Adapting the young adult novels by Lauren Brooke, Heartland strikes the perfect balance between its humor and heart, and season 16 saw both of those themes in abundance. While questions about Heartland and its future still persist after the 15-episode season, the finale did an excellent job of wrapping things up while also leaving just enough to necessitate another set of episodes. The real-life passing of Robert Cormier overshadowed the season, with his character Finn being written out after the actor’s tragic death (via People ). Excluding that unforeseen shock, the Heartland season 16 ending had a deliberate nature that makes it clear big things are in store.

RELATED:18 Best Horse Movies Of All Time

Chandra Allowed Xavier To Stay With Lyndy

In the final episode of Heartland season 16, Amy (Amber Marshall) and young Lyndy (Ruby and Emmanuella Spencer) discover a rogue horse and eventually reconnect with its owner, Chandra(Brianna Johnston). Lyndy naturally grows close to the animal but is warned by Amy not to get too attached since they will eventually have to return him. However, after seeing the way the horse, named Xavier, was obviously happier on the Fleming ranch, Chandra decided to let him stay there. While it was a trope found in most great horse shows and movies, it also revealed the theme of the episode which was letting the past go to secure the future.

Chandra knew that the reason Xavier kept fleeing was because he was bored, and though it pained her greatly to let the beautiful animal go, she knew it was the right thing to do. That idea was repeated throughout the episode in nearly every character’s storyline, and it connected to the show’s affinity for horses as well. Xavier’s instant attachment to Lyndy, and his ability with freedom performance will certainly play a much larger role going forward.

Does Georgie Go To Brussels In Heartland Season 16?

After her absence in Heartland season 15, Georgie (Alisha Newton) returned for the 16th season with a new passion and determination. Her harrowing accident and the ordeal that followed continued to weigh heavily on the celebrated horse jumper, and she sought out ways to overcome her crippling fear. In the final episode of season 16, Georgie receives an offer from an illustrious trainer in Brussels who could help her work through her issues and truly get back in the saddle again. She struggled with her options throughout the episode but eventually chose to take the offer even after being proposed to by Quinn (Jordan Burtchett).

Once again striking at the overall theme of the episode itself, Georgie’s decision to go isn’t an end, but merely the beginning of a new chapter, one she was nervous about starting. Following in the footsteps of several other characters, Georgie’s decision to go is already proof that she is capable of overcoming her fears, as traveling all the way to Brussels is a much larger decision than hopping back in the saddle. The emotional vulnerability also shows that she has fully grown as a character, and is becoming a full-fledged adult.

Quinn Proposes to Georgie

The other big Georgie shocker in Heartland season 16’s finale was Quinn’s decision to propose to her after a lengthy courtship. The young lovers supported each other through tough times, and Georgie’s acceptance of Quinn’s marriage proposal wasn’t hampered by her decision to go to Brussels. Already in something of a long-distance relationship because of Quinn living in Florida, the couple is determined to make it work even while Georgie is continents away. Quinn learned the valuable lesson that he can hold onto Georgie emotionally, while simultaneously letting her go physically, so she could fully realize herself.

Peter And Lou Renew Their Vows

One thing that makes Heartland one of the best shows from Canada is that it deftly balances drama with a heaping helping of lovable romantic sappiness. Nowhere was that idea more clear than in Peter (Gabriel Hogan) and Lou’s (Michelle Morgan) finale in the last episode of season 16. The on-again-off-again couple had previously divorced but the decision to renew their vows meant that their connection was more special than any rocky patches they may have suffered through. Interestingly, Lou went against Peter’s wishes and included many friends and family in the celebration, but she had good reason.

By far the more reserved of the two, Peter was still capable of his romantic flourishes, such as his decision to flood the ranch in white light which mirrored his celebration back when he reunited with Lou. Lou on the other hand, chose to open the ceremony to an audience because she wanted to make it clear that she was proud of her relationship, warts and all. By making such a public display, it proves that Lou and Peter truly recommitted to each other which was the perfect cap on the season.

RELATED:10 Best Shows On Netflix Right Now

Jack’s Dreams Explained

Family patriarch Jack Bartlett (Shaun Johnston) largely kept to himself throughout the finale of Heartland season 16, and though he didn’t get the loving ending that other characters did, he got closure. Plagued by dreams of his younger self, Jack was spurred to investigate his past where he discovered the will of his late father. Much to his dismay, the will bequeathed Jack’s beloved hunting and fishing shack to Al Cotter (Duncan Fraser), who was a sworn enemy of sorts. This forced Jack to reconcile first with himself and then with Al over the strained relationship that really started over jealousy.

Jack, through his dreams, came to realize that he was always jealous of the close personal connection Al had with his late father, and he deeply resented him for it. However, when Jack decided to give the property to Al anyway, the two men made up when Al revealed that Jack’s father was the only father figure he ever had in his life. While they probably won’t be best friends going forward, the encounter allowed Jack to let go of his troublesome past which frees him up to look toward the future.

How The Heartland Season 16 Ending Sets Up Season 17

While modern shows like Yellowstone get credit for bringing the Western back to TV, Heartland has been quietly keeping the genre alive for a decade and a half. As such, the season 16 finale serves as both an ending and a beginning, and lends itself to further exploration in season 17. Low-simmering plots like Georgie and Quinn’s marriage will likely take a back seat until the time is right, but the finale also introduced an impending mayoral showdown which could dominate future seasons. In the last episode, Rick (Aiden Moreno) seemed to imply that he would be running for mayor against Lou, which is a reversal from their longtime alliance.

The Real Meaning Of Heartland Season 16’s Ending

Though the ending of Heartland season 16 wasn’t nearly as explosive as previous years, it was nevertheless a satisfying and thematic conclusion. Each thread dealt with the idea of the past, and particularly with the theme of letting the past go in order for the future to be born. Each major storyline saw a character learn to let things, people, and even grudges go, which allowed them to be even better. With Lou’s renewal of love to Peter, that baggage is now gone which can allow her to face a potential political challenger head on. Similarly, Jack’s release of a longstanding grudge frees his heart up to change.