‘WCTH’: Who Destroyed The ‘LucaBeth’ Wedding Storyline?

WCTH Photo: Chris McNally, Erin Krakow Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen

WCTH fans are still shocked at the surprise twist at the end of When Calls The Heart Season 10, Episode 11 “Long Time Running.”

It turns out, this was a surprise at Hallmark as well. That is because they started out planning Lucas and Elizabeth’s wedding for Season 10. However, thanks to the show’s co-creator, Brian Bird, we have learned that they made a dramatic turn mid-season. That is because someone figured out that this wedding would “not work.”

Who was the “pilot of the plane” that destroyed the LucaBeth wedding storyline? Who decided to split this once-loving couple?

WCTH Photo: Johannah Newmarch, Hrothgar Mathews, Chris McNally, Erin Krakow, Kayla Wallace Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen
WCTH Photo: Johannah Newmarch, Hrothgar Mathews, Chris McNally, Erin Krakow, Kayla Wallace Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen

Did WCTH Writers Make A Mistake Choosing Lucas?

When the writers sat down to work on WCTH Season 10 scripts, they planned on Elizabeth and Lucas getting married. They continued to write those scripts, as this was the highlight of the season.

However, something dramatic changed. This change was so severe that they split the couple up, shocking Hearties worldwide. Why did this happen?

Brian Bird recently spoke to “Papa Heartie” James Lott Jr. on the Hearties Aftershow. The show’s co-creator revealed how this dramatic storyline came to be. 

Firstly, James talked about the three years that Patrick Duffy was off of Dallas, an evening CBS soap from the 80s. The interviewer continued that the folks at CBS admitted that they made a mistake.

However, Brian Bird was not going to say that about their decision to choose Lucas over Nathan. “We are not gonna say we messed up.”

But, he did say “This is a business.” That means business decisions. But, he shared that they did this because they believe they are doing “best for the future of the show.”

Next, Brian explained how this decision came to be.

WCTH Photo: Kevin McGarry, Chris McNally Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen
WCTH Photo: Kevin McGarry, Chris McNally Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Dolsen

Who Decided That LucaBeth Should Not Get Married But Split?

The WCTH co-creator revealed that the writers were working on the storyline and realized that there was a problem with the path they were taking Lucas and Elizabeth on. Elizabeth could not leave Hope Valley!

Revealing that new When Calls The Heart showrunner Lindsay Sturman “Was the pilot of the plane,” the end result was after a discussion from all factions. That includes the writers, producers, the network, which is Hallmark, and the cast.

Bird assured the online audience that everyone was consulted. They were “Looking for the future of the show.” Also, he did state that he “thinks it is for the fans too.”

Most of all, he urged angry Hearties to not leave the series. “Your options matter, but don’t walk away from the family of Hearties.”

Hearties, were you surprised that the Hallmark series abruptly changed its course mid-season and decided to split Elizabeth and Lucas? Or, are you happy that Nathan has a chance? Please share your comments below.

Georgia Makitalo

9 Comments

  1. I wouldn’t leave the show. But I sure hope you stay on track and have Elizabeth get
    Nathan. Can’t wait for the next season.

  2. Je viens de lire toutes vos mentries et pour moi, c’est terminé. Rien de ce texte n’est plausible. La vérité c’est que vous trouvez que Lucas fait trop d’ombre a Élizabeth en devenant l’acteur principal de la série et vous avez décidé de le tasser – Très mauvaise décision . Je me suis désabonnée de la chaine Super Channel et je quitte. Lucas trouvera une autre série ou il sera apprécié a sa juste valeur et à la hauteur de son immense talent. Je lui souhaite la meilleure des chances. Et WCTH est présentement sur le respirateur artificiel.

  3. Nathan and Elizabeth have tremendous chemistry and are far more compatible. Looking forward to seeing their love story blossom. Kevin is a talent that has been wasted ever since s8. Hope they don’t continue to backburner him by keeping Lucas too central. Kevin is far too great a talent to not be central. He has huge range in breadth and depth and can do any role naturally and perfectly. They need to balance out both men better.

    Lucas was never the right match with Elizabeth. He is far better playing the power-businessman or politician. He also is good as a shady character, should they decide to take his character that direction. That was his preference all along. So I think he will shine in this new direction.

    Kudos to those who took the risk to make the change. It was definitely needed.

    1. I totally agree with you. I do not find them boring either. Lucas is not a small town guy. He never was. Nothing wrong with that either.

  4. I was disappointed by the sudden breakup of Lucas and Elizabeth (not enough to stop watching the show) but I would rather see Nathan with Faith or Fiona. While I can see Elizabeth and Nathan together, their romance would be rather dull. Where is the excitement? With Lucas I see more flare and excitement. I hope they don’t kill his character off and he continues to be on the show. If Elizabeth doesn’t want him, I’ll take him. LOL

  5. You are so right in your statements. I think Lucas is a great actor and very good in the role. I was a bit disappointed in going back to the Nathan thing. Elizabeth looks so much the part of a Lucas than back to the guy in the uniform.
    Guess we will have to see what comes now.

  6. This show has been going down hill and this recent blow-up was ridiculous. All this chemistry between Nathan??? What!? Are you people daft?! Why Nathan? Sure, let’s go down a rewind of the past and hook-her up with a Mountie again. That does an injustice to all parties. Why make Nathan into another Jack? …and her whole comment of “I can’t do this again…” EXACTLY why she SHOULDN’T be with Nathan! Because he will be forever at risk of the same thing, and if she’s that “fragile” she shouldn’t be with someone who risks their lives for others. She is behaving like a selfish, self-centered, petty child who wants her way, and doesn’t want to do any giving, just receiving. Whatever happened to the caring person she was in the beginning? She was a strong character that cared about others, now she’s just “entitled”. I think this show is headed for its own demise. I’ll be surprised if it last two more seasons.

  7. I was never team Lucas. He is not a small town character. I think the way they elevated him to run for Governor. That was good plot line. I am a casual viewer. I just finished season 10. I enjoyed season 10.

  8. I loved seeing Lucas and Elizabeth together. I think he challenges her. I didn’t appreciate being lead down the romantic path of Lucas and Elizabeth being together and then being slit up. I was disappointed. Was it all fake the love story? They built up their love story and now she realizes it’s not for her. And I don’t see her with Nathan because it’s just replacing Jack. She told Nathan she wasn’t in love with him. I would rather see Nathan with Faith or someone else..

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *