Netflix's longest-running original series, Virgin Riverhas already been renewed for season 7, but fans are still reeling from developments in the recently released season 6. Based on the series of novels by Robyn Carr, Virgin River follows the inhabitants of the titular town and their countless lives, loves and secrets. The ever-popular soap has a huge cast that includes the likes of Annette O'Toole, Tim Matheson, Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson, among many others.
Virgin River fifth season saw the introduction of Battlestar Galactica veteran Kandyse McClure as Kaia Bryant, a headstrong firefighter who ends up in a relationship with Preacher (Colin Lawrence) and may be the one to break his streak of romantic bad luck. In addition to its power to make stars Battlestar GalacticaMcClure is known to genre fans for her roles in shows like Ghost Wars, The Good Doctorand The CW's Enchanted restart.
Screen speech interviewed McClure about his work on Virgin Riverthe themes of the series and how they can be applied to life. She talked about playing Kaia and gave some insight into the character's secret history and the potential future of the series. The actress also shared some behind-the-scenes facts about the filming process and working with some of her many co-stars.
Kandyse McClure on Joining Virgin River in Season 5
“I thought I had a week and I got a call saying, 'Your call time is tomorrow at 6 a.m.'”
ScreenRant: First of all, tell me all of Annette O'Toole's secrets.
Kandyse McClure: I love Annette.
I know, me too!
Kandyse McClure: She is so amazing. God. Yes. Watching her on set is so… Because she has a theater background, right? She is so specific, so prepared and ready. But in between takes, we talked about books and everything. She is so relaxed. But then she gets in front of the camera and is in full focus. Yes. I envy that.
So she's not, and I'm assuming you're not someone who sneaks off to the trailer between takes.
Kandyse McClure: No. We usually hang out together. In the 6th season that is coming out, it was different in several aspects from my first season. For me, I only have season 5 to compare, but for me there was a very pronounced difference between season 5 and season 6. Because, well, there's so much going on! (Laughter) So many things happening! But we actually have many opportunities to be together.
Like in season 5, there was carnival, we will have a big event where we all get together, where everyone in the city is helping, doing things. And in those situations, yes, we were all on set and on location. So we took advantage of each other. We're always in and out of each other's trailers too. Like, I hang out with Colin all the time and Zibby, yeah. There are also many gift exchanges. We're always leaving things in each other's rooms.
There was an acclimation process when you came in, in Season 5, and you said, “I'm the new girl, I'm a firefighter. I’m going to fall in love with the Preacher.” They were all like, 'Who is this new lady?'
Kandyse McClure: Exactly. I have to say, my first day on set had some pretty big scenes. and something happened to the production. We were in the middle of Covid, and production did an incredible job of restructuring schedules whenever something came up, which is amazing to me because changing TV schedules is one of the hardest things. But when I joined, something happened where the date I thought I would be on set was much later than the date I was asked to be on set.
I thought I had a week and I got a call saying, “Your call time is tomorrow at 6 am.” And I'm like, “Call for what?” But it was great. I was totally ready. I was all prepared, but my first two scenes were very important! It was like I skipped the bar and everyone was there, the producers, the director and the whole new team. And I thought, okay, this is how it's going to be. Leave me, let's go get him. But I'm very comfortable on set. I mean, I've been on a set since I was 17. In fact, it's one of my favorite places to be. I know how it works, you know, the functions of it. And everyone also cares a lot about their work.
It's a very work-focused set. We are there to do a job and we want to do it in the best way possible. So that helps, there's less ego in it. We are all pulling the same chain, we are all heading in the same direction. But I had to take a breath and, like, yeah, the first scene is I walk through the doors of the bar and I'm like, “Okay, here I am, introducing myself.”
Like a debutante ball.
Kandyse McClure: Exactly. I felt like I was being introduced to society or something.
As an aside, I'm wondering now, do you have some stunts on the show. What's most stressful for you as a performer, doing these things, you know, with or without, I'm sure you have stunt doubles and stuff, but you know, doing a stunt scene or a monologue. What is more preparation and what is more stressful?
Kandyse McClure: Oh, that's a good question because they're almost two different roles. As with a monologue, the preparation is internal because you're building that private world of what you're associating these images with and where you're locating that in your body as a way of, you know, bringing reality into it. So the work is much more internal in creating the story, whereas the stunts, it's like, I have to say my line and do it at the same time, and not mess up because it's just three pyrotechnics.
