Virgin River Boss Explains [Spoiler]’s Reduced Presence in Season 3
Warning: Mild spoilers from Virgin River Season 3 ahead. Haven’t watched? Get to streaming!
There’s an undeniable feeling of hopelessness in Virgin River‘s just-released third season — and we do mean that with a capital H.
As revealed in the Netflix drama’s Season 3 premiere, Hope (played by Annette O’Toole) is away visiting family in South Carolina. And while she’s still able to keep in contact with Doc through the magic of FaceTime, that’s all viewers are going to get this time around. Without giving too much away, we’ll just say that a series of unfortunate events keeps prolonging Hope’s trip, preventing her from physically returning to Virgin River this season.
“It was totally [a result of the] pandemic,” showrunner Sue Tenney tells TVLine. “[O’Toole] was not able to travel, so we had to pivot. I actually really like what we came up with, though. I think it works really well. Keeping her present on the show, even though she’s only actually in a couple of episodes, was paramount. She’s talked about, I keep her in the forefront.”
When last we saw Hope, she and Doc were being ambushed with a surprise engagement party, just as he was about to reveal a troubling diagnosis. With Hope temporarily out of the picture, Doc relies on those closest to him — including Mel and, of course, the ever-available Muriel — for support.
How do you feel about Hope’s absence in the new episodes? Thoughts on Season 3 in general? Whatever’s on your mind, drop it in a comment below.
It doesn’t bother me that Hope’s not going to be there I don’t like hope if you get rid of her it wouldn’t bother me so she’s just worthless on the show I don’t like her so I’m glad you won’t be there thank you for letting me know
Seems that you aren’t a fan of punctuation either!😂
LOL!
That’s not very nice you should keep your opinions to yourself if they are negatively wrote.
She’s entitled to her opinion, just like you are to yours.
I agree. Was never a big fan of Hope. She was like nails on a chalkboard. Love the show and less of Hope is best.
Totally agree actually enjoyed season 3 alot more without her
Love Charmaine this season. She has moved on with her life. Mel on the other hand is disappointing. She impregnates herself with her deceased husband’s baby, but tells Jack she loves him. How ridiculous is that. Walk away Jack. Season wasn’t the same without Hope. Hope she return next season.
Interesting that you see it that way. A woman wants children and is willing to help raise another woman’s unplanned children but the dad dumps her because it may be too much for him to give her a child that would be planned and loved. Breaks her heart and you think he should walk away from her? He already did.🤔
I want Hope back as well. 🙂
I agree 100%! Jack seemed indecisive and and non-dependable. I do feel like Mel jumped the gun with the baby but isn’t that how real life is sometimes? We get hurt and have a knee jerk reaction that isn’t always the best path. Jack is interesting because he began as a character who seemed to know exactly what he wanted and didn’t want (Charmaine)in life but with a few demons haunting him from his time in the Marines. I enjoy Hope’s character. She’s not like everyone else and that’s what makes her a fabulous addition to the show. She’s like salt. A little bit makes everything better, too much spoils the meal. Docs devotion to Hope also sustains her has someone we clearly don’t know completely yet because we can’t see everything he sees in Hope, but his love and admiration for her makes me want to love her too. All in all I like the show.
Good points Sherry, I liked Jack in season 1 but after that he lost my admiration. I think he’s just a lot like other people we meet in our real lives, I love you, I’m here for you whenever you need, but unless your need interferes with my own wants and needs then I will have a good excuse why I can’t be there for you. He’s got this attitude that he has to be everybody’s hero, but makes excuses when it doesn’t serve him.
Hard to follow your explanation, but I’m only on epi 2 on Season 3
I was disappointed with season 3 it’s like nothing really moved forward
I agree. This season was disappointing. Nothing really happened and “romantic Jack” in the beginning was overdone and a little unbelievable.
This season felt like a lot of series that are based on the idea of “will they or won’t they.” Once they put the couple together, it’s like they don’t know what to do with them except create reasons to tear them apart again.
Totally agree and Jack who was critically shot makes an amazing recovery in 3 weeks was disappointed with that .
