We have Chemistry, right?

Deep Dive looking at Nathan and Elizabeth, especially S13E5-E8

You can’t make this stuff up :) I’ve gotten way behind on my writing here. Sorry about that! This has happened to me before– I start to feel like I’ve got writer’s block, but then all of the sudden there’s a big click and I clearly see that instead of nothing to say, I’m writing 3 blogs at once.

I was furiously trying to finish the first one I wanted to post and then it worked out. Because ironically– I was doing a deep dive on Chemistry. Not the science kind– but romantic. And this was a definite tongue-in-cheek thread throughout Episode 8 of Season 13. Specifically– do Nathan and Elizabeth have “it”?

For a lot of us, that’s why we watch this show– the Romance.

And I enjoy all the different types of romances we get to watch in a season. Right now, we have Lee and Rosemary, happily married for years with a young child. Florence and Ned with their second chance marriage. Mike and Mei,still in their honeymoon or early marital bliss stage, talking about kids? And young love starting with sweet Allie and Oliver.

I know some fans say they don’t care about the lead couple– they watch for the whole show. They enjoy it all. They don’t care who is paired up or not. They’ll watch no matter what.

Honestly, I can’t say that’s true of me. Even though I really DO enjoy the entire talented ensemble cast. (In fact, one of those other pre-planned blogs will be about how authentic and “meaty” many of their stories have been written and portrayed this season. Stay tuned!)

But I’m drawn to and watch mostly for Elizabeth and her main loves– her students/teaching, her son, the town, and the dynamic she’s had with two different mounties over 13 seasons now.

For me, that’s the heartbeat of the show. What keeps me coming back.

And over the years, a lot of times when I’ve felt just meh in the messy middle or upset (and seen others upset) it all comes back to this idea of Romantic Chemistry. What it is and what it isn’t. If we see it and feel it or if we don’t.

So I went looking for others breaking down what it takes to “craft a power couple” that makes fans as invested (dare I say, feral?) as us Hearties in this ship. Why do we care so much? What’s really going on?

Savannah Gilbo is a developmental editor who analyzes stories and helps others fix theirs. In one of her blogs, she lists three key ingredients to crafting chemistry between your lead characters. When I read them, it was an “ah ha” moment. This makes so much sense when I look at WCTH. So I’d like to use these 3 essentials to go back in time to some older seasons and talk about our original love triangle. What worked well and what didn’t. Then we will work our way back to our current season. Sound good?

You might want to grab a drink and a snack, then find a comfy chair. This is a lot, but worth it I hope.

And I’m not trying to just stir the pot (with triangle). I also plan to deep dive into Lucas and Edie’s newer relationship with its spicy chemistry that I’m enjoying immensely! I agree with show runner Joy’s comment on a Heart to Hearties interview that Lucas has “met his match– what he really needed, even if he didn’t know it.” YES! So that blog is coming up next week most likely.

OK so back to the three essential components to create romantic chemistry. Drum roll please– they are Vulnerability, Desire and Resistance.

I’d like to suggest that what we saw play out most on our screens back in Seasons 6-9 especially between Elizabeth and Lucas was high Desire. They wanted to be with the other person. They were attracted to and felt “in love”. There were fancy dates and times away from real life with just each other. But can you think of times they were vulnerable with each other?

I remembered Lucas sharing pretty vulnerably with Elizabeth at least twice about his family and growing up. Once was by the Christmas tree, ironically the same episode Allie happily reports that they are staying in Hope Valley, that Nathan isn’t taking the promotion so they won’t be leaving. And another time when they were trying to draw out the bad buys and staying up late at her house, with Little Jack asleep in the middle of them.

Any other vulnerability I could think of had more to do with Lucas’ fear of rejection– losing her and getting hurt. But I don’t think that’s really it. The only way I could really think of Elizabeth being vulnerable with Lucas was when she shared her writing with him and her dream of writing a book.

