"Facing the Music" was just as good as the previous episode. Actually, better. Some fans feel it didn't give the same satisfaction as the previous one, but episodes 7 and 8 are a two part story arc. We will get that satisfaction in the next episode "Brothers Keeper."
Bringing Tom Thornton back is one of the smartest decisions this show has ever made. Nathan and Elizabeth still have a lot to talk about in regards to Jack Sr, and Toms' appearance is a vehicle to make that possible. Max Llloyd Jones' performance is compelling and he's stealing our hearts.
Nathan and Elizabeth's relationship is changing. LIke many of you, I wish those changes were more distinctly celebrated as milestones with pauses and extra beats and epic music - but they ARE happening.
*Elizabeth is in a completely new place. She has GRIEVED her husband and now feels gratitude instead of sadness.
*She and Nathan are talking about Jack Sr, and she is beginning to see Nathan's vulnerabilities and reach out to reassure.
*Instead of dates, Nathan * Elizabeth are solving problems. Maybe there will be dates later, but now we know for certain they can do REAL LIFE together.
*TOUCH - her hand on his arm, he helping her up onto his horse for their first horseback ride. Sure, I wish they were escaping on that horse for a romantic interlude, but it was significant and special none-the-less. You could see the thrill on Elizabeth's face, and the pride and swell of confidence on Nathan's.
Some other wonderful accomplishments:
*Strong presence of Little Jack, and Allie - and even a one-on-one scene between Allie and Nathan. Also Scout is still playing matchmaker!
*The choir is back! Who would have thought 3 years ago, that now we would have more than one music-centric episode per seasons for 2 seasons in a row now!
*I enjoyed the new development in the case of "Who Shot Lucas Bouchard?"
*The Mounties changed their name to Royal Canadian Mounted Police
*Intriguing dynamics between Lucas/Henry vs Lucas/Edwin.