What’s Next For Ricky In Virgin River Season 5?
Since Ricky’s introduction in season 1 of the Netflix show, he has had a clear set of character traits and aspirations. However, by Virgin River season 4, several characters appear to have forgotten one of Ricky’s chief aspirations in life. The TV adaptation of Virgin River is infamous for its storytelling idiosyncrasies, but having such an important detail about Ricky’s dreams be treated like a secret seems out of place on the Netflix show, creating a Virgin River plot hole.
Although multiple Virgin River characters act surprised that Ricky enlists in the Marines in Virgin River season 4, several episodes prior to the most recent season reference Ricky’s military aspirations. Ricky going into the Marines comes up during season 3, but it’s also mentioned in the Netflix show’s earlier seasons as well, making it seem like this aspect of Ricky is common knowledge. Lydie, Ricky’s grandmother, even brings up his military aspirations to vouch for him after Connie catches Lizzie and Ricky together, meaning it’s known to several Virgin River characters. Therefore, it feels out of place when Virgin River season 4 treats Ricky’s enlistment like a big shock.
Since Virgin River season 4 ends with Ricky going to basic training, it’s left ambiguous how the character will factor into season 5. It’s been said that Ricky will have an extremely limited role in the upcoming season of Virgin River due to being away at basic training . This means fans of Ricky and Lizzie’s relationship might have to wait a while for any resolution to the love triangle between Ricky, Lizzie, and Doc’s grandson, Denny, which was introduced during Virgin River season 4. However, it’s likely the show will include news of how Ricky fares during training, and knowing Ricky, he will probably do well.
After Virgin River season 5, however, it’s possible that Ricky’s story could take a different turn. Netflix’s Virgin River isn’t known for following the Virgin River books closely, but should they choose to, Ricky’s storyline will get much darker. In the books , Ricky gets deployed, but he soon returns to Virgin River after an injury, and he goes into a dark place. Following this storyline could be the show’s way of bringing Ricky back to Virgin River (and to Lizzie). However, given Virgin River and its track record with being faithful to the books, only time will tell what the future holds for Ricky Sudder.
