The Heartie Corner: Lucas Bouchard’s Shocking Return
In Volume 3 of The Heartie Corner I discuss that shocking ending to Episode 2 and social media feedback.
As you already know by now the ending of Episode 2 was shocking! Who would have expected Lucas to return so quickly or during Nathan’s birthday bash? Social media is once again divided on this topic. Was it rude or not?
Initially, I thought I would play devil’s advocate but I started typing and landed on the following conclusions.
I felt *that* twinge of pain too. The ever so familiar stab to the heart with a side of twisting the knife. If you know what I’m referring to you likely weren’t a fan of the shocking ending. At the very least not until the initial shock wore off. That’s where I stand in this whole “controversy.” The ending has my heart in knots of confusion. I have compassion and grace for Lucas because there’s no way he could have known about the surprise party. However, I feel sad for Nathan because this was his moment. He thought they were singing for him but then walked into Lucas standing there with everyone singing “he’s a jolly good fellow.” That alone can understandably be hurtful. My hurt is more for the character as silly as that sounds. Even with my mixed feelings about it, my overall consensus is I’m content with the ending for TWO reasons. One, this goes back to setting expectations. Here is an excerpt from my blog post about expectations. “When it comes to When Calls the Heart I have learned to expect the unexpected.” If you expect the unexpected it doesn’t seem as shocking. Two, it sets up the perfect opportunity for Nathan and Elizabeth to have a much-needed conversation about everything that has happened over the years.
Lucas’s return and how it happened is to cause drama and strife between Nathan and Elizabeth. The inner turmoil Elizabeth is experiencing about her unresolved feelings for Nathan is bound to bubble over. Nathan cannot hide from the truth or his feelings despite having an afflicted heart where Elizabeth is concerned. Honestly, Nathan and Elizabeth need to talk about all that has transpired in the last 3 or so years. Lucas’s return to Hope Valley will act as a catalyst to propel Nathan and Elizabeth to face the music.
They need conflict to make the relationship realistic and true to their characters. We’ve been consistently shown and told the plans are regarding Nathan and Elizabeth. Interview after interview has confirmed the love story between them this season. In separate ET interviews with Deidre Behar, Kevin and Erin expressed their excitement to share this love story. So, with that, I am very content with where it is headed. This moment is only a speed bump on the road to fully loving, and being with one another. I can persevere through the uncomfortable moments knowing that waiting on the other side is peace, resolution, strength, growth, and abundant love between them.
The end of Nathan’s birthday bash was an inopportune time for Lucas to return because it took the focus off Nathan. Since this is one of the only times Nathan has been recognized outside the Mountie uniform, it would have been nice for this moment to be his with no interruptions fully.
Lucas still owns the saloon so it should not be a surprise when he shows up to his establishment. I cannot fault Lucas for showing up to a place he currently owns. How was he supposed to know they were throwing a surprise party for Nathan?
Lucas had no idea Nathan’s birthday party was that evening in the saloon. Can you imagine how uncomfortable Lucas is at this moment? His body language tells the truth. He is leaning heavily on the cane and making his body smaller which tells me he is uncomfortable with the attention being on him. His return shouldn’t take away from Nathan’s celebration. Yes, it was an inopportune time for Lucas to return but it does not take away from Nathan and Elizabeth’s story. Furthermore, Lucas did not intentionally set out to interrupt Nathan’s birthday bash.
The negative reactions do not come from resentment or dislike toward Lucas. I think most of the negative reactions are from a place of hurt and having the memories of the triangle inadvertently brought up. Let’s be honest for a minute. Triangle trauma is a real thing in this fanbase. It is important to acknowledge that to know where people come from in their opinions. I have empathy for those hurting because of the Episode 2 ending. But it is also important to realize this season is not Season 8.
Two things can be true at the same time. I can be disappointed with the ending and wish it had been different. While also feeling content with knowing things will work themselves out. A little conflict in a relationship helps strengthen them as a couple.
What are your thoughts on the ending of Episode 2 now that you have had time to process it?
Thank you for reading today’s post! This was written Sunday night for the most part, but I am just now getting around to posting it. You can expect my Episode 2 recap on Sunday afternoon.
Here’s my Episode 1 Recap if you missed it and the Expectations post I referenced: