‘When Calls the Heart’: Erin Krakow on Elizabeth’s Choice and Her Season 9 Wish (VIDEO)
[Spoiler Alert: This story reveals major plot points from Sunday’s When Calls the Heart Season 8 finale, “The Kiss.”)
The love triangle that’s been a huge part of Season 8 of Hallmark’s period drama When Calls the Heart has come undone. In a shocking finale twist, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) realized her heart did not belong with Mountie Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry) but instead with businessman Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally). Twist!
The much-anticipated choice was especially shocking given that last week’s penultimate episode ended with Lucas telling Elizabeth he was stepping away from her, making us believe she would pivot back into Nathan’s arms. Instead, Elizabeth found time in the finale to let go of her past (by removing the wedding ring from her deceased husband, Jack) and take a major step into her future with the dashing Mr. Bouchard. “We could not have gone wrong,” Krakow told TV Insider of whomever Elizabeth chose. “We got so lucky with Kevin and Chris…I’m excited about [the Elizabeth/Lucas] pairing because I feel like it will truly be something different for Elizabeth.”
In the interview, the actress, who is also a producer on the popular series, talked about shooting that scene on the bridge in the finale when Elizabeth and Lucas finally shared the first of many kisses. “It was this Hope Valley magic where the weather just cooperated and I think it was a really beautiful, passionate, dramatic scene,” Krakow said. She also spoke of whether Elizabeth and Nathan might continue their friendship.
Finally, Krakow shared her excitement that the series was picked up for a ninth season and talked about what she’d like to see for Elizabeth and Lucas. “Now that the decision has been made, I think it will be really nice to see what that courtship actually looks like,” she said. She’d also like to have more scenes in the classroom with the students Elizabeth teaches.
Watch the interview above and let us know in the comments if you think Elizabeth made the right choice.
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What makes me angry as a team Nathan fan is he was never truly given a chance by Elizabeth. Elizabeth was filled with fear. she never dealt with jack's death. of course, she might have flashbacks to jack because she was with a mountie, but she never saw Nathan the man. she saw Nathan the mountie, Nathan the uncle/father figure/guardian, but not Nathan the man. we didn't get to see them go to dinner or even try to court. we were robbed in so many ways. I still can't believe all of this for nothing.
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If you like conflict driven soap opera relationships then you pick Nathan. He was unilateral and authoritarian. If you like relationships built on mutual interests, respect n any conflict was resolved with discussion, empathy and bolstered by humor then you pick Lucas.
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Disappointed goodbye dine
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I think Lucas is kinda creepy. I love the guy that plays Nathan. He is a good role model not so saloon guy. Really with. Give me a break. Done watching.
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I think Lucas has a lot of skeletons in his closet. I don't trust him
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I agree.
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I agree
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I think they made a huge mistake!! Elizabeth & Lucas is all wrong!!!!!!! The original Janette Oak Storyline is based on a mountie and a schoolteachers journey! All that happens between Elizabeth & Lucas is smiles and wine and dinners and books! There is no heartfelt connection btw the 2 and certainly no susbstance in there conversations there relationship is so un-realistic! With Nathan and elizabeth there is a clear chemistry everytime they are together, and also there personalities are far more interesting and the way that they disagree on some things and get cross with one another for short periods is far more realistic and normal in the first steps to a new relationship! Also Nathan and Allie need Elizabeth, it just makes sense for the 2 single parents to be together as they both need each others support with raising a child! Another very valid point is that Nathan is far more attentive with little Jack, he actually pays him attention, plays with him and holds him and he even offered her to bring him & allie along to their dinner date! Whereas i cant even recall one scene where lucas has paid any attention to little jack at all! Everytime he approaches Elizabeth and little jack there is barely any recognition of little jack he only pays attention to Elizabeth so how is he going to fill the role of little jacks father! Bad finale WCTH writers! I can imagine your viewers will be a lot less in season 9 because of this decision!
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I'm so disappointed that she didn't choose Nathan. This series is supposed to be focused on a school teacher and a mountie. I haven't watched the show except for a few short clippings because I am not as excited about watching the show as much as I was from the beginning. I don't think I will be watching season 9.
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I am very disappointed in her choice and I don’t trust Lucas. I will not be watching any more of this show.
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Agree with everyone who says no chemistry between E and L. Nathan has such sincerity in his eyes and his good heart shines so brightly. Kevin McGarry could be on screen every minute and make most fans thoroughly happy. The writers and acting made Elizabeth so shallow and calculating. The characters of E and L are no longer of interest... more of a “they deserve each” and not in a good way. Only story line that could make season 9 worth watching would be for E and L to recede into the background and have Nathan become the central character with a truly good woman who love and appreciate each other. 50+% of the audience doesn’t care about E and L and just finds them annoying. The final kiss had no warmth or passion and just felt staged and false. Listen to the audience or there will not be interest a season 10.
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Not accurate .. I’m taken back by your confidence in speaking for thousands of fans without knowing for a fact. You’re absolutely entitled to state your opinion. Too bad you don’t want to comprehend that who Elizabeth chose isn’t for our benefit, it’s for the benefit of expanding and moving the story forward. It’s not personal. It’s a series that made a character choice. Keep in mind if they had chosen the opposite you’d be praising those same executives. So maybe it’s about not getting what you want that has you so angry.
I think it’s time for us to put this aside and enjoy the show or choose not to, but saying derogatory things about a cast and crew who exposed themselves during a pandemic to give us a show to watch in very unlike Hope Valley.
