Virgin River Season 2 Review: You Can’t Go Home Again
This review contains spoilers for Virgin River Season Two.
Mel is back in a literal and figurative sense on the second season of Virgin River, but there must be some unspoken rule of the town that ever time you flee out of fear, it loses a little bit of charm.
Something about season two feels a little less cozy, no matter that we are essentially just reconnecting with old friends after a month.
It’s genuinely nice to catch up with Mayor Hope, who is growing. It might only be because Jack is refusing to allow her in on details of his personal life, but does anyone blame him?
It’s good to see Hope happy and more invested in keeping Doc Vernon publicly dating Muriel but not privately invested in her.
She’s a more tolerable character when she’s causing her own drama rather than sticking her nose in other people’s love lives. Plus, the Doc/Hope/Muriel love triangle is a genuinely light and fluffy bright spot for the majority of the season.
Jack’s situation with Mel and Charmaine, by contrast, is anxiety-inducing to a point that becomes insufferable by the end of the season.
It starts off all right. The idea of Charmaine living with Hope and everyone having to keep their drama with each other in check for the sake of a healthy pregnancy is a good one.
In reality, Virgin River does not milk that natural tension enough and Charmaine leaves Hope’s home too soon.
Charmaine is genuinely obsessed with Jack by the end of the season. It’s sad to watch a character painted like this. She has a valid reason for having expectations of the man who is the father of her kids.
But he’s been honest with her about not wanting a relationship from before Mel knows Virgin River exists. He hasn’t exactly been respectful of her for most of the series, but the fact that she expects to live in his house by the end of the season is blasphemy.
It’s a shame because the moments that Charmaine and Mel bond are some of the best throughout the season.
But all of Charmaine’s genuine moments with anyone are negated because of all of the scenes she blatantly ignores Jack’s feelings, especially on Virgin River Season 2 Episode 10, “Blown Away.”
Jack clearly wants Mel practically from the moment he meets her on Season 1, but Mel’s grief for Mark is the best reason to keep a TV couple apart.
Mel’s sister Joey is missed throughout most of the season, but if her sister-in-law (whose name I refuse to remember) never returns to Virgin River or our screens, I’ll be happy.
How self-centered, materialistic, and rude to come to someone’s home demanding the engagement ring that your dead brother gave to his wife. I have no other words for this, but I’m proud of Mel for keeping it.
Her grieving process is still very much featured, though it takes up less screentime.
I do miss the flashbacks of Mel’s former romance, but appreciate the attention given to Jack’s PTSD. It’s an important subject to explore, and it’s good to get to know Jack on a deeper level outside of his romantic or sexual relationships with women.
The military-themed scenes are also some of the most genuinely emotional on a season that is very divisive.
For example, while it’s actually nice to see Connie more on Season 2 and she and Preacher are an unlikely pair that works, the whole reason they bond is very hard to suspend disbelief about.
Even if we do accept that Preacher successfully covers up Paige/Michelle’s murder of her husband, the fact that Wes has a twin is just too much to buy.
It makes Preacher’s entire arc laughable to the point where I don’t want to talk about it much. It’s such a shame because Preacher is such an honorable character worthy of words.
I don’t read the books the series is based on, but if Preacher must be Christopher’s guardian, I hope they make it to San Francisco eventually. Preacher deserves the job of his dreams and a boss who values him more than Jack does.
Of course, maybe surviving the shooting will make Jack value his friend more.
Hopefully, he lives. (Of course.) But it’s hard to say if the second season’s ending is more predictable and emotionally manipulative than Virgin River Season 1.
I just see no need to comment on Calvin, Brady, and the fentanyl business. Not every series needs a big, bad wolf. If that’s a law, making it a neighboring town would be tense enough for me.
Virgin River‘s romance shines through all else and this season has plenty.
It could use a few more town events like on Virgin River Season 2 Episode 4, “Rumor Has It,” with heartfelt chats over dinner, and cozy moments by the fire.
The Gossip Mill:
- I have not been aware that Ricky is of legal age. Ricky and Lizzie are cute, but her “corruption” of him is so childish when that’s revealed.
- Connie is also absolutely bonkers to expect two consenting adults to abstain until marriage. No judgment on any adults who are waiting for any reason. These two adults don’t want to, though.
- Calvin and his guys poisoning Jack’s customers and causing respiratory distress feels like a COVID reference. We’ll be fine if that never makes it to Virgin River.
- Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge do their best work alone together.
- Mel’s sailing tribute to Mark is perfect.
What did you think of this episode of Virgin River? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Virgin River is available to stream now on Netflix.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.
20 comments
So disappointed in season 2. Felt so drawn out and all over the place with the various plot lines. Was really hoping to see more between Jack and Mel. The story with Mel’s sister in law and the ring seemed useless. Season 1 was awesome but season 2 just fell flat.
