At the end of Virgin River Season 5, Episode 10, Mike (Marco Grazzini) interrupts his “first date” with Brie (Zibby Allen) to get a crucial bit of information off his chest. “There’s something that I need you to know,” he said. “Brady’s the real hero. It was his idea to go undercover to help take Melissa down. He risked his life, and he did it all for you.” AND HE’S RIGHT!
His words don’t change the fact that Brie called it quits with Brady (Ben Hollingsworth) and is finally exploring her feelings for Mike, but they’re absolutely true. So in his hour of defeat, I’m here to pen a defense of the small town’s most misunderstood man: Daniel Brady.
Before the Mike shippers come at me, let me start by saying I appreciate the man’s honesty. He didn’t have to say those kind words about his competition, but as we all know, they’re true! So I’m sure he would have felt guilty down the line if he didn’t come clean at the start. As far as we’ve seen, the Virgin River cop is a perfectly nice, stand-up guy with real feelings for Brie. He’s undoubtedly the safe choice, and yet, I remain Team Brady.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that my man was a total mess in Season 1 and Season 2 — and not the hot kind. His constant disrespect, drinking, stealing, and ethically suspect in-betweens during Virgin River’s early installments were unacceptable. But once the former Marine realized working for Calvin (David Cubitt) was corrupt and deeply dangerous — not only for him, but for those he cares about — he earnestly tried to get out and dismantle the operation. Has Brady made bad choices? Tons! But he also had a tough childhood, a rough time in Iraq, and — like Jack — difficulties readjusting to normal life when he returned home. When his morals were put to the ultimate test, did he kill that dude for Calvin? No! Did he shoot Jack like everyone thought he did? No! But he was still arrested, and after being stabbed in prison and finally cleared of all charges, he found himself trapped — yet again — in Melissa’s fentanyl business. I mean, come on! Give this guy a break!
In Brady’s lowest moments, it’s clear he yearns to be the kind of guy who does the right thing. All this time, he’s just needed someone else (besides Jack) to believe he could be better. Enter Brie (Zibby Allen) in Season 3.
As Jack’s sister quickly learned, for anyone with a thing for good guys disguised as brooding bad boys — the Jess Marianos, Conrad Fishers, Marcus Bakers, and Shawn Hunters of the TV world — Virgin River‘s Brady is an ideal crush. The dreamy, leather jacket-wearing, motorcycle-riding outcast is, in the words of Brie herself, “so freaking gorgeous.” And their chemistry, to put it mildly, is electric. Brady may act tough, but he’s a romantic at heart — a charmer, a helper, and crucially a proud lover of the 1973 Oscar winner, The Sting.
Throughout his life with Brie, Brady has put in real work to improve himself and meet her needs. And when faced with another shot at a high-paying (albeit deeply illegal) gig, he once again risked his life to protect her, Jack, and Virgin River’s residents. Brady not only kept his loved ones in the dark and went undercover to expose the high-scale operation from the inside, but as he navigated unknown territory and carried the burden alone, he made amends with Jack, saved lives during the wildfires, and supported Brie ahead of her trial. (I mean, the man set up a truly impressive outdoor movie date complete with cozy seats, snacks, and Brie’s favorite film, Legally Blonde, for goodness sake! Protect him!)
Was Brady keeping secrets in Season 5 after Brie specifically asked him not to? Absolutely! But even the most fervent Mike stans can’t deny my guy had the purest intentions. The man wants to be good! He’s all but begging for a boring small-town existence! Much to my personal dismay, the Virgin River drama just keeps sucking him back in.