The resistance I thought of was about going with him to Union City– making sure it wasn’t a date– or not wanting to go “too fast” physically. Also the resistance to taking off her wedding ring to signify she was ready to pursue another relationship and move on from her marriage to Jack, now gone. But that example could have been true with either man.

RECAP: In the Elizabeth and Lucas pairing, we saw high Desire, but limited vulnerability and resistance. On a platform like Hallmark, that just doesn’t leave a lot of places to go next.

So now let’s look at Elizabeth and Nathan’s relationship through the same grid of Vulnerability, Desire and Resistance.

From literally their cute meet they were forced to be vulnerable. Elizabeth going to meet the new Mountie– Jack’s replacement, in the same red uniform. Later we figure out that Nathan feels guilt because it was supposed to be his assignment, the one where Jack was killed. He’s come to Hope Valley to care for Jack’s widow and son. Built in vulnerability and resistance as he starts to fall in love with her, feeling even more guilt.

We see hints of desire– but it’s more curbed or restrained, linked again to resistance– quickly moving away like when their hands touch, putting an ornament on the tree or putting back books in the library after they fell. Picking Nathan’s hands when blindfolded thinking they are Lucas’.

Nathan vulnerable and desperate about his feelings at the log in Season 8– but later still bundling her up in a blanket while she’s angry on the bench or mad at him in the street for being the only other person invited to Allie’s adoption. Which Nathan shared with her was the best thing to ever happen to him. Elizabeth sharing about her old mentor and his abuse of power.

I know these are all out of order, but I could go on and on.

Bench, couch, fishing pier (Lucas said my book needed to have more heart. So what’s in your heart?), school house (bringing library sign with favorite quote, apple, asking her “what do you want?” so Elizabeth doesn’t leave the place she loves and wants to raise her son), kitchen table, log, front porch– is there any place these two aren’t vulnerable with each other?

And all the resistance was genius– built in from the beginning because of that red serge alone. Been there, done that. Didn’t like the ending. But an “ah-ha” I had is that the resistance now is actually more about being busy working parents in jobs they love in a town that relies on them. More on this in a minute if you can stick with me to the end.

RECAP: Elizabeth and Nathan have had super high Vulnerability and Resistance, but it doesn’t seem like we’ve seen a lot of Desire. So far. The few moments we’ve gotten are golden, but we’re greedy. Or at least I am! But I’m trusting there’s still a big pay off coming if we can hold on.

Joy made this comment that stuck with me in that same interview I mentioned earlier about “couch scenes”-- that it’s where Elizabeth and Nathan really shine as a couple. Those emotional, vulnerable heart-to-heart talks they have. And it’s true, but I’ve been noodling on that too. But does that mean downplaying more of their physical affection? Don’t we want and need both? I think maybe that’s part of what I and some of the fans are feeling and missing.

And are we automatically comparing the physical intimacy we’re seeing (or not seeing) between Elizabeth and Nathan with her relationship with Lucas or even hers with Jack, pre-kids? I think I am without realizing it.

For both couples, it’s for the most part stayed in Clean and Sweet, E for Everyone land. But some of the scenes with Lucas- like in his “private” dark office when she fanned herself or in wet clothes about to kiss in his car– were borderline what people might call the “Sensual” category– more PG and sneaky feeling. It was the way to push the envelope. And some fans loved it. Others didn’t. But many of us remember it quite clearly. And the closest we’ve come to that with Nathan and Elizabeth is him with his shirt off– once in his own office innocently changing and the other time in a medicine induced fever dream :)

It’s interesting because a lot of the comments I saw then (and now) if people don’t like the Nathan and Elizabeth pairing (or if they do, but want more kisses and physical affection)… is that they act more like best friends.

And if you found yourself being vulnerable, respecting and trusting another person deeply– but didn’t have (or act) on those feelings or attraction, then you’d be platonic BFF’s. So it IS confusing. Because for years they couldn’t (or wouldn’t) act on anything (desire because of resistance) but continued to support and listen to each other (vulnerability).

