Virgin River fans have been left scratching their heads over a major plot hole in Doc and Hope’s season seven storyline after the Netflix drama’s latest season finale.
Virgin River fans were left on the edge of their seats with a series of nail-biting cliffhangers as the latest season wrapped up, setting the stage for an explosive seventh season.
The serene wedding of Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) was quickly overshadowed by calamity when Jack’s ex, Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley), seemed to vanish, sparking fears for her and her newborn twins’ safety.
Adding to the town’s turmoil, Dan Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) faced heartache after declaring his love for Brie (Zibby Allen), only to have his new flame Lark (Elise Gatien) abscond with his life savings.
Meanwhile, Virgin River’s older residents Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole) and Vernon ‘Doc’ Mullins (Tim Matheson), are bracing for their own set of troubles in the upcoming season.
Doc’s decision to conduct a high-stakes surgery without a paramedic on hand has put his medical license in jeopardy, threatening the future of his practice, reports the Daily Record.
Doc and Mel’s jobs could both be at risk in season seven
But the plot thickens in the finale when Hope uncovers plans for a major hospital network from Grace Valley to expand aggressively, jeopardizing both Doc and Mel’s positions in Virgin River.
As the tension ramps up for season seven, viewers are questioning every twist and turn. A skeptical fan posed the question on Reddit: “Is this storyline plausible?
“Doc’s medical license is under investigation initiated by Dr. Hayes (Kaj-Erik Eriksen) at Grace Valley Hospital. Doc did call the hospital for a video consult but lost connection so he performed the burr procedure in a life or death situation.
“The patient was not admitted to Grace Valley yet, how does Grace Valley assume liability for what Doc does on his own?”
Several other fans agreed, with one comment reading: “I’m also confused about this as well. Ik a lot of doctors (esp PCPs with private practices) tend to be affiliated with hospitals.
“But, that just means they have access to hospital services and can refer patients for inpatient care. I’m not sure how the hospital can take away Doc’s license???”
Someone else remarked: “Totally agree. I doubt Doc has privileges at Grace Valley so I don’t see how it’s relevant.”
Virgin River could be setting up Dr Hayek’s replacement
While another fan claimed: “Doc saved a life, they should award him not chastise him.”
However, a final viewer may have already predicted the outcome of the investigation, speculating: “First, all the townspeople will testify to how great Doc is and he’ll get his license back.
“Second, Dr Hayes will butt heads with Doc until Doc miraculously saves someone close to Hayes, prompting him to have second thoughts about putting the clinic out of business.
“Third, Grace Valley will give Doc more equipment and money for the clinic, allowing him to be in charge and lo, and behold, Dr Hayes is his new partner.”
The departure of Mark Ghanime, who has played Dr. Cameron Hayek since the fourth season, certainly leaves a void in the upcoming seventh season that this fan thinks could be filled. Will Dr. Hayes take on a more prominent role? Or will this lead to Doc’s retirement?
Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.