They say, we can only do this feat three times, that's all we're ready for. It's the time we have. There are only three miscarriages or whatever. So you get three kicks at the can, and one of them has to work. So it's more of a talking and chewing gum situation. I also don't like loud noises. Like, my house is really quiet if I'm not playing music. So, like, the “bang”, I'm always scared that I would like to back down on camera.
Okay, those pyrotechnic explosions…
Kandyse McClure: You need to cheer yourself up, like, “Be tough, be tough!”
They have all this fire and stuff and you're like, “I thought this was a soap opera!”
Kandyse McClure: There's a lot of action in the series! I thought, they have grow operations and cartels, they have things going on!
When you were brought on in Season 5, your character was set up to be a complete storyline, but did you know you would return later? Or were you brought back in response to fans liking your character?
Kandyse McClure: Honey, this is television, there's nothing guaranteed. (Laughter) They might audition you as a recurring and say, “Ooh, we don't think so.”
You get burned in a fire, have reconstructive surgery, and suddenly you're a different person.
Kandyse McClure: Suddenly! “The character so-and-so will now be played by…” No, they don’t do that anymore. But… Like I said, it's never guaranteed. It's always a question of how the audience responds to you and whether they want to see more of you.
I was kind of nervous about it. I'm really happy that we got a positive response because I think Kaia represents… It doesn't mean there are other characters on the show that don't. I'm thinking about Zibby Allen and Alexandra's character [Breckenridge] have a modern view of relationships. But Kaia was different because she had this past, because she came from a broken relationship where there was something within the relationship that made her leave, and we don't really know what that is because she's not very open about it.
She comes to town with a bit of a selfish agenda, so we weren't sure how people would react to it, but I'm glad that someone as flawed as she is in so many ways is represented on the show, and it's an opportunity for her to recreate herself. And she really feels seen and meets someone who really appreciates her for the kind of strong, dynamic, outspoken person she is. So I'm glad that there was a place in the audience for that and that we can explore that more moving forward.
Virgin River's Kandyse McClure on Her Relationship with Preacher and the Rest of the Cast
“This relationship brings out the vulnerability of both of them.”
With Kaia's dynamic with Preacher, I like the way you said, you know, someone who can appreciate her for who she is… Is Kaia someone who accepts compliments like that? Or is she prone to self-sabotage, finding it difficult for her to fully commit to a relationship?
Kandyse McClure: Yes… Well…
I mean, don't tell me what's going to happen! But you know…
Kandyse McClure: I would never do that! Why would I take that joy away from you? But I will say that because of the way Kaia comes in, there is room to challenge that. It's like in the universe, when you make a decision and you think, “Yes, this is what I'm going to do. I'm going to stay here. I'm going to do this. I'm going to create this life for myself and this is what I want.” And then the universe says, “Are you sure? Are you sure this is what you want? Are you absolutely sure this is what you're going to do? And this is who you are.” I like that kind of testing ground and I think we'll see some of that for Kaia this season. And then, she's in a whole new community. Like, who are these people?
Right. I mean, for Kaia, it was mostly about her and Preacher last year.
Kandyse McClure: All of Season 5, they were in their cozy little love bubble. They just left for Christmas.
But now you're finding bodies and crazy things are happening. Are you more part of the ensemble?
Kandyse McClure: It gets so real, it gets so real this season! Reality sets in and we think, okay, what are we actually going to do now? Like, when the rubber meets the road, what are you really made of? What is this relationship really made of? You know?
Do you see yourself this season playing a lot more with the rest of the cast?
Kandyse McClure: Yeah, well, I mean, it's a small town, they couldn't not invite me! Like, I would know what was going on and the whole city would be involved. A hallmark of Virgin River is that whenever something happens in town, everyone is involved. So it's great. Yes.
Right. Another hallmark is that all of the Preacher's relationships are doomed.
Kandyse McClure: This is quite a topic!
Do you think you can break the streak?
Kandyse McClure: Writers, if you're listening, let me be the one! So, for his past relationships… I mean, Preacher is a tough nut to crack. Let's not put it all on women, although they have some things going on too, let's be clear. But Preacher, for so long, I mean, he's been a self-contained kind of character. He has an established place in the city. He's such a recognizable feature in the bar and in his close relationship with Jack… He's so steadfast in so many ways.
