Huzzah! The excitement was palpable among moms around the globe when the announcement for Virgin River Season 7 was made. Sure, it may feel a bit twee, yet Netflix’s successful formula effectively counters one common criticism – “it’s unrealistic.”
If you had to speculate which Netflix show would set records, Virgin River might not be your first guess. Nevertheless, this charming small-town saga has emerged as the streaming platform’s longest-running original series following the green light for its seventh season.
You may wonder, “Who is actually watching this?”The answer: nearly every woman aged 45 and older, along with many of their daughters (I can confirm this from personal experience). The story centers around a woman from the city who, after facing personal loss, seeks a fresh start in a charming, remote town. Naturally, she encounters a handsome yet troubled romantic interest during her stay.
Throughout its six seasons, this seemingly straightforward narrative has been criticized for its soap opera-like qualities. Season 1 delivered a classic boy-meets-girl romance in a stunning backdrop, with a predictable drama we could all appreciate!
However, now in Virgin River, the narrative has embraced absurdity. Charmaine, a main character, famously remained pregnant for five entire seasons before giving birth to twins. The baby’s father, Calvin, made a dramatic return from the dead in Episode 10, while Brady found himself entangled with a local drug cartel.
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The creators mention that all six seasons of Virgin River collectively span less than a year in real-time, which is truly mind-boggling. Nonetheless, the continuation into Season 7 indicates one thing – fans don’t just tolerate absurd soap opera drama; they relish it.
No matter your origin, you likely have some familiarity with cheesy television. From dramatic telenovela slaps to perpetual youth of Susan Lucci in All My Children, to Kat Slater’s ongoing conflicts, soap operas have left their mark.
Regardless of opinions about the genre, soap operas have become a communal experience. They often serve as foundational introductions to narrative structures on television and stand as the last bastion of creativity where wild ideas can flourish. With no restrictions, as long as drama prevails and audiences are engaged, the possibilities are endless.
As we approach Season 6 of Virgin River, we can expect a somewhat calmer storyline involving Mel and Jack’s nuptials. However, Season 7 holds potential for real excitement. While the Netflix series could closely follow Robyn Carr’s original book series, it has veered off script (sorry for the pun) long ago.
The likely outcome? Mel and Jack could launch a business on the moon if they so choose. Characters might spontaneously start speaking Spanish or may decide to produce a musical episode, akin to Glee. Why not even take inspiration from Riverdale and introduce time travel or supernatural elements?
Admittedly, some of these ideas transcend typical soap constructs, yet the underlying point remains. Virgin River’s escalating soap opera intensity is evidently working, regardless of the few criticisms levied from nostalgia seekers who miss the “good old days”(who doesn’t?). The issue lies not within the shows themselves, but with our reception of them.
In the comfort of our own homes, we find joy in the outlandish plots. Charmaine’s prolonged pregnancy was an addictive spectacle, sparking curiosity about when she would finally give birth, and eliciting disbelief that she hadn’t encountered her own shocking moment yet. Calvin’s unexpected return left us astonished, and we’re now on edge regarding Preacher’s upcoming trial.
Admitting to enjoying such superficial (though I’d argue otherwise) entertainment in public can feel quite uncool. If reality resembled the Black Mirror episode “Nosedive,”we’d probably receive low ratings for indulging in such absurdities. So, how do we react? By climbing aboard the hater train and overanalyzing the essence of television.
Season 7 of Virgin River is not only an opportunity for the narrative to elevate itself, but also a chance for us to embrace the craziness and apologize to the Netflix deities. This series is setting records for a reason, so let’s make sure we tune in!
Virgin River Season 6 drops on the streaming platform on December 19. A specific release date for Season 7 is still pending. Meanwhile, discover more about the upcoming Season 6 story arcs, any potential time jumps, and additional shows to enjoy if you’re a fan of Virgin River.
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