The best thing about TV shows and movies is to connect with the characters, get to know them, relate to them, and see them grow. In particular, TV shows make it incredibly easy to fall in love with different characters and pick favorites. Netflix has a wide range of heartwarming series, which extend over various seasons, blessing everyone with intriguing characters.

One of those is the successful romantic drama series, Virgin River, which is based on Robyn Carr’s novel series of the same name. Apart from Mel and Jack, there are a number of characters which add significant value to the Netflix series, but the best character in Virgin River is not who you think it is.

Muriel Teaches a Valuable Lesson

Muriel St. Claire moved to Virgin River after her acting career ended, and has been a part of the sewing circle ever since. Even though she isn’t the youngest anymore, she carries herself with immense grace and radiates youth and joy. Her sometimes reckless behavior wasn’t always looked upon positively, but she has changed for the better tremendously.

One of the most important moments, apart from the shocking ending of Virgin River Season 6, was when Muriel found a small lump on her breast. Even though it caught her off-guard, she remained positive and dedicated. She got the checks done, and even when she received the news, she let herself feel all the emotions, but also reminded herself that this was just a small part of her journey. She constantly assured herself and everyone around her that receiving this news wasn’t easy, but that she knows she has the support and strength to tackle it and get better.

Muriel’s Take on Friendship Has Changed

Muriel, oh Muriel. There is no denying that Muriel hasn’t always been the easiest to be around. Especially in the first few seasons of the Netflix hit series, she became Virgin River’s troublemaker and husband-stealer. While some fans are missing the point of Virgin River, they definitely didn’t miss the fact that Muriel made some terrible choices at the beginning of the TV show. When Hope and Doc were going through some marriage issues, Muriel became rather close to him, and the pain of that betrayal caused some tensions within the friend group that is Virgin River’s sewing circle.

Muriel, however, really started to change after the sewing circle lost one of their best friends, Lilly, and Hope had a dangerous accident. She started to value her friends in a much deeper way, and realized that she didn’t always make the right choices. Instead of remaining on her high horse, Muriel really stepped up and tried to prove to everyone that she was serious about their tight bond. Muriel has grown into one of the most wholesome, caring, understanding, and loving people in Virgin River, and she continues to work on herself for the positive.

Muriel’s Complex Breakup

Muriel’s previous relationship shows that Netflix’s Virgin River doesn’t fully follow the books, because Season 5 ended with Muriel dating her colleague at Doc’s clinic, Cameron, which never happened in the books. Despite their significant age range and their shared workplace, they were dedicated to making it work. Once they both admitted that they were serious about their May-December romance, they asked Doc for approval and received it.

During a serious conversation between Cameron and Muriel, Cameron told her that his ex-fiancée, who he had left due to her drinking problem, had contacted him and asked for a second chance. His ex-fiancée would want to get married and could give him children, but Cameron assured Muriel that being with Muriel is exactly what he wants. And then Season 6 kicked us in the face.

The latest season of the longest-running Netflix series shocked fans with the fact that Cameron and Muriel were suddenly not dating anymore. In fact, it wasn’t just a break-up, because Cameron left Virgin River all together and gave his ex-fiancée a second chance. Why? Because she changed, and he does want kids after all. It’s a fair point, but poor Muriel.

Or not? Muriel took their break-up in the best way possible, and she is even dating someone else now. Looking at you, Walt. She had no bad feelings towards Cameron, whatsoever, and was grateful for his honesty in the process. She gracefully allowed herself to be sad, because there was nothing wrong with that, but she stood to her decision and didn’t value herself less because of it. That’s what prevailed the entire time, is that she carries herself with so much awareness and grace. It is exactly what makes her the best character in Virgin River, as she has shown tremendous growth. Muriel is one strong woman, that’s for sure. Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.