“Last Season Was Bad Enough”: Virgin River Fans Unite in Their Hopes (and Frustrations) for Season 7
While Virgin River continues to draw in viewers with its picturesque setting and tales of small-town life, the reception to recent seasons, particularly Season 6, has been decidedly mixed among its dedicated fanbase. A growing sentiment suggests that the show has strayed from the core elements that initially captivated audiences, leading to frustration and a strong desire for significant changes in the upcoming seventh season. Online forums and social media are abuzz with fans voicing their concerns, using phrases like “last season was bad enough” to express their disappointment and outlining their specific hopes – and sometimes demands – for what they want to see in the show’s continuation.
The Gripes with Season 6: What Left Fans Disappointed
Many of the criticisms leveled against Virgin River Season 6 center on a perceived shift in focus and pacing. Some of the key issues raised by disgruntled fans include:
- Too Many Unnecessary Storylines: Viewers felt that Season 6 introduced several plotlines that detracted from the central narratives of Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson), often feeling like filler or distractions. The introduction and exploration of Mel’s parents’ backstory, through extensive flashbacks, was a particularly divisive element, with many deeming it a “waste of screen time” that didn’t significantly advance the main story.
- Rushed or Unsatisfying Resolutions: Some long-awaited storylines felt rushed or concluded in a way that didn’t resonate with viewers. Preacher’s (Colin Lawrence) trial, while ultimately leading to his freedom, was seen by some as being resolved too quickly and conveniently.
- Character Inconsistencies: Fans expressed frustration with the way certain characters were portrayed, feeling that their actions or motivations were inconsistent with their established personalities. Brie’s (Zibby Allen) infidelity and subsequent actions were a major point of contention for many viewers, who found her behavior “disgusting” and out of character.
- Overemphasis on “Steamy” Scenes: A noticeable increase in the number and intensity of romantic scenes was off-putting for some viewers who preferred the show’s earlier focus on emotional connection and heartwarming moments over more overtly sexual content.
- Timeline Issues: The show’s often-convoluted timeline continued to be a source of frustration, with events feeling disjointed and the passage of time within the Virgin River universe remaining unclear.
- Recasting Without Explanation: The sudden replacement of the actor portraying Calvin, Charmaine’s (Lauren Hammersley) ex, without any on-screen acknowledgment, left some viewers feeling disoriented and less invested in the storyline.
The Season 7 Wishlist: What Fans Desperately Want to See
In response to their frustrations, Virgin River fans have been vocal about their desires for Season 7, hoping for a return to the elements that made them fall in love with the show in the first place. Some of the most common requests include:
- Focus on Core Relationships: The central romance between Mel and Jack remains a key draw for many viewers, who want to see more of their life as a married couple, their journey to build a family (whether through adoption or other means), and the challenges they face together.
- Tighter Storylines with Less Filler: A strong desire for more focused and impactful narratives, with fewer tangential storylines that don’t significantly contribute to the main plot. Fans want every scene to matter and drive the story forward.
- Meaningful Character Development: Viewers want to see characters grow and evolve in believable ways, addressing their flaws and building upon their established arcs. This includes a desire for Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) to continue his journey of redemption and for Brie to confront the consequences of her actions.
- Resolution of Lingering Cliffhangers: The unresolved fate of Charmaine’s twins and her ongoing struggles with their father, Calvin, remain a point of interest for many fans who are eager for a definitive conclusion to this long-running storyline.
- Return to the “Small Town Charm”: Many viewers miss the emphasis on the close-knit community of Virgin River and want to see more interactions between the various residents, highlighting the warmth and support that initially defined the show.
- Addressing Long-Term Issues: Some fans hope the show will tackle long-standing issues, such as Doc’s (Tim Matheson) health and Hope’s (Annette O’Toole) role in the community, with more depth and realism.
- A More Consistent Timeline: A clearer and more consistent approach to the timeline would help viewers stay invested in the unfolding events and avoid the “mental whiplash” some have described.
The Stakes for Season 7: Can Virgin River Win Back Its Fandom?
The strong reactions and specific desires being voiced by Virgin River fans highlight the critical juncture the show is at as it heads into its seventh season. While the series still enjoys a significant viewership, the erosion of goodwill among long-time fans could impact its future success.
Season 7 presents an opportunity for the showrunners to address the criticisms and deliver a season that resonates more deeply with the core audience. By focusing on tighter storytelling, meaningful character development, and a return to the heart of what made Virgin River so beloved, the show has the potential to win back fans who felt let down by recent installments. However, failing to heed these concerns could lead to further disappointment and a continued decline in viewer engagement. The pressure is on for Virgin River to recapture its magic and deliver a Season 7 that reminds fans why they fell in love with the small town and its inhabitants in the first place.
