If there’s one thing Virgin River fans know, it’s that Hope McCrea doesn’t do surface-level emotions.
That’s why a new Season 7 photo has drawn so much attention. The image shows Hope sitting close to Muriel, holding her tenderly — a stark contrast to their rocky past.
Muriel’s confident arrival in town and her interest in Doc created lasting tension with Hope. Even after Hope and Doc reunited, the rivalry never fully disappeared.
But Muriel’s breast cancer diagnosis in Season 6 shifted the narrative. Now, Season 7 appears poised to explore a deeper, more vulnerable side of both women.
As the series returns March 12, fans are wondering whether this gesture signals forgiveness, friendship — or something even more emotional.