It’s been 15 months since Virgin River season five premiered on Netflix. It’s been one year since the streaming service blessed us with two holiday episodes. Now, Virgin River has finally returned for season six. And if there’s one takeaway from the brand-new episodes, it’s that the stakes are higher than ever and, therefore, so is the entertainment value.

Courtesy of Netflix

The first episode picks up right where the holiday installments end, and it takes place three weeks before Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack’s (Martin Henderson) highly anticipated wedding. Of course, the newlyweds aren’t the only topic of gossip among the Virgin River residents.

There’s Preacher’s (Colin Lawrence) trial, which could impact his attendance at the ceremony. Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) is getting too close to Lark (Elise Gatien), but she’s working with a prisoner named Jimmy (Ian Tracey). There’s also Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale), who is getting more pregnant by the day. With so much on the line, it’s no wonder Virgin River season six feels more crucial than previous installments.

Courtesy of Netflix

Fans have been waiting years—I repeat, years—for Mel and Jack to finally get married. That moment is on the verge of occurring, and yet, there are so many things that can prevent it from happening. Not only is Mel reworking her wedding gown after the bridal store messed up her order, but she’s also relying on Jack to complete construction on the barn for the ceremony.

Plus, there’s also Preacher’s trial, which is looming over, well, everyone. Preacher is preparing to defend his involvement in Wes’s death. (In season five, Preacher learns that a body has been found in the exact location where he buried Wes.) Even his new love interest, Kaia (Kandyse McClure), is nervous about the outcome, which could sway in either direction. The impending trial is also putting a strain on Preacher’s relationship with Jack, who (unlike Preacher) isn’t afraid to throw Paige (Lexa Doig) under the bus.

Courtesy of Netflix

Don’t even get me started on Mel’s biological dad, Everett Reid (John Allen Nelson), who is already causing all sorts of drama. First, he reveals that he has years-long beef with Vernon “Doc” Mullins (Tim Matheson). Then, he invites Mel over for dinner and displays concerning symptoms relating to his health. And finally, he is hesitant to talk about Mel’s mom, even though Mel is begging for answers ahead of her nuptials. While I’m happy that Mel found her dad, I worry that his involvement will cause more problems than ever.

Long story short, this season is a must-see from the get-go.