The Magic of Rewrite 1001: Writer Derek Thompson Shares Insights in S11 Episode 11

[@lisawilliamson3385]

Such an AMAZING episode - think it might be my all time favourite episode in all seasons - such big thanks to Derek, Lindsay and all the writers for this season and the brilliant ‘re-do’ on S8 🎉 I think all the Actors did such a phenomenal job but especially Erin, Kevin, Chris, Jack, Pascal and Cecilia 👏

[@christystock2734]

I have said the same❤️❤️

[@jenniferpatrow712]

I love that you’ve said it’s your favorite episode, and what I love is that I’ve pretty much been saying that since episode 6. After 10 seasons, episode 6 was my favorite, but each episode pretty much has been topping the last one since then!

[@emilyluchini3010]

Rosemary and Lee are my favorite couple. They are adorable together and make a fantastic team. I wish I had what they had. #MarriageGoals

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

I believe so many things are happening for him, Lucas. He's such integral part of the show.

[@shellybarnes5429]

It was my favorite too! 🎉💛

[@ALogan15]

What an amazing episode! I’ve rewatched it numerous times! Elizabeth’s monologue was beautifully written and Nathan’s reaction was perfection. Absolutely loved Bill and Rosemary’s dynamic, Faith and Lily - so sweet. And Jeannette, just wow! A huge thank you to Derek, Lindsay and all the writers for their incredible storytelling - Intrigue, mystery, action, romance and humor. So excited for E12 and S12!

[@ShahAP7777]

Thank you so much for doing these interviews. They are so good and give us so much insight. I agree with Derek - the final scene between Elizabeth and Nathan is one of the most perfect moments on TV I've witnessed. To quote Elizabeth, it made my heart lift. ❤️ ❤ Thank you to everyone who made it happen.

[@mrsacos]

The episode was fantastic!! Thank you, Derek, Lindsay, Erin, Kevin…. 👏👏👏

[@brianshively8168]

Epic episode with a perfect balance of drama and romance. The twist with Jeanette was truly inspired and brilliantly executed. For Nathan and Elizabeth, the ending made the long wait seem worth it.

[@vivdubz]

Elizabeth's monologue, Nathan's response and the kisses were perfection!

[@julietmcdonald4932]

I loved, loved, loved, loooooooooooved it.

[@anniefenter8697]

The last 5 minutes brought me back to WCTH. ❤❤

[@AbigailPaige-is7zr]

I love how we are heading back to the way it used to be.

[@AbigailPaige-is7zr]

That’s also why it makes so much sense for her to marry Nathan.

[@EstherRodriguez-ly1op]

This episode was the BEST ever in WCTH!!! LOVED the "Leap of Faith" scene with Nathan and Elizabeth...OMG, that was awesome!!! The kiss was sooooooo sweet, sooooooo tender, not over the top, just right. I NEVER saw the Jeannette thing coming at all!! WELL DONE writer!!! ❤ ❤❤

[@lindajanke6194]

Wonderful interview with an obviously talented and invested creator of WCTH. Thank you for all you do to fill in the background of how our favorite show gets made. It takes nothing away from the magic, just helps us to appreciate it even more.

[@suzannegagnon4907]

Thank you ladies and thank you Derek it's so amazing to hear how these amazing scenes that we see come together. Looking forward to watching more interviews 🤗❤

[@theheartieobserver]

Great Episode!! Loved it, especially the final scene!!

[@AbigailPaige-is7zr]

Had to write this before I watched, just know I'm going to enjoy it!!!😊❤❤ Wow, wow, WOW!!! Where do I start??! Elizabeth speaking her true feelings and watching Nathan soak it in relieved. Zooming in on his hands was a great idea. The suspense scene was terrific as well. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't mention who, but Rosemary deserves a heartie award for her acting and I would love to hear about Elizabeth and Nathan's stunt fall. And Fiona is coming back for the wedding, this gives me hope that a former Hope Valley resident can come back. I can't wait till the next one!

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

Jeanette being Shaw was brilliant.

[@BeverlyR-dl5ft]

That was crazy! I never saw that coming! But it shows Lucas mysterious past that he was involved with a criminal in his past. Jeanette was Shaw definitely shocked me.

