Warm, romantic, and pleasantly restful — Netflix’s Virgin River is this year’s most unexpected hit show. In a time where coziness and comfort are foremost priorities, the Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson-starrer delivers. This scenic fictional town has many stories, but the romance between Mel and Jack, who have their respective tragic pasts, forms the fulcrum of the show. Another refreshing couple is Hope and Doc, who were previously married, then separated, and then got back together again.
Virgin River gives fans a satisfying slow burn with both couples, but which one is the reigning couple of the homey small town? Here’s a take on both romances.
The town mayor and the only doctor in town — Hope and Doc made for a power couple if there was one.
In the cozy town of Virgin River, they were the epitome of two individuals excelling at their respective careers and also having a flourishing romance (on most days). They were the original influential pair, with Doc running his clinic and helping people, and Hope taking care of the town’s affairs effortlessly. No wonder the whole town cheered when they reunited.
Although Hope and Doc were a power couple, it was time for them to pass the baton to someone else. Let’s face it, Mel and Jack were younger, cooler, attractive, and more relatable than the older couple, which made them the next generation power couple.
Mel was a very capable nurse practitioner with Doc, and Jack ran a very successful bar (the only one) in Virgin River, which made them a force to be reckoned with too. With their desire to do good for the town, their joint forces and talents were exactly what the town needed.
It is not often that a show depicts senior romance in a passionate light. Virgin River’s approach to Hope and Doc’s relationship was refreshing for many viewers. Most movies and shows always give a feeling of death and frailty to older couples, as well as a certainty that they will always end up together no matter what.
Virgin River turned that trope on its head by making Hope and Doc’s romance passionate and volatile. The mature individuals were depicted as desirable people with sexual tension, even in old age, who still chose to be together everyday.
Unlike the older couple which was a little set in their ways, Mel and Jack forgave each other. They took the time to hear each other out, get the full story, and cut each other some slack when the other slipped up.
Jack forgave Mel when she took off to LA without informing him, because he took a minute to empathize with her mental state. Similarly Mel forgave Jack about Charmaine’s pregnancy and his failure to tell her first, which enabled them to move forward without holding grudges. Hope and Doc could learn a thing or two from the young ‘uns.
