people give him, and is emotionally available. I personal don’t like liars and men that aren’t emotionally available. Nathan lied tonight. He didn’t reveal that his niece’s father was there, only a man from his past. Why lie? During the show Nathan has a lot of walls and has not interacted with many people. Jack was loving and very kind, I see that in Lucas..
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Chris is such a good actor. Love him as Lucas.
I'm rooting for Elizabeth to choose Lucas. He is the best man who sees her and puts her happiness first etc.
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I agree, I think she has more charisma with Lucas. Love him on the show
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I think the writers have really set it up for Lucas to be the one she should pick. He's the one that's brought her out of her shell, encouraged her to start writing again, and made the first moves in every aspect. Nathan is great. Don't get me wrong. But he's just been the tag along guy who also likes her and is benefiting from Lucas's beautiful efforts towards her. I'll be super upset if they do end up putting Elizabeth and Nathan together.
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I think she has much better chemistry with Lucas. Must admit I will be disappointed if she doesn't pick him. I have the first book in the series. I still haven't read it yet, and I'm an avid reader. 😀
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I think Lucas is deeply respectful of Elizabeth. His love is mature and freeing. He is also a gentleman and capable of passionate commitment to the community. His investment and risk taking speaks of his compassion and his expansive soul. He and Elizabeth share a beautiful attractions because they are kinder spirits who share a broader culture and sense of the world. Nathan is a mounty... Elizabeth choosing him would be too repetitious. It would be a bit offensive to the memory of Jack and leave an unflavored taste to the finale as well as narrowing Elizabeth’s life.
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Totally agree, hopefully the writers see it that way. I don’t think they will. See my comment under Christine.
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I am Team Lucas100%! I just cannot see Elizabeth with another Mountie in her life! I HOPE she chooses Lucas!
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First of all.. “Lucas” is wayyyyy better looking than “Nathan” Sorry Kevin 🤷🏻♀️ It’s the eyes and the smile and the hair and... but I must admit Kevin look pretty dang good with a beard and longer hair. Anyhow, I’m glad we’re going to see a different side of Lucas. Even though I’m team Lucas just the way he is .. . I’m looking forward to him being more vulnerable... less perfect. Making him the underdog. Everyone loved rooting the underdog! @chrismcnally I’ll buy you a big of dirt if you tell who she picks! 😁😉
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I think Chris and Kevin are both amazing actors. The foreshadowing and bookends in season 7 clearly indicate Nathan will be Elizabeth’s choice. Sorry to disagree but Kevin is by far the more handsome of the two.
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I must admit that the endings of season 7 and season 8 episode 2 has me a little uneasy being the president of the Team Lucas Fan club. However, I am still holding out that Elizabeth will choose Lucas. One of the reasons I love Elizabeth is her honesty and she does not give to playing any games with people's emotions. Even Lucas' mom saw that early on. I believe that if Nathan still had a chance, she would not had been as decisive in her words. She told Nathan that she can't be with him, which is pretty final. When she had a similar conversation with Jack, she said she wasn't sure if she could be with him. See the difference? Plus, she always seemed to try to avoid Nathan. In Season 8 episode 1, she tried to get out of accepting Nathan's dinner invitation. In the same episode when 1st seeing Lucas, she tries to invite him into her home! I don't think Elizabeth is the type to run away. It is gentler to tell Nathan she doesn't want him because of his occupation when deep down, she just don't want him. Come on ladies, I can't be the only one to have done similar! I think if Elizabeth really wanted Nathan, being a Mountie would just be an obstacle, but she would have not closed the door and her whole vibe would be different towards Nathan. At least, that is how I see it. If I am wrong, it wouldn't be the first time! I will just continue enjoying the ride!
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I am starting to believe the writers took this course of writing so that at the end although one man will have a broken heart eventually friendship is coming. HV is such a small town and you would see each other quite often. It looks to me that Elizabeth has made her choice but this is just the process of getting there. I am rooting for Lucas 100%. They danced together, They have the library together, Lucas encouraged her with her writing, E meet Helen (Lucas mom), and they have had a few non dates, and he makes her smile. Time will tell😀
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You are not alone! I am Team Lucas also. The second episode was so confusing. I went digging for information from other bloggers. Loved this blog.. https://whencallstheheartblog.blogspot.com/2020/07/does-lucas-have-chance.html
I feel that Elizabeth is drawn to Nathan because of his profession (Mountie), but do not believe she is in love with him, but rather Lucas. Lucas has so many characteristics of Jack. Don't give up! I find some really good spoilers.
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Love Lucas. The way he looks you. That smile. So tender, caring. Elizabeth Should chose him.
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I hope she stays with Lucas, but this a drama and the writers is not going to let her stay with him. It is a shame they belong together, and hope the writers don't do it. If they do I may have to say goodbye.
