Virgin River offers the high drama and intense romance stories that made it one of Netflix's biggest original shows, but the best episodes of Virgin River highlight how great the series can be. The show follows Melinda “Mel” Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse who seeks a fresh start after a personal tragedy, moving to a remote California town and joining the small doctor's office there. Along with searching for purpose, she unexpectedly finds a new romance in the form of local bartender Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson).
Debuting in 2019, Virgin River gradually gained popularity among fans who were drawn to the poignant central romance as well as the stories of this fascinating community. Virgin River season 6 has arrived on Netflix, bringing a new batch of episodes that will answer many fans' burning questions while setting the stage for a new drama to unfold. This is the perfect time to look back at the series so far and the best episodes of Virgin River that made it a success.
15
A wounded heart
Season 1, Episode 4
As much as Virgin River impressed fans with its ability to improve over time, there are a number of early episodes that attracted viewers. Virgin River'A Wounded Heart' season 1 really delves into the drama of the series as tensions rise regarding Hope's recent heart attack. As Mel and Hope's other loved ones try to talk to her, she continues to insist that she is fine.
This episode helps set the premise for what would become a very successful series. While the Virgin River the characters were still being assembled, the show managed to make the audience invest in them and their stories. The episode highlights the intense and fun dynamics of the relationship through heartfelt dialogue and well-written character moments.. Hope especially stands out in this episode as a lively but complicated character worth rooting for.
14
Talk to me
Season 4, Episode 8
Virgin River is at its best when The show mixes elements of crowd-pleasing romance with some intriguing drama between the characters. In that sense, this episode delivers exactly what fans love about the series. As season four begins to reach its final chapters, “Talk to Me” continues the drama as Lizzie struggles after discovering a secret about Denny and a worried Mel cheats on Joey despite planning a surprise for her.
This episode sums up everything that makes Mel one of the Virgin Riverof the most likable characters, as she struggles to balance her love for two people without losing either of them. The episode also balances the sweetness of a key moment between Nate and Joey with Jack's painful drinking struggles. It's a perfect example of how the series was able to build tension and excitement as it approached its season finale, ensuring viewers remained hooked.
13
Fire and rain
Season 4, Episode 10
The 10th episode of Virgin River'Fire and Rain' season four involves Charmaine's baby shower, which Jack is involved in against his will. Meanwhile, drama unfolds between Mel and Cassandra that will guide their stories for the remainder of the season. However, the most dramatic revelation comes with the return of Paige, who came to tell the story, only to return just in time to complicate Preacher's relationship with Julia.
With Paige's revelation, as well as the drama surrounding Christopher's kidnapping, it's an emotional episode leading up to the season finale.
Although Mel and Jack remain one of the strongest relationships on the show, some of the show's best moments come when each member of the couple is left alone.. This episode offers a lot of that, showing Jack's good heart in helping Charmaine. With Paige's revelation, as well as the drama surrounding Christopher's kidnapping, it's an emotional episode leading up to the season finale.
12
Under fire
Season 1, Episode 5
In “Under Fire”, Jack and Mel find themselves in a timer scenario when they are dispatched to an illegal marijuana farm to tend to the gunshot wound suffered by the boss. While at work, Mel helps one of the marijuana growers deliver the baby. Meanwhile, Doc finds himself in the middle of a fight between Hope and Charmaine when he discovers that Doc had an affair with one of her relatives. In the end, Mel consoles Jack about a nightmare he had about his time in the Marines.
While interesting, some may find the weed farm aspects a bit over the top from what the show had been up to that point, briefly turning it into a drug crime series. However, it also adds some emotions to the show and shows how the series can branch out into other areas effectively without feeling too shocking to the audience.
11
Let's mingle
Season 1, Episode 6
The night before Virgin River's annual dance gala, “Moonlight Mingle”, Mel receives a visit from her sister Joey (Jenny Cooper). In the mix, Paige (Lexa Doig) is upset when she meets a man and temporarily loses her son, Chris (Chase Petriw). When Doc sets up a meeting with a lawyer to discuss his divorce from Hope, he is furious when she doesn't show up to the meeting. Upon reconsidering, Doc realizes how heartbroken Hope is over the breakup.
