Season 11 Episode 5: Stronger Together
Season 11 Episode 5 Recap and Review
Synopsis: Hickam and Lee clash with the mayor of Benson Hills, while Gowen suggests a solution with huge implications for the town; Elizabeth and Nathan clear up a misunderstanding.
Authors Note: Please note the majority of this recap was written the week after Season 11 Episode 5 but due to vacation and prior commitment I am just now able to finish it. I am completing this recap with the knowledge of what happens in Episode 6 but will refrain from inserting it here. These are my unfiltered thoughts about Episode 5. Enjoy!
Overall Thoughts
I thought this episode was great because there was forward movement in the major storylines. However, I have my frustrations with the episode which I will share throughout the post. These may be controversial opinions but I need to get them off my chest. I apologize in advance for the negative undertones of this post, but I did enjoy Episode 5! It wasn’t all bad or frustrating. I promised myself I wouldn’t hold back and these are my feelings 5-episodes into Season 11.
Nathan & Elizabeth
Although we got breadcrumbs with Elizabeth & Nathan it left them in place with mutual understanding. Thank goodness! It was high time these two got on the same page. Earlier in the episode, Nathan saw Elizabeth and Lucas talking in the street about Jeanette. He did not know the topic of conversation but saw Elizabeth smiling, laughing, and rubbing his arm. This gives him the wrong idea causing him to pull back and avoid Elizabeth for most of the episode, or until Lucas tells him they are just friends. I appreciated the maturity between Nathan and Elizabeth in their conversation to resolve this misunderstanding. Although interrupted, they did get to finish their conversation later. There are several key pieces to their story in this episode. Let me break it down some more.
Was Nathan being petty or justified in his reaction?
Most of the episode is spent on Nathan shutting out Elizabeth while she sulks. After a conversation with Lucas, Nathan realizes his assumption was wrong about Lucas and Elizabeth giving romance another chance. Once Nathan regroups he approaches Elizabeth to share his feelings. He explains why he pulled back, recognizes his assumptions are wrong, and apologizes. Then Nathan asked, “What am I to you?”
In short, no, Nathan was not being petty. This is exactly what Elizabeth needed to kick it into gear and share with him her true feelings. He cannot read her mind and certainly wouldn't dare assume anything considering she broke his heart once…in a cruel way if you recall. It was not necessarily the most mature thing for Nathan to do, but given their history why would he assume differently? I don’t blame him at all. Elizabeth’s major character flaw is her inability to foresee how her actions will affect others. Elizabeth, the ball is in your court.
What is Nathan to Elizabeth?
Good question and one we have all been itching to hear Elizabeth answer. Per Elizabeth, Nathan is more than a friend because “friends don’t look at friends this way.” I am thankful we got clarity on that subject. But honestly, I am struggling with how it was done. In the grander scheme of things this might make sense, but given we are 5 episodes into a 12-episode season I was disappointed the answer to that question came in the last 30 seconds. It felt like an afterthought instead of a pivotal moment in their storyline. Truthfully, subtext, flirty banter, longing looks, etc can only get a couple so far in a mature relationship. We need REAL, UNINTERRUPTED, HEARTFELT conversations between Nathan and Elizabeth. I am hopeful from here on out it is full speed ahead for these two.
Ping Pong Politics?
The hyper-focus on politics in this episode was a bore. Don’t get me wrong I love that Lucas is getting a meaty storyline right up his alley! It’s always a pleasant surprise to see the writers writing to the strength of an actor, and for Chris McNally, it’s the charming, mysterious, business/politic-driven character. That perfectly describes Lucas Bouchard if you ask me. However, I feel like a heavy focus on politics takes away from storyline progression and for a lack of better wording, a waste of time. Okay, I know that is a big storyline but hear me out! The politics storyline gives us a multi-character story with Lucas, Lee, Mike Hickam, and Henry but we have gone in circles for the last 5 episodes. I will break it down more below!
The Resort: Yay or Nah?
What about the resort? There hasn’t been a real progression since Episode 4 with the revelation the property Lee sold belonged to Benson Hills. Also, Jeanette Aucoin, a former flame of Lucas’s, wants to place a bid on the resort. I suppose, I could assume the resort is happening considering the town merger is a-go, Lee and Maisey are co-mayors, and Lucas is acting business as usual despite these vivid flashbacks to that fateful night. But it is still not enough to truly pull me in, and I think it is because I have some serious doubts about the reality of the resort. So far, it has been purely a paper deal and spoken agreement. I don’t foresee this little town of Hope Valley TRULY wanting a resort. Isn’t this the OPPOSITE of what they wanted in Season 10?
The Shooting:
We know Lucas says he doesn’t remember anything about the shooting but what we are shown dictates otherwise as revealed in this episode. His body language and facial expression betray his words. He clearly remembers something. He remembered struggling with the shooter to get the gun but did not recall the shooter’s face. Could it be Lucas just needed time to heal and all the pestering from Rosemary and Bill hindered the process? Food for thought!