Are you still with me?

But us fans are like bring it on– we’ve been waiting so long. I literally laughed when I heard our current show runner Joy (who I love) getting a little defensive over fans’ opinions on just how drawn out this courtship is with our leading lady Elizabeth and Nathan. She wanted everyone to remember that in show time, they’ve just been courting a year. Allie D, in charge of the show Bible and timeline, has confirmed it and is carefully keeping track.

I believe you and I am so grateful for Allie. She’s such an asset!

But here’s the thing: that’s not how it feels as fans.

That’s not how we’ve experienced this incredibly slow burn romance on this side of the screen.

For us, it’s been 7 years since Nathan showed up as the new Mountie and met Elizabeth.

I realized that just like Little Jack is no longer a baby– he’s growing up and started school already– my real life youngest son was the same age as LJ when Nathan arrived on the scene and he’s now a teenager about to start high school. Very different stages of life. That’s a long time, friends.

I almost had to pull over when I heard Brian Bird say on a different but recent interview that “It was always going back to the Teacher and the Mountie”. Now I’ve wondered that, blogged about it, but really– this was the plan all along? 13 Seasons later, we’re still right on time?

There’s this idea in the writing community for Romance authors about having an “intimacy destination”– that you need to know where you’re headed to at the end of each book or season, especially if it’s a series or episodic. It has to be planned out in advance. It’s those big “firsts” we’re building up to so there’s a satisfying progression of romance. Makes sense.

So I quickly typed up the intimacy destinations at the end of each season just since the love triangle began– when Lucas and Nathan first came to town. (Feel free to comment below with any corrections or additions since I’m writing straight from memory.)

End Season 6- the longing GLANCE between Nathan and Elizabeth, even though she chose Lucas for FIRST DANCE in finale

End Season 7- the desperate HUG when Elizabeth realizes Nathan is alive, Lucas watching from a distance

End Season 8- desperate KISS on the bridge with Lucas after Elizabeth thought he left and later she sets up a candlelight dinner for just the two of them too, more kissing?

End Season 9- Lucas PROPOSES with Little Jack’s help and some pebbles on a long walk together, Kiss to seal the deal?

End Season 10- Elizabeth BREAKS UP with Lucas and later tries to talk with Nathan at the same log where she ran away from him in Season 8 where he said he loved her, interrupted

End Season 11- Elizabeth says she’s IN LOVE with Nathan, says I LOVE YOU for the first time in the romantic way, says that he feels like home to her. Nathan says he never stopped loving her for a single minute, FIRST KISS in front of house

End Season 12- Nathan and Allie jump in the taxi to GO WITH Elizabeth and Little Jack to Cape Fullerton because of his diabetes/health in danger– because that’s what family does. KISS framed out in the back window.

End Season 13? Coming soon…

Isn’t it kind of crazy to see all these “romantic firsts” listed out with just the big intimacy destination at the end of each season?

And we can take a wild guess at the “intimacy destination” for Season 13 because the Showrunner (plus a scene in episode 1 and a promo with the 2 co-stars) have heavily hinted at Nathan PROPOSING or asking Elizabeth a big question.

So we know where we are headed romantically (hopefully??) and I think that’s intentional to give us peace of mind (and keep us on the hook so we keep watching all season long). And like I said, I’m sure it’s going to be incredible when we finally get there. (Are we there yet?)

But I also wonder if it’s messing with us too? Do we have a subconscious countdown going so we’re looking closer for a clear “ramp up” of their relationship on screen before the ring makes its appearance? Is that why so many are wondering if there’s been any progress or if we’re just going in circles? The last few episodes I’ve had to go back and rewatch to really look for it.

