Wow, Lindsay Sturman did her homework. She has done it all in one episode: made us laugh, made us cry, made us remember why we love this show so much. The honesty, the real to life situations, the way hope always floats to the top. This is Hope Valley, and it's just beautiful.
I have to say that I am a little dismayed by some of the negativity. Pascale Hutton and Erin Krakow gave heart-wrenching performances, were just incredible. Kevin McGarry as well, his "what do you want?" He literally tore my heart in two. Nathan was not pressuring her, but trying to encourage her to look, once again, into her heart, to find out what she truly wanted. What would make her happy? And sorry if moving out of Hope Valley, following Lucas to another city, wasn't it.
A girl can change her mind, can't she? Take a look inside and be honest about what's truly there? If the viewer doesn't like it, well, I'm sorry, but you can't force a narrative upon a fictional character, just because you, the viewer, would prefer it. This is storytelling - going on the journey of a character, living moments with them, feeling their emotion, their turmoil, their pain. But watching their choices and what happens as a result.
Although, Lucas didn't seem all that torn up about the breakup. Not 2 minutes before, he had just professed that this was his calling. Finally, he found it, has an amazing storyline, is the selfless hero, but it's not enough? Because he's not with Elizabeth? That doesn't make any sense at all. In his interview, the actor who plays Lucas said that he was very happy with his storyline this season and next. So, if the actor is happy, Lucas is just fine, I say let him shine. The actor, and Lucas, has never been better! He's truly come into himself and this role!
Because the Lucas and Elizabeth's breakup scene was one of the best of the entire season, in my opinion. Some of the actors' best work together. And the episode overall - the best in four or five seasons. So, bravo to the actors, cast, and crew, the writers, and the show runner, and producers. Can't wait for more!