When Calls the Heart, My Heart Will Go On Recap – Partings and a Standout Romantic Moment (Worth Waiting For)

When Calls the Heart, “My Heart Will Go On” Recap

Elizabeth Thatcher’s life is in disarray. Or that’s where last week left her. She was distraught over the idea of leaving her pupils as their teacher while the end returned to her a sense of purpose. One that includes tutoring her students so that they can better excel under their newly appointed, but harsh teacher.

RELATED |  When Calls the Heart, Heart of a Teacher Recap – Hope Valley Changes… and Elizabeth Leaves?

The episode, “My Heart Will Go On,” sets its stage with Jack leaving for the funeral of his good friend, and fellow Mountie, Doug. It’s this that becomes the catalyst that changes everything for Jack, Elizabeth and in some sense, Hope Valley.

“My Heart Will Go On” is THE episode that fans have been waiting for. But before we jump into that, let’s have a look at the happier moments of Sunday’s episode.

Return to Normal

Elizabeth continues to struggle with the loss of her teaching position. She doesn’t feel it’s “enough” to simply tutor her students. Her purpose is meant to go beyond this; she was born to teach these students in Hope Valley, she says. Even with the town supporting her as their children’s teacher, Elizabeth wishes for one thing: To clear her name.

Things take a turn for the better when Francine, another teacher the superintendent bullied, appears in Hope Valley. Armed with inappropriate notes from the man as proof, Elizabeth’s reputation is cleared. She is (reluctantly) reinstated as the teacher by Mayor Gowen.

Change and Decisions

Jack returns to Hope Valley in shambles. He’s conflicted about the trouble with gangs in the North and the havoc they’re wreaking. Just as the teacher in Elizabeth is part of her DNA, Jack too believes he is meant to serve a higher calling. His indecision is further complicated when his boss asks him to lead a squadron to the north.

After careful consideration, which includes Elizabeth (who understandably doesn’t want her sweetheart to leave), Jack chooses to accept the indefinite post and makes immediate plans to leave.

When Elizabeth finds out, the devastation she feels is unparalleled. When he rejects her suggestion that she comes along, she’s further hurt. In tears, she leaves Jack behind, and races out of the schoolhouse. He races after her, asking her to stop. Gently, he catches her arm. He swings her around to face him, hoping his words have the impact he intended. With emotion, he tells her:

“You are my life. You are my everything.”

His words do nothing to abate her tears, and instead, Elizabeth begs him to leave her alone.

Romantic Moment of the Week

Later that evening, after Elizabeth has settled her emotions, she receives a note from Jack. It says simply, “Take a walk with me.” Outside she finds a path lined with rose petals and lit candles. It leads her to the schoolhouse where Jack is waiting.

Nervous, Jack begins by telling Elizabeth he knew from day one. He knew she was the one for him. Given the uncertainty of his decision means he has no right to ask her to wait for him, he continues. Before he can finish, Elizabeth interjects and tells him

I would wait an eternity for you.

Awww… This moment is as tender as they come, isn’t it? But wait, what happens next is heart-melting.

Dropping to one knee, Jack asks THE question everyone has been longing for him to ask, “Will you marry me?”

With no reservations in her love for this man, Elizabeth says, “Yes.” The couple shares a kiss to seal their promises.

Hope Valley, spearheaded by Rosemary, throws the couple an impromptu engagement party.

“She is the sun and the moon and the stars.”

Before Jack leaves, he and Elizabeth get some quality time alone. All night in fact. They meet alone in the church and spend the night together. They wake next to each other, Elizabeth enveloped in Jack’s red Mountie coat. As the sun rises, Jack kisses her, and says simply, “It’s time.”

As the town turns out to bid Jack adieu (many with tears), Elizabeth watches her fiancé ride away. With panic edging her voice as she sees him ride out of her vision, she runs after him shouting, “JACK!” He stops, turns, and dismounts his horse. Sweeping Elizabeth into his embrace, out of the curious eyes of their friends, Jack gathers Elizabeth close and kisses her. They hold tight to each other, and for a moment, everything is perfect. They’re together, they’re happy and devoted to each other. But reality creeps in, and Jack leaves. This time without turning back.

Closing Thoughts on “My Heart Will Go On”

Wow. This episode is one of the best this series has produced. And Jack’s leaving wasn’t even quite all there is. It ends with Elizabeth keeping her promise to a student, a promise that involves her singing ‘Danny Boy,’ one of Jack’s favorite song.

Above anything, “My Heart Will Go On” focuses on the iconic relationship (from Janette Oke’s novels) and the thing that first drew fans in, the romance between Jack and Elizabeth. Everything about the episode is beautiful. From Jack’s proposal to Elizabeth’s fear and emotional pain, it’s a stunning addition to the series.

Kudos should be given to the writers, and especially the performances of Daniel Lissing (Jack) and Erin Krakow (Elizabeth). Both gave heart wrenching, beautiful and emotional performances that will, for me, be a standout in this series.

The question left lingering is what’s next? Next week’s tease shows no letters arriving from Jack, which could mean something very bad or it could simply be an indicator that a happier fate is in store for this couple. I’m guessing the latter, though time will tell.

Join me next week to talk about ‘Healing Heart.’

What do you think? Did you like “My Heart Will Go On?” What else would you like to see from this fourth season? Sound off below. I’m ready to chat.

If you missed When Calls the Heart on Hallmark Channel, you can purchase episodes on outlets like iTunes or Amazon Video. Or watch the episodes on cable providers like Xfinity.

Looking to catch up? Netflix currently has seasons 1-3 to stream!

Catch up with the fourth season of When Calls the Heart with our series recaps!

Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media

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