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So disappointed in Elizabeth’s choice and in how Nathan (and the viewers with him) was strung along for so long. Not classy, by a long shot. Made a very depressing finale.
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I agree and more than a little upset with Erin As in ALL her interviews she kept saying it was going to be a roller coaster Season that they would go back-and-forth just when you thought it was going to be one man it would be the other but she was spending more time with Lucas And didn’t even date Nathan or give him a chance... so there was no roller coaster and there were no Easter eggs just a lot of manipulation from the producers and John Tinker the new showrunner. That’s a bad gamble when you bring in a new show runner as they either tank the show or pull it up and unfortunately he totally ignored the Heartie fan base. NOT a smart move. Although I loved her with Jack I wasn’t one of those people that swore not to watch after they killed him off but I was hoping that Elizabeth would at least be more true to herself and who she was with Jack. This season she actually became unrecognizable-even mean spirited and treated Nathan and even Rosemary poorly. She dragged and manipulated both men’s emotions all season and it got to be very tiring. Why the writers decided to transform Elizabeth back into who she was when she first came to Hope Valley is beyond me. She was a bit shallow and materialistic and sadly I think that’s who she is with Lucas-a rather boring businessman who lives in his three-piece suit and says ‘perhaps’....and ‘shall’ & other dull verbiage that puts me to sleep.
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Yep
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GOODBYE WCTH I WONT BE BACK NEXT SEASON! Very disappointed! I agree with other Hearties, the story is about Elizabeth a schoolteacher who marries a mountie. This TV series has gone so far beyond left field not the story Jeanette Oak wrote.. it’s insane!
Seems like the characters are getting tired of it also..Henry’s gone, Carson‘s gone. Lucas has always seemed to have a shady past. He doesn’t seem like the type of person Elizabeth would even be attracted to. This love triangle thing went on way too long and Elizabeth didn’t seem ready to move on with her life right up to the very end. She was a tease to both men. In my opinion I don’t think the writers gave Nathan a fair chance. And Lucas never spent any time with baby Jack.
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That Mountie died and we dealt with that. The books end with her wedding to Jack. Why did people keep watching?
If your logic is correct then anything after that moment is made up and not aligned with the original story .
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People kept watching because of Nathan/Kevin. He is the character/actor that brought fans back to the show. For TPTB to treat him the way they did, is the reason so many people are upset.
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True! You would think that a mother would want her young son to be influenced by a man of honor and good character like Nathan. I am not bashing Lucas because his character is interesting too , but not exactly a match for the former prim and proper school teacher.
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All done with WCTH. I have wasted enough time on this show. Now back to movies and mysteries.
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Yes, my thoughts exactly feels like a whole season wasted.
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I am disappointed. I had hoped she would choose Nathan. That's who I would have picked!
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I wonder if this is the nail in the coffin now. I don't think this show will go past Season 9. Elizabeth choosing Lucas is like choosing Charles. It goes against everything Elizabeth believes. It's Elizabeth's loss.
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I too am disappointed that Elizabeth chose Lucas, for all the reasons others have voiced. My other concerns are that he came in the show as a possible villain(remember cash hidden in a trunk, secret phone calls in French with a woman & now, possibly going in business with the people who are secretly buying up land)so I never really trusted him or his true reasons for being in town. Also, he has no relationship/interaction with Little Jack and always says he wants/loves ''Elizabeth'' not ''Elizabeth AND Little Jack.'' Yes, they have fun together, she seems to be more relaxed and at ease with Lucas, he is interested in/pushes her to be a writer, which she wants and he's handsome/sexy but...on the trying to choose the "right" one of the two, she NEVER truly gave Nathan, ''the man,'' a chance. She really just lead him on and gave him mixed signals that she was interested the whole season. And, she said herself, in so many words, that she always saw Nathan as a continuation/replacement for Jack! I will watch next season but it will be with less interest/like for the "new couple" and more about the other characters lives. But, please Hallmark, whatever you are planning, DON'T PUT NATHAN WITH FAITH!!
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Wrong choice. I love Chris McNally but there is no on screen chemistry with he and Erin Krakow.
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The writers made the wrong choice!!! No chemistry between Elizabeth and Lucas. When he first came to town I thought he was a villain and all I see in him now is a manipulator. Elizabeth fell back into her rich girl ways. She should move back to Hamilton and let Hope Valley carry on. I’m disgusted!!!!
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Honestly, it makes no sense! Elizabeth and Lucas have no deep conversations. It's superficial and surface level. They could've evolved their relationship this season, but they didn't. There was no development, just physical touch - which hardly sustains a relationship. This is not true love or a convincing stepping stone for the next great love story. Nathan is the clear choice for me. They really dragged his character and TN fans through the mud this season, dangling false hope to get higher ratings. That is cruel in and of itself. But they could have handled it better. They could have established a solid foundation for Elizabeth and Lucas to have a love story that I could believe and that didn't feel illogical. I want there to be an emotional connection, not just a common interest in books and fancy dates. This is where Elizabeth and Lucas are sorely lacking. The failure to show or effectively grow a deep emotional connection between Elizabeth and Lucas is exactly why the writers failed us as viewers. This is why it makes no sense. This is one of the reasons why this ending doesn't ring true. This is why it's not believable. It's not true love. It's just wrong. I can't watch next season. I just can't. I'm done.