So here’s a cheat sheet list of just the “romantic chemistry” in Episodes 1-8 (⅔ of the season) for the Teacher & Mountie all in one place, all in order. It’s a work in progress– again, feel free to comment on any additions, changes or suggestions.

SEASON 13 Romantic Beats between Nathan and Elizabeth so far

Episode 1:

• “Where you are is where I belong.”

• Was there a KISS in the stable?

• Elizabeth telling them to stay in Hope Valley even if she and Little Jack have to go back since the clinic isn’t approved.

• Nathan saying “We’re in this together– that’s the deal.”

• Nathan worrying about Elizabeth with her best friend, Rosemary.

• Nathan making miracles happen (flying in inspector) to get that light back in her.

All 3– Vulnerability, Desire and Resistance— not surprisingly, my favorite episode so far this season for them!

Episode 2:

• Before he leaves for fire, Does Elizabeth say to Nathan- “You come back to me Nathan Grant.” And he responds, “Always”.

• Elizabeth rushes to his horse– “So glad you’re safe. We waited up all night for you.” Allie runs up to hug him, Elizabeth adds her hand on him too from behind. Precursor to group hug- new?

• Later E goes to his office and talks about what a Homecoming this has been, says “This is home right here”- him.

• Nathan wonders out loud “Do you have any idea how much I love you? Sometimes I can’t sleep because I’m so happy.” E teases that she’s about to make him very happy— humor, pushes a sandwich onto his chest. He falls asleep while she’s talking.

2- Vulnerability and some Desire

Episode 3:

• Nathan has flowers behind his back for the teacher on her first day back after the fire. She’s upset that things aren’t ready. Reminds– add story about teacher helped the whole town. Helps her keep cleaning.

• Later comes to her house, sits in chairs, share about their days and watch Allie/LJ play outside. Inspiration strikes since all her lessons fell flat–

• Nathan helps her set up and run a field day.

• Later Elizabeth shows up at his office, consoles him when he shares “this case is testing me”, she recommends they take a break. Kids eating at Canfields. They walk in the field as sun goes down, take deep breaths.

• She suggests Hide and Seek but surprises him by standing close when he opens his eyes after counting. She wants to skip to being found– he agrees it’s the best part. BIG KISS

2- Vulnerability and lots of Desire (this is my second favorite episode this season)

Episode 4:

• Elizabeth on front steps with Nathan– flirty scootch over and getting up close to him after he shares on bad day. CUDDLING

• Allie walks up (they don’t move or change position- are comfortable)- asks for advice on Oliver’s surprise birthday party. Elizabeth asks questions to help her think it through and both adults agree to help with smiles when she asks

• Allie hugs them both at same time. –NEW

• In Elizabeth’s kitchen, talking through gossip at school and in town about the investigation. Decide a town meeting might help, so straight from the source.

• Nathan begins the town meeting, but when someone asks if his daughter involved, Elizabeth jumps up and talks about being a community, that having someone to blame won’t bring back their homes. Nathan proud behind her.*

• After the meeting, they are walking together with kids out front and Nathan asks what she would do if it was “our kids”-- this makes Elizabeth pause and look at him, but says she’d support no matter the outcome. So Nathan says then that’s what we will do for Toby & Cooper. WALKING HAND IN HAND- united*

• Allie gets cold feet about party because Benson Hill kids not coming and Elizabeth coaches her through it, reminding it takes time and everyone heals at their own pace

• Before Oliver arrives at party, Allie thanks Nathan and Elizabeth for their help. Nathan makes comment about Benson Kids not being there– E elbows him. Later when Maisy telling story on losing baby Mikey- E hipchecks Allie.

• When Oliver is sharing that he’s the “luckiest guy” he’s looking right at Allie, Elizabeth is also watching Allie and this interaction with love on her face

• After party, Nathan says the kids were generous that day because of Elizabeth– her influence and modeling. Elizabeth says it’s a team effort. Nathan says he’s glad to be on her team.* HOLD HANDS, HANDS ON HIS ARM?

