Season 6 of Virgin River, now streaming on Netflix, ends with several jaw-dropping moments—none more alarming than the mystery surrounding Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley). Her absence from Mel and Jack’s post-wedding celebration sends Jack straight to her home, where he finds an open door, signs of a struggle, and something shocking in the nursery. What exactly he sees remains hidden from viewers—for now.
Thankfully, series showrunner Patrick Sean Smith has shed a little light on what’s to come. Speaking with TV Insider, he reassured fans: “The twins are safe. But I’d be worried about Charmaine.” He added, “After the heartbreak of Mel’s miscarriage in Season 5, I’d love to say no more babies will be in danger—but the reality is messy, and Charmaine tends to land right in the middle of the chaos.”
Benjamin Hollingsworth (Brady) agrees: “She’s really tied to the criminal storylines.” With Calvin (David Cubitt), the gang leader revealed to be the father of her twins, back in the picture—after Charmaine tried to get a restraining order—many suspect he’s behind her disappearance. Hollingsworth is betting Calvin has something to do with it.
Brady himself may get pulled into the rescue effort. “He’s got unfinished business with Calvin,” Hollingsworth shared. “It’d be great to see him team up with Jack and Preacher again—get the Marine crew back together for some serious action.”
The unsettling moment where Jack discovers something offscreen was intentionally left vague. “That final shot was always our plan,” said Smith. Even actor Martin Henderson (Jack) was unsure what he was reacting to while filming. “He nailed a take, then broke character and asked, ‘Why didn’t they write what I’m reacting to?’” Smith recalled. “Still, he handled it like a pro.”
Fans won’t have to wait long for answers. According to Smith, Season 7 will pick up almost immediately—just a two-hour time jump. “We hit the ground running,” he teased. “I love carrying that momentum from season to season.”
What’s Next for Doc’s Clinic?
Another major thread heading into Season 7 is the uncertain future of Doc Mullins’ (Tim Matheson) medical license. After questionable actions during a house call, he’s been placed under investigation and his license suspended. Meanwhile, Hope (Annette O’Toole) discovers that a board member from Grace Valley Hospital has plans to bring their network to Virgin River—though the woman didn’t realize she was confiding in Doc’s wife.
Smith explained that this introduces a broader theme for Season 7: outsiders trying to change the fabric of the town. “We’re not a full-on medical drama like Grey’s Anatomy, but we do bring a medical point of view. Exploring how modern healthcare systems affect small-town practices opens the door to some fresh, relevant stories.”
Mel’s Father & Other Loose Ends
Season 6 also deepened Mel’s relationship with her biological father, Everett (John Allen Nelson), who suffered a heart attack right before her wedding. Despite the scare, he made it to the ceremony and performed a touching song he’d written for her. Smith revealed there were never plans to kill off Everett. “It would’ve felt pointless and even cruel. His health scare wasn’t part of the original plan, but it served as an emotional hurdle before Mel’s big day.”
Looking ahead, there are more unresolved stories. Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) is pregnant—but unlike Charmaine’s endlessly prolonged pregnancy, she’s expected to give birth in Season 7. Meanwhile, Paige (Lexa Doig), whose storyline involved Preacher’s (Colin Lawrence) trial, was notably absent this season. Smith confirmed there are currently “no plans” for her return.