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Totally agree MC. They had 3 seasons to figure out who Elizabeth should be with and they blew it. There are 2 ways to tell a story - the way most Hallmark shows go is you pretty much know what is going to happen and watch to see how the characters get there or the soap opera route where it drags on and on and there are all kinds of twists that defy all logic. Unfortunately the new showrunners chose the later way to tell this story and that is why the fans are mad. It is like they changed their mind in the middle of the season and then raced through the final episode to get to the kiss. They did not take the time to develop the story with either men or let the viewers in on Elizbeth's thought process. They could have had Elizabeth go out with Nathan and let the viewers see for themselves that she was viewing Nathan as a replacement for Jack. You have to bring the audience in and take them on the ride with the character and the producers did not. Instead they manipulated the audience and that is why people are so upset. So Brian Bird and John Tinker you may have won the ratings battle this year in getting the ratings and people tuning in but the jury is out on whether you will win the war in the long run. When you thumb your nose at the audience - it never ends well.
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What deep conversations did Elizabeth and Nathan ever have? Maybe over/about Allie and I guess when Ned was sick she asked him if he'd ever lost someone. Otherwise I don't remember any. I didn't like the way Nathan was always pushing Elizabeth even after she told him he wanted more than she could give. They could have ended the triangle there and just let her see if Lucas and her could find their way to each other. Instead they kept it going and Nathan kept pushing. I didn't think that was right for him to do plus all the secrecy surrounding Jack and his reason for coming to town..... was so unlike his upstanding Mountie image. I like Nathan's character fine in spite of all that but just not with Elizabeth. Lucas was so patient, kind and understanding with her. He even teased her about the dumb game at the bachelorette party and laughed it off though E was mortified. I think that showed some of the great chemistry they have and the loving and fun relationship they are building. I love E and L together and really believe their story deserves a chance. I am excited for season 9. All the interviews I've heard with the actors involved including Kevin McGarry say they are excited to see what's next for Nathan. He is not done! He will move on and thrive!!
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Erin always says that it was a decision made by several and they went back-and-forth and that they truly couldn’t choose the wrong person but yet they did. I was really disappointed with the writers manipulating the fans throughout the entire season. Every pole Showed 75% of the Hearties were team Nathan but yet the producers and John Tinker-the new show runner- clearly decided not to pay any attention to the real fan base and the true heart and soul of the show from the very beginning. What was also disappointing is to see Elizabeth change and do a 180 in one season-she left for Hope Valley as a prim and proper materialistic socialite and now she’s back at that stage again in her sequined gown with the buttoned up boring prim and proper speaking Lucas. Every time I saw them together I was bored to tears as they’re too much alike and I find the coupling painfully DULL! Even when they were kissing I cringed and just have never seen any chemistry ther-it’s too forced too scripted. And Erin kept telling fans tolook for Easter eggs that shows who she will choose. Well clearly she needs to be told what an Easter egg is as it’s something hidden that HINTS to an outcome. There were zero hidden eggs with Lucas as that relationship was out in the open but there were many pointing toward Nathan. Nathan deserves better. My vote is for Fiona! Someone who’s fun-strong-decisive those two would never be boring! And Since they are a couple in real life THAT I could come back for!!
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Nathan does deserve Better! 100%
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I will not be watching. I've been a fan since Day 1. I weathered Jack's death, Abigail's absence. I welcomed two characters. Nathan was CLEARLY the choice. He never got a chance. He was his own man, a great Uncle/Father figure, loved little Jack, and more!!!! Elizabeth never had a chance to deal with Jack's death and her fear of Nathan. If she would've really dealt with things, Nathan would've been it. I will never understand why Lucas was chosen except that "it was the right thing, so the show could go on. We didn't want to disrespect the memory of Jack." PLEASE!!!!! This show isn't worth my time, energy, or money. I feel lied to for the past 8 years. No more manipulation and abuse for me.
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I agree
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Amen!
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Give me a break ... I won’t be back. She’s a schoolteacher with a little boy and she’s going to marry a saloon owner where gambling, cursing, drinking and smoking is the name of the game. She has whined her way through how many seasons and acted like she’s the only one who ever lost a spouse. She treats the world like she is the Queen of Hearts and her choice is money and advantage his mother provides.
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I was really disappointed that she didn’t pick Nathan.
47 12
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Very disappointed Elizabeth should have picked Nathan, disappointed in the writers,Please change this, you made a bad mistake.
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She should of have chosen Nathan, I won't be watching anymore.
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When Jack died I swore I'd never watch again, then I did on the off chance it was a nightmare and he'd come back. Hoping to WCTH would keep with the theme of the books and have Elizabeth pick Nathan once again disappointment. If anything, at least let Rosemary and Lee have a baby they so richly deserve.
Then a hint of a romance between Nathan and Faith, yuck. Abigail needs to stay where she is and not come back. Unless of course it is with Henry. Wouldn't that be a hoot.
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No, I think he was being a friend. They’re not going to give Nathan a Love interest until he’s mourned and is ready to move on.
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Sorry Erin but the wrong choice was made for the majority of fans who are the reason the show has been aired in the first place. We feel cheated because we were led to believe Elizabeth had true feelings for Nathan and felt robbed of a chance for the show to go back to a Mountie and a school teacher surviving the changing frontier.
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What makes you think it’s the majority of fans? Just wondering
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Google Team Nathan / Team Lucas poll. About 76% chose Team Nathan. It’s a good indication that Team Nathan was the fan favorite.
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Yep!
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I think Elizabeth picking Lucas was the wrong decision. I also feel like she acted like a rich girl brat all season . I started to not like her character. I’m sure WCTH does not care if they lost me as a viewer .
I get up really early Monday mornings and I sacrificed for this show. Won’t be doing that anymore for a show that I no longer like the characters.
