It really doesn't get better than Michael Easton and Renee Elise Goldsberry as John and Evangeline.

I love how vulnerable the daring Evangeline is these days. It's another side to her, how she barreled forward at full speed with John McBain, secure, confident, and not at all worried that things weren’t moving quickly enough or what the outcome would be. Then she realized one day that her feelings had gotten away from her. She was in deep and knew that this was the man who could break her heart. Hoping to surprise John into a romantic reunion and finding Natalie in his room rocked her more than she was prepared for. Suddenly ‘no-strings-attached’ wasn’t enough. She wanted more from him. She needed more. Suddenly she needed reassurances. Over time, she has found herself wanting to fully commit to this man but she won’t let herself do it until she feels confident that he’ll do the same. And Renee is wonderful to watch as this three-dimensional Evangeline. Yes, she is a powerhouse. She’s the best at everything she tries. She’s daring and self-assured. She’s beautiful. She’s accomplished. Only now we’re also seeing her vulnerability. She’s in love with John and she knows it. But she’s afraid. She doesn’t want to find herself lying in a heap on the ground after the limb she's crawled out on has been sawed off – an emotion that we can all certainly relate to.

And what can be said about John? He's held his heart in check ever since losing Caitlin. He's been in relationships since then but has always kept part of himself closed off so that he wouldn't get torn apart again. And no one broke through. Did any one of us suspect that John McBain could be so passionate? Did any one of us suspect that he could feel as deeply for a woman as he feels for Evangeline? She’s the one who broke through the walls he surrounded himself with - the only one who managed it. Their feelings for each other strengthened and moved along so imperceptibly that they were both surprised at what happened between them in Mary Barnes’ basement that night. Without warning, John gave himself over to everything he was feeling that night and found that he wanted more. “Don’t go down this road again,” he told himself when he couldn’t stop thinking about and remembering it afterward. But go down that road he did, trying to find his way back out of the shell he’d constructed around himself. And what pulled him all the way out? It was when Evangeline told him that she’d bear with him – that they had plenty of time. This man was a goner from that moment on, even though it took a little while before it became evident. Michael really knows his craft. He’s got a special gift for playing situations at full throttle while letting the audience know that there’s even more beneath the surface. And that quality works so well for Johnny Mack. John’s steady and even - a persistent seeker of truth with a nose for what’s fair. He’s a loyal brother, son, cousin, and friend. He can be counted on. But every now and then, we get a glimpse of what’s buried deep inside – a soul on that’s on fire. And Evangeline is the one who brings it out of him.

The partnership of these two characters is about as good as it gets. John McBain and Evangeline Williamson make each other better – stronger. And let me take my hat off to whoever it was that came up with the idea of pairing Michael Easton and Renee Elise Goldsberry as these two rich characters. It was truly a stroke of genius.

John feels that taking a chance – more than a chance – with Evangeline is worth the risk of getting torn apart again and as long as Evangeline knows that there’s a chance for her and John, she’ll stick with him forever. Hmmm….Sounds a little like two people flirting with the idea of a full commitment to me.

I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!

Now if only they were on more often…