Heartland Catch UP: Season 18 Episode 9 “Leave No Trace”

Howdy, Heartland fans! We’re just one episode shy of the Season 18 finale, and “Leave No Trace” really brought the feels and the drama, proving that even in the quiet moments, life on the ranch is anything but! From unexpected fishing trips to harrowing bison encounters and some seriously overdue heart-to-hearts, this episode had us on the edge of our seats and reaching for the tissues. Let’s dive in!

🎣 Fishing for Forgiveness (and a Cooler!)

Jack and Tim taking Nathan Pryce Jr. fishing? Sign us up! Despite Lou’s initial resistance to them mending fences with the “competition”, this trip was exactly what everyone needed. It started with a classic Tim-and-Jack debate over who forgot the cooler (spoiler: it was definitely a joint effort, bless Nathan Jr. for bringing snacks!). But beyond the laughs, this outing paved the way for some genuine breakthroughs. Even Nathan admitted he “didn’t realize how bad he needed” the trip. Jack, ever the wise patriarch, stated that the river is a good place to “make peace with things.” This made Nathan feel at ease, and he confessed he was “open to mending fences,” though he wasn’t sure how yet. Jack then suggested that the competition was “what has each of them by the throats,” proposing they “share the shelves” and let the consumers decide. Nathan was skeptical that Garland Foods or Crown Shoppers would agree, as “they seem to like the way exclusivity looks on billboards”. However, Jack countered that they only have power when “we” make decisions separately, adding, “united, I think we could persuade them”. Nathan replied that he was “open to give it a shot” if they were.

As the trip concluded, Nathan apologized to Tim & Jack for escalating things, admitting he let his emotions get the better of him. Tim, understanding, replied, “Sometimes family brings out the guard dog in all of us”. Jack promised that he and Tim would discuss things with Lou, and once she was on board, they’d call Crown Shoppers to let them know they wanted their customers to have a choice. Tim added, “may the best beef win,” a challenge Nathan happily accepted. This trip wasn’t just about mending fences; it was about healing old wounds and setting the stage for a more united future.

🚨 Lou’s Perilous Detour (and a Cliffhanger) 😱

Our favorite businesswoman, Lou, found herself in a truly dangerous situation this week, proving that even a quick ride to clear your head can turn into a nightmare! After her Vancouver flight was delayed, she decided to go for a ride on Stetson. But a charging bison changed everything, throwing her from her horse and knocking her unconscious. Talk about a bad day at the office! Stranded, with a broken phone and a missing radio, she bravely attempted to bandage her injured leg with a branch and her belt, struggling to get back on Stetson. In a gut-wrenching decision, she sent Stetson back home for help, leaving her completely alone and seemingly hopeless.

As the day drags on, Lou becomes increasingly weak and disoriented. When she hears Katie’s voice on the radio (which ended up landing just inside the pen), she senses it might be her lifeline and begins to crawl towards it. Once she reaches the radio, Lou manages to call Katie back, telling her how much she loved and was proud of her. Katie, noticing that her mother doesn’t sound quite right, pleads with her to let her know where she is. Amy & Caleb eventually find Lou, who is in very bad shape. Having lost her memory, Lou initially believed Stetson had left her, but Amy corrects her, explaining that Stetson had actually led them to her. After Caleb rides off for help, Amy then checks the back of Lou’s head, and finds blood on her fingers. She tells Lou it’s just a “bump” and urges her to stay awake when she notices her closing her eyes. As Lou continues to fade, the episode ends on this significant cliffhanger, leaving us to wonder if Lou will regain consciousness and what the severe consequences of her injuries will be. This harrowing ordeal is bound to impact not just Lou’s recovery but potentially mend her strained relationships with Amy and Katie (and perhaps even influence Tim’s decision about his new gig).

🐴 Amy & Caleb: A Rescue Mission & A Reality Check ❤️‍🩹

Amy’s day started with the chaos of rounding up escaped steers and ended with a dramatic horse rescue, all thanks to a rather aggressive property owner with a shotgun! When the humane society couldn’t respond quickly enough, Amy, with Caleb (who was in town for a quick visit) by her side, took matters into her own hands. Caleb’s unexpected connection to the owner, Tommy, from their rodeo days, proved crucial. Despite a rocky reunion that included an avoided punch, Caleb approached Tommy with empathy, sharing his own past struggles. This vulnerability led Tommy to reveal the heartbreaking truth: the neglected horse, Dodger, belonged to his wife, who left him and took their daughter because they couldn’t take him into the city. He admitted his drinking had taken a toll. Tommy ultimately agreed to let Amy and Caleb take Dodger to Heartland for recovery.

Back at the ranch, Caleb, ever perceptive, helped Amy unpack her own emotional baggage. She confessed the lingering fear of losing Lyndy at the market last week (and Nathan finding her!), and the disappointing end to her relationship with Nathan. Amy, who suggested the breakup herself due to the ranch competition, was “kind of disappointed that he agreed so easily”. Caleb, in true Caleb fashion, quickly reassured her that she is “worth fighting for. Any fool can see that”. Preach, Caleb!

💖 Cowgirl Spirit & The End of an Era

The ladies of Heartland had their own adventure this episode, proving they’re just as capable as the men when it comes to ranch work! When the cattle escaped, Jessica, Lisa, and Katie sprang into action, interrupting their “gal’s brunch”. Their seamless teamwork was on full display as they rounded up the escapees, even when a steer got tangled in barbed wire. Katie bravely cut it free, injuring her hand in the process. This led to a vulnerable moment where Katie questioned if she was “much of a cowgirl” or fit the “ranch girl” mold. Lisa and Jessica, with wisdom and warmth, reassured her that being a cowgirl is about defining her own path and that she can pursue both her dreams and her ranch roots.

Meanwhile, Tim’s new rodeo commentator gig stirred up some deep feelings for Jack. Jack confessed his true fear: not that Tim isn’t capable, but that once the network recognizes his value, they’ll want him permanently, leading to Tim being away from the ranch too much. Jack’s admission of vulnerability, saying he doesn’t want to do things on his own, marked a potentially significant “end of an era” for their partnership. Tim, despite having accepted the gig, seemed to have some doubts of his own.

Favorite Quote from the Episode:

“It’s not about the depth. It’s about the current and the seams. Right where the fast and slow water meets, you won’t find better seams” – Jack the Wise Fisherman

Let’s Discuss:

• Do you think Jack and Nathan’s plan to “share the shelves” will actually work, or is it just a temporary truce?
• How do you think Lou’s serious injuries will impact her relationships with Amy and Katie, and will it change Tim’s decision about his new job?
• What are your hopes for Amy’s romantic future after her conversation with Caleb? Is Nathan truly out of the picture?

✨ Watch Heartland Season 18 now! Stream anytime on UP Faith & Family. Start your 7-day free trial today!

Zoie Taylor is the Streaming Coordinator for UP Faith & Family. She loves all things TV & Film. Her top 3 titles on UP Faith & Family are Heartland, These Stones, and The Engagement Plot. Her favorite Heartland characters are Lisa and Jessica.