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She should have choosen Nathan, do you remember when Lucas came to Hope Valley everyone was scared of him and actually thought he was a criminal. Suddenly he's this amazing man.....not so sure. Nathan was more like Jack and better suited to Elizabeth I think.
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Elizabeth made the wrong choice, and it's the writers fault. I like Lucas, but he looks like a teenager who just stands around drinking tea. Meanwhile Nathan is off saving the world, but no big deal to Elizabeth? I don't believe the character Erin Krakow has played for the past 7 seasons would ever choose Lucas over Nathan. When Nathan told Elizabeth he loved her earlier in the season, you believed she loved him back by the way she looked at him (at least she acted like it!). While Lucas has become a 'better person', you could tell Elizabeth just LIKED him. She told Nathan She 'loved him" but was 'not in love with him". This is something one would say today, not 100 years ago. Pretty bad writing. Elizabeth has NO CHEMISTRY with Lucas. I like Lucas- but the writers didn't write Lucas as a believable suitor- and they don't share the same values. He only has books in common with Elizabeth- nothing else. Nathan has much more in common with Elizabeth, and Elizabeth would not compromise her values. We're supposed to believe Nathan who just had his heart broken would tell Lucas to go after Elizabeth and that 'her could see heart was always with Lucas". Really? No one else saw it- since that's not the way the writing or the acting went. 60+% of people are saying it's a bad ending, some threatening never to watch it again. Write a dream sequence and make the right choice- Nathan. I will still watch, but put Lucas with someone else.
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I’ve never watched a series before but when Covid hit and I was so ill I watched all 8 seasons of ‘when called the heart.” When she chose Lucas and basically went back to her wealthy lifestyle I was disappointed. And when they were kissing in the last scenes it felt like ‘yuk’.... no chemistry whatsoever.
Sad ending.... now that I’m almost well I can get back to my life and stop watching such nonsense.
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Won't be watching it any more
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Absolute wrong choice by Elizabeth. I will not be watching this wretched series next season.BOOOOOOOOOOO!
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I will not watch any future shows
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I am team Nathan too, but I’m still gonna watch season 9 because I want to see what happens with Nathan and maybe he will find a love with someone better!
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The writers truly blew this one. Lucas and Elizabeth do not fit. Nathan would have been the better choice. I really don't understand stringing 2 men along while still wearing your deceased husbands ring. Elizabeth needs some serious therapy. Nathan was never given a chance. This whole season was unfair to Nathan. Pretty much sick of lucas and Elizabeth. I will not be watching season 9. I'm totally disgusted. I admire Nathan. He is an honorable man and is raising his niece.
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Nathan was the natural and correct choice. The show has been building with that anticipation since Elizabeth literally threw herself at him last season. As in Pretty Woman, “ BiG MISTAKE”! I’ll turn in for first 2 shows but if Lucas isn’t extracted for grand theft or illegal dealings of some sort (he cones across as a rogue mysterious crook), I will discontinue my Sunday night ritual. It would be nice if Nathan caught him red handed. How could anyone approve of Lucas as her choice? This is not a happy ending of future which Hallmark is heralded for its endings. Forget everything about Hallmark unless this mistake is rectified!
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Disappointed that Nathan never even had a chance. I felt Elizabeth treated him poorly. Not sure I'll watch next season! We will see. I think lucas should have left hope valley, or found another love interest. and
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I agree, but I don’t think Lucas should leave HV.
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B.s. on her choice
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I'm team Nathan. Lucas has a very nasty side to him in business and to anyone except Elizabeth. Elizabeth hasn't seen that side yet as he carefully hides it if she comes along. I can see him exploding at little Jack. Nathan is very chill, more like Elizabeth.
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Lucas helped even Nathan by loaning him money when he needed it. I didnt see any nasty side.
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Elizabeth made the wrong choice because she's not ready to make a choice at all. She told Rosemary she was "lost" shortly before saying Lucas was her "lifetime."
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Seriously??? What a disappointment. Nathan was the better choice. Lucas is shady and his character has never been trustworthy. I didn’t like the way Elizabeth changed this season either. We barely saw her in the classroom teaching. Instead it was a love triangle that went on far too long. Now we have Carson leaving, Henry leaving, and the possibility of Abagail coming back. The writers are losing sight of the original appeal of the show... a schoolteacher and a Mountie. Maybe season 9 will be better but season 8 was the worst season of WCTH.
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My husband and I have watched all the seasons and this is truly disappointing!!! We could barely watch to the end of the season 8 finale because it was so awful to watch Elizabeth choose Lucas over Nathan!!! Yuck!!! He was the WRONG choice - She belongs with Nathan! I don’t think we can stomach to keep watching her in future episodes with Lucas. Sadly, I think we’re done with this show. Truly disappointing indeed!
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I am very disappointed that she picked Lucas. I think he is a crook. He has never had any interaction with her son. Does he even like kids?
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Finally! It's great to see an adult relationship, based on shared values, mutual interests, caring for one another, beautiful chemistry and just a bit of teasing fun. Anyone who doesn't see Elizabeth and Lucas as a great love match hasn't been paying attention. Looking forward to watching this grow in Season 9!
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That’s so true
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Other characters are lovely and still enjoyable to watch. But this main character and her actions and reasoning? No, I do not believe she made the right choice. But the show has changed so much that I guess it made sense. It seems like we have been watching a long, drawn-out soap opera. So many things are out of character compared to the first several seasons, I wouldn't even know where to begin. The outstanding question for me is, why drag the fans through such a "love triangle"? Very unfortunate.
