Spoiler alert: We’re breaking down the premiere of Virgin River Season 5, now (literally) streaming on Netflix. Haven’t watched yet? You’ve been warned.
Greetings, fellow Virgins! … That is what we’re calling ourselves, right? … Screw it, we can workshop the name of the fandom later. We have far more pressing matters to discuss at the moment.
While a full calendar year has passed here in the real world since Season 4, only a few hours have ticked by in the time-defiant universe that is Virgin River, with the premiere picking up shortly after the revelation that Jack is not the father of Charmaine’s… offspring? It doesn’t feel right to call them babies. We only know that Charmaine is their mother, which means they’re at least 50% demonic. Genetically speaking.
The premiere also picks up immediately following Vince’s arrest, which is great news for Preacher and Paige… until it isn’t. Though Paige is relieved that she and Christopher no longer have to live in fear, she also concludes that they need a fresh start far, far away from Virgin River. This turns out to be a dealbreaker for Preacher, who isn’t ready to say goodbye to this quaint-yet-cursed little corner of the world just yet. Instead, he says goodbye to Paige and Christopher as they drive out of his life, possibly forever. To add insult to injury, he breaks up with Julia to be with Paige, so he technically loses two girlfriends in one episode. It’s pathetic, but also kind of impressive?
Elsewhere in the premiere…
* Someone throws a rock through the window of Brie’s new rental house, but who? Could it be her abusive ex trying to intimidate her from testifying against him in court? Or is it one of Melissa Montgomery’s associates sending a message to Brady that he better start following orders? (My money’s on Bert the tow-truck driver, that little fentanyl fiend.)
* Hope discovers that several members of the town council are conspiring to oust her as mayor, which means that Virgin River is now also a political thriller.
* Lizzie forgives Denny for concealing his diagnosis and agrees to officially give their relationship another go. Meanwhile, Ricky is crying off screen and doesn’t know why.
* Tara’s sister Ava comes to town and forms an immediate bond with Mel, which comes in handy when Ava faces a sudden medical emergency at the end of the hour. Truly, there is no one better to have with you during a crisis than the future Mrs. Jack Sheridan. Like, oh, your pilot is having a heart attack mid-flight? Don’t worry, she’s got this.
* Most importantly, Mel sees Jack chopping wood, asks if he’s upset, then tells him, “You tend to chop wood when you’re upset.” It’s the best thing anyone has said about Jack since Brie theorized that he “came out of the womb wearing a button-down flannel.”
Grade Virgin River‘s long-awaited return via our poll below, then drop a comment with your thoughts on the premiere, from Preacher’s doomed love life to the show’s (mostly) friendly new faces.
Was a little disappointed in first episode. Love Mel and Jack. Jacks line about karma giving Charmaine a ride was best part of episode. Some of these actors arent meant to be leads or given more screentime. I dont care about Denny, Cameron, etc
Guy who plays Preacher and Cameron aren’t really working for me. Feels like there was a change in showrunner after season 2. The tone changed after that for me.
Loved every minute of this Season it was Really Really good, sad though for Mel & Jack, didn’t think they would do that, we need to now Solve this Strike so we can get cracking on the next Season for the Fans sake, as it’s going to be a long time before we see anymore. Let’s hope we get good news for Mel & Jack in future Seasons.
Having binged the whole season BEST EVER! Don’t want to give anything away but I cannot wait to start over and watch it again.
You wait too long for new material, it is easy to lose interest. There are so many quality shows it was not worth the wait.
I really struggled with this season. I don’t expect shows to be light and fluffy all the time, but the endless series of tragedies heaped on these characters is really hard to watch. There need to be some hope to hold onto, and this season really lacked that. I’m not sure if I’ll stick in there for remaining seasons.
It takes writers, actors,set designers plus more to bring us an exciting show called Virgin River! I read a lot. But am so glued to this series on Netflix. The first few seasons captured my attention. This season has found my tears in the courtroom, in the medical facility when Mel keeps on doing what’s right. Good, honest people of. Virgin River show viewers what’s possible when a community cares for one another. Haven’t finished! So far I’m more than impressed!
You just couldn’t let Mel and Jack be happy. They are forever being put to the test…. But losing the baby, that was just wrong
Kinda like Jamie and Claire….
I love it just the way it is!!!!!
Bert got fentanyl transfer from trying to help that guy change his tire. The fentanyl was in the wheel well of the spare tire.When he got cut by the spare, the fentanyl got on his skin. Actually, fentanyl doesn’t even need to go into a cut, as it can go through the skin.
I wish Preacher the best of luck in his quest to find a dating partner. Also why of all things, does Mel & Jack have to go through the aftermath of losing their child? Does that really add to the story? Just asking.