Virgin River Season 5 Part 1 and Part 2 Spoilers Ahead
Virgin River Season 5 is the most questionable chapter of the show to date, with multiple storylines that don’t work. And where it’s leading doesn’t leave enough room to be excited, either. Part of the reason shows like this work is because viewers are searching for light and breezy content. It’s why so many of us often rewatch shows like Hart of Dixie or Gilmore Girls.
Still, if it weren’t for the last two episodes of the season highlighting the holidays, I would’ve abandoned the series at this point. Ultimately, these final two episodes prove the show can be good if it sticks to the romance and character dynamics, forgoing the crime drama it’s trying hard to mimic. Drama can come from anywhere—narratives don’t always need harsh betrayals and one underground crime ring after another to be engaging. At the same time, the series doesn’t need to continue torturing its characters when we could have episodes that are more honest and hopeful.
In every way, the Virgin River Season 5 holiday episodes showcase what the series can be like if it allows its character to deal with real-life obstacles that don’t feel fabricated. For instance, seeing where Mel and Charmaine are today versus where the women were when the show began provides the imperative growth to exhibit what it’s like to learn from mistakes and lean on other people. Charmaine used to be a character I couldn’t stand, yet I found myself moved to tears when she gave birth to the twins.
The same can be said about the development we have between Doc, Hope, Danny, and Lizzie. These contained relationships that later spread out throughout the town are the balms that keep the series wholesome and delightful. Even the budding romance between Mike and Bree is lovely. Did we need Muriel and Cam’s awkward romance? Nope. It’s almost as though the series feels like if it doesn’t throw in new development left and right, it’d lose all its charm. But the appeal isn’t in the drama—it’s in the characters and their everyday lives. (The everyday things, not the theatrics.) It’s frustrating to think that series developers don’t understand that people are still willing to watch (and read) things long after the happy ending and the drama.
For instance, Mel’s birth father’s plot works entirely to reveal a believable and realistic twist. The ending with Brady and Lark nearly ruined what could’ve been a solid two-episode spectacle. Virgin River Season 5 tries too hard when it needs to step back and just be—exist in a place where things can be calm and normal. The dynamics work, the relationships feel entirely earned, and the characterizations are fantastic, but the drama continues to be Virgin River’s downfall.
Still, if nothing else, it’ll always be great when a show chooses to focus episodes on the holidays, giving viewers something to revisit year-round. It provides the series with room to play with lighter storylines like tree decorating contests, typical family drama many viewers know of, and tons of sweet moments between couples. These episodes would’ve been absolute aces if it weren’t for the irksome revelations.
Virgin River Season 5 Part 1 and Part 2 are now streaming on Netflix.