Virgin River Season 6 Review: An Uplifting Warm Hug

Everyone’s favourite small-town series, Virgin River, is back for another ten episodes of shamelessly sweet soap-like storylines in season six. 

Enveloping audiences in effectively a warm hug, this season of the acclaimed Netflix show is much lighter in tone than the former one which tackled a devastating wildfire, Mel’s (Alexandria Breckenridge) miscarriage and the shocking revelation that Jack (Martin Henderson) was not actually the father to Charmaine’s twins. 

Instead, season six picks up three weeks before Mel and Jack’s wedding, when the love birds are relishing in the flirty, happy bubble that surrounds their pre-wedding bliss. There’s an infectious giddiness to their sentimentalism as they reflect on their relationship after five turbulent seasons with many speed bumps along the way, and it’s enjoyable to see the delightfully attractive duo indulge in their well-earned happy ending. 

Of course, this is Virgin River, so there’s also a fair share of health scares, work woes and complicated relationship dynamics to navigate in amongst the hen party antics and small-town melodramas, all of which the series handles with as much grace and soul as ever. 

The whole town pulls together to organise Mel and Jack’s supposedly low-key wedding under Mayor Hope’s (Annette O’Toole) meticulous instructions, but inevitably the picture-perfect ideal starts to crumble. At Mel’s dress fitting, she’s presented with the wrong dress. As such, the sewing circle pledges to transform into her own “fairy godmothers.” Meanwhile, Mel’s dad Everett is now back in the picture, which makes for an awkward position for her former father figure, Vernon (Tim Matheson), who was meant to walk her down the aisle. 

There’s also the question of Preacher’s (Colin Lawrence) future as a free man as he stands on trial for Wes’ murder, for which he’s facing life in prison. Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) is also heavily pregnant with Denny’s (Kai Bradbury) child and he’s still anxious about how his degenerative disease will impact their future. Not to mention that Calvin is back in the picture, as he tries to see his twin boys, who he shares with Charmaine, Jack’s ex-girlfriend. Throw in the ‘will they won’t they’ conundrum of former flames Brie (Zibby Allen) and Brady (Ben Hollingsworth), who continue to have palpable sexual tension even with new partners, and there’s a jam-packed season ahead. 

Netflix

Many plot points from season five resolve swiftly in the first episode to make way for much bigger storylines to develop. Mel has opened her birthing clinic, which is thriving and Doc’s eye tests come back very promising. With that settled, the focus shifts to romantic relationships, as old flames resurface and old chapters must be revisited before they can move forward.  

There’s a synergy between the past seasons and this one that makes it feel like a culmination of everything that’s come before, as well as a celebration of the positive space that most of these characters now occupy. 

Similar to the two festive episodes in season five, Virgin River comes into its element with warmer tones. The series offers a more romantic and gentle approach to the harsh realities of the world and everyday struggles. Even when darker themes arise, it’s presented in a life-affirming manner that will leave audiences hopeful for the future, whatever it may hold. 

The Hallmark movie quality of the series won’t be for everyone. Season six is potentially the most ‘marmite’ instalment to date, as it has moved away from delving into the seedy criminal underbelly of the town to showcase the quaint elements of this remote community. 

Netflix

As the series progresses, the more dramatic storylines seep through in Preacher’s trial, Brady’s relationship with Lark (who was revealed in season 5 to be convicted criminal Jimmy’s girlfriend), and various escalating health worries. There is a lot packed into these ten episodes, but as the renewal for season seven is now confirmed, it isn’t surprising that new seeds are sown ready to be resolved in the next instalment.

The most frustrating part of this season is the jarring pace, as it flits between the past and present. After Mel begins to connect with her dad, there are flashbacks to Everett meeting Mel’s mother, Sarah, as more is revealed about their love story. However, this side plot doesn’t offer much else other than a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The flashbacks could easily be skipped, as audiences will be eager to resume the main storylines to see how the present-day joys and tribulations for the residents of Virgin River unfold.

Should you watch Virgin River season 6?

Breckenridge and Henderson are at their best this season and leave audiences as besotted with them as they are with each other, while the ensemble continues to evolve and shine as a well-rounded cohort. Everyone has been bitten by the love bug this season, from Vernon and Hope to Preacher and Kaia (Kandyse McClure) and Brady and Mike, but it’s smoother sailing for some couples more than others. 

The characters feel fleshed out and familiar now, like slipping back into an old comfortable chair, and it’s one of the few long-running series to create such a standout collection of characters, all of which the audience can invest in. There’s an inviting and mesmerising atmosphere to season six, which is naturally aided by the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian mountains where the show is filmed. 

The pacing does feel overpacked at times, and some may feel that the tone edges on the overly sappy side. Nonetheless, expect some major twists and turns as the season unfolds. Overall, Virgin River continues to be beautiful escapism TV with enough charm to sway the most cynical spirit to believe in life, love and second chances. 

All episodes of season six of Virgin River are available to stream now on Netflix.