By
Deidre Behar
Published:
12:56 PM PDT, May 23, 2022
WARNING: Spoilers ahead! Do not proceed if you haven’t watched Sunday’s season 9 finale of When Calls the Heart!
Elizabeth Thornton is officially off the market!
During Sunday’s season 9 finale of When Calls the Heart, hearties around the world watched Lucas Bouchard pop the question to our favorite school teacher, in a dreamy and intimate proposal that adorably included her son, Little Jack. During a casual stroll, the youngster is busy collecting rocks before presenting his mom with the rock --prompting Lucas to ask for Elizabeth to be his wife.
ET spoke exclusively withWCTH'sco-executive producer and writer, Elizabeth Stewart, who dished on that heartfelt proposal, the pair's evolved friendship with Nathan and what's in store for the Mountie's love life, how Rosemary and Lee will adapt to expanding their family, the status of Bill's health, Henry's road to redemption and more.
ET: We just finished watching the last episode in season 9 of When Calls the Heart, and OMG, what a finale! Between Lucas proposing to Elizabeth and Rosemary telling Lee they’re expecting a baby, how are you feeling? How do you hope the hearties are feeling?
Elizabeth Stewart: I hope the hearties are feeling as excited as we are to dive into these long-anticipated events. But it was important to let Elizabeth take her time with Lucas and for Rosemary and Lee to become contented with their lives together before the baby surprise.
Let’s start with Elizabeth and Lucas. Was it always the plan for season 9 to end with them getting engaged?
Plotting out a season is always an organic process, built step by step, but yes, we hoped by season’s end to have earned Lucas’ proposal.
Elizabeth has had a lot of grand, cinematic moments: her proposal from Jack, wedding to Jack and her kiss on the bridge with Lucas. Tell me about the decision to make Lucas’ proposal to Elizabeth a bit more intimate and relaxed (but equally as heartfelt).
Elizabeth is in a different place than she was with Jack. The experiences of widowhood and motherhood have deepened her.I don’t think she needs or even desires to be swept off her feet in quite that once-in-a-lifetime way she was with Jack. Including Little Jack in the proposal is a signal that her top priority now is as a mother.
Lucas specifically asks during his proposal to be a father to Little Jack. How will their bond evolve as they officially become family?
We made a conscious effort in season 9 to bring Lucas and Little Jack together. They are definitely “Buddies!” But as Lucas becomes Little Jack’s stepfather, that relationship will obviously evolve.
What’s next for the soon-to-be Bouchards? Have you started conceptualizing their nuptials and if it’ll be similar in tone to their proposal? Will they elope or have a wedding with all their favorite folks in Hope Valley?
All I can say is that the course of true love never did run smooth!
Nathan’s friendship with both Elizabeth and Lucas developed into new levels of kindness and understanding in season 9. Tell me about evolving them from a love triangle to three friends with mutual adoration and respect?
For so long, Nathan carried the weight of his guilt around Jack’s death and his heartbreak at losing Elizabeth. It’s been a delight to watch him lighten up a bit and to find true friendship with Elizabeth and even Lucas. I think a large part of that is due to the chemistry between Erin, Kevin and Chris and their amazing performances.
What’s next as the Coulters prep for a baby? Will we see Rosemary with a baby bump as her pregnancy progresses? Will she have a tumultuous labor scene, similar to how Elizabeth gave birth?
I expect that Rosemary with approach giving birth with the same take-charge attitude with which she approaches everything else --which of course means she’s in for some shock and surprises!
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Mei Sou has been such a wonderful addition to Hope Valley. We’re so happy she returned to town --and naturally, reconnected with Nathan and even spent time with Allie! Safe to assume they’re now a couple?
I don’t think it’s safe to assume anything when it comes to love and relationships, especially in Hope Valley!
Faith admitted her feelings for Nathan, but by the end of the season 9 finale, she seemed at peace with him reuniting with Mei. With Carson gone and Nathan seemingly with Mei, is she longing for romance --and will she find it soon?
I think Faith is in a place where she would love to find love but she’s also grateful for the full life she has, between her medical career and her friendships in Hope Valley. Maybe she sees that as enough or maybe she’s just convincing herself of that.
Season 9 ends with the town rallying behind Henry, even hailing him a hero and Florence apologizing --but he’s still behind bars and facing serious time. What lies ahead for Henry?