What I am most upset about is how "Team Nathan" folks write about their displeasure with Elizabeth's choice based on the storyline, characters, historical merits, etc. I have seen in several places how they are accosted by "Team Lucas" people who reject such opinions because of the critical, judgmental, dumb way of thinking of the other side. Unbelievable. But then again, exactly like the world we are living in now.
This fictional program is so heavily influenced by the main character that it is no longer enjoyable. I have watched from the very beginning. My curiosity got the best of me this past season, despite how it was all unfolding. No more. Goodbye, Hope Valley.
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Terrible let down. We lost the Mountie twice. Can’t deal anymore. Farewell wcth
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Exactly! “We lost the Mountie twice”.
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Brokenhearted. A dull pathetic Lucas always with his hands in his suit pants makes me hope little Jack may vomit on him. Disgusting how silly Elizabeth chose a saloon owner being such a devoted teacher. Just in time with these pathetic days we are dealing with. Big money and alcohol sets Elizabeth up for Christian ethics to be displeased. They have so much in common which does not make the best couple. Nathan was not good enough as an honorable officer of the law. Chris was rude looking during interviews and his tweet was rude. Hallmark is going down hill with its new unethical moves in movies to include all kinds of people not biblical. Lucas and his Elizabeth are not part of WCTH. Not interested anymore. A kiss is a kiss. What I envisioned was a scene ridiculously ready for bed any minute. Disgusting. Lucas can buy all he can for Elizabeth but Nathan remains the law.
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I just read that Lori Loughlin might be coming back next season. If so, I will NEVER watch the show again.
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I’m glad to see I’m not alone on Lori coming back. I can’t stand her. I’m done with the show. No season 9 for me.
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I hope Lori comes back. I like her as Abigail, she & Henry could be together.
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Heartie from Day 1 and I'm still in shock from the S8 finale. I never dreamed the writers (or Hallmark... whoever made the final decision) would choose Lucas in a million years! What show decides to completely change the whole premise... especially when it was more popular than ever? And when the vast majority of fans wanted Nathan? It's like they wanted to commit show suicide.
I feel gutted that my 'happy place' has been ruined. I can no longer enjoy any of the previous seasons after seeing Elizabeth revert back to her Hamilton princess mindset. I'll never be able to watch the show live as long as E & L are a couple... seeing them together makes me sick to my stomach.
Are fans supposed to just forget that Lucas lied about speaking French, wouldn't keep his word to Abigail, is a self-proclaimed gambler, skips town when he's upset, wouldn't respect Elizabeth's boundaries, and hired Henry's own son to spy on him??? It just isn't believable if the writers transform his character to a wood-chopping family man over night.
Nathan & Elizabeth had the makings of an epic, beautiful, redemptive love story. I guess Mounties NEVER get a happy ending on WCTH. #Departie #NopeValley
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I believe When Calls the Heart got the finale wrong. I really feel right. It doesn't matter how may good stories are coming in the next season. It can't undo the sad choice that the wrong person will marry Elizabeth. I do hope you all have a nice season next year. Apparently you did not know your viewers as well as you thought and that includes the great influencer Elizabeth.
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So, do you really think that Elizabeth would still have a job if she marries a saloon keeper/gambler? I like the way, all of a sudden, Lucas is a "businessman"! Yea right!
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When has Hallmark ever taken a main character and given him a difficult life, tragedy & loss, has him nobly overcome the pain, selflessly cares for his niece, accepts responsibility for a death he did not cause, lets him fall in love with the heroine, she rejects him, he's left alone, heartbroken, and in love, but never redeemed? Nathan was taken through the entire Oke and Hallmark formula for good literature only to be dumped in the end for the character that was never developed in the series. This is why Nathan fans are upset and believe there was a change to the finale and we don’t understand why. I believe the writers fully intended to have Nathan be Elizabeth’s choice in the finale because that is the way the story was written...but they changed their mind and went with Lucas. Why? In an interview Chris McNally said it was a Network decision for it to be Lucas. Why would they say that if Lucas was intended all along?
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I also think she made the wrong choice. She isn’t in love with Lucas, she just loves the idea of him and his mother helping her with her writing. She is in love with Nathan, but too afraid to admit it. This is going to ruin the show for me totally. I’m sorry.
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They made the wrong choice. Elizabeth and Lucas have no chemistry !! Boring.
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I agree. I was extremely disappointed with her choice. The series is messed up. I don't like the way Elizabeth treated Rosemary in one episode and how she didn't even follow through on her date with Nathan by saying she didn't feel well all of a sudden. Elizabeth never gave Nathan a chance to see him for what he truly is. I don't like how she acted when he was around. I felt like Lucas was whining and complaining. I noticed he didn't spend time with Little Jack. I don't know what the next season will bring but I will not be watching.
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you have replied exactly my sentiments, the audience was not brought into the story, it was totally manipulated by writers and executives, after they wanted so much to have kevin mc garry be their choice for elizabeth and signed him after much attention given him to take the part, then turn on him and treat him so shabby, is rather cruel, his acting was superb, he stepped up, as he always does by performing at the highest level, he is so very believable, and also, i along with many others, i watched elizabeth go down the toilet with her acting, and her attitude, i don't know how much she had to d o with her character being blown to bits, but i have no respect for her, as an actor now, she is an executive, and she comes into interviews squeaking and giggling and it embarrasses me, she is very fake now, and i have no interest to watch her do anything anymore, this whole mess is very sad. you said iit so well, the audience must be ibrought in and be taken for a ride, that did not happen, i am empty concerning this series, and i want most of all, for kevin mc garry to gain from this fiasco, he deserves it, because he put his wonderful acting and his heart and soul into this series, and we did not even see him in any sort of romantic setting with elizabeth, no kiss, but 3 years of showing us how much he grew to love her, in a way not many men can, with such loyalty and respect, and he was very beautiful in his interpretation as nathan, this man became so loved.
