Virgin River
Virgin River Review – Calculated Risk (503)
Virgin River is ensuring that characters are having open and honest communication—or at least attempting to deal with their issues head-on.
Disclaimer — this review includes spoilers from the episode — proceed with caution.
That’s especially true for Jack and Brady, both of whom are navigating some pretty murky waters. Jack is dealing with his need to control everything, with many of his undealt fears, anxieties, and guilts from his childhood, particularly when it comes to his brother’s death, bubbling up to the surface as he prepares for fatherhood. Meanwhile, Brady is handling the aftermath of Jeb’s death, a friendship that he minimized to Brie before she learned the truth from Jeb’s widow, Pauline.
Jack didn’t feel comfortable confiding in Mel about his nightmares and inner fears, informing her that she can’t fix everything, and in a way, I get it. He’s ashamed that it has so much control over him when he wants to be able to control it, and he doesn’t want to worry her about relapsing when that isn’t even a real fear he’s experiencing. Mel doesn’t need the additional stress right about now.
Brady, however, can’t keep Brie in the dark. Due to her past, all she’s ever wanted—and asked for—is honesty, so when she confronts him feeling quite betrayed that she looked dumb in front of Pauline, Brady comes clean about everything that’s going on at the lumberyard, including the drugs. Quite frankly, I didn’t expect this level of honesty from Brady, particularly about something as serious as fentanyl being moved at his workplace, but it’s a sign of just how much he loves and trusts Brie. He doesn’t want to lose her because she thinks he’s lying to her, plus, it also means Brady is quite scared—he doesn’t want to be in this situation, nor does he want he to think that he’s a drug dealer, and he doesn’t know how to get out of it without risking their lives.
Brie appreciated Brady’s candid response, but she needed a minute to herself, and I don’t blame her. I just hope she doesn’t push Brady away because of it when it’s very clear that this was a huge step for him and their relationship. She may feel like he was being dishonest, but he was lying to protect her, and when he felt her pulling away, he immediately came clean about things that she has no business knowing.
I’m going to assume that Brie will suggest looping in Jack at some point, and hopefully, that will happen before Jack signs off on the deal with Melissa. Brady is one of the only people who knows what she looks like, so if he sees her trying to sink her claws into Jack’s new glamping business, I’m hoping this new version of himself will do the right thing and tell Jack to pull out of it before it gets too far.
I was right on the money when I said Nick would become Mayor following Hope’s exit, and that may mean that I’m onto something with my guess that Melissa will try to leverage his position to further her drug empire interests.
Jack listened to his therapist, for what may honestly be the first time ever, and took a calculated risk by going climbing with Denny. It’s not the team-up I expected, but it was a great scene showing the power of the mountains and the fact that you are absolutely not in control when attempting to climb them. It was good for Jack to get out there in nature, particularly with someone who didn’t have an interest in figuring out what he was going through. The moment allowed Denny and Jack to bond with the former coming clean about his health diagnosis, which also seemingly put things in perspective for Jack—life’s short, make every moment count… and be grateful you have them—the good and the bad. I think this little wake-up call was necessary, especially after all the Charmaine drama as it reminded him just how blessed he truly is.
And without any Charmaine moments, it definitely felt like Jack and Mel were moving on with their lives. It felt right.
Jack’s positivity might not radiate for too long as the wildfires are moving in. The beginning of the natural disaster proved to have a lot of noteworthy and life-changing moments for a handful of residents of Virgin River.
For starters, fans were introduced to Kaia, a badass firefighter who delivered her first baby—in one insanely stressful situation that I wouldn’t wish on either party—guided by Mel and Cameron (working together without any tense moments!), who then went on to have a full-on makeout session with Preacher at the bar. You know how he said he was just focusing on himself? That all flew out the door when Kaia walked in. The two had an instant connection, and this time, he wasn’t hung up on Paige, or at least hoping to revive something with Paige, so he could give all of himself to the moment. And it was hot! If I had to guess, Kaia will convince Preacher to get involved as a volunteer with the department trying to get the fires under control.
As for Hope, Lizzie suggested that they use this as an opportunity to show all of those who didn’t vote for her for Mayor to see how capable she really is in light of her TBI. Naturally, Hope was on board, but when she realized Lizzie’s overbearing and belittling mother had come into town, she knew that the moment the news vans showed up to interview the organizer behind the meal-for-firefighters event, she needed to take a step back, even if it hurt her cause, and give credit where credit was due. The move allowed Lizzie’s mother to see her as a capable young adult rather than a young girl who needed to be lectured. And don’t ever think for a second the residents of Virgin River aren’t going to defend one of their own! Lizzie’s mother didn’t know anything about her, her interests, or what she’s been doing in town this whole time, so while her aspirations for her daughter to go to college were understandable, it really should’ve been more of an open discussion. She needs to get to know her daughter before passing any judgment or criticism.