I also found Season 3 depressing. It seemed that everything that took place was sad. Was any character happy?
Charmaine is in a borderline abusive relationship. She’s a doll or trophy that Todd parades around. She subjugates herself in the relationship to the point that she’s allowing Todd to steal Jack’s kids. It’s infuriating. Charmaine has not moved on. She’s as petty and manipulative as ever.
I agree with you xss, Charmaine is sneaky,and petty. I really hope the babies turn out not to be Jacks’.
True charmaine is doing herbthinh and hope will bounce back
Really disappointing that you see it that way. She was upfront with Jack and said she wanted to try for a child. He said he didn’t and broke up with her. Was she supposed to wait around for him to change his mind? Instead of be an adult and take him at his word?
Her wants didn’t change. He just clarified his.
Plus, I imagine as someone with fertility problems age doesn’t work in her favor. And waiting around for a man to maybe change his mind isn’t a luxury she has.
Hope, is a goud person she keeps people together
Oh, I love Annette Otoole. Her portrayal of Hope brings a lot to the show. She is one of the main reasons I watch.
I think that’s really rude! You should comments like that off here. Alot of us people like Hope and her craziness she gets herself into. Please bring Hope back in Season 4.
I typically don’t like characters like this, but O’Toole plays her so well and she has enough redeeming qualities that I like her. I think she and Doc are meant to be togethe.
I totally agree, she’s a buzz-kill
I like Hope and O’Toole plays her quite well! All relationships have different dynamics and she brings one into the show that is outspoken and rough around the edges but she definitely has her redeeming qualities that you absolutely love! Can’t wait for her to be back 😁
Have you looked her up (Hope) to see her picture 30 years ago. She was beautiful. She just needs to calm down. I love the show but I agree that Jack needs to straighten out and get really serious for season 4.
I would like Hope to return. I think of them as surrogate parents to Mel.
Not upset by this at all. Not a fan of this nosey, interferring character. Would not miss her
Season 3 moved fast…sorry that the character Hope was MIA… we all must know someone like her.. there should be a season 4..one can’t stand all those cliffhangers. The show writings were great, keep it going… let’s not wait forever. thanks
I like the character of Hope. She’s high energy and keeps things moving. I will miss her presence but I feel the show will still be good.
There have been other shows this year in which older actors appeared infrequently or only by video chat (such as F. Murray Abraham in “Mythic Quest”). I’m all for doing whatever it takes to make sure Annette O’Toole and her husband, Michael McKean, stay healthy.
I like her and am glad you found a way to keep the story line going. It’s the quirky, and yes, sometimes annoying, characters that keep the spice and interest going.
I don’t like hopes character. I don’t miss her!
Sorry to hear that because she keeps things quirky and interesting. Covid created issues in many places.
Best thing I have watched on Netflix. Its life and I think its great acting all around.
Hope is necessary in this show. PLEASE bring her back!
I love love love Hope and want her to return. I consider her a main and important character.
yes, for sure.
Glad Hope isn’t on the show. Breath of positive fresh air. Jack unfortunately isn’t looking as hot. What happened? Age a factor I know but what about coolness?
very disappointed in VR. Seems to mostly be about the sex lives of 4 couples and no plots or story being told.
Totally agree. Just what I said to my daughter.
Missing Hope in the storyline.
Why bring Paige’s sonback and not Paige,?
Totally agree, no great story lines. Stories were quick and over…Very disappointed
This third series is so lacking interest. Did the writers run out of ideas so to fill the hour they just have the actors kissing, kissing, kissing. Scenes change quickly with no lead up and only assumptions that you have guessed what happened in between. Blah.
This is too bad. I’m done.
Exactly ! I Wonder if the writers are all men and if they are just writing out their own twisted fantasy of everyone break up and try someone different
It was a great story with lots of life issues now it’s just a line if who’s doing who – who’s cheating who and who’s gonna cheat on who
Sad … writers careers seem bleak
I agree 💯 not much story line just a bunch of sex, very disappointed.
I missed Hope a lot. She is quite a unique character and adds so much flavor to the series.
Wondering why after 3 seasons, one year has not yet passed in Virgin River time?
