WHEN CALLS THE HEART Creator Weighs In: Should Elizabeth Have Chosen Lucas?
By Movieguide® Staff
Editor’s note: This article contains some spoilers for the end of season 8 of WHEN CALLS THE HEART.
Although the buzz from fans concerning the season 8 finale of Hallmark’s WHEN CALLS THE HEART continues, the show’s creator Brian Bird is excited for what’s to come in season 9.
The final episode of season 8 ended the love triangle between Nathan (Kevin McGarry), Elizabeth (Erin Krakow), and Lucas (Chris McNally). However, some Hearties were not happy with Elizabeth’s decision to be with Lucas.
Although the future of Hope Valley and Nathan remain uncertain for Hearties, Bird did reveal that Elizabeth and Lucas’s relationship will be complicated.
“I want to see the new layers of Lucas, layers that we haven’t seen before,” Bird said while on the Christopher Closeup podcast. “I think there’s a lot more going on there with this young man than people give him credit for. And I want to see him with little Jack, to see how he handles the idea of instant family, potentially, if this relationship is going to work. And how these two adjust to each other in the real world. It’s one thing to be on a courtship…Sometimes when you get into a real relationship, it’s not quite as much the honeymoon as you expect. But all that is to be explored.”
Despite Nathan’s disappointment and the frustration of many Hearties who were rooting for him and Elizabeth, Bird said that he will still have an important role to play in Hope Valley.
“I think it’ll be awesome to see what happens with Nathan. He’s not going anywhere. He’s the Mountie in this town. I also love the idea of what happens with him and Allie. I actually love the idea of what happens with Nathan and Lucas. As I mentioned earlier, Rosemary and Elizabeth were at arms length in season one. There was no love lost there. Now they’re best friends and neighbors. So to me, the potential of these two young men actually having a really interesting friendship is also there too,” Bird said.
In a previous interview, Bird acknowledged that the creative team’s decision would receive backlash from fans. However, Bird said that he and his team are confident that it will be the best thing for the show in the long run.
McGary, who plays Nathan on the show, added: “Chris, Erin, and I are great friends, and we just want to tell the best story we can, and it’s the type of story that will keep the stories of Hope Valley going on further. And this is … I really think the way this ends is the best possible way that it could go.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
Despite some harsh criticisms, Bird said that the passion behind their fanbase is an encouraging sign for the show’s future.
“The sort of very passionate reactions that people had on both sides of the equation, are an amazing thing,” Bird said. “The fact that the show has touched people so deeply, that they care so passionately, even if they’re frustrated, that says something and we are so grateful for that passion. Not every show does that to people.”
He continued: “We’re okay with some criticism, we’re fine with that. You know, God bless you, if you have a different opinion. Our attitude is, if you feel like you can’t watch the show anymore, God bless, but we will be waiting for you with open arms when you come back, or if you come back.”
Bird also shared his passion for creating uplifting, family-friendly content that champions values of faith.
“We think that the power of Hope Valley in the community and in the culture is still there,” Bird said. “What I sometimes say to people is that in the world, where everywhere you turn there are zombies and crystal meth dealers, Hope Valley is still here, and nobody else is really making a show like this. I don’t know where they’re gonna go to find something that will bring them the same values and virtues that we’re giving them in Hope Valley.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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