Every Episode of Virgin River Season 5, Ranked
Netflix’s sleeper hit Virgin River first hit screens during the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, it has grown into a 5-season long (and counting) franchise. Jack, Mel, Hope, and Doc’s cozy small-town life was a soothing balm for viewers, and the scenic views were certainly a big part of the appeal. The fifth season of Virgin River saw a slightly different release model — ten episodes were released as Part 1 of the season, while two more holiday specials became Part 2, which were released later.
This season provided viewers with plenty of answers from previous seasons while also creating new twists and turns for them to delve into. With twelve episodes full of heartrending events, emotional moments, and unparalleled cliffhangers, every Virgin River episode had something new and different to offer. These are the Virgin River Season 5 episodes, ranked.
“Songbird” Was Setting Up Plots for the Future
Hope’s return to the town is not what she had imagined, as her beloved position of Mayor is cruelly snatched away from her. As Hope grapples with this loss, Doc hires Muriel as an office assistant, which puts the severely underrated character to good use. Mel delves into medical nitty-gritty as Ava requires advice for endometriosis, while poor