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Nathan didn’t get a chance. That’s what upsets me the most. I wish we got to see some romance between them. I remember when Nathan gave Elizabeth that sign in season 6 that said “ Always do what your afraid to do”, which I thought was so sweet and went along with “ love is always worth fighting for”. I don’t know why they brought in the love is worth fighting for if they didn’t even use it. Nathan and Elizabeth both believed love is worth fighting for. I thought all I saw Nathan do was fight for love. And at the wedding with the hand holding game, I don’t know the point of that either. I am team Nathan! I will still watch season 9 because I think the show will have more interesting stories to tell. Who knows maybe I will start to like the love story of Lucas and Elizabeth.
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A year after Elizabeth made her choice…it’s still the wrong choice.
I will never accept Elizabeth with Lucas.
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I think she made the wrong choice.
It should always have been the Mountie.
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I’m looking forward to our next season and how Elizabeth and Lucas’ relationship develops. While I was and am a ‘Lucas’ fan, I disagree with “RM”‘and their comment that we didn’t get a chance to really learn about Nathan. To me anyway, it was obvious that he had integrity, honesty, courage and compassion. He certainly tried to perform an important fatherly role with his niece. Lucas’ attributes on the other hand, were different. He too had courage and compassion but his still undeveloped back story make it harder to ‘read’ him. I think we are going to see a deeper storyline development for him as the series continues. He offers a richer opportunity for development than Nathan. Nathan was a bland personality perhaps, as a foil to Lucas. Lucas’ support for Elizabeth’s writing and his interesting relationship with his mother, demonstrated an uncommon support for female independence and creativity while Nathan was clearly mired in male traditional attitudes toward women. This would have created either frustration or long term conflict between him and Elizabeth. Elizabeth truly enjoys teaching and has a deep respect for the responsibilities that role entails. She is quite complex though. While she thrives on teaching and joy in motherhood, she requires an outlet for her creative and independent mind. Her courage in braving the undeveloped frontier and settling in Hope Valley demonstrates her independence and matches with Lucas’ personality much more than with Nathan.
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Patently the wrong choice, and so unfortunate that the writers elected to take the plot in this direction. The genuine love for and interest in this show by so many fans has waned considerably with this disappointing and hollow conclusion.
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I am very happy with Elizabeth's choice. I see Lucas as being a good intellectual match with her. It was clear that she never chose to date Nathan. I have watched since Season 1, was crushed when Jack died, and when Elizabeth met Nathan, I never wanted her to end up with him. And my oldest son in named Nathan and is a military man. Team Nathan can still love him and watch his story in Season 9.
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She already married one Mountie and lost him. Why would she want to take a chance on repeating that? Yes for Lucas!!!!
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Team Nathan all the way! The chemistry was there between Elizabeth and Nathan, and he (and the the viewers) were being strung along the whole time? That was hurtful.
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The writers want a change to bring something different to the series. But that doesn't change the majority wanting to have the show to have a Mountie and a teacher. The two of them don't even look right together.
The best thing they can do for the show is for Elizabeth to have a change of heart in the next season and realize that she made the wrong choice. There are just too many people that don't like a saloon owner at all. Do the right thing or the series may go down the tube like one other has done. That would be a shame.
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ElizabethErin Krakow destroyed Nathan's heart and I hope Lucas and Elizabeth break up because Lucas sold his hotel and bar and is going to force Elizabeth to leave Hope Valley. I hope Lucas goes to jail or dies in Season 9 and Elizabeth to be alone. She made a very very poor poor choice in choosing Lucas so I hope he gets destroyed in Season 9 and leave Hope Valley permanently.===
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You sure are vindictive.
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That’s a little harsh! I preferred her with Nathan myself, but I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to Lucas. Let’s just hope they write more interesting and entertaining storylines this coming season. Plus, have more other characters involved instead of just Elizabeth. It makes for a better show in my opinion.
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I agree and I am also team Nathan, but I wouldn’t want anything to happen to Lucas either.
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a senseless reply, a lashout, of course we would have been happy with the opposite choice, and that would have shown how the executives, writers and whoever else, followed the story properly, and did. bring the audience in, saying we would have just got what we wanted, is the kind of reply a child would give, this took 3 years of great acting on kevin's part, as the writers prepared everyone for the obvious outcome, only to flip it and tangle it up and lose it, and make a complete mess of it. the final was so tangled up, no flow, no continuation of how the story had been flowing along, as though, strange new people juste e wanted to have a laugh, "lets have fun with this, lets twist it all around and just throw it out there, and watch the reaction.
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I thought the ending was great I don't like Elizabeth with another Bountie
The guy she picked was perfect and he is so handsome GREAT!
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I am happy about Elizabeth’s choice. I can’t wait to watch season 9.
3 5
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Very happy she chose Lucas! I'll keep watching.