The partner-swapping dance is a perfect backdrop for the town to allow its never-ending drama to unfold and the episode certainly delivers on that tease.. Interestingly, it's a controversial initial episode for Jack, as he doesn't fare so well in his treatment of Charmaine. However, it's really an episode about love blossoming with Jack and Mel's romance beginning to grow, as well as the connection between Paige and Preacher.
10
Bombshell news
Season 4, Episode 9
“Bombshells”, the aptly named ninth episode of Virgin River'In the fourth season, tensions rise as mysteries begin to be unraveled regarding recent disappearances. After his disappearance in the previous episode, Jack's trauma and drinking problem are brought to the forefront of the story. The search for Calvin also escalates, with the episode's B plot proving once again that Brie and Mike deserve their own spinoff.
This episode includes everything fans of Virgin River have come to love the series, including shocking endings that leave audiences needing more. “Bombshells” does just that, with a sudden explosion forcing fans to watch just one more episode to see how things play out. However, Jack finally addressing his issues also feels like a huge win in the chaotic episode, showing a big moment of character growth that was certainly needed.
9
Again
Season 4, Episode 11
There are some moments in the series that defined Virgin River like a spectacle. The fact that one of them happens in “Once Again” easily cements it as one of the best episodes of the series. In the penultimate episode of Virgin River In Season 4, Hope once again struggles to accept care from the people who love her, sparking a heated argument with Vernon and an emotional conversation with Mel.
Although things start out on a slightly downbeat note, “Once Again” quickly becomes one of the most emotional episodes of Virgin Riveruntil now, as the episode ends with an emotional and long-awaited marriage proposal that is sure to keep fans talking for months to come. While a lot can be said about Hope's character in this episode, Jack's proposal to Mel was a moment in the making for four seasons and easily steals the show.
8
If the truth is told
Season 1, Episode 7
In the seventh episode of Season 1, John “Preacher” Middleton (Colin Lawrence) discovers a harrowing secret that has the potential to destroy the entire town. Meanwhile, Mel faces her troubled past as a postpartum depressed widow. The episode involves Jack confronting Charmaine over their complicated relationship. Furthermore, Letty also has health problems.
The first episodes of Virgin River can sometimes be accused of moving slowly. “If Truth Be Told” is an episode that's very much about moving on. The series' main characters make big moves, including revelations about Mel's past and the end of Jack's relationship with Charmaine. It provides the information viewers needed as well as the moments they wanted, which helps the show evolve at a pivotal moment in its first season. If this had happened much later, fans might have given up on getting answers.
7
Dangers Ahead
Season 2, Episode 9
In the penultimate episode of Season 2, Mel makes a dogged attempt to find Jack when he disappears after discovering a shocking secret about Calvin's nefarious dealings. Meanwhile, Hope begins to wonder about Doc's fidelity when she finds a troubling voicemail. As the police try to solve the case involving the dead hiker, Preacher considers getting a new job in San Francisco to keep the pressure off him.
While it won't work for every fan of the series, Calvin is a fun villain who adds flare to the series.
This was one of the episodes that highlighted the most intense and exciting aspects of the series' crime story.. While it won't work for every fan of the series, Calvin is a fun villain who adds flare to the series. That was certainly true, as her heated conversation with Jack made the show's stoic hero seem much more vulnerable and promised more danger to come.
6
…And found
Season 1, Episode 3
In the third frame of the inaugural season, Lily confesses to being the mother of baby Jack (Martin Henderson) found in a laundry basket in the season premiere. In turn, Mel admits to having lost her own baby and considering suicide as a result of postpartum depression. Elsewhere, Mel meets Jack's girlfriend Charmaine for the first time. Later, Hope (Annette O'Toole) collapses on her doorstep due to lack of oxygen and Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) promises to take care of her properly.
While Jack and Mel never fit into the enemies-to-lovers romance archetypes, this episode showed the initial tension that clearly existed between them, causing them to fight while also making it seem like a relationship was inevitable. All in all, this is a standout episode for Mel and reveals a lot about her pain. Alexandra Breckenridge gives an exceptional performance that is both powerful and moving.