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So sorry that your heart was broken by N not being chosen. I look forward to seeing Nathan & Allie's relationship flourish! Nathan's healing, and finding someone that will love him completely.
Lucas may have money, but he is selfless. He let E go so she could find her true love. So glad that E was able to let Jack go so she could move forward with Lucas.
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She will pick Lucas because he is showing her that he really loves her by letting her go to find her own heart. When you really love someone, you will let them go; not try to force them to cling on to you. Elizabeth and Lucas have better chemistry and more in common than she and Nathan. Nathan will be just a do-over from her first husband.
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For me, I think WCTH is predictable. Clearly Elizabeth and Lucas belong together. He adores her and she balances him. In spite of this the writers will put her with Nathan, who lacks passion. He has his niece who needs a mother, why not Elizabeth. They will also put Lucas and the telephone operator together, when she starts to work with him in the oil business.
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I completely agree with you! So Glad Lucas won Elizabeth's heart.
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Lucas is definitely the one for Elizabeth. They could be such a community power couple, loving couple, GREAT couple. I’m a seasoned viewer and writer. Lucas should be the match for Elizabeth. I hope Hallmark does the right thing.
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Elizabeth left her family money, came to a small town to teach where she met Jack and wanted to settle and raise a family. Lucas risk taking with money, talks of travel and other things that come with money would be a step backwards for Elizabeth
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Of course it will be Nathan,He,s more down to earth ,,why do people always go for the best looking ,I always look at the heart.
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I love Nathan he too is a very handsome man. That smile is so breathtaking. He's definitely a catch. Love you Nathan. We don't want to loose you. Know that we love you too.
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As long as Lucas is on the show I'm a fan. Love him with that beard. I personally wanted you with Elizabeth. Please stay together. Love you all
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LUCAS is better looking than Nathan. Nathan's face is so dry and wrinkley for a guy his age. yuck
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So sorry that you are heart broken over Nathan not winning! Looking forward to Nathan's healing and find true love, plus N& A relationship growing.
I look forward to watching Lucas become a father to little jack.
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Lucas has no dark secrets. Lucas was helping a widow from a loan shark, but holding onto her money. Nathan and Bill cleared him.
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So sorry that your heart was broken because nathan did not win E heart. I thank it's Wonderful that E could meet some one of her social status in HV. Someone who understands her on a different level, but loves her and is willing to stay in hv. Looking forward to N & Allie's relationship growing , N healing heart and learning to open his heart again to someone special.
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You must be on cloud 9! Loving that E & L are our new power couple in HV.
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So Happy the writers let E stay with Lucas. The Bridge scene was Amazing!
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💯 Team Nathan. I can not picture Elizabeth with Lucas at all. Can not picture him stepping in and being a father to Little Jack! Nathan has already proven his dedication as a father figure to his niece and will do the same for Jack. Will be soooo disappointed if they have her choose Lucas.
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I think ima lost I missed all of season 7 I sure would like to watch it is it still possible and he can i?
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I don't like Elizabeth should be with Lucas at all. Lucas has a lot of dark secrets that he is keeping from Elizabeth especially with the money he used to purchase the saloon as well as investing in an oil company. I cannot picture Lucas and Elizabeth at all and I have a feeling he will put Elizabeth and her son Jack junior in a major problem where he will get caught up with the monies he stole to start his businesses or is there someone who knows who he really is a robber, murderer, or a mafia member that may want their monies back that he either stole or took out a loan on the monies and put Elizabeth and Jack junior in a ransom or being in the middle of a bad war.
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I'm rooting for Elizabeth to pick Nathan! Lukas is too pompous!!
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I want Nathan! Lukas is too pompous!!
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Nathan has a lot on his plate and he is responsible for the whole town's security. With all that, he took the responsability of raising his nice. All of the above shows Nathan's maturity, sence of responsability, sensibility and even against his desire he fell in love with Elizabeth. He had helped her in many ways, including encouraging with her writing, advising her to be truth to her self and what she wanted to write about and how she wanted to do so. Contrary at what Lucas did originally, he wanted for her to change how she was writing and how she was writing, claiming he knew what he as talking. Letting her selfdoubting of her talent and if she really was a good writer. Nathan gave her the encouragement and confidence she needed to continue the way she felt she wanted to go with this. Lucas later recognized his mistake and apologized. Nathan is always debating about if he should let Elizabeth know about his love for her, because he does not want her to suffer again. His job is a very dangerous one and he is conscious of that and he is debating constanly between his love for her and what his job and responsibilities could do to her and baby Jack. Elizabeth is a strong woman, but at the same time could be fun and very loving. She has a lot to offer and to teach to Nathan. Nathan has a lot to offer to Elizabeth and Jack too. I am very sure Nathan will show us how sensible, loving and caring he really is. I believe Fiona will be perfect in everything for Lucas.
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