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I’m done! I won’t be watching season 9
20 5
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Can I said something about all this? To the teamNathan fans I want to say this I happen to agree with you Nathan never gotten a chance with Elizabeth I can understand that but can you all understand why she didn't? It's because of Jack Thornton I mean just one look at Nathan it's like seeing Jack all over again. If she giving Nathan a chance it would be like dating Jack Thornton all over again and she'll be in love with the idea of him instead of being in love with Nathan the man. Elizabeth has never liked Nathan in that way she had always loved Lucas. It was never was Nathan when she was with Nathan she was hurting Lucas every time Lucas sees her with him. With Lucas he's changed not just for himself but for the better. And I feel that Elizabeth made the right decision on choosing Lucas instead of Nathan. We already had a story about a Teacher and a Mountie and they're names where Elizabeth and Jack why have the same story with Elizabeth and Nathan like she did with Jack? Nathan deserves better and deserves to be happy with the right woman not Faith but someone else. I want Faith to go get Carson back and work things out and get back together romantically again and I want Abigail to come back as well her and Cody.
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Best choice! Beautiful love story in the background for 3 seasons. Those that did not notice their loss and perhaps not the appropriate show for them. WCTH represents morals and depicts true love filled with patience and putting your partner’s needs in front of your own. Lucas represents a wonderful mature new great love making both men Jack and Lucas extremely special. Nathan was acting as an adolescent even with his premature love declaration and simply could not match the glory of Jack. Lucas does in turn with his patience and selfless acts. Cannot wait for next season and a possible marriage proposal.
29 38
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They said they made the decision while filming the last episode. How could it be a beautiful love story over 3 seasons? Or were they writing 2 beautiful love stories to keep their options open??
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I respectfully disagree. Nathan was taking care of business around town and feeling a deep connection to Elizabeth during each of their meetings. She sought him out, even when she was with Lucas. The only real connection with Lucas was with the storyline of her getting her book published. He got all of the dates and yet, for me and obviously many others, there was never a deep connection like she had with Nathan. Lucas was the adolescent lurking around and running away after the hug at the end of the S7 finale. He wasn’t even patient, he set dates up when E didn’t want dates, he took her out of town for an author reading who he never read. He was always conniving to get her to spend time with her. Nathan’s character is a proven father/family character, Lucas never portrayed having that type of person. I could go on and on.
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I was disappointed in her choice but can understand why she decided the way she did. Nathan was just too much like Jack. However, I’m hoping Lucas lives up to her trust. I still don’t know if he will.
8 17
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My choice was Lucas all along. Love that she chose him!
31 41
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Lucas was the only choice that made sense. I for one am thrilled.
8 19
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Thank you for this beautiful end to season 8. I am 100 percent team Lucas. But honestly I did think the love triangle dragged on for too long. Hence the rather ugly reaction of team Nathan. Elizabeth had chosen lucas earlier. So the plot could have been something else. They could have grown that.
Please do grow Lucas and Elizabeth's relationship next season. Lucas has shown what a caring, kind, patient and adoring person he is.
No one can quite fill Jacks shoes as a mountie.
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Nathan is not Jack, he is better. Jack lived for the Mounties. Nathan was willing to give it up for Elizabeth and a blended family.
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I think it was a wonderful choice and a great ending.
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For anyone watching the show it was obvious where the chemistry was. They did such a great job of building up to the final moment that it made me wonder if the actors portraying Elizabeth and Lucas might be romantically involved in real life. As an avid watcher, this was truly a strong moment for Hallmark.
10 22
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I had the same thoughts. They make a beautiful couple. Both physically and mentally on the same page too.
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My gosh that was the most romantic episode in hallmark history. People can try to deny it all they want but Erin and Chris delivered it and bravo to them. It was beautiful. If people want to be stubborn and not open their eyes to see what was there with their characters for the last 3 seasons then that’s on them. You are missing out on a beautiful love story.
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I absolutely agree with you. Its very sad to see the negative comments.
I loved the ending. And never seem to see these polls as a team lucas fan.
There is so much chemistry between Lucas and Elizabeth. And he brings much into the relationship. Not just needing her to be a mother to his niece. He encourages her to pursue her dreams. Just like Jack did. I see so many qualities like Jack in Lucas.
7 13
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3 seasons? Did you watch the et interview... they said they decided while filming the last episode... must not have been that obvious.. probably why the fans aren’t happy. If they were going to put her with Lucas, should have just done it in episode 3 and got on with other story lines. Not interested in more dates between E&L.
If they brought faith messages back to the show, might improve it.
14 5
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Elizabeth made the right choice. The only thing I didn’t like in the final show was that there were too many subplots going on and it got confusing and chaotic. It would have been better to have developed those subplots in previous episodes, rather than everything developing in the very last episode. I love WCTH! I watch it every week and I love the characters! Perhaps focus more on developing those characters and making them more prominent. It’ll be fun to see how Lucas and Elizabeth evolve into a closer relationship, as the other character’s lives intertwine and develop fully.
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I absolutely loved the ending. Intellectually Elizabeth and Lucas are a much better match.
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I’m so glad Elizabeth picked Lucas!!! The finale ended exactly the way I was hoping it would!!! Can’t wait to see where Elizabeth’s and Lucas relationship goes!!!! Team LUCAS!!!
13 27
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Lucas was the best choice, Chris McNally is awesome!
26 40
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From a purely objective standpoint, I believe Lucas was the right choice for delivering a fresh story and new journeys with previously unseen hurdles. Indeed, Lucas has never married, much less raised a child. It would be fascinating to see how his character grows in this way. In addition, his job will provide him with challenges and possible changes. Season 8's outcome has made me very happy. I'm excited to see how things progress for everyone in Hope Valley in the future.
9 24
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Incredible finale! Glad that Hallmark decided to do something different for a change and go with a different love story instead of repeating one that's been done since Season 5
43 58
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i loved the ending! Team Lucas all the way!
