Exclusive Interview
‘When Calls the Heart’: Erin Krakow Teases What’s Next for Elizabeth & Nathan’s ‘Blended Family’
Since Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) and Nathan (Kevin McGarry) decided to move forward together with their relationship on When Calls the Heart, they’ve established prominent roles in each other’s lives. Elizabeth has notably become a maternal figure to Nathan’s niece, Allie (Jaeda Lily Miller), as she navigates the ups and downs of being a teenager.
Throughout Season 12, Elizabeth has stepped in when Allie needs her, and they’ve shared heartfelt moments that show just how much Allie looks up to Elizabeth. Nathan has had a great presence in Little Jack’s life as well. Swooon spoke with Krakow about the family Elizabeth and Nathan are creating together.
“It’s a unique and special relationship they [Elizabeth and Allie] have, but I do think there will be more opportunities to see Allie lean on Elizabeth in that role, and we’ll really see the entire blended family come together in a really meaningful way later this season as well,” Krakow said.
In Episode 5, Allie opened up to Elizabeth about boy troubles. Elizabeth gave Allie sound advice about how to deal with those first feelings of heartbreak. “If I was Little Jack, I’d call you mom all the time,” a tearful Allie told Elizabeth, who said Allie could think of her however she wanted. From then on, instead of calling her Mrs. Thornton, Allie could refer to Elizabeth by her first name at home.
“Because Elizabeth is a schoolteacher, we’ve seen her interact with children of many ages over the years,” Krakow explained. “We’ve seen her work to get through to teenagers in the past, but we hear her say to Rosemary earlier in the season that she just wants to impress Allie. I think there is obviously something unique about their relationship and their dynamic, and because Nathan is so important to Elizabeth, any extension of him is going to be important to Elizabeth. She just really cares deeply about Allie.”
It won’t always be smooth sailing in Season 12 for Elizabeth and Nathan. Krakow and McGarry teased that a “big” obstacle will test their relationship. “It’s very poignant to the time we are in, 1921, and not only does it shatter their world, it shatters the entire community. It’s an intense thing that happens,” McGarry said.
When Calls the Heart, Season 12, Sundays, 9/8c, Hallmark Channel