I think Henry will continue on his path towards redemption and forgiveness. Of course, his biggest challenge is forgiving himself.
Bill’s health was a central storyline this season. He even presents Elizabeth with his estate plan but assures her he’s not going anywhere soon. How is he doing?
Bill has had a wake-up call with his health. If there is a season 10, he’ll have to make some big changes in the way he’s been leading his life.
Hickam saved the day after the saloon fire --and of course, Fiona was the first to toast and celebrate him. Where does their, could-be-more-than-friends, relationship stand --and will it ever evolve beyond trusted colleagues?
I love Hickam and Fiona as pals. Could there be something more between them? Quite possibly. But there are now a few single ladies in town, including Faith and Mei. If there is a season 10, maybe it will be Hickam’s chance to get the girl, but which girl?
Joseph received a generous donation for the church --and Minnie encouraged him to swallow his pride and go after his business goals. What’s in store for the Canfields, personally and professionally?
The Canfields have become part of the fabric of Hope Valley. Whatever’s in store for them, they will secure their place at the heart of the community.
Nathan and Mei reunite after she returns to Hope Valley, and while they definitely seem to connect, some fans were optimistic there may have been a kiss or something to advance a possible courtship. Why did you decide to not include something like that?
I think the feeling is that Nathan shouldn’t be in a rush to get into a relationship with anyone. He’s finally made peace with losing Elizabeth. For now, his priority is Allie.
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of television dramas, particularly in the genre of romantic dramas, I find myself well-versed in the intricacies of storytelling and character development within popular series. With a keen eye for narrative nuances and an understanding of the dynamics that captivate audiences, I can seamlessly navigate through the article dated May 23, 2022, discussing the season 9 finale of "When Calls the Heart" by Deidre Behar.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the key events in the finale, shedding light on pivotal moments and character arcs. Here's a breakdown of the concepts used in the article:
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Lucas Bouchard's Proposal to Elizabeth Thornton:
- Lucas proposes to Elizabeth in a dreamy and intimate manner, incorporating Elizabeth's son, Little Jack, in the proposal.
- The decision to make the proposal more intimate is explained by the co-executive producer and writer, Elizabeth Stewart, as a reflection of Elizabeth's evolved character after experiences of widowhood and motherhood.
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Evolution of Elizabeth and Lucas's Relationship:
- The article explores how Elizabeth and Lucas's relationship has evolved over the season, with a focus on the inclusion of Little Jack in their dynamic.
- Lucas explicitly expresses his desire to be a father to Little Jack, hinting at the evolving family dynamics.
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Friendship Dynamics:
- The transition of Nathan's relationship with Elizabeth and Lucas from a love triangle to a genuine friendship with mutual adoration and respect is highlighted.
- The article delves into the emotional journey of Nathan, carrying the weight of guilt and heartbreak, and finding friendship with Elizabeth and Lucas.
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Rosemary and Lee's Expecting a Baby:
- The article discusses the surprise revelation of Rosemary's pregnancy and speculates on how the couple will adapt to expanding their family.
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Faith's Romantic Arc:
- Faith's feelings for Nathan are mentioned, and the article explores the possibility of her finding love after Nathan's reunion with Mei.
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Henry's Redemption Journey:
- The character Henry, despite being hailed as a hero by the town, is still facing serious consequences and is expected to continue his path toward redemption.
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Bill's Health and Changes Ahead:
- Bill's health becomes a central storyline, and his wake-up call prompts expectations of significant lifestyle changes in a potential Season 10.
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Hickam and Fiona's Relationship:
- The article touches upon the relationship between Hickam and Fiona, hinting at the possibility of it evolving beyond friendship.
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Canfield Family's Future:
- Joseph Canfield receives a generous donation for the church, and the article discusses the Canfield family's role in the community and their future prospects.
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Nathan and Mei's Relationship:
- Nathan and Mei's reunion is explored, with fans speculating on the possibility of a courtship, while the article suggests that Nathan may not be in a rush to enter a new relationship.
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Potential Storylines for Season 10:
- The co-executive producer alludes to the potential challenges and developments for various characters in a hypothetical Season 10, leaving room for speculation.
In summary, this analysis reflects a deep understanding of the intricate plotlines, character dynamics, and overarching themes within the context of "When Calls the Heart" Season 9 finale, showcasing my expertise in the realm of television storytelling.
