What to watch out for before Season 6

Although it may seem like a peaceful small town from a distance, “Virgin River” is always full of drama. Each new episode brings emotional revelations and monumental moments for your favorite (or least favorite) residents, and Season 5 was no different. In fact, with two parts and 12 episodes, it offered even more room for life-changing events and breathtaking twists. So if you need a refresher, here’s a full breakdown to quickly recap Virgin River season 5.

Doc and Hope remained strong despite health problems

Doc (Tim Matheson) and Hope (Annette O’Toole) spent much of the season navigating their relationship and career despite health challenges. Doc struggled with deteriorating eyesight that threatened to end his career as a doctor – especially after Cameron (Mark Ghanime) confronted him at work. Hope continued to recover from her brain injury and almost lost her position as mayor after Muriel (Teryl Rothery) cast a vote of no confidence against her. However, Hope regained that confidence after proving her mettle during a tragedy in the city.

Brady, Mike and Jack took down Melissa Montgomery’s crime ring

Melissa Montgomery (Barbara Pollard) appeared in Season 4 as Nick’s sister, but was quickly revealed to be a villain and criminal mastermind behind Virgin River’s drug ring. Brady was initially caught up in their plans, but broke free when he teamed up with Mike and the police to take them down. As the action took place on the premises of his glamping business, Jack also found himself in the game – unfortunately it cost him when the FBI took over the premises to investigate Melissa’s business.

Mel and Jack suffered a devastating loss

Tragedy strikes again for our tormented lovers: Mel and Jack’s relationship suffers a devastating loss after Mel suffers a miscarriage and questions whether she is biologically destined to give birth. It was a controversial act, and Breckenridge said afterward, “I know there are a lot of fans who aren’t happy and I have compassion and I understand it, I really understand it.” But I felt especially towards women who suffering from infertility, obliged to be as grounded as possible,” he said, saying that the characters “will start a family in a different way in the future.”

Brie stood up for herself in court, broke up with Brady, and eventually got together with Mike

Bries’ (Zibby Allen) season five was all about new beginnings. She faced her perpetrator in court, shook off the slander against her and finally achieved justice. Mike (Mike Grazzini) was unexpectedly there for her in her moment of need and brought them closer together. Meanwhile, Brie’s distrust of Brady (Ben Hollingsworth) increased during his undercover work, leading her to believe he was still involved in a crime. Brie broke up with Brady after he got involved with Mike, which broke many fans’ hearts. It wasn’t long before the chemistry between Brie and Mike began to crackle, finally giving the “Won’t You” couple the chance to make a fresh start together.

A huge fire swept through the city

Virgin River is always full of chaos, but in Season 5, things reached a dangerous new height when a massive forest fire devastated the idyllic town. The community rallied to fight the flames, and Hope stepped up to help rescue residents, despite the ongoing vote of no confidence in her mayoralty. They have to clear the illegal marijuana farm in the forest, where Brady meets the young mother Lark (Elise Gatien). Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny (Kai Bradbury) also almost got caught in the flames! Luckily, the town banded together to save each other, and a clever idea from Hope (with the help of some planes) saved the day.

Preacher and Kaia lit their own fire

Preacher’s (Colin Lawrence) love life also heats up in Season 5 with the arrival of Kaia (Kandyse McClure), a fearless firefighter with plenty of courage left. Kaia arrived on the scene like a true hero and delivered the baby of a woman who had gone into labor during the fire evacuation. Mel joined her on Facetime. Preacher and Kaia quickly hit it off and their connection gives Preacher a much-needed chance at romance, but they still have problems thanks to Kaia’s eager commitment to work and her ex/colleague who is determined to keep it that way. Luckily, by the end of the season, Kaia puts a lot of emphasis on her relationship and becomes Virgin River’s new fire chief – a clear sign that she wants to stay.

The preacher could also be burned by his past

But as we know, Preacher has his own secrets – ones that keep coming back to haunt him. In the season five finale, Kaia receives a call from her boss saying that a body was found in the woods during the cleanup after the fire. This definitely has to be the body of Paige’s husband, the corrupt police officer Wes, whom she killed in self-defense. What does this have to do with Preacher? Well, he buried the body to protect Paige and her son, and Wes’ brother Vince just told the cops what happened when he was taken into custody, so it shouldn’t be too long before they find out add one up.

Muriel and Cameron have also found a spark

Season 5 also saw a more unexpected romance: Muriel and Dr. Cameron Hayek discovered a surprising connection when she took a part-time job at Doc’s clinic after Mel left. At first they flirted lightly, but when she moved in temporarily, their feelings quickly escalated. Once they got the green light from Doc, they were ready to take it to the next level (including a big, show-stopping number in the Christmas revue), but the arrival of Cameron’s ex at the end of the season could spell turbulence for their sweet couple, especially after Muriel told him she never wanted children.

Lizzie and Denny start a family

In another unexpected twist, young lovers Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny (Kai Bradbury) become pregnant and decide to start a family, all while trying to come to terms with Denny’s fatal Huntington’s diagnosis. Lizzie also received a major career advancement in Season 5 when Hope hired her as Chief of Staff for Virgin River.

Calvin is the father of Charmaine’s twins – and she finally gave birth!

It only took five seasons, but Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley) finally gave birth to the twins. And we learned all about why she lied and said Jack was the father. It turns out that it was the local crime boss Calvin who was actually the twins’ father, and he is not dead. He faked his death, and after helping the FBI bring down Melissa Montgomery, the Charges against him dropped. Good news for Calvin, but probably not for Charmaine.

Mel found her biological father

Speaking of bio-fathers: Mel went looking for her own father in the two-part Christmas part of the fifth season. After her sister discovered a hidden trove of love letters between her mother and a mysterious man, Mel learned that her father was also hers. Virgin River – what are the chances? She had to do a lot of research to find the man named Everett Reed (John Allen Nelson), only to have her heart broken when he rejected her. In the final moments of season five, he returns, admits that he is her father, and in classic soapy cliffhanger tradition, he has a secret “something important” to tell her.

Brady is played by his new girlfriend

After being heartbroken by his breakup with Brie, Brady begins moving on with Lark, the woman he helped rescue from the fire. The two seem so sweet, and Brady even develops a bond with her daughter, but the poor guy just can’t seem to shake off his criminal past. It turns out that Lark is working with Jimmy (Ian Tracey), an old rival of Brady’s from his criminal days, who we see calling out from prison in the final minutes of season five. Who the hell is Jimmy again? He was Calvin’s henchman who was involved in the investigation into Jack’s shooting and had Brady killed in prison. Some grudges die hard!

Anything else?

Jack made one of Mel’s dreams come true for Christmas and finally gave her the pony that she had always had on her wish list – well, he gave her a puppy named “Pony” who was very cute.

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