I wondered that as well. Will Chloe ever grow lol…
Hate not seeing her
I really like Hope. She is an important thread who stitches together a lot of loose ends BRING HER BACK! Crazy at the beginning of season 3 ..first scene shows Jack Near death and suddenly he’s flipping burgers at a bbq??? not realistic. when did jack’s sister appear…she just shows up with no fanfare..no background Seems like writers want to rush this season.
I agree. It’s now summer in Virgin River and Charmaine doesn’t even have a baby bump. And with twins. Surely she must be 4-5 months pregnant and is flat as a pancake!
So many misses…Jack’s gun shot is just passed over to him barbecuing? Hopes missing, which frankly no one really cares bc shes so annoying..and Sharmane is engaged with no baby bump after knowing a guy 3 weeks? What guy marries a woman he hardly knows for 3 weeks pregnant with another man’s babies??? This season seems rushed. Jack’s sister shows up with no explanation or information about her…just saying..it could have been more realistic..but glad it’s back.
I agree Pam
Same with Lilly, has pancreatic cancer, no sign of an illness and dies? I felt it was all abt sex and making out
I think Hope was great and was one of the best characters on the show
It was a very bad portrayal of Pancreatic Cancer. My mom died from it slowly and , painfully. This is not how a cancer death looks. More like heart failure….
Pancreatic Cancercan be like that, I had a patient who came into Emerg with a bad stomach ache, and died six weeks later, never even came out of hospital. That is why it’s rare to hear of someone surviving it. It has to be caught really early to have a good outcome. Lilly’s pregnancy and PPD would have obscured some markers for sure. (Former Cancer Researcher here)
Agreed Pam! Wasn’t a fan of this season either!
Wow – thought it was just me. No sign of pregnancy and she’s almost in her third trimester ….. with twins!
I thoroughly agree…Why is everything rushed through with no explanation of what really happened in-between? I keep thinking I missed and episode but when I check I apparently haven’t.
Ann I totally did the same thing…. Twice!!
Critically injured Jack is back at the bbq 3 weeks later very unrealistic no hospital scenes no cliffhangers is he going to make it nothing just back .
I agree, but the man she is with, she needs to get rid of him, he is controlling her, and her discussions
Absolutely! He seems like a real douchebag-controlling and to ask Jack to give up his kids is mind blowing! Who wrote this season?? Go back to the drawing boards if this is what Season 4 will look like!!
I totally agree
I thought she already had the babies
I agree about the twin pregnancy,no baby bump?
And with the other baby, Chloe, she was still very small.
Too much kissing, to fill airtime. The scenes are a bit choppy, not smooth, moving to next scene.
Charmaine doesn’t look pregnant and less pregnant for twins. She should be way bigger than portrait. I love these series. Beautiful scenery..
Please continue..
I was concerned also about not seeing any signs of pregnancy.I have the feeling that those twins will not be Jacks.Just saying!
I agree., I guess Mel will end up having a baby before her … lol
My feelings exactly…how can she be pregnant with twins and not even show at all?
I agree I had twins and I couldn’t see mt feet for at least 8 months
I agree
I agree, she is an important part of the show please bring her back. It’s very boring without her.
I agree!
Mel needs to be more realisticEverything is always ok with Mel. She’s hard to relate to. She needs some character building.
Almost everyone has a Hope in their life and Annette O’Toole is just the actress to pull off this obnoxious, yet fly by the seat of your pants character. She does add flavor, which is more then I can say for drool Mel who is boring and has no chemistry with Jack!
HOPE needs to come back to put Muriel in her place. At first, I thought Charmaine already had the twins, yet she’s engaged to another man thing ? Seems the writers skipped over something important to the story
Hope is an important character in this show. She keep us guessing and fun to watch her flip the script. Hope she comes back. This season is boring and so mushy and predictable.
I agree with you Sandi. I found myself looking forward to the end of the first episode in season 3. Jack is just the most wonderful, sexiest, thoughtful, everything guy – it gets a bit much. And how many lovey dovey scenes can they fit in each episode? I am not sure I will be watching any more.