[@BeverlyR-dl5ft]

I think Lucas changed when he got to know everyone in HV, but especially Elizabeth. However, Elizabeth ended up hurting him by breaking up with him.

[@LucyRosinina-ek2mi]

@@BeverlyR-dl5ft I think Lucas was always a good guy ,In season 6 or 7 he explains his involvement with Jeanette & it didn’t sound bad .But I guess the writers went a different way with his past this season. I loved when he told Jeanette “I’m a good man,I’m an honest man” That was a powerful line.

[@BeverlyR-dl5ft]

@@LucyRosinina-ek2mi which I think he is a good man and honest man now. So maybe he was bad, but changed because of Elizabeth and HV??? Or maybe he had been pretty honest and good in his past, but got mixed up with the wrong crowd or at least the wrong person Jeanette in his past. However, he did have a mysterious past I thought wasn't fully explained. Yes the new show runner showed this other side to Lucas we hadn't seen completely. Maybe the writers changed the Lucas character from what he was originally, but maybe not. They may have always thought he had a mysterious past. All I know is the man who created the characters Lucas and Nathan in S6 was there with Lindsay and the writing team as a consultant. So, Alfonso Moreno was okay with the direction being written about the Lucas character. I can't wait to see what happens with Lucas in S12. Despite my concerns of his mysterious past, I've always loved the Lucas character. I found him interesting.

[@MaryGallo-e8f]

Loved Episode 11. Definitely the best episode yet on WCTH. The kiss said it all for the depth of Nathan and Elizabeth's relationship and love. Made surviving and watchingb Seasons 8 and 9, which I found difficult to watch worthwhile.

[@barbaralaird5169]

This was an absolutely brilliant episode!

[@marthahermsen6309]

I always enjoy listening to Derek.Thank you for all your interviews. I wanted to thank you for all your questions, Marg, Kim, and jelzey. You definitely asked some great questions. Derek did a great job in explaining the different scenes. I had questions myself why this or why that. The admins always do such a wonderful job a big thank you to all of you.😊

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

That's still cool that the reporters worked together to discover Jeanette is Shaw.

[@LucyRosinina-ek2mi]

Great interview,I loved the last episode & Im glad that good things are coming for Lucas & I really liked his storyline this season.

[@nancyross3964]

I would like to see them look more into the Mounties & Hargrave to see if he is corrupt

[@BeverlyR-dl5ft]

My guess is Hargraves is a corrupt lawman.

[@Azel461]

Yep. Corrupt Mountie. Of course, I hope it is not so.

[@BeverlyR-dl5ft]

@@Azel461 It might not be Hargraves that is corrupt, but as Nathan thought their was dirty cops in FC his supervisor Hargraves had issues with Nathan because he did believe there was dirty cops. Hargraves wouldn't believe any of his police force could be dirty. So, Hargraves found a reason to transfer Nathan to Fort Simpson ( I believe Allie called Nathan's other post) because Hargraves didn't like Nathan after that. Jack discovered the same thing that Nathan did there in FC that there were dirty mounties. Jack actually found the proof & was going to take it to higher up good honorable mounties unfortunately the dirty mounties found out & dealt with Jack 😥 😭 It's possible that the accident Jack died a hero saving two men in the landslide or whatever it was a lie told by dirty mounties both to Elizabeth & mountie headquarters. But it is also possible that Hargraves is one of the dirty cops. Also Bill gave Rosemary Clayton Pike's case file at the end of S11. I think that is a clue that Clayton was involved. Could Hargraves be involved or another high up mountie in headquarters. Could the former governor be involved? Lots of questions going throw my head think about the possibilities in S12.

[@SteveAbrew]

I loved that Elizabeth had the same blouse in the final scene as the one years ago when Nathan said he's in love with her.

[@joanputnam5301]

Understandably the fans of Elizabeth and Nathan were over the moon last night. For Lucabeth fans it was heartbreaking. We still have season 9 to rewatch and love. We just want to finally see Lucas respected and happy. Chris has been absolutely amazing this year. His portrayal of Lucas has been riveting.

[@rheathamiller4204]

It’s been tough on Lucas and his fans. Me included. I’m thrilled though that Chris McNally has been able to show his acting chops. He has been brilliant this season.