2- Vulnerability and some Desire

Episode 5: (Note– trying to find just the Nathan and Elizabeth scenes at first looked like not a lot– but really they were both intertwined with each other’s interactions with kids too, so I included those here as well.)

• LJ tells Elizabeth he wants to change his name because he’s not little anymore.

• Nathan is noticing that Allie is spending a lot of time with Oliver, sees wolf pin gift

• Allie & Oliver are in the swing talking when Nathan rides up– break over

• Nathan is hard on Oliver in the stables- his responsibilities, prove to be worthy

• Allie & Elizabeth talk on the front step about Oliver. Allie is glad she has her to talk to about this and E says she will always be here. They emotionally HUG

• Nathan tries to talk with Elizabeth about Allie and Oliver, but she’s making dinner (she invites him to stay) then Jack needs her attention so he leaves.

• Nathan is mad at Allie for being late to dinner, he waited, and with Oliver instead.

• Elizabeth sees Nathan pacing out behind her house– he admits he didn’t like the way he talked with Allie. They talk it out and Eliz shares about LJ’s name. Nathan admits he called him that playing baseball. Nathan says at least Allie has you and Elizabeth says “between the two of us we’re doing OK”.*

• Nathan apologizes to Allie and shares that he wants her to explore the world. She says she will always come home. He says he will always be here.

• Nathan uses Oliver’s fossil to say that Allie is special and he’s happy that she’s in your hands. HAND ON SHOULDER

Vulnerability only, even though on couch– lots with their kids, not each other

Episode 6:

• No wonder this episode starts with them stealing time for “just the 2 of us” early in the morning on horseback together- to just “be”

• Allie walks LJ to clinic and he wants her as a sister so they’re together forever.

• LJ invites Nathan and Allie over for dinner, then Bill is added to invitation.

• Nathan then invites Georgie to join them at Elizabeth’s.

• Nathan and Elizabeth seem like old married couple- Nathan with hands on her shoulders while cooking, Elizabeth holding on and rubbing his arm sitting side by side. But Georgie/Bill think Nathan’s lying about liking her lemon curd.

• With everyone watching him hooked up to polygraph, LJ asks Nathan if he’s going to marry his mom and Nathan seems to panic, glad Christopher interrupts

• Elizabeth processing it with Rosemary in their pajamas– her BFF struggles to reassure her and wonders why Nathan couldn’t just say “yes”

• Nathan shows up the next morning to try and reassure her of his love- HANDS ON HIS HEART

Vulnerability and Resistance– don’t think it screamed Desire., maybe a little?

Episode 7:

• Opener with Elizabeth journaling- Nathan shows up in open doorway to house- she says “with Nathan by my side, we can face anything.”

• In street, a little banter– “Hello again. Miss me? Always”- talk about plans for afternoon (jam/investigation) then make plans to try new recipe together Allie wants “That way if they fail, they are both responsible”

• Elizabeth rushes into infirmary after hearing Nathan is hurt– worried about him.

• In Elizabeth’s kitchen, Nathan grunts with pain from stitches. She tells him to sit and that he doesn’t always have to be “fine”. He admits that when he saw the car about to hit them, all he could think about was the three of them. He asks Elizabeth to take care of Allie if anything were to happen to him. More than that, she promises to fight to make sure all his dreams for her come true. When Elizabeth asks the same of Nathan for Little Jack, he replies “like he’s my own son”-- very emotional– HANDS STACKED ON TABLE TOP, LEANING IN

Vulnerability– maybe a hint of Desire in doorway or flirting in street, not overt

Episode 8:

• Nathan knocks at Elizabeth’s door because he sees her light on. Gives her a backrub while she explains she’s writing a story about a Mountie and a Teacher falling for each other. He responds that would never happen. He leaves with a “happy writing, beautiful” and she responds “Thanks for stopping by, handsome.” The look he gives her at the door I almost missed on the first watch. That drove up the Desire in my mind some. Decent amount of vulnerability- because Elizabeth is writing, under deadline and needs his help with the Mountie investigation details of her script.