5
Unexpected endings
Season 1, Episode 10
The strong first season of Virgin River came to an end with a mix of good and bad news. Much of the episode's drama revolves around Charmaine's decision to keep Jack's baby and the impact that choice has on Mel. Hope reads Charmaine's letter and informs Mel about the baby she intends to keep. Devastated, Mel vows to end her romance with Jack and put Virgin River in her past. Meanwhile, Paige begins to be more honest with Preacher about her abusive ex-partner.
It was an episode that helped establish Virgin River as a program worth watching next season.
The highlighted ending how effective Virgin River aims to amplify the drama while giving fans those winning moments they want to see. It was frustrating and heartbreaking to see Mel and Jack's growing relationship seemingly destroyed. However, there were also some great moments with Paige trusting Preacher and Doc convincing Mel to stay. It was an episode that helped establish Virgin River as a program worth watching next season.
4
Everyone has a secret
Season 1, Episode 9
1st season of Virgin River it had a lot to do with laying the necessary groundwork for the characters, the relationships and the many different stories. However, As the first season neared its end, the show began to really gain momentum in creating the gripping drama that made it such a binge-worthy Netflix series.. “Everybody Has a Secret” begins when Hope begs Jack to finally read the letter given to him by Charmaine. Meanwhile, Mel feels ready to move forward in her relationship with Jack after their first kiss in the previous episode.
The relationship dynamics were really starting to take shape, with Jack and Mel's relationship feeling strong but also threatened by Jack's involvement with Charmine. Along with all the relationship drama, the show also featured some major medical drama with Mel and Doc investigating a family that was mysteriously ill. All in all, it's one of the first episodes to give an idea of how big the series would become.
3
Exploded
Season 2, Episode 10
Virgin River has always stood out in season finales with “Blow Away” ending the second season in a memorable way. Much of the conclusion revolves around Preacher's criminal exploits and his decision to remain in the city rather than flee to San Francisco. As Doc and Hope, who have remarried, return home for a surprise party, Mel finds Jack beaten and bloodied in her bar due to his involvement with Calvin.
The cliffhanger ending alludes to the fact that the drug war between Calvin's operation and the townspeople of Virgin River is just beginning, while also leaving Jack's fate questionable until the next season. However, Even with that emotional ending, it's the relationships that shine in this episode. The charm of Doc and Hope rekindling their romance is a big winner, but it also marks a key moment in the relationship between Mel and Jack, when they finally admit their love for each other.
2
To the light
Season 1, Episode 8
Although romantic relationships in Virgin River are exciting and a big part of the show's popularity, the community aspect of the titular town also provides a lot of charm and is wonderfully highlighted in this episode. When a powerful storm hits Virgin River and knocks out power, the townspeople seek refuge at Jack's bar. Mel has difficulty dealing with a nightmare in which she relives her husband's death. She comes out of her funk by helping an uninsured tow truck driver fix his broken hand.
In addition to all the thrills of the storm, there's also some intrigue with Preacher investigating Paige's past and uncovering her criminal secrets. However, It's a cool episode to see everyone together, even if the weather is pushing it.. In the end, Jack surprises Mel by taking her to the new cabin he made to ensure her long-term stay. This is another key moment for the couple, as they kiss and begin to explore their attraction to each other.
1
The long goodbye
Season 4, Episode 12
With a marriage proposal to end the previous episode, fans knew they were in for a rollercoaster ride at the end of Season 4 of Virgin River, titled “The Long Goodbye”. There are some truly crowd-pleasing moments in this episode, like Mel and Jack's engagement, confirmation that Jack is the father of Mel's babyor Brady's dismissal. However, what will likely please viewers is the episode's monumental ending, in which certain lies are revealed and a beloved character almost meets a grisly and untimely end.
As a season finale, Virgin RiverThe fourth season of comes out impressively strong. There's a mix of good and bad with all of Jack and Mel's good news combined with some notable characters leaving Virgin River. The show is able to wrap up several of the major storylines in a satisfying way while also teasing a future that is exciting enough to ensure fans come back for more.