I was disappointed in season2 because of Charmaine. The only hope for the next season is for Jack to find out that Charmaine had a one night stand when they were dating and the twins are the result of that one night stand. Unfortunately, I think the writers are going to torture us some more with what seems inevitable now. I absolutely refuse to watch Mel deliver Jack’s babies. Will not do it. Actually, I think that Mel’s involvement with the pregnancy is not only boring but to me it is sort of gross. Mel should be doing something more interesting, like trying to get over Jack by dating the new, very handsome pharmaceutical sales rep that visits the office. She has had to endure seeing Jack with Charmaine, so why not let us viewers have the pleasure of watching Jack endure the pain of seeing Mel with another man. The town has a benefit dance with a good band. Mel, who is dressed in a sexy, sophisticated, very low cut in the back dress shows up with the new man who is a great dancer. She is having a really loose, fun time for a change. The two look really sexy dancing together. Jack can’t take his eyes off of her. Now that would be fun to watch, wouldn’t it?
The rest of season 2 was pretty good. Jack and Mel scenes were great. Needed more of them. Really enjoyed Mel’s dancing. Hope she does more in next season! I agree that the twin brother was way too much, and I don’t like the way Jack treats Charmaine either.
Too bad that my fantasy town of Virgin River is ruined. No longer will it be the friendly, relaxing place for Jack to live. He will forever be on the hit list of the bad guys because he was a major player in the arrest of one of the drug ring’s local operations. He and Mel will be living in constant fear, always looking over their shoulders, and unless Charmaign and the babies move away, we the viewers have to deal with them being in Mel and Jack’s life forever in Virgin River. Painful to watch. Why can’t Mel be the one to get pregnant? She deserves a lucky break. The whole Charmaign thing ruined the romantic fantasy that got me hooked on the show in the first place. A little intrigue outside of the romance relationship is good, but viewers watch this type show mostly because of the romantic fantasy. Yes?
Has no one else has been turned off by Hope? She’s the one reason I almost stopped watching. Silly and objectionable character and why does the Doc continue to be complicit in her escapades? He’s better than that. I agree Charmaign’s character needs some work and Mels involvement with her is ridiculous. Jack needs to be more assertive and communicate! The Hope/Preacher situation is so far fetched it’s ridiculous. A twin who’s just as evil? Season 2 just got too muddled for me. Too much time spent on silly side stories and not enough time with Mel and Jack.
Season 1 was excellent but Season 2 is a big disappointment. They should have stuck closer to the Virgin River books, which were great, instead of making up whole new plot lines. I didn’t even get past Episode 4 before I turned it off in disgust.
This season was a train wreck .. hope setting her frenemy up with her husband was disturbing .. how could anything good come of that?
Preacher and Paige and the cops evil twin ?? Now add the drug trade wars
Did they change writers ??
Every show needs some conflict and drama, and season 1 had a good balance of it; it was SO beautiful and heartwarming to watch and had some suspense to keep it interesting. But season 2 made me feel angry and anxious all the time.
It starts with Charmaine’s horrible behavior that Jack just lets her get away with over and over instead of protecting Mel and comes running whenever she needs him. Just because she’s pregnant doesn’t mean she should be able to be mean and manipulative like that with no consequences! Poor Mel! Every time Charmaine appeared on the screen again I just got annoyed.
The game Hope, Muriel and Vernon play is also pretty horrible; Hope is mistrustful and it’s just not believable that she wouldn’t be more protective of Vernon after finally being with him again; and why does she even care so much about what people think?! Muriel is being led on, but is also really nasty with Hope; Vernon plays along for way too long, and then he goes and has Hope’s ring fixed with somebody Muriel knows, when he knows there is conflict between Muriel and Hope?! He couldn’t find a different jewelry store in town? People are so inconsiderate of each other’s feelings during the whole season!
Mel’s ex-sister-in-law shows up and just brings more bad vibes. She can ask for the engagement ring in a nice way if it’s important to her, but the way she does it is just vile. She says “no judgment” about finding Jack in Mel’s flat, but later blames Mel for seeing a new man a YEAR after Mark died, says painful things to Mel like that Mark wasn’t happy, and in the end walks out without even saying goodbye. Again, poor Mel!
Lizzie uses Ricky to get booze. She is 19 but behaves like a brat, refuses to work, gets Rickie to skip work, flirts with other men and stands Ricky up, so I really don’t see why we would root for them later on.
Season 2 lacks characters that are genuinely likable, behave like decent human beings and make you feel good.
Curious to see how things continue!
If y’all remember Mel had asked Mark about finding a surrogate so they could have children. I think Charmaine will give up the twins because she can’t raise them on her on. Jack and Mel will be the parents of his children. Not sure how that will play out, but it’s my prediction.
Zanna, I agree that Hope’s asking Doc to date Muriel was just plain stupid. Hope gets on my nerves. There was a lot of silly, far fetched stuff in season 2 but the Mel and Jack interactions were so good I had to keep watching.