• Elizabeth goes to Stable to try and talk Nathan into being her co-lead, Apollo. At first she tries to convince him the break will do him good, but then she admits she doesn’t want to kiss anyone else (an important plot point). He says she should have led with that! He seems a little nervous but how hard can it be? Vulnerability yes, a little desire, pretty good amount of resistance

• Rosemary is talking them both up when they’re all dressed in their costumes, with their special hair and make up, etc. Going on about their chemistry. She starts yelling at Lee about the Traffic Light being in the way. Nathan and Elizabeth watch this play out, giggling together, “Show Biz” is Nathan’s deadpan comment. Some vulnerability?

• While filming, Elizabeth and Nathan are especially bad at the kissing scenes– bumping heads, stumbling while getting dipped. They keep laughing and try to follow Rosemary’s advice but then they look even more awkward. She fires Elizabeth and Nathan refuses to kiss anyone else (which Rosemary says under breath is probably for the best). High vulnerability– no desire. The opposite. And they aren’t really resisting anything. Trying.

• Elizabeth is as in awe of Fernando being brought in as the “undeniable” Mountie as everyone else. She says after he and Faith kiss passionately before he rides off. “I suppose that’s what you call chemistry!” She has wide eyes and a big smile. This feels like a purposeful contrast— why?

• Nathan and Elizabeth go on a picnic in the orchard– beautiful setting with soft lighting. They are finishing each other’s sentences– both trying to say they have “tons” of the “real kind” of chemistry even if they can’t fake it on set. Nathan basically admits to feeling like a fraud– that he wasn’t convincing before because he’s failing at it. Elizabeth reassures him that the story isn’t over for the investigation or them. That she can’t wait for the next act. Nathan leans in close and that says despite what happened before when all the people were watching, this time the Mountie will get the girl. Their foreheads touch as they both lean in close. High vulnerability, some sweetness at the end but it didn’t hit like desire really, and the only thing they seem to be resisting is kissing!

When you look at it like this (I even looked at the 3 key ingredients in every scene of Episode 8) and it showed the same trend. The writers and actors are nailing the vulnerability/emotional part like always. This is their bread and butter. They are tried and true soulmates. Ride or Die’s.

But I’m not sure there’s much resistance anymore and the “desire” being played out most often (not counting Ep 1 in the stable or E3 Hide n Seek in the meadow) feels like sweet best friends or a loving married couple that’s been together for some time (especially back rubs). Maybe this is intentional in some way? This was a pattern breaker type episode. Are we supposed to feel frustrated and wanting more so it feels even better when a kiss or whatever comes?

I’ve found myself vaguely disappointed with the last 4 episodes, even though I liked them all a little more on the rewatch when I take notes. But how many people do that versus just stop watching? I think besides the missing desire piece– there’s just not really anything else creating the push and pull dynamic.

Next blog when we look at Lucas and Edie’s unique chemistry, we will see something very different. This makes sense for a few reasons– very different characters individually and as a combo, but also they are at the beginning of a possible relationship, not years into one. And Edie left town because Lucas was resisting so strongly based on his past relationship and break up with Elizabeth.

Please hear me— I do think Elizabeth’s and Nathan’s romance is Real (on the show), or I wouldn’t have rooted for it for so long and so loudly. I’ve definitely seen the emotional intimacy and a few examples of physical desire.

So I’m wondering what you think of their progress so far in Season 13 and this “teasing”– trying to keep fans hooked and coming back for more? Specifically, can you stretch it out too long? When does the tension and waiting become too much, even for super fans? Asking for a friend :) And what do you hope for between Elizabeth and Nathan for the last 4 episodes of this season?

Looking forward to talking with you– XOXO, Cara