I think we can see where the cracks are, but I think because Kaia is so flawed in a lot of ways and kind of sticks her head into it a lot (laughs), it allows Preacher to not have to be so together and so perfect all the time, because that's how he is most of the time. Therefore, this relationship brings out the vulnerability of both. And I think that's what's different about this relationship. But I hear, I hear people arguing in my comments section!
Heh, is this a nuisance?
Kandyse McClure: Listen, no, I love that people feel so passionate about this. It's like they're talking about their neighbors. I'm like, “Yeah, keep going. And then what happened?”
That's another thing, there are so many characters in the show. It's such a big cast and it takes big events to get everyone together every now and then to figure things out. Are there any characters, or cast members I should say, that you feel like you haven't had enough scenes with yet, that you're looking forward to sharing the screen with?
Kandyse McClure: Yes! Well, I can never get enough time with Annette and Tim. Doc and Hope are one of my favorite relationships on the show. I love how moody Hope is and how stubborn Doc is sometimes, but how they always find each other again, and those moments of appreciation, and that representation of really lasting love, what love really means when you have to go through it. the trials and tribulations of life. I really appreciate it.
And then Sarah and Kai, who play Lizzie and Denny. Sarah is a friend and I think Sarah is hilarious on the show. She has great comedic timing. She is so expressionless. And that's another relationship that I think is so interesting, you know, young people involved in really big, mundane problems and navigating that space. And I wonder what this relationship might offer to both sides of the character dynamic. Then, as the most veteran couple on the show and then as the youngest couple on the show.
Kandyse McClure on Virgin River's intergenerational sensibilities
“I like the sewing wheel, whenever the sewing wheel comes together”
I'm so glad you chose them, that's really interesting to me. My best friend is in her sixties, and the best friend I ever had was 91 when she passed away last year. And the idea of being that old and knowing people for 60, 70 years, you and I really have no idea about that. For me, I think I know what a long time is. I'm 33 years old and I'm my best friend, I've known him since I was 15. But that was only 18 years ago. That's not a lot of time!
Kandyse McClure: It's not. And it passes quickly. I used to hate it when people said that to me, but when I was in my early thirties, they were like, you're 34, you're still a baby! And I say, no, I'm not! I'm a full grown adult. I have problems and bills!
Well, sometimes you can feel so old around someone younger, but when there's someone who's actually around, you learn that even 50 years isn't necessarily that long for people to spend their lives together.
Kandyse McClure: This is such a true thing. And I like the sewing circle, whenever the sewing circle gets together, and there's all this kind of wisdom and humor and sometimes we learn about their past, and we're always shocked and surprised, but it's the same people. I also have older friends, dear friends in their sixties… On the other hand, my mother is very young. She is in her early sixties. She had me when she was very young. She has so many friends in their thirties. She is a very young and energetic person.
And the goal is to have the kinds of stories that you can tell, that you can share and remember and share a kind of wisdom. And we have that on the show and I love it. My mom always tells me that when she was in her early forties and looking back with regrets, because she said, “I was so worried about… Whatever, my body image or what people were thinking of me, or something that was happening in my career.” And she realized she didn't want to have the same regrets when she was 50, looking back when she was 40.
Right.
Kandyse McClure: It's realizing the youth and opportunity of whatever era she's in right now. Now, in the season of life that she is in, there is a lot of joy around the wisdom that she now has… Now, not everyone who gets older gets wise. Some people are very committed to their ignorance.
Yes, I know some of them too!
Kandyse McClure: And just because you've lived a long time doesn't mean you've embraced that life. You really took on what there was to learn, know and feel about it. But I always keep that in mind. Whenever I think, “Oh, well, I should have, I would have, I could have, I didn’t, I should have…” I will never be as young as I am now. And there is something to learn every step of the way. And the alternative is not great! If you know what I mean. (laughter)
The alternative is to have no more experiences! There is no more opportunity to try again, to learn again, to do something different. And yes, I see my mother really reveling in the wisdom of her age, in people coming up to her and wanting to learn about her experiences and how she handled things beforehand. And also, like, settling into herself, where she doesn't really care that much about what other people think of her, because she's too busy doing her own thing. My mother has a lot of energy. I don't know where she got that from. I don't have my mother's energy. I'm jealous of that. She does a lot.