Season 2 was sooooo disappointing!! Literally almost stopped watching so many times!! The acting was horrible! The plots were horrible! Hope is seriously the most annoying person in the show with Charmayne being a close second! Ughhh the second season was awful!!!
I can even take Hope. Her character is off-putting and no way Doc would chose her over Muriel, who is so classy. Hope is hard to take on many levels.
Best guilty pleasure show my wife and I have enjoyed since Sisters! A few thoughts:
Lizzie and Ricky are totally in synch and sweet together. Lizzie was introduced as a bad girl, corrupting influence. Now we know she’s not that at all. She clearly cares about Ricky and enjoys being with him. That they are normal young adults just discovering sex together is a wonderful healthy thing and Can’t nine can pound sand.
Hope and Doc: Two old acting hands. Otter, and the hot ingenue from Cat People (where did the years go?) clearly having fun with the campy characters.
Jack and Mel: Mel of course is the only character playing it straight; reacting to situations pretty much like a normal, smart empathetic person would. She’s very likable. Jack, on the other hand, is dumb as a sack of hammers and stuck in an i complimentary old fashioned, totally sexist sensibility when it comes to women. Mel is waay to good for him. Plus there is little to none chemistry between the actors. I agree what they did to Charmaine’s character this season is unforgivable.
My wife pointed out that the entire show is offensively sexist. The men are all dense and dumb with their machismo, but set themselves up to be the saviors of the women who need rescuing from this or that. Maybe it’s that throwback that keeps us watching! 😎
All of the predictable cardboard characters of a hallmark movie without any plot resolution…endless stringing on for next… Secretly hoping they would kill Hope off, or Doc would actually fall for Muriel and stiff Hope. Most annoying and inconsistent character ever. Superficial writing…
It’s all about the guy & the girl rescuing each other from their pasts. Period. End of story. Don’t put too much into it. Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) is absolutely stunning to watch from the male point of view. I like the show. Yes it’s predictable, somewhat. So what. But the story line, regardless if all the other characters, is how these two people save each other from the darkest times of their lives. What’s wrong with that. 3 seasons and Mel & Jack live happily ever after.
I am disappointing in season 2. I am struggling with Hope’s character, she is so negative and whiny that she ruins the flow of the show. That a man is chasing after her for years when she treats him so badly falls flat! The ‘drug cartel’ premise is silly and I missed Paige’s character with Preacher developing this season. I loved Hart of Dixie and hoped this would have the same lasting appeal but I really don’t care about any of these characters other than Jack & Mel. I hope if it is renewed for another season, that season 3 is much better than this mess of story lines.
Season 1 was captivating, season 2 not nearly as much. Too many story lines going on getting too intricate.
Just want to see Mel & Jack happily together- need a “love story”
Love both seasons of virgin river, but Charmaine is too much to take and totally out of control. I am extremely disappointed with Tim Matheson as a person and his hate filled tweets.
I hated Virgin River. It harkens back to the days when anti-drug propaganda was at its height. It not only perpetuates the stigma that all drug users are thieving addicts, it fails to highlight the alcoholism of Jack. I have never seen a more unlikeable character than him. That show is rotten to its core.
I know this sounds horrible, but am I the only one who wants Charmaine to have a miscarriage or a terrible, unexpected (preferably lethal) accident?
I agree that season 2 was disappointing, but there were some bright spots as well. The Mel taking care of Charmaine thing is just not believable, period but the interactions between the characters was about recognizing the humanity in the other. I agree the whole Wes twin thing is ridiculous, and at the end when Christopher comes back- how is Wes supposed to not find out about that and take Christopher- doesn’t make sense.
I hope the writers don’t go for the “Mel almost lost Jack so now she can’t be with him because she can’t lose anyone again”. It’s way too predictable if this is the route they take. I thought the grieving of Mark in season 1 and 2 was real and some of Mel’s most believable character scenes. To fall in “love” less than a year after Mark was dead, however, is not necessarily believable since they showed Mel’s raw grief again and again, but then again Mark can’t come back. They need to re-write Hope into being a less annoying character. She is not a believable character (not the best acting either and Charmaine was right about her hair- makes her look old and dingy- get it colored for god’s sake) – Make something interesting about Hope and stop the annoying whining and selfishness. Doc would never stay with her, he’d be sick of it. While I like Jack, he was supposedly “honest” with Charmaine – but really did Iead her on by dating her for two years, and then just conveniently dumped her the second Mel showed up. Charmaine is the one who loses every time. so people may not like her, but she’s been dumped, lied to, and now has to raise two babies. Not sure where the baby story will go but also hope the writers don’t make Mel the babysitter or something stupid like that. I think somehow Mel will get pregnant and then it will be an even more interesting story. Hope there are some good surprises next season without so many bad things happening to so many people at the same time. Mix it up.
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