Lucas’ Story Arc!
Lucas and his season 11 story arc!
Hello Hearties! This will be my last story arc post so I hope you enjoy. It’s all about Lucas!
Lucas has always had the potential to be a dynamic character. From the moment we first met him, he had such intrigue. His flare and attitude were new to people of Hope Valley. He made quite the stir when he arrived. “I couldn’t help but overhear. This new saloon owner sounds like a rogue and a scoundrel and I for one think a tar and feathering might be in order.” “You wouldn’t happened to be this new owner by any chance ?” “Lucas Bouchard, at your service.”
So, come along and read with me!
Lucas swept in to buy the saloon, collected money that was hidden under fish (I wonder if that will get explored) and unintentionally brought mobsters to the town. Although, He quickly turned from a flamboyant rebellious saloon owner into a more refined suave suitor to the beloved school teacher.
Yet, there is still more than meets the eye with Lucas.
However, after presumably winning Elizabeth’s heart, he tried his best to impress her while running a lucrative oil business. Little did he know that both would be depleted.
However, with Hope Valley’s future in uncertainty and with Elizabeth’s support he ran for governor knowing that he was the only one for the job. He left Hope Valley starting a new path. Though his heart was broken he was on his way to fulfill a calling he didn’t expect to love.
Thus, Lucas sets off on the campaign trail and realizes that there is so much to be done for the territories. He wants to make a difference.
“I just feel like I may have actually found my calling.”
Lucas has always known deep down that Elizabeth’s heart didn’t belong to him. If you remember, he had already given her up in season 8 because he felt she needed to make “a choice”. And then in season 10 he told her that he knew deep down something wasn’t right but was too scared to bring it up
“Maybe these paths were meant to be.”
*I have always thought that Lucas was a stronger and more interesting character without Elizabeth. We are finally able to see him in his element without anyone holding him back! I am not opposed to seeing him find love though! If anyone deserves it, he does!
The election results are in and Lucas wins the nail biting race and finds himself getting shot! This is where we leave off in season 10.
So, let’s look at Lucas’ story arc specifically in season 11.
Lucas: Season 11
Exposition: We are introduced to Lucas in a hospital room. There is uncertainty that he will make it. Elizabeth calls out to him saying “please come back to us.” He wakes up. The healing is slow, but he wants to get back to work right away! It’s interesting that Elizabeth says “us”. She knows a lot of people rely on Lucas. He is the one that can make a difference for all. Also, it signifies that she isn’t in love with him by not saying “me.” This is a new chapter for Lucas one without a romantic relationship. He has a lot of healing to endure both physically and emotionally!
Rising action: Lucas’ main obstacles and conflicts in season 11 were recovering both physically and mentally, keeping his promises as a governor and confronting his past ties with Jeanette.
Lucas not only experienced physical pain but mental. With his memory coming in and out he had to relive the worse moments in his life. To make matters worse, his promises to make Hope Valley prosperous and the other territories for that matter are slipping through his fingers and his only option to keep it alive is by trusting his former flame Jeanette.
Climax: Lucas realizes who was behind the shooting. Jeanette! He has to go back to stop her from ruining Hope Valley and help rescue Rosemary and Elizabeth. He is held at gun point while he talks with Jeanette.
“This isn’t you.” “Don’t pretend to know me.” “But I do know you. I know the best of you, Jeanette.”
Thankfully she didn’t pull the trigger. Lucas was able to help Jeanette see that she didn’t need to succumb to this way of life. Lucas really does have a way with people. He truly knows how to help them see their better selves.
Falling action: The aftermath of the shooting is bringing Lucas bad press. There are calls for him to resign. Yet, he has many friends here to support him.
Resolution: Lucas is not going to quit. He realizes he is still governor and he wants to make a difference. “One thing has become clear. If I’m going to turn this ship around. I have to do it from Capital City.”
Interesting to note is Jeanette’s trial. According to that newspaper Lucas was reading, it is in November, right around when season 12 picks up. Will we see her return? Will Lucas have a Capital City romance? Only time will tell!
Work Cited:
Hallmark Media