Ping Pong with the Mayor’s Position
What about the 2-year or greater ping-pong game of who is Hope Valley’s Mayor? Is it Bill Avery, Lee Coulter, Mike Hickam, or someone else? Already we see all three acting as Mayor at some point or another. Mike Hickam was officially Mayor until Episode 5 when he resigned, and Governor Bouchard sworn in Lee Coulter as acting Mayor until the next election. Bill Avery was the acting Mayor while Mike was still officially Mayor but running the Hotel/Saloon. Confusing, right? Nevertheless, the episode ended with Lee Coulter as the acting Mayor which places him in the position to make the decisions regarding the merger with Benson Hills and Mayor Maisey Hickam.
Mayor Lee Coulter
It’s been a long time coming, right? Despite my rant above, I am thrilled Lee Is FINALLY Mayor even though it is 2-years later than anticipated. Lee has been searching for a calling or purpose since Season 9. He is a great businessman, husband, father, and friend. One of the common factors is his natural ability to lead and make level-headed decisions which is exactly the qualities Hope Valley’s Mayor should emulate. I was expecting Rosemary to be upset but she was not because she also knows this is his calling.
The Canfields: A Family Affair
Angela and Cooper’s meddling did NOT turn out the way they anticipated. Shocking, right? Joseph was upset at Jacob’s letter because he felt nothing had changed from previous attempts. Angela and Cooper finally come clean to their Dad about forging the letter to Jacob. I love how this episode humanized Joseph as a Pastor. Often, Pastors are placed on pedestals and thought to be perfect, but in reality, they are human like everyone else. Joseph showed grace and understanding to his children despite his struggles with recent revelations. I am excited to see how their storyline as a family continues to unfold. I have always been curious about their backstory and It is exciting to see it happening!
Nathan & Allie
I love that we saw Allie try to protect Nathan’s heart. He even appreciates her concern. It is no secret Nathan and Allie are my favorite father-daughter duo. There was no shortage of that in this episode despite their brief scenes!
Hope Valley Crime Wall
We find out Lucas struggled with the shooter due to the bullet’s angle of entrance. Rosemary and Bill investigate this further with multiple attempts to persuade Lucas to remember that night. When confronted with this fact Lucas denies any recollection of those events. But as Rosemary and Bill get up to leave Lucas finally remembers struggling with the shooter but does not recall any identifying details. Rosemary and Bill are still on the case and keeping Nathan in the loop. It will be interesting to see what develops in the coming episodes! Edwin is still acting suspiciously regarding the shooting and unofficial investigation.
Other Random Thoughts & Prediction
Lucas apologizes for Jeanette’s ambush and for not being entirely truthful with his connection to Jeanette. They part ways as friends.
Despite this interaction being the reason for Nathan & Elizabeth’s falling out I found it endearing. It is clear Lucas and Elizabeth care for each other and it was handled respectfully. Parting way as friends further pushes Elizabeth toward Nathan, and closes the door to the triangle.
Lucas asks Henry to be by his side as an advisor again. Henry confides in Joseph that he does not like the person he becomes in business deals. Joseph encourages him and leaves the ultimate decision up to him.
I have been curious about Henry’s role this season since his redemption arc was completed last year. I figured he would advise on business and politics at some point. All of this is right up Henry’s alley, and he has changed since his “bad” Henry days. I think the advice would be welcomed and certainly have merit. I was happy to see Henry decided to give his thoughts on the merger and went to the meeting. While he used to use these talents for “bad” deals he can now use them for the greater good!
Anna is back from Capitol City. She is in teachers’ college and will be doing her practicum under Elizabeth’s supervision. Anna feels she is behind her cohort but encouragement from Elizabeth quickly helps soothe those insecurities.
I love seeing “old” characters return to When Calls the Heart! I had forgotten that Anna went to teachers college but It makes perfect sense Elizabeth would be her practicum supervisor. It also makes sense for the story in Episode 6 but I will wait to delve into that storyline in my next recap!
Toby has a newfound confidence regarding fractions.
A beautiful resolution to that side storyline! One takeaway is to keep working hard and ask for help when needed. Nothing is impossible if you see your mind to it!
Mei gives Maisey a spa day with a mud mask and acupressure.
Unfortunately, this fell flat for me but I am convinced the purpose of this scene was for Maisey to reveal her true reason for being against the resort.
Nathan and Lucas chat about the misunderstanding with Jeanette and Elizabeth.
This scene was reminiscent of Nathan’s chat with Lucas in the Season 8 finale. I enjoyed it and look forward to a future where these two can be friends without the underlying awkwardness. I think they have handled things maturely so far this season! I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop Nathan and Lucas’s friendship.
Opal draws her vision for the resort and asks Elizabeth to share it with Lucas.
I envision a future in which Opal becomes an architect and returns to Hope Valley with new ideas!
Thank you for taking the time to read this recap even though it is a few weeks late! I will try my hardest to have Episodes 6 & 7 done before next Sunday. I am playing catch-up right now.
Questions for YOU
Is the ball in Elizabeth's or Nathan’s court? Who should make the first move now that Elizabeth told him how she felt?
Do you have any frustrations this season?
In case you missed it I have linked my recap to Episode 4.