13 29
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I loved the ending. It's just another step for them to start writing a beautiful love story. And in this story we can see everything, love, passion, learning, redemption. I love how Elizabeth is not prejudiced like many of us ... She doesn't just see the man on the outside, she sees with her heart. And your heart says it's Lucas. I'm looking forward to S9. I want a beautiful story for Nathan too, I would love it to be Fiona because I love her.
16 32
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She made the right choice
16 32
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😍 Loved the WCTH S8 finale! It was the best finale ever, and I have seen them all. So happy Elizabeth and Lucas chose each other on the bridge!
14 31
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Yes!! Absolutely Lucas did everything to show his love. I love the character of Nathan but it all reality Elizabeth was projecting her heartbreak over Jack and the familiarity of the red serge onto Nathan. Once she realized (heating up the serge) she was able to reconnect with what she’s felt for Lucas all along with no more confusion. And completely free to love with her whole self. I’m very happy for her. If I were Nathan I wouldn’t want to be a substitute Mountie and a source of continued pain for Elizabeth. Lucas is an opportunity to tell many different interesting stories. I can’t wait.
15 32
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So happy for Elizabeth and Lucas. They will be a lifetime of happiness!!
25 42
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I haven't seen any of these polls unfortunately. Team lucas here
4 22
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It is surprising to read all of the negative commentary about Elizabeth's choice. The relationship between Elizabeth and Lucas shows a more mature exchange. They have more in common intellectually. It allows Elizabeth to be fully herself, embracing her upbringing along with her adult choices (similar to Lucas who made the adult decision to settle in Hope Valley in search of different values from his upbringing). Nathan's inability to be honest from the beginning with Elizabeth and his inability to express his emotions in general is a huge negative. He is also not able to relate to the side of Elizabeth that involves her writing, the library, her vision of the world beyond Hope Valley. Choosing Nathan would have simply been a replacement of Jack. Other than his being a mountie, and raising Allie ( I always felt he wanted to be with Elizabeth so he could get help with that), they don't have much in common. The writers have opted for the more mature choice: people creating a life based on shared interests and dreams
. Remember the scene with Lucas and Allie in the bar when she wanted to return the book? Lucas showed he knew exactly how to respect what Allie was feeling and to talk to her in a way she could make her own adult choice, demonstrating great parenting tactics. Some commentators say Lucas was the "safe choice". I don't see it that way. Choosing Nathan would have been the safe choice, more of the same. Looking forward to season 9
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Couldn't have explained it better myself. I am shocked at the negative comments.
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It’s interesting that you say N would have replaced Jack when I really see L as very similar to Jack. And TL kept promoting the parallel video of L and Jack.
For me though, whilst disappointed wouldn’t have cared if the interviews and Pr spin had been truthful. Basically the fans were lied to for the sake of ratings. Telling us to look for clues when they decided in the last episode. It would go back and forth and didn’t really change.
If they want to use E’s reason as projecting Jack, that needed much more than 30 seconds in the finale.
I think the poor writing to fully explain the story lines and the total deception by the PR spin during the season are the problem - not necessarily the choice.
BB doing interviews after the finale to r plain the story lines to make people understand is really just a big indicator that the quality wasn’t in the show.
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Ps you might want to recheck about Nathan not relating about writing or the library - remember his conversation with Rosemary in the library. He mentioned the authors he reads - they were the same ones E mentions to her students. The authors L has raised with E she hadn’t read - that book he quoted about a scorned lover, Virginia Wolfe he hasn’t read. Happy for you to point out differences but make sure you are correct 😊
8 3
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YES! Absolutely she made the right decision. She has done been down the route of Mounties, now she has a much different story to tell. Even with Nathan and the blended family, you would get tired of that eventually. Lucas is also dashing and such a Gentleman with a good heart , and her and little Jack, will be well taken care of, and even adding to their family. There is so many ways to telI their story . Love it!
11 30
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You do know Chris McNally wants Lucas to lose all his money in the next season?
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I think Lucas is perfect for Elizabeth. Choosing Nathan would make the plot the same as it was for Jack. Just a repeat. We need new story lines for this great show. Nathan was too pushy and just cared about himself. Lucas will help her character grow.
24 43
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Her choice of Lucas is one giant step back into her life with Charles. Nathan should have been her Hope Valley choice. Their story of a blended family would have been a joy to watch.
8 1
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Team Lucas. Yay! Love this show. ❤️
21 41
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I totally agree. Nathan was too pushy. Lucas is sophisticated and perfect for Elizabeth.
12 18
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I think it was her only real choice bcuz if she went with Nathan she would always be thinking about Jack or responding to him with Jack's bent instead of ever seeing Nathan as uniquely himself. So I wonder how Lucas profession fits with Elizabeth's school teacher image but Lucas was truly the hottest and most romantic of the two. I would also have always wondered if Nathan wanted her more for having a mom for his neice.
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The farthest thing in Nathan’s eyes was finding a mom for Allie... he loved Elizabeth for a woman and not a mother figure!! Nathan is much more down to earth... Lucas is too prim and proper even how he speaks... listening to him last night and that last scene made me gag ... who talks like that other than someone with a lot of Wealth and societal upbringing. SNOOZE. Elizabeth has just turned back into the woman she was before she left for Hope Valley.., the two of them bore me to tears. But now Elizabeth has the man who can give her what she needs financially and help her along with her career so I’m sure they’ll be fine together but I won’t ever get used to the two of them together...The whole premise of the story has been ruined where the school teacher goes to live in a small dusty town... now it’s just gonna be two people going out for fancy meals .. he in his suit and she in her fancy dress on a picnic or going to the big city for events ...totally boring and NOT What endeared me to the show in the very beginning.
24 10
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