Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Virgin River Season 6!
After two seasons on the series, Cameron Hayek (Mark Ghanime) will not return as a series regular in Virgin River season 7, raising questions about his departure. The hit romantic drama, Virgin Riverbuilt a passionate fan base and became Netflix's longest-running scripted show. Throughout its six seasons Virgin River introduces new characters who live in or visit the city. One of the most controversial characters introduced after the first season is Cameron Hayek.
Cameron first appears at the beginning of Virgin River Season 4, with Doc Mullins hiring him to help out in his medical practice. He immediately angered people by being aggressive and overbearing when getting involved in Mel's romantic life. So he gives two weeks notice instead of handling the situation maturely. However, the character becomes more fun towards the end of his two seasons, developing a romance with Muriel. Unfortunately for fans who stuck with it, Cameron won't be returning regularly Virgin River 7th season.
Virgin River season 6 confirmed that Cameron's story is over
All of Cameron's stories end in Virgin River Season 6
While some fans may be sad to see Cameron leave in Virgin Riverthe choice makes sense based on Season 6. Virgin River Season 5, part 2 and beginning of season 6, Cameron breaks up with Muriel to get back with his ex-fiancee. Although not explicitly confirmed, this is likely related to her desire to have children, while Muriel does not want to be a mother. This becomes a topic of discussion in the Christmas episodes, where she asks him to think about what he wants.
The few times he appears Virgin River in season 6, he's only back in town for Jack and Mel's wedding. Now that Mel is married, the awkward and unprofessional love triangle is over. During his visit to Virgin River, California, Cameron discusses his life outside the city with Muriel, and they both seem satisfied with their decisions. Muriel still moves on with another man, which ends the romance.
Doc also regained his vision after an experimental test, which is why he brought Cameron back to Virgin River to start. While it's smart to plan ahead, it seems unlikely that the proud Virgin River the main character would ask for help or pressure Cameron to return to the office unless necessary. Because of all these things, there is no reason for him to return Virgin River Season 7 unless an exhilarating event changes his current path. Your main stories are resolved.
What Cameron's Exit Means for Virgin River Season 7's Story
Cameron's departure could impact Muriel and the Mullins clinic
Even though his story seems finished, Cameron's departure could have some significant impacts Virgin River 7th season. Muriel will have the chance to dedicate herself to her new romance without the distraction of seeing her ex every day. At the same time, Muriel can rely more on friends in the city to support her through her cancer diagnosis and treatment, rather than relying on a romantic partner. Although she is in a new romance, it seems unlikely that Muriel will let him help, given the fact that she is wary after her failed romances with Doc and Cameron.
Without Cameron at the clinic, the fight for Doc to regain his medical license seems imminent and high-stakes.
The Mullins Clinic may also feel the impact of their absence whenever Mel and Jack adopt a child. It seems unlikely that Mel will stop working after adopting a child. When she tried to leave the clinic before, she missed being a nurse too much to stay away. However, it's plausible that she'll take some time off to bond with her new baby before returning to work. In that case, Doc would be understaffed without another doctor.
The end of Virgin River Season 6 also sets up a battle for Doc to maintain his clinic, as a large hospital is trying to expand into the city. Without a larger team of doctors, it would be easy to get rid of the clinic. Doc's license is suspended and a nurse still can't work for herself in California. Mel would not be able to apply to work independently in California until 2026, according to law AB 890 (California Board of Registered Nursing. Without Cameron at the clinic, the fight for Doc to regain his medical license seems imminent and high-stakes.
How Cameron's Virgin River Exit Compares to His Character's Book Fate
Cameron Hayek has very little in common with his Virgin River book counterpart
Although Cameron Hayek is based on Cameron Michaels from Robyn Carr's "Paradise Valley," he is one of the many things the Netflix show has changed in the past. Virgin River books. Cameron looks nothing like his book counterpart, and the show's story has nothing to do with the novel. The only major parallel between the source material and the screen adaptation is the fact that Cameron is a doctor who works at the Mullins clinic.
In the book, he has a one-night stand with a woman named Abbey, and she becomes pregnant with twins. He comes to the town of Virgin River after Doc Mullin's death to take over his medical practice. This is nothing like his story in Virgin River seasons 4 and 5. Doc is alive. Cameron becomes interested in Mel and dates Muriel. He doesn't have twins and hasn't gotten anyone pregnant as far as the public knows. Ultimately, there is almost no connection between your Virgin River exit and the character of the book.
How Cameron Could Still Return After Virgin River Season 7
Virgin River Season 7 May Be Lifted From The Source Material
Even if Cameron doesn't return as a series regular Virgin River Season 7, he could still return if the show is picked up for Season 8 or other seasons. The actor appeared to part ways with the show amicably, and not because of the drama. The showrunner and actor – Patrick Sean Smith and Mark Ghanime, respectively – have expressed that they are open to the character returning to the series. THE Virgin River books provide an excellent example of how Cameron could return in Virgin River Season 8, if Netflix continues the show that long.
If Smith followed the books, he could have Cameron return for an episode in Virgin River Season 7, have a one-night stand and get a woman pregnant with twins. This would give him a reason to return to the small town in Season 8. Unfortunately, this may seem very similar to Virgin RiverThe story of Jack and Charmaine's pregnancy. After all, this would involve two people who aren't necessarily romantically interested in having twins. The previous romance with Muriel would also make this particular storyline difficult to swallow, potentially harming all parties involved.
Alternatively, they could use a different detail from the book. Cameron only comes to Virgin River in the book after Doc dies. He signed up to run the clinic. Doc is one of Netflix's most beloved characters Virgin Riverso the choice to kill him would be drastic, upsetting many viewers. However, they could have Doc lose his vision, which they had been teasing for three seasons, and bring Cameron back to run the clinic in Virgin River season 8 or 9. However, the character's return may not be welcome as many viewers found him scary.