[@BeverlyR-dl5ft]

I'm sure things will get better for Lucas in S12. Maybe governor Lucas will meet someone in Capital City and he comes back to Hope Valley with his new love interest.

[@LucyRosinina-ek2mi]

@@rheathamiller4204 Yes it’s been tough on us Lucas fans but I think Chris enjoyed playing this new storyline .

[@connieprovost6334]

I ❤ WCTH. Season 11 has been great. I do love the story line Lucas as the Governor. It's been a tough season for Lucas. I do understand why the writers went in a different direction with the Elizabeth & Lucas storyline. I do think the Elizabeth Nathan scene last week was done well no dispute there, it did not hold the same passion and connection that Lucas & Elizabeth first kiss had for me. Elizabeth on the bridge crying feeling the loss of Lucas leaving town and he appears before her and way they ran into each others arms. I think Lucas & Elizabeth had more of a love connection.

[@LucyRosinina-ek2mi]

@@connieprovost6334 I agree with you ,to me there was great passion with L&E. When I watched them together I could feel their love & their chemistry was off the charts.But with N&E it’s just nice.no chemistry there.

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

They both fit. Ha she's frustrated. Sassafras was clever line. But in the scene with Shaw...oh my gosh well done

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

Rosemary scenes were intense, but Pascale did well with confronting Jeanette. And Randall driving in to let the guys know...

[@alisandeflorentino5314]

As an E&N fan, all the things she said in that monologue felt like a validation of what many of us have been seeing for years and why we've been confused about her choice of Lucas back in S8. I think its also noteworthy that when he professed his love, she backed away because she was afraid of him getting hurt, but over the seasons, she has processed a lot to the point where when she confesses *her* love, he was worried about her getting hurt but she was ready to risk it all ("the egg was worth risking life and limb for" 😉). Interesting that Derek said we'll "hopefully meet Mei's brother." Not sure if that's just how they have to talk about things to not give away too much or if it's another hint that M&M don't *actually* get married in E12 even though it's been teed up that way... 🤔 I did notice Lucas not being in the montage of "everyone I care about is safe," and it felt a little cold considering he *did* play an instrumental role in resolving the situation in the saloon (although he's the reason they were in danger in the first place...) and he was an important person in E's life. But I also wonder if he was left out to make sure that wouldn't give Nathan fans unnecessary anxiety and Lucas fans unfair hope. Like, maybe they thought if they included Lucas, people would think "Oh, she still has feelings for Lucas"? I do love the both literal and metaphorical "leap of faith" in E11.

[@nancyross3964]

The only thing I wish I didn't know was that Fiona came back. I'm so glad she did & I hope she remains. I think I want next week to be a total surprise. I'm not watching anything on Hallmark this week for that big ending.

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

Mike and Mei, adorable couple

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

His heart is in the right place.

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

Lucas was trying to say this doesn't have to be this way.

[@pamelavankley3969]

Derek's comment about Lucas and it wasn't their intention to drag him through the mud is interesting. Chris' acting is phenomenal, but Lucas clearly has had a really rough season. Sometimes I wonder if there is a disconnect from what the writers write and their perspective of a character compared to what is executed and shown on screen to the viewers.

[@officialheartiesadmins2118]

Clearly Lucas was taken on a difficult path. What we believe Derek was saying was that the writers didn’t do it just to do it. They did it to expose more of his character and Lucas showed exactly what he is made of. He’s a good man, an honest man. He demonstrated heroism and in the end, Lucas clearly knew who his friends were and that the resort had to be abandoned.

[@pamelavankley3969]

True, but we know Lucas is a good and honest man. They have shown us this since S6. Personally, I wish that S10 hadn't aired while they were filming S11. I think the writers were at a disadvantage in seeing how the fandom would react to not just the breakup, but also jabs that were made at Lucas' character throughout S10 and continued into S11. As a Lucas fan, I wouldn't be so frustrated if they hadn't criticized his grand gestures so hard or showed someone having compassion towards him in S11 so he wasn't so alone. Even a covo with Elizabeth telling him the truth that she has been in love with Nathan this whole time would have helped. Maybe that convo is coming in E12. That's where I think a disconnect happens between the writers who need to write for all of the characters on the show and fans who analyze and know these characters inside and out.