There’s also Doc’s eyesight that’s starting to give him trouble, which does not bode well for the clinic. Cameron is more than capable, but without Doc, he needs someone else to take the reins. Mel was always the right choice, but now that she’s stepping back, where does that leave them? Maybe she’ll reconsider after all?
So much happens in Virgin River at any given moment—the small town is hustling and bustling, but it might be forced to slow down as the fires take hold and threaten everyone’s peaceful existence.
What did you think of the episode? How do you think the fires will play out?
There wasn’t a dull moment on Virgin River Season 5, from the wildfire threatening the picturesque small town to Brady’s team-up with Mike to take down Melissa, the new woman running Calvin’s drug empire, and even Brie’s trial against her predatory ex—and weaved in through the fabric was Mel and Jack’s pregnancy storyline.
Disclaimer — this post includes spoilers from the episode — proceed with caution.
Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan’s (Martin Henderson) pregnancy started off as one of the more positive storylines, juxtaposed with the shocking revelation that his ex, Charmaine, spent months lying to him about the paternity of the twins. In the Virgin River Season 4 finale, Charmaine suffered a medical episode during which she came clean that Jack was not the father of the boys as she led him to believe. I won’t spoil who the real father is revealed to be in the final moments of the season (you can read that in more detail here and here).
Mel’s pregnancy was immediately considered high risk because of her previous miscarriages, yet it was filled with hope that this time would be the one. Until it wasn’t.
Sadly, Mel lost the pregnancy about midway through the season at the worst possible time as she was volunteering at Doc’s (after quitting her job to make sure she had a safe pregnancy), so she didn’t even have time to fully process what was happening. As she was gearing up to treat patients affected by the wildfires, she stepped away for a bathroom break, which is when she noticed blood on the toilet paper. She confirmed the heartbreaking news with a quick ultrasound showing that there was no longer a fetal heartbeat present.
Instead of having the fully-deserved breakdown, Mel composed herself and gave the people of Virgin River her all, including baby Chloe, who nearly perished when the fire took hold of Lilly’s farm.
Eventually, when the fires got under control, Mel was able to let the feelings in, and they flooded in all at once as she reunited with Jack and broke down crying as she offered up a heartfelt apology, a clear indication that something tragic happened.
Jack fully supported Mel in the aftermath of her loss, allowing her to grieve the way she needed to, and when she was ready, he asked Hope to convey the news to the rest of the town so that Mel wouldn’t have to tell everyone and re-live it every single time.
When Jack brought up trying again, Mel kept avoiding the topic, seemingly not ready to talk about it. She was being honest with herself, so she couldn’t be honest with Jack, however, in a moment of honesty and clarity during her girls’ night with Brie and Ava, Mel confirmed that she didn’t have it in her to keep going and experiencing hit after hit. Not only was it emotionally taxing, but it was physically and mentally draining. Mel didn’t want to get her hopes up again thinking this time would be different only to feel crushed by the realization that it wasn’t.
It definitely wasn’t what Jack wanted to hear—or expected to hear—and his side of things was also valid as he lost three prospective children in a very short time period, however, he remained committed to finding a solution that pleased them both without being pushy or forceful.
He didn’t want to give up on his dreams of being a father, and he knew that deep down, Mel also wanted a family, despite feeling broken and discouraged at the moment. He suggested trying a different method—and there are so many to explore with adoption and surrogacy at the top of the list—reminding her that it doesn’t matter how you get there, it simply matters that you do.
She was a bit hesitant at first as it wasn’t what she’d always envisioned, but things rarely go as planned. And she, of all people (she ended up in Virgin River spontaneously), should know that.
The more she thought about it, the more she realized that Jack was right. This hiccup, though heartbreaking, didn’t have to be the end of their journey towards having kids. They didn’t come this far (she didn’t come this far), to only come this far.
The final moments of the episode found Mel and Jack agreeing to buy Lilly’s farm to start their dream life and family together, all while planning their future wedding in the most perfect spot.
It’s not the outcome many fans were expecting, but given her history, it’s one that made sense, while also allowing the writers to deepen Mel and Jack’s bond while showcasing their journey toward parenthood in a realistic way.
Will There Be a Season 6 of ‘Virgin River’? And If So, When?
Virgin River is giving a holiday gift of two bonus episodes.
