New ‘WCTH’ Showrunner Reveals Who Is Hope Valley’s Hero
WCTH Season 10 has a new showrunner, Lindsay Sturman. Sturman has over 20 years of experience as a television writer and showrunner for series from Joan Of Arcadia to Suits, and The West Wing.
However, due to the WGA strike, she was unable to talk about the current season of When Calls The Heart. Now, she has been interviewed right after Episode 10, “All Dressed Up.” There were a lot of questions.
Who Is WCTH Hero?
In the recent WCTH episode “All Dressed Up,” a lot of things went down in Hope Valley. It was revealed that Governor Balfour was part of the group taking the water from Hope Valley. But first, Nathan is given a medal for his bravery. Later, Lucas bravely calls out the Governor.
Showrunner Lindsay Sturman spoke to Official Hearties Admins about what a hero is. Then, she revealed Lucas Bouchard’s Hero’s Journey. After a few seasons of being a guy who may do some questionable things, he steps up big time for Hope Valley. He is the only one who can do it, and he does not shirk responsibility.
Lucas Is Compared To Shakespearian Hero King
WCTH showrunner explained in the interview how Lucas Bouchard is like one of the most iconic Shakespearian Kings. Lindsay Sturman revealed that one of the co-producers and writers of the series, Paul Redford, is the one who saw him as the Shakespearian hero.
Paul Redford actually always saw Lucas as Prince Hal and I’m not a student of Shakespeare at all, but Paul is. And it’s Henry V and it’s you know Prince Hal and Falstaff. But he starts as Prince Hal.
There’s a moment where he’s called to step up, and he answers the call, and he becomes the King. King Henry.
For those non-English majors, Prince Hal may be the heir apparent, but he did not show much promise. Hal spent all of his time at a tavern, an outsider to most people, just having with his irresponsible pal Falstaff. But, he suddenly exceeded everyone’s expectations and took responsibility and action. Hal understood politics and excelled.
Lucas is compared to Hal. He was an outsider, owning the saloon. He did what he could for the town. But Lindsay pointed out that “There was this hero inside of him. We didn’t know.” Suddenly, in “All Dressed Up,” he took action.
In the next episode, “Long Time Running,” Lucas will be taking on more responsibility. He is on his Hero’s Journey.
WCTH Has King Henry V And Falstaff
One of the big changes in WCTH Season 10 was the saloon change after the fire. Lindsay Sturman revealed that they spent some time with production designer Gail Taylor figuring out some changes that affected how they “told stories a little bit more.”
Inspired by the show Cheers, they decided to move the bar to the middle of the room. They also wanted Hickam to be in the saloon more. This presented the perfect opportunity for friendship and interactions. Soon, the saloon became a hub, as Lucas was always there, as well as Hickam. This is where the action is.
Continuing with the Shakespeare Henry V theme, Falstaff was always with Henry. Like Hickam, Falstaff is there for comic relief.
Don’t miss When Calls The Heart Season 10, Episode 11 “Long Time Running” on Sunday, October 8, at 9 p.m., Eastern, on the Hallmark Channel.
