Hope Valley Battles an Outbreak of Chickenpox in New Episode of ‘When Calls the Heart’
As Americans batten down the hatches and prepare to confront the coronavirus, many are turning to television as a source of comfort. But fans who tune in to watch the March 15 episode of When Calls the Heart will see a storyline that mirrors the current situation in some ways, as the residents of Hope Valley face the spread of a serious illness.
Hope Valley battles a chickenpox outbreak
In the WCTH episode “Sweet and Sour,” Elizabeth (Erin Krakow), Carson (Paul Greene), and Faith (Andrea Brooks) deal with an outbreak of chickenpox in Hope Valley. For nurse Faith, the spread of the illness and her dedication to her job ends ups jeopardizing her future. And when Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) falls ill, Leland (Kavan Smith) dedicates himself to caring for her.
Meanwhile, Gowen (Martin Cummins) is in the middle of a legal dispute, which concerns Lucas (Chris McNally), his silent partner. And Bill (Jack Wagner), the judge in the case, has to try to convince people to be on a jury.
Lucas and Nathan spar over Elizabeth
The competition between Lucas and Nathan (Kevin McGarry) for the affections of Elizabeth also appears to be heating up. In a preview for the episode, the saloon owner and the mountie are seen putting their difference aside to help keep Hope Valley safe. But it’s clear that they aren’t exactly best buddies.
As the two prepare to ride out of town, Nathan chastises Lucas for being late. He then hints that he knows the real reason he volunteered to help, implying that he just wants to impress Elizabeth. Lucas counters that he cares about the town, just like Nathan, though it’s clear they’re really talking about their feelings for the widowed schoolteacher. But they agree to put their feelings aside and for the greater good.
“Lucas, despite our mutual feelings for the town, I appreciate the help,” Nathan says.
In another clip from the upcoming episode, Nathan and Lucas have an awkward encounter with Elizabeth outside of the school, which appears to leave Elizabeth flustered.
Kevin McGarry talks about his onscreen rivalry with Chris McNally
The rivalry between Lucas and Nathan has loyal Hearties taking sides, with some hoping Elizabeth will settle down with the dashing saloon owner and others wanting to see her with another mountie after the death of her husband Jack.
“It’s fun to be part of something that’s divided the fanbase,” McGarry said during an appearance on Hallmark’s Home & Family on March 13.
The fans may be divided, but has Elizabeth made her choice? Not yet. And Krakow has said that it’s hard for her to decide between the two men, as they both have good qualities. In Season 6, “Nathan and Lucas start to make their feelings even more apparent and Elizabeth is left wondering how she will ever choose when the last thing she wants to do is hurt either of them,” the actress told Kurt Manwaring in an email interview.
When Calls the Heart Season 7, Episode 4 airs Sunday, March 15 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel.
Read more: ‘When Calls the Heart’ Ratings: Nearly 3 Million People Watched Season 7 Premiere
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