Ever since Lucas Bouchard stepped into Hope Valley for the first time, he has been nothing but selfless. Think about it; any time there has been a new addition to the town, from the library to the radio, it was for the benefit of all of Hope Valley’s residents. Even when Lucas hosted events, like the Christmas festival in When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas, everyone was invited. He has always put others before himself. But sometimes, I feel like Lucas’ selflessness is underappreciated. To me, Lucas is more than just a photogenic, wealthy man in a suit. He represents the best Hope Valley can be. From season six until now, Lucas has tried to make his home a better place than how he found it, not just for himself, but for all the people who made Hope Valley a place to stay. Everything I’ve said is why I believe Lucas Bouchard is one of the most valuable characters in When Calls the Heart history!
Just a reminder: If you did not see this episode of When Calls the Heart, there will be spoilers within this re-cap.
Season: 10
Episode: 10
Name: All Dressed Up
Major stories:
Lucas has come up with a plan to reveal Montague’s scheme to the Governor. Not only is Lee a participant in this plan, but so is Nathan, as he is tasked with guarding the Governor during his stay. Before the Governor’s tour of Hope Valley begins, Montague tags along, possibly ruining Lucas’ plan. When the group arrives at the hot springs, they discover the water levels have returned back to normal. Knowing Montague likely had something to do with the water levels, Lucas pulls Montague aside for a private conversation. Meanwhile, Lee and Nathan escort the Governor to the lumber mill. During the trip, Nathan and Lee confess Montague’s scheme to the Governor. Appearing appalled by this news, the Governor agrees to look into the matter. But later, at the black-tie gala, Elizabeth shares with Lucas how the Governor has worked with Montague in the past, information she discovered from Bill. In a private meeting in Lucas’ office, Bill, Elizabeth, and Lucas confront Montague and the Governor about Bill’s claims. The Governor shows his true colors by siding with Union City, expressing how there is growth and potential in the city. Another private conversation with the Governor and Montague gives Lucas a chance to expose the truth, telling them he’d like fifty percent of the shares from the recently purchased land. But during Hope Valley’s first radio broadcast, Lucas reveals their “business deal”, sharing the next two towns that could have their water stolen. After the Governor and Montague angrily leave Hope Valley, Mr. Mitchell congratulates Lucas for standing up to the Governor.
Bill received word from the land office how Madeleine never submitted the official papers from the land purchase. This means Bill’s land still belongs to him. Bill plans on finding Madeleine to reclaim the papers, learning she is in Buxton from Elizabeth. When he arrives in Buxton, Bill learns no one by the name of Madeleine St. John signed into the hotel. But Jaime shortly appears, along with Madeleine. In a one-on-one conversation, Madeleine confesses to Bill how Montague was a business partner with her late husband. Since her late husband was a gambler, he squandered most of the family’s money. While the St. Johns had some savings, that money was controlled by Montague. Madeleine claims if she didn’t purchase the land for Montague, he wasn’t going to give her the money. Yet she didn’t want to get involved with Montague’s scheme because she didn’t want to hurt the people of Hope Valley. Later in the episode, Madeleine hands over the land papers to Bill. She also reveals how the Governor has worked with Montague.
Minor stories:
Everyone is excited for the black-tie gala. But Florence hasn’t found a dress for the event yet. Helping where help is needed, Elizabeth and Rosemary agree to let Florence borrow one of their dresses. But when they arrive at the saloon with their dresses, Rosemary and Elizabeth learn other women need dresses for the gala. They allow these women to borrow their dresses too, happy to assist where they can. Among the flurry of excitement, Mike wants to ask Mei to the gala. But she gets asks by Harry instead. The night of the event looks, sounds, and feels like a success. Everyone is well dressed and enjoying each other’s company. Even Mike gathers up the courage to ask Mei to dance.
Elizabeth’s wedding dress has arrived from Hamilton. While Rosemary is excited for her friend, Elizabeth is more reserved. As they transport the box from the Mercantile to Elizabeth’s house, Rosemary and Elizabeth hide the box from Lucas’ view, as they don’t want him to see the dress before the wedding. When it’s time to see the dress, Elizabeth and Rosemary discover they received the wrong dress. Elizabeth thinks this is a bad sign. She’s also overwhelmed by everything that has happened in Hope Valley recently. Rosemary agrees to help Elizabeth fix her dress. But during this process, Nathan pays Elizabeth a visit, seeing Elizabeth in her dress. Meanwhile, Nathan received an award from the Governor. This means he’ll have to make a speech. In an effort to help Nathan, Elizabeth suggests looking for a friendly face in the crowd and pretend like he’s talking just to them. At the gala, when Nathan has to make his speech, he looks at Elizabeth the entire time. Nathan’s speech is received with an applause.
Some thoughts to consider:
- I’m really happy Harry was in this episode! Not only did Harry look nice in his suit, I also liked how he had a date for the gala! Even if he and Mei don’t form a romantic relationship, I’m glad Harry went to the gala at all. As long as Harry makes new friends and gets involved in Hope Valley’s community, that’s all that matters!
- I’ve heard Chris McNally, the actor who portrays Lucas Bouchard, might consider leaving When Calls the Heart. If this is true and if Lucas becomes Governor, he may sell the saloon. This makes me wonder if the saloon will be converted into a theater? Based on what is presented on the show, the saloon is the biggest building in Hope Valley. Since Hope Valley has a smaller population, there would be enough room to comfortably fit a theater audience.
- In past seasons, a wedding dress would typically not be shown on screen until the wedding itself. So, I’m surprised Elizabeth’s dress was shown in this episode at all. Granted, the dress was the wrong one. But with specific camera angles, the show’s creative team could have hidden Elizabeth’s dress, leaving an element of surprise when her dress is finally revealed.
What are your thoughts on this episode? What do you think Lucas’ future will look like? Please tell me in the comment section!
Have fun in Hope Valley!
Sally Silverscreen
18 Cinema Lane 