I tend to give Lou a lot of grief in my Heartland reviews. Though she always means well, I’ve never been a fan of how involved she gets in other people’s lives and—last season especially—over-thinking how to best protect Georgie and Katie from the details of her eroding marriage.

But after watching Sunday’s latest, “Begin Again,” and thinking about it some more, I totally get her actions. Banning Katie from horse-riding lessons and quickly hanging up phone calls with Peter makes perfect sense in Lou’s world. Why involve the kids when separation is difficult enough for the couple? Every family is different, but I think they all want the same thing: to make the best of a bad situation. Resolving to allow Katie to continue her riding and her pledge to Georgie to work harder at making the transition more seamless is an important step. I certainly can’t fault Lou for trying her best … and admitting when what she was doing wasn’t working out.

Kudos to Michelle Morgan for taking on a difficult storyline over the past two seasons, and for Heather Conkie and her writing crew for continuing to produce thoughtful, educational scenes that reflect real life and not what Hollywood tends to portray. Using Stephen, a.k.a. “Bacon Boy,” as an example for Georgie has gone a long way to showing things can work out when everyone tries.

Sunday’s new episode wasn’t all about Lou, however. After a night out partying, Ty graduated and is a professional veterinarian. It’s been great watching him grow as a man and a vet, and Amy’s gift of a plaque and fantastic desk was the perfect way to wrap up that story.

I’ve been a big fan of Shaun Johnston’s ever since I started watching Heartland. The man can do more with that moustache and craggy face than most in the industry, and that was never more apparent than his touching scenes with Paint. I don’t want Jack to stop being involved in everyone’s life, but his chat with Paint cemented it: he’s thinking of his own mortality and the legacy he’ll leave for family and friends. Paint has been put to pasture, and Jack realizes he’s headed that way.

I can only hope that’s still a long way off.

Notes and quotes

“I’m playing for a horse, because he appreciates talent.”

This week’s tune: “Wherever You Go” from Fortunate Ones

Heartland airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on CBC.