Season 12 Episode 3: All That Glitters
Nathan & Elizabeth fight, makeup, kiss, and go on a sunset horseback ride. Oliver's secret is discovered.
This post is recapping Nathan & Elizabeth’s storylines from Episode 3! That ending scene has my jaw on the floor! I typed this up right after Episode 3 but life got busy so I am just now editing.
Disclaimer: All photos are the property of Hallmark Media, LLC.
Nathan & Allie
Nathan wants Allie to have a pony party and her friends can take turns braiding Newton’s hair. I laughed out loud because that is such a Dad thing to say! Allie says, “I am turning 17 not 7!” I gasped. Where has time gone and how is she almost 17? Allie tells Nathan she wants her part to be a kids-only birthday party, meaning without him, and the look on his face broke my heart. Allie is his little girl and no doubt he does not want to let her go. Poor Nathan! His little girl is growing up right before his eyes. Allie hilariously, and accurately, tells Nathan that going on a date with the kids is not an actual date! Allie suggests spending more time alone with Mrs. Thornton, and I agree with her! I love these two and can’t wait to see them grow closer.
The Mountie & The Teacher
I considered making a separate heading for Nathan & Elizabeth’s interactions and the Mountie scenes. But those storylines are intertwined and highlight the mingling of their professions. So, I decided to go with The Mountie & The Teacher. After all, that is what the show is all about, right?!
Nathan & Elizabeth’s professions were at the forefront of their scenes in this episode. Oliver excels at being a Mountie Cadet in all areas except writing a report. According to Elizabeth, Oliver is only writing at a 4th or 5th-grade level. She offers to tutor him in writing and Nathan gladly accepts this offer. Elizabeth talks to Oliver about his education in Hamilton. Elizabeth determines Oliver lied about attending Briarcliff in Hamilton. Oliver shared that he had never gone to high school because he was not permitted to. He decides to turn in his letter of resignation to Nathan. But Nathan is not willing to accept it yet.
Nathan & Elizabeth disagree on how to handle Oliver’s secret. The Mountie code of ethics dictates Nathan’s decisions on and off the job. The Mountie motto is "Maintiens le Droit" (Uphold the Right). Nathan’s code of ethics is centered around honesty and integrity. Oliver lied which is not in compliance with Nathan’s code of ethics. As a Mountie, Nathan is required to report dishonestly, breach of ethical contract, and misconduct. All of these matters pertain to Oliver’s omission of the truth in his application. Likewise, Elizabeth has a code of ethics to adhere to as a teacher and person. Nathan & Elizabeth’s codes of ethics are not in direct conflict with each other. However, the way they uphold their respective code of ethics differs.
It’s important to remember that Nathan has a zero-tolerance policy against lies or deception. In Season 9 Nathan tells Lucas he became a Mountie to protect people, keep them safe, and uphold order. He emphasizes it is important to him and part of protecting people, keeping them safe, and upholding order is holding people accountable. (Paraphrased) Oliver lied and for Nathan, the outcome is black and white — report him to Superindent Hargraves for violating the code of ethics. Nathan says, “This crosses a line” and “…you don’t understand” both in response to Elizabeth during their disagreement. Nathan was interrupted but he is right about Elizabeth not understanding. She doesn’t understand HIS point of view and how it violates his professional and personal code of ethics. Nathan counters with “Ethically I have to report him” to which Elizabeth retorts, “Ethically you have to listen to his side.” Elizabeth, you are incorrect but your point is made — listen to Oliver’s full story without judgment before deciding to report him. Nathan’s code of ethics dictates that he is required to report violations of the Mountie code of ethics. However, there is likely discretion woven into those rules but it’s the principle of the matter.
Bill chimes in later as a former Mountie acknowledging Nathan’s ethical dilemma. He says, “You want to give him a second chance but you have your oath and obligation as a Mountie.” Bill gently tells Nathan that Oliver is his cadet and it is not against the rules to ONLY tell Hargraves (his superior officer) what he needs to know. (Paraphrased) Bill is the voice of reason for Nathan despite Elizabeth being awarded that attribute in this episode. Bill relates to Nathan’s sense of duty as a Mountie and knows that rules are important to him. Bill takes the pressure off Nathan to report Oliver and allows him to think in the gray instead of black and white.
I believe Elizabeth sees this lie as necessary because Oliver was stripped of the opportunity to attend school. Albeit true, I doubt Elizabeth would condone the same actions if he were a student teacher. She treats all students with the same respect and fairness which are in adherence to her teaching code of ethics. She is quick to act and already created a learning plan for Oliver. Elizabeth says, “You never give up on children” in response to Nathan wanting to report him.
Nathan considers his conversations with Elizabeth and Bill. He realizes this is a gray area and loves Elizabeth’s lesson plans for him. They make up in the school and he shares how much he loves and appreciates her. They decide to not give up Oliver and Nathan gives a good report to Hargraves. This was a sweet moment in the schoolhouse and ultimately the right decision for Oliver moving forward.
Nathan & Elizabeth’s Date
Nathan valiantly attempts to discuss and plan a date with Elizabeth. However, they must have forgotten the Mountie office has another inhabitant, Cadet Oliver, and are interrupted right before the kiss.
At the end of the episode they finally have their sunset horseback riding date! This date far exceeded any expectations I had going into the episode. Elizabeth’s saunter toward Nathan was perfection and then his walk around her was pure fire! When he whispered “they won’t” in her ear I thought I was going to combust. At the end is a beautiful montage of them riding into the sunset, walking in the meadow, and enjoying tender moments with one another. This is what I mean when I say I want more dates!
Thank you for reading my Episode 3 Thoughts!
I realize there is more to this episode but I will write about them in next week’s Episode Recap!
SHARE your thoughts in the comment section below!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
I am glad you mentioned one thing I hadn’t heard anyone talk about yet and it kind of made me bristle. Elizabeth gets all this credit, but she never stopped to consider Nathan’s point of view, which was just as valid. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever seen her do that on the show! It’s a bit her way or the highway. It was Bill that says both sides are not in conflict with each other. I just want to see E show a tad bit of humility sometime toward Nathan! It’s always him apologizing!
Hey there Cara! Not for sure if you've heard my podcast on Instagram @hopevalleyguy? I talked about Elizabeth walking out of the Mounty office, again, while not in agreement with Nathan. How many times has this happened? Too many to count. They have written her as someone who still is pampered, even though she's been in Hope Valley for 11 years. where is her growth at handling conflict? She has never apologized to anyone, even after her breakup with Lucas. Maybe to Rosemary with some muffins. It's disrespectful to Nathan and she has no right to tell him how to do his job. Yes, she cares for her students. That is very admirable. But she needed to stand in there and go toe to toe with Nathan, or she should have gone to the Mounty office and apologized to Nathan. If they are going to get married, and I assume they will, she needs to learn to grow up, swallow some pride, and get it right.