Are we… related? Because my mother is exactly the same way. She bikes 40 miles every day.
Kandyse McClure: I can tell you… I remember thinking there was a time when my mom was in the local paper for doing yoga. And she's doing a crazy back bend with one leg up, in these short shorts, doing, like, some 'hundred day yoga challenges' or something. And I'm tired just looking at it. I was like, I need to make a pie or something or take a nap (laughs).
It took time for Kandyse McClure's family to accept her decision to become an actress
“On my mother’s side of the family, everyone is an academic. They are all doctors and master’s students.”
At this point especially, after all the cool things you've done, she must be tremendously proud of your career and your work. Was she encouraging when you were starting out? And is she a Virgin River fanatic?
Kandyse McClure: My mom is very proud of me. I know that, for sure. But you have to understand the family I was raised in, which is my mother's side of the family, they are all academics. All are doctors and master's students. They all study very serious academic subjects. And so for a long time, they didn't really understand what I did. I grew up in South Africa until I was a teenager. And it was like, the idea of being on TV and getting paid for it was bizarre. It was ridiculous. It was a ridiculous idea. And I remember the first years I started acting, my grandfather did it, (laughs) he encouraged me. He said, “Honey, you need to acquire a skill. You need to become a carpenter or an electrician or something.”
Oh, man.
Kandyse McClure: “You're going to need a job.” And I would send him my pay stubs, but he would say, “That's great and all, but when are you going back to school?”
They have good intentions.
Kandyse McClure: Yes. They never dissuaded me from acting. It was just kind of a lack of understanding. Now on my father's side, with whom I am very similar, they are all artists, they are all singers and poets and very empathetic, sociable, lively people. Then I think, this is how I really am.
But you wouldn't be you if you grew up entirely on that side of the fence.
Kandyse McClure: I love being a mix of both sides. I love my sciences. I love the academic process kind of things. I'm a huge research nerd. I love going down the rabbit hole, but the way I express it is tortuous, dreamlike and artistic.
This has to work as an actor! I mean, if there's one actor right now who I would trust to actually put out a fire, it would be you!
Kandyse McClure: Listen, I learned! I happened to have a neighbor at the time I started the job, my downstairs neighbor was a Wildland firefighter, Kev, and my alley neighbor was an urban firefighter, Dan. And I questioned them both and learned all the differences, and about chemical fires and medical emergencies, and being on rooftops, and different propellants, and all sorts of things. So yeah, it was a lot of fun. I know how to put out a fire, you're right!
Yes. Acting can be that cross-section of just wanting to research everything and know everything. And sometimes it's just knowing that. And sometimes you think, hey, I can actually apply this. I know how to hold a fire hose without getting thrown across the room.
Kandyse McClure: I have to be careful though. And luckily, I haven't done that many medical programs, but if they call a doctor on the plane, I have to remember not to raise my hand.
“No, but I play one on TV.”
Kandyse McClure: “I'm Kandyse McClure, you might know me from shows like…”
Oh, man. Well, I feel like I could be messing with your head all day. You are a delight.
Kandyse McClure: Just like you. Thank you very much. This has been great.
Oh, thank you! Before we wrap up… Season six is the new one, but there's more to come after that. Do you have a dream list of things you want to do on the show? You're like, “I did this on the show. I did that, I kissed this guy. I hit that guy…”
Kandyse McClure: Listen, we're not going to kiss any other boys, okay? Don't get me in trouble!
Do you have a wish list for Kaia, things you want her to do on the show?
Kandyse McClure: Well, I mean, selfishly, I want to know where she came from. Like, I want to know about Colorado. I want to know what that relationship was like, I mean, I have my ideas about how that relationship started and ended, but it was like she was a different version of herself. I want to know what this is. And well, listen, they're always watching. I won't say anything more.
OK! I mean, we'll have to keep watching to find out.
Kandyse McClure: Keep watching! December 19th and beyond. Seventh season, I can't believe it!
More about Virgin River season 6
A television adaptation of Robyn Carr's series of romantic novels, Virgin River finds nurse Melinda Monroe taking a new job in the titular Northern California town to escape her past. But Melinda's small-town expectations are dashed when she realizes that adapting to this simple new way of life is a tricky balancing act – with the possibility of new love on the horizon.
Virgin River season 6 is now streaming on Netflix.