After all 10 episodes of the fifth season arrive on Sept. 7, fans can look forward to two additional holiday-themed episodes streaming a few months down the line as “part 2” on Thursday, Nov. 30. It will be the show’s first-ever Christmas offering, bringing the episode count to 12 in total for season 5.
The 10th episode, the unofficial “season finale,” even included a time-jump four months into the future, setting the scene for the additional episodes as Mel and Jack can be seen gearing up for Christmas by decorating their cabin with wreaths and lights.
Mel is chatting with her sister, Joey, as Jack asks if she and the kids are excited for their first Virgin River Christmas.
A few days after the fifth season premiered, Lauren Hammersley, who plays Charmaine, shared the first look at the holiday episodes, revealing what fans can expect—and yes, Christmas in Virgin River looks just as magical as you’d expect.
As the town goes all-out for the Christmas tree decorating competition (the grand prize is a Yule log and bragging rights), Mel, who is sporting some chic new bangs, explains that she’s looking for her biological father as she wants to know “what happened.”
By the end of the brief trailer, she informs Jack that they’ve located him, with Preacher noting that he’s “still in Virgin River.” There are a handful of possibilities as to who it could be, which we break down in full right here!
Lizzie’s pregnancy is also addressed as she has doubts about whether she’ll be a good mom as Hope (likely) gears up to give her some incredible advice.
And speaking of pregnancies, one of the longest in TV history is finally coming to an end as Charmaine begins experiencing contractions at Doc’s practice and Mel jumps in to help.
As for Brady and Brie shippers, there may still be hope for their reconciliation after all as she approaches her ex and accidentally meets him right under the mistletoe. One fan in the comments suggested that she’s now doing the chasing, though a later scene, which seems to be a holiday dinner with everyone in town, sees her cozying up to Mike, so it seems she’s still very much conflicted on matters of the heart.
The only upsetting storyline includes Preacher, who may have found love with Kaia, but whose life might also blow up now that they’ve located Wes’ body after the fire.
“This thing is about to blow,” Mike tells him over the phone as Kaia inquires if he can clue her in on anything.
View this post on Instagram
We have to wait till Nov. 30 to see how everything unfolds, but remember, despite the drama and love triangles, it’s still the most wonderful time of the year!
Will There Be a Season 6 of ‘Virgin River’? And If So, When?
Virgin River Season 5 ended with a handful of cliffhangers for all the inhabitants of the picturesque small town, so it’s no surprise that fans are wondering if and when we’ll get more of the popular romantic drama.
In addition to the two bonus holiday episodes coming later this year on Nov. 30, the Netflix series starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson has already been renewed for a sixth season.
Virgin River Season 6 was officially confirmed back in May 2023, though for now, no release date has been announced.
And the series will likely experience some delays due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in Hollywood.
Mark Ghanimé, who portrays Cameron, the clinic’s newest doctor, confirmed the renewal, revealing in his Instagram post that the sixth season has yet to start filming.
“I am hoping our lovely gang of writers can get what they need so they can continue writing this show for 5 more seasons and we can get right into shooting our 6th!!” he wrote.
View this post on Instagram
The series, based on Virgin River novels by Robyn Carr, has no shortage of source material as there are 24 books in the collection, and considering the early renewal for season 6, the streaming giant clearly believes in it as there’s plenty of fan interest to keep visiting the idyllic small town with its fair share of drama.
“I think we definitely see more longevity and growth with the show,” Netflix’s Head Of Drama, Development Jinny Howe told Deadline, noting, “As long as the audience asks for it and shows up — and I think we see with Season 4 that the fandom is very strong and growing in many places as well — it feels like based on what we’re seeing with Season 4 and the anticipation for Season 5 that there is a lot more storytelling to offer us.“
As of now, the family faces, aka the main cast, which includes Breckenridge, Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Lauren Hammersley, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen, and Marco Grazzini, are all set to return.
Featured2 weeks agoPat Sajak Kicks Off Final Run on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Season 41
Virgin River3 weeks agoWhat Happens to Mel and Jack’s Baby on ‘Virgin River’ Season 5?
Featured2 weeks ago2023 Fall TV Schedule—Here are the 17 Shows That Need to Be on Your Radar
What to Watch2 weeks ago2023 Fall TV Schedule—16 Reality TV and Game Shows That Are a Must-Watch
Wilderness2 weeks agoWho Dies on Prime Video’s ‘Wilderness’?
What to Watch2 weeks ago‘Sullivan’s Crossing’ Is The CW’s Most Promising New Show—And It Stars Chad Michael Murray
Coffee Table News2 weeks agoWhen Will ‘The Drew Barrymore’ Show Return for Season 4?
Only Murders in the Building1 week agoWill There Be a Season 4 of ‘Only Murders in the Building’?