While the comforting landscapes and heartwarming (and sometimes heart-wrenching) narratives of Virgin River have cultivated a devoted fanbase, the latest seasons haven’t been without their detractors. A significant portion of viewers has taken to social media and online forums to voice their growing frustration with a particular storyline, admitting to actively “skipping scenes” featuring a couple whose romance they find unengaging and, for some, downright “cringeworthy.” The storyline in question? The evolving relationship between Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny Cutler (Kai Bradbury).
From Budding Romance to Fan Discontent: The Lizzie and Denny Arc
Lizzie, who initially found love with the departing Ricky (Grayson Gurnsey), eventually found a new romantic interest in Denny, Doc Mullins’ (Tim Matheson) surprise grandson. Their relationship has been marked by significant drama, including Denny’s initial secrecy about his Huntington’s disease diagnosis and Lizzie’s subsequent pregnancy, which carries a 50/50 chance of their child inheriting the condition. While the storyline is undoubtedly fraught with potential for emotional depth and exploration of serious themes, a growing segment of the Virgin River audience has found their interactions and overall narrative arc to be a major point of contention.
The “Skip Scene” Confession: Viewers Opting Out
The most telling sign of this discontent is the increasing number of fans openly admitting to skipping scenes that heavily feature Lizzie and Denny. On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), viewers have confessed that they find the couple’s dynamic uninteresting, their acting unconvincing, or their overall presence a drag on the show’s pacing. Comments range from simply stating they “aren’t into Denny” to more critical assessments of their character development and on-screen chemistry. This active avoidance of a key storyline signals a significant disconnect between the writers’ intentions and a portion of the audience’s reception.
The “Cringe” Factor: What’s Causing the Discomfort?
The reasons behind the “cringe” factor associated with Lizzie and Denny’s storyline are varied and complex. Some viewers have expressed that Denny’s portrayal lacks emotional depth, making his struggles feel less impactful. Others find the rapid progression of their relationship, particularly in light of Denny’s serious health condition and Lizzie’s relatively quick move on from Ricky, to be unrealistic or unearned. There’s also a sentiment among some fans that this storyline feels like a distraction from the core relationships they are more invested in, particularly the central romance between Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson), and the ongoing dramas of established characters like Brie (Zibby Allen) and Brady (Ben Hollingsworth).
“Wasted Potential” and Missed Opportunities: Fan Theories Emerge
Beyond simply disliking the storyline, some fans feel that Denny’s character, in particular, represents “wasted potential.” Given the opportunity to explore the realities of living with Huntington’s disease and its impact on a young person and their relationships, some viewers believe the show hasn’t delved into the topic with the necessary nuance or emotional resonance. This sense of missed opportunity further fuels the frustration and leads to the feeling that their screen time could be better utilized elsewhere.
The Impact on Overall Enjoyment: A Drag on the Narrative?
For viewers who find themselves skipping significant portions of episodes to avoid Lizzie and Denny’s scenes, the overall enjoyment of Virgin River is undoubtedly diminished. The feeling that a key storyline is a “drag” or “makes them cringe” can detract from their immersion in the world of Virgin River and lessen their anticipation for new seasons. While they may still be invested in other characters and plotlines, this significant point of contention can create a sense of dissatisfaction with the show’s direction.
Divided Fandom: A Contrast to Beloved Couples
The strong negative reaction to Lizzie and Denny’s romance stands in stark contrast to the enduring popularity of other Virgin River couples, such as Mel and Jack, and even the more tumultuous but compelling dynamic between Brie and Brady. This division within the fanbase highlights the subjective nature of romantic storylines and the challenges writers face in creating couples that resonate with a broad audience. The lack of widespread support for Lizzie and Denny underscores a potential misstep in character development or narrative pacing for this particular pairing.
Conclusion: Navigating Divisive Storylines in Season 7 and Beyond
As Virgin River moves forward into its seventh season, the strong negative reaction to Lizzie and Denny’s storyline presents a challenge for the showrunners. While every series will inevitably have storylines that don’t resonate with all viewers, the active skipping of scenes suggests a deeper level of dissatisfaction. Whether the writers will address these criticisms, pivot their approach to these characters, or continue their current trajectory remains to be seen. However, the vocal segment of the fanbase that finds this key relationship “cringeworthy” and a “waste of screen time” has made their opinions clear, highlighting a significant divide within the otherwise devoted Virgin River audience. The future of Lizzie and Denny’s arc will be a key point of interest for many viewers in the seasons to come.
