Virgin River fans fume at ‘awkward’ Mel storyline in season six

Virgin River’s Mel Monroe has faced a number of challenges throughout the Netflix series

Virgin River fans have expressed their discontent with Mel Monroe’s (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) recent narrative arc, slamming an “awkward” plot twist in the show’s latest instalment.

The popular Netflix series, known for its heartfelt portrayal of small-town romance, delivered its usual mix of love and turmoil over 10 episodes last year, culminating with the emotional wedding of Mel and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson).

Yet amidst merry nuptials, darker elements have been simmering just beneath the surface, setting the stage for the seventh season with the ominous vanishing act of Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley).

Another compelling subplot involved Mel’s reunion with her biological father Everett Reid (John Allen Nelson), who serenaded the couple after recuperating from a heart attack.

While many viewers were moved to tears by the family dynamics, some have voiced their dissatisfaction with Mel’s hasty embrace of her newfound father.

Doc and Everett reignited their feud in season six

Displeased fans took to Reddit to air their grievances, with one viewer lamenting: “Mel rushing new dad is awkward. So I’ve been binge-watching over the last weeks, and I just started season six.

“While I’m enjoying the ‘newfound biological father’ for Mel, she’s pushing too hard to include him.

“I know this is the show making the storyline, but it makes me so sad for Doc (Tim Matheson)”, reports the Mirror US.

“He was heartbroken when she told him about her ‘dad’. Then playing a song, walking her down the aisle, it made me uncomfortable.”

Virgin River has managed to pack plenty of drama into what has been a little over a year of story-time, propelling Mel into the arms of her newfound father Everett in just weeks. The rapid bond-forming left stalwart Doc relegated to the sidelines, sparking a major falling out in season six.

However, Mel mended fences with Doc in time for a heartwarming aisle stroll at her wedding, capped off by a live performance from Everett. But fans have called out the storyline twists, with one saying: “I think they’re pushing the narrative a little bit too hard with this new dad…” and questioning why Doc was so easily displaced by blood ties to a relative stranger.

Another voiced discomfort: “Yes!!!! This! It is so awkward. And she didn’t seem remotely upset that the man she thought was her biological father, wasn’t.”

Is Mel imposing too much on her new father?

They also highlighted Mel’s lack of emotional turmoil: “[Mel’s sister] Joey (Jenny Cooper) was more upset than she was – Mel was just like, cool – let’s go find my new dad!”

Meanwhile, confusion arose regarding the authenticity of Mel and Doc’s relationship, given their relatively short acquaintance: “But how long have Mel and Doc known each other? 14 months?

“I think their super close ‘bond’ and father daughter relationship is ridiculous.”