[@nancyross3964]

I thought Brian said the wedding was the end of this season

[@officialheartiesadmins2118]

Hmmm. We know he said at the end of season 10 that there was a wedding in season 11. Not sure if he indicated it was at the end.

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

Either way, it will be fun to watch. Hope Valley is about community, looking forward to the wedding, meeting the brother, seeing Maizie, and the mom. This time they will bring more culture so bring it on. :-)

[@MeredithStark-xo3ev]

In cuts are like boom boom boom, cut to next

[@catherinemeadows6682]

I still think it was a mistake to break up E&L and you will realize it. You can't write a story of romance when the people involved have no chemistry.

[@BeverlyR-dl5ft]

Kevin and Erin as Nathan and Elizabeth have plenty of chemistry and love for one another. The kisses are just different than her kisses with Lucas. The script was written purposefully that way. The kisses for Elizabeth and Nathan are deeper more tender. They are gentle, sweet passionate romantic kisses. Like two people in love. I call them Hallmarky kisses. I mean Nathan and Elizabeth had been in love, but their relationship is coming from a different place as she originally rejected him out of fear because of the trauma of losing Jack in the line of duty. Elizabeth didn't want to lose Nathan the same way. Then she dated Lucas and was "friends" with Nathan. Nathan and Elizabeth's relationship has gone from this solid, strong friendship and connection to a solid, strong romance and love with trust and honesty at the core with friendship still being a strong foundation for their romantic relationship. They have had a lot of past history and life issues to overcome. The way they treat each other including how they kiss will be reflected in this. So, we get more sweet gentle loving tender, but passionate kisses. I think the script for Chris and Erin for Lucas and Elizabeth's kisses were different. Elizabeth and Lucas never had a true friendship. He from the beginning was trying to pursue Elizabeth. So their relationship was more a passionate lustful style kisses because that's what the script called for. That's not a criticism of Chris or Erin kisses it's just what I felt the script called for. I do think Elizabeth was quick to get into a relationship with Lucas and it was a rebound with Elizabeth trying to forget how in love with Nathan Elizabeth is. I think it was more lust than love for Elizabeth until maybe she got to know Lucas better. Elizabeth was trying to guard her heart from getting hurt again. She was fearful of a relationship with Nathan, but was in love with Nathan. So, Elizabeth choose a relationship that was safe and comfortable. Elizabeth was trying to protect herself.. Did she end up loving Lucas? In the beginning I don't think so....I think it was more lust and a way to forget about Nathan. In time, after Elizabeth got to know Lucas a little better and how good he was to her, I think she did come to love Lucas, but it was a safe love and she realized she was with Lucas for the wrong reasons and broke up with him. Then in S11 Elizabeth faced her fears and got into a romantic relationship with Nathan realizes he is her next great love. She is in love with Nathan. People on TL like to say Kevin can't kiss that's simply not true. Kevin keeps getting cast as a lead man kissing lead women in TV shows. "Hearland" "When Calls the Heart" There was another TV show he was in before I became a fan of Kevin's that my understanding was he was a lead man in with romantic scenes with the leading actress. Also, he has had plenty of movies where he is the lead man the actor kissing the leading actress. Kevin kisses according to what the script calls for in "Heartland" Kevin's kisses as Mitch were hot passionate kisses with Lou, but they were lustful. So, understanding when I say Chris and Erin's kisses as Lucas and Elizabeth are passionate, but lustful it's not criticism. I just believe that's what the script called for as Erin said Elizabeth's relationship with Lucas was more simple. I believe it was a safe & comfortable love. But as she got to know him maybe she did love Lucas, but her relationship with Lucas was started as a rebound with Elizabeth trying to forget about her love for Nathan. As stated before Elizabeth may have come to respect Lucas and even have a safe love for him as Lucas was good to her. But that couldn't last as Elizabeth knew she chose him for the wrong reason. Nathan and Elizabeth's relationship was more complicated. I would be interested to see Chris in other roles. I have only seen him in WCTH as Lucas and his Tipline Mystery show. I want to see Chris kiss an actress in a different role where the kiss is different because that's what the script calls for. Yes, I thought Elizabeth and Lucas kisses were more lustful and didn't like them. So, I want to see Chris McNally in another role to compare kisses.