Virgin River Season 6, Episode 1 ‘Hope Springs Eternal’ is a pleasant enough return for the show, one that sets up small problems Virgin River usually gives us—as well as the more high-stakes drama of the season, which I presume will be whatever went on between Doc and Mel’s dad, as well as Preacher’s trial, and perhaps something to do with Lizzie and Denny’s baby? Or maybe Brady and Lark?

Either way, the backdrop of all of that is that Mel and Jack are happy! They’re about to get married! Things are happening around them and they’re in the middle of all of it, but for the first time in what feels like forever, the drama is external to them. They’re solid, and that’s a breath of fresh air. Honestly, we’ll take this for the entire season. All the drama we want to see in between them is wedding drama. Can Jack not dance? Does he hate Mel’s choice of flower? I don’t know, but still, things like that I can live with. Nothing else, please.

A LOT OF MEL AND JACK

There’s this idea that we watch shows like Virgin River for the drama. I’ll argue that there comes a point—and Season 6 is that point, where we watch these shows in spite of it. Virgin River Season 6, Episode 1 “Hope Springs Eternal” finds the show settled into this idea, and the understanding that with an ensemble, all the drama, be it big or small, doesn’t have to be carried by the same characters.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Mel and Jack’s life will be all roses, no thorns from now on. It isn’t even that in this episode, as Mel has to deal with her father’s stubbornness and the idea that she didn’t really know her mom as well as she thought she did. But that’s the outside drama that doesn’t have anything to do with Mel and Jack’s relationship and shouldn’t really affect it, and that kind of drama we can deal with.

In romance, any drama that doesn’t affect the couple isn’t really drama we’re concerned with. And sure, this season is starting with a bunch of established couples and there’s sure to be drama for some of them—Brady, for example, remains too much of a presence for me to feel as confident about Brie and Mike as I want to—but hey, as long as Mel and Jack get to enjoy the honeymoon period they haven’t really had before, we’ll take it. We won’t even complain. Much.

PREACHER AND JACK

If Virgin River Season 6, Episode 1 “Hope Springs Eternal” does something else right is focus on the relationship between Jack and Preacher, and gives the two men their due. Romance has evolved in the last few years to focus more on the men and their relationships outside of any main romance, because of the understanding that when male characters are explored more deeply, we can start to deconstruct the toxic ideas of masculinity that have been upheld for generations. And if there’s something people who enjoy romance want to see it’s just that, heroes who go against those toxic masculinity ideas.

Preacher and Jack’s friendship is, therefore, one of the pillars of this show. It always has been. And considering that we couldn’t really expect Jack to not fight for his friend, any way he can. To not be the one to say the thing Preacher doesn’t want to hear. That’s his job as Preacher’s best friend, as much as being there for him when Preacher tells him no is. Preacher will literally be Jack’s best man, and Jack is trying to be that for Preacher too, in whatever way he can. And though this episode provides no resolution, there’s no denying Preacher will need Jack in the days to come.

Things I think I think:

I’m so glad that wasn’t their wedding, let me be honest.
Okay, we have a timeline. Three weeks.
But, but …what about my cliffhanger? I hate this show, they always do this.
So, the sewing circle is there but Hope isn’t? Brie I get, but no Hope?
Hope is officiating so that means… she can’t see the dress?

Okay, Charmaine doing your hair is taking it a step too far, Mel.
FINALLY, WE’RE GOING BACK TO THE CLIFFHANGER.
What did you do to Vernon?
But also, that’s it?!
Oh, so no one knows what happened. Fun times.
They’re going to have to fix the dress, oh yay, that’s why the sewing circle is there.
No, seriously, never do this. Don’t buy a dress you hate in the hopes other people can fix it.
I’m actually concerned about Preacher’s trial. But he’s best man!
Of course, Brie is his lawyer. And okay, I trust you Brie.
I’m so glad Doc’s okay.
Hope being annoying in a Hope way is so good, honestly.
Everrett is so awkward.
I like this being a cadet thing for Brady.
Also like Hope and Vernon’s renewed romance.
Except, you know, awkward because Denny and Lizzie.
MIKE AND BRIE ARE ADORABLE THANK YOU.
Well, bye Cameron. I will not miss you.
Hope is right, Muriel looks FINE.

“It’s a good thing stubborn old men are my specialty,” Mel for the win.
Everett and Doc should be friends, they are so much alike.
Look, I appreciate Jack trying to guilt Preacher.
Totally forgot about Brady’s shady girlfriend.
I have zero feelings for Mel’s dad, sorry.
Lizzie is right, Denny helping at the clinic makes sense.
The dancing scene is cute.
Hope bringing the horse? Less cute.
“I’m gonna be there. Standing by your side.”
Ofc they want Jack to testify against Preacher and no one knows how things work because this is literally just something they sprang on Brie 0.2 seconds ago, before Jack even knew!

Agree? Disagree? What did you think about Virgin River Season 6, Episode 1 ‘Hope Springs Eternal’? Share with us in the comments below!

Virgin River Season 6 is now available to stream on Netflix.