That first episode was not good…the jump from the hospital to a barbecue was jarring and confusing. I was starting to worry we were going to end up with the Dallas “it was all a dream” situation. All of the men were annoying this season. Doc and Preacher were probably the least annoying, but even they had their moments. None of them seemed to hear what the women were saying, and Jack is actually coming across as creepy this season for me. There were a lot of storylines that were less than credible. I’m not sure if I’ll continue or not. Part of the original draw was that I live in the area they refer to, but beautiful scenery that’s actually from Canada and the fun of hearing your area mentioned so much can only carry it so far.
Same!! Was very bored this third season and not showing Jack in the hospital and him back at work just fine (only aged 25 years) as he looks old and no baby bump or twins after two long years ???? Not impressed with season at all
Okay, I guess most people really like Hope! I find her obnoxious and cloying, but now I’m thinking I’ll stick around to find out what Doc sees in her. There must be something. I’ll keep an open mind! The scenery is breathtaking and helps make up for Mel’s lackluster character. Ho hum. There are a lot of dangling story lines, so I’m sure there will be a season 4.
LOVED SEASON 3 I PRAY THERE WILL BE A SEASON 4 TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPEN TO PREACHER. THAT GIRL DONE SOMETHING TO HIM TO GET THAT LITTLE BOY. THAT WEIRD MAN WAS IN THE HOUSE AND HE WAS HEADING IN THE ROOM , SO PLZ LET THERE BE A SEASON 4 AND PLZ DONT MAKE US WAIT A LONG TIME.
The weird man is Christopher’s Uncle , his Dead Dads Twin Brother .
Agree, don’t take so long for the next episode. Love Hope and everyone
She is a great actor — wish we could have more of her in this season but will look forward to her presence in the future!
Not happy at all she is one of my favorite characters I love her I wish her well from reading between the lines it sounds as if she has been ill due to covet thoughts and prayers for her and hoping that she’ll be back in season 4 🙏
All I can say is there had better be a season 4
The death of Liili was so authentic…When my husband died of cancer he rallied right at tge end too
It’s called the surge. It’s a very common medical recognized occurence with terminal patients. It’s the body harnessing the last of its life force prior to death. I look at it more spiritually, I see it as the soul harnessing its remaining life force before leaving the body to say goodbye or complete unfinished business. In fact the minute Doc and Tara mentioned how well she seemed, I knew she was not going to wake up. By the way, since we are all going to die, Lily’s death was how we all wish to die. No intense lingering suffering, she just died peacefully in her sleep after a day of being surrounded by loved ones. I believe she was ready to go, not frightened of death and her şoul just let go and left her mortal vessel. We should all be so lucky our time comes.
I agree!
It was bad enough losing Lilly but I was going crazy waiting for Hope to get back. I kept on saying “they better NOT kill her off too!” I love Annette O and it is awesome to see her playing a part like Hope. She helps make the show!!
I wish that Mel would have transferred the money to help the family prior to Lilli’s death, so she would have had the comfort of knowing that her children were going to be financially ok after her death.
Thank goodness! She is the most annoying character on the show!!! Would love fir her to be permanently gone from the show!
I love the character of Hope! Whatever is going on I pray all is well and she returns soon!!
I love Hope, she is unique and brings life and speed to the entire show. I miss her a lot. Without her I think show looks a bit slow, so far seen first 2 episodes. Jack, Mel, Doc & Hope, I cannot imagine Virgin River without these 4.
I think Hope is a crucial part of the show. I like her spunk and how she can read each character for how they truly are. I do not like the way Season 3 left so many loose ends with several main characters. Don’t like the fact that Mel’s baby maybe her dead husband’s. Jack deserves better than to have 3 children the way the script is headed. Let Charmaine stop running all over Jack.
She need’s to be gone and Jack need’s to have a solid relationship with Mel. He has such a good soul.
Love this show, I can’t wait for Season 4. Hope is a very bubbly character that just makes the show. I am so worried about Preacher and the little boy he was watching. To many cliff hangers at the end of Season 3.
Mariette de Villiers, loved season 3 , look forward to 4, when is it coming??????
Get her back ASAP!