Farewell Ben Hollingsworth: The star of “Virgin River” passes away at the age of 41 md20

This season provided viewers with plenty of answers from previous seasons while also creating new twists and turns for them to delve into. With twelve episodes full of heartrending events, emotional moments, and unparalleled cliffhangers, every Virgin River episode had something new and different to offer. These are the Virgin River Season 5 episodes, ranked.

12. “Songbird” Was Setting Up Plots for the Future

Hope’s return to the town is not what she had imagined, as her beloved position of Mayor is cruelly snatched away from her. As Hope grapples with this loss, Doc hires Muriel as an office assistant, which puts the severely underrated character to good use. Mel delves into medical nitty-gritty as Ava requires advice for endometriosis, while poor Jeb dies of an overdose at the Fentanyl plant.

While this episode had a lot going on, most of it was table setting for the rest of the season. Brady, Ava, Hope, and Muriel’s arcs were only just beginning, with their payoffs coming much later. Virgin River often opens with a bang, and then there’s a lull in the show, which was what Episode 2 became.

11. “Full Moon” Delved Deeper into Old and New Relationships

In the wake of her miscarriage, Mel makes the brave decision to return to work to help people. She is helped in her healing by Brie and Ava who release their pain in a sweet ritual. Exhausted by her failed attempts at becoming a mother, Mel tells Jack that she no longer believes in their lifelong dream to start a family together. Jack gently helps her start her healing journey. On the other hand, Brady finds new companionship in Lark, and they share some quality time together, along with Lark’s daughter.

This episode gave viewers an intimate look into the best relationships of Virgin River, as well as the beginning of a budding new romance between Brady and Lark. The town also got to see a public outing of Muriel and Cameron, which was sealed with a kiss. While tender and sweet, this episode lacked the twists that the show is known and loved for.

10. Love Was in the Air in “From the Ashes”

In the aftermath of the wildfires that ravaged Virgin River, new bonds are being formed. The newest and most interesting character, Kaia, had a previous marriage already, but she assures Preacher that her feelings for him are real. Seeing Preacher get a relatively normal love interest is great, but Brady is on the back foot. He is told that he and Brie were definitively over when he gets jealous about how much time she spent with Mike in Sacramento.

Brady also sees huge character development when he agrees to wear a wire for Mike so that he can bring Melissa’s Fentanyl business down. His friendship with Jack comes into close scrutiny in this episode, and Brady proves to be a good friend to him. There are many gasp-worthy moments in this episode.

9. “A Second Chance” Was a Fitting Season Opener

There were many unanswered questions before the start of Season 5 of Virgin River, and the season opener is appropriately shocking, revelatory, and tender (as Virgin River is not). Jack is reeling from the fact that he is not the father of Charmaine’s twins, while Mel is taking in the joys of motherhood. Melissa’s threat looms large as Bert gets Fentanyl poisoning from helping Gene with his tires.

Additionally, Preacher and Paige manage to (astonishingly) escape arrest, even though Vince is telling Mike that they have killed Wes. Virgin River clearly has its own unique laws. This episode is an incendiary start to an enjoyable season, and fans loved every minute.

8. “Calculated Risk” is Tender Yet Exciting

Some of the best plots of Virgin River are the ones where Mel uses her expertise as a nurse practitioner to save lives. In this episode, she has some help from a firefighter, who would soon become a resident of Virgin River. Kaia helps a mother give birth under extenuating circumstances as Mel and Cameron guide her on the phone. She also has an instant connection with Preacher, which is something fans have rallied for for quite some time.

Along with sizzling romance, this episode also delivered emotional epiphanies: Jack goes rock climbing with Denny, learning to accept the hurdles life threw his way, just like Denny learned to at a young age. Jack is prone to emotional avoidance, so this is a welcome break. Drama between Hope and Jo Ellen entertains, and Brie and Brady reach a breaking point when she catches another of his lies. The twists and turns kept coming.

7. The Town Fights Fire With Fire in “Heroes Rise”

The ongoing wildfires in the town threaten to reach Jack’s Bar, therefore destroying homes even on the other side of the river in this episode. Friendships and enmities, both, are tested when it’s time to save their home, as Preacher has to learn to put his prejudices aside to work with Brady. Jack’s speech inspires everyone in the town to put everything on the line.

In Sacramento, Brie feels the first sparks of new love as she interacts with Mike in the midst of fighting the case against her assaulter. Thus begins a new love triangle for Virgin River fans to enjoy. The episode also has a somber note when Doc has to admit to Cameron, and more to himself, that his failing eyesight is keeping him from discharging his duties. Fans are treated to some real reactions from Cameron after ages, and this action-packed installment keeps them on their toes.

6. “Never Gonna Be the Same” Was One For the Virgin River Ladies

Virgin River does not discriminate between characters based on their age. Jo Ellen, Hope, and Connie are just as important as Lizzie, Mel, and Brie. This episode focused on the older knitting circle of the town and their issues. Lizzie accompanies the girl gang for a relaxing day at the spa, but their resentments and concerns turn the day into a literal mud-slinging match, and they are escorted out.

While this episode may not have had plot twists, it had something a lot more special: honesty. Doc faces his own helplessness in the face of macular degeneration as the older ladies fight with each other about mortality and betrayal. Muriel and Cameron start to develop a soft spot for each other, along with a sweet musical moment.

5. “Angel’s Peak” Finally Answered Some Questions

Denny’s appearance in the town was one of Virgin River’s greater mysteries, as he was painted as a morally grey character early on. However, any doubts that fans could have had were laid to rest when Grandma Rose finally made her way to the town, answering all of Doc’s questions and the heartache that he was put through because of her secrecy.

Rose proved to be a thorn in their sides, as she did not want Denny to stay with Doc. Instead, she wanted him to study further. Jack finally catches on that something is going on with his glamping business that he is unaware of when he catches Brady with drugs in one of the airstreams. Romantically, Cameron and Muriel admit their love to each other, while Brie and Mike kiss in the rain. Heartbreak finds Preacher when Kaia decides to take a job in Alaska along with her soon-to-be ex-husband.

4. “Father Christmas” is a Great Season Finale

The Virgin River Season 5 finale left as many questions hanging as it answered. Mel’s paternity is the biggest source of contention, as her biological father rejects her even when she finds him. He does come back around, telling her dramatically that there’s something important that he needs to share with her. In other fatherly issues, Charmaine finally gives birth, and Mel finds out that Calvin is the father. She, however, is asked not to tell Jack, which she agrees to.

As a finale, Episode 12 dropped way too many bombs. While Preacher gets the girl, Wes’ body is found by Kaia, jeopardizing his whole future. Something even more sinister is afoot when the father of Lark’s child is revealed to be Jimmy, and the two are plotting to bring Brady down through his heart. Heartbreak, mystery, and familial issues abound, leaving fans eager for Season 6 of Virgin River.

3. “The More the Merrier” Entwines Holiday Cheer With Scandal

Mel’s search for her father is on in full force in “The More the Merrier,” as she and Jack look for clues up and down the town, discovering Lydie’s secret affair with the mall Santa in the process. Fans learn more about Jack’s family as his divorced parents arrive in town for Christmas with another add-on — Jack’s mother’s new boyfriend. While Jack’s parents are washing their dirty linen in public, Lizzie has to break the news of her pregnancy to her very strict mother.

This episode dealt with family dynamics expertly, showing how different every unit is, even in close proximity to each other. The plot thickens when Muriel and Cameron perform an adorable Christmas musical, but Cameron’s alcoholic ex shows up, looking for a do-over. The true essence of Virgin River comes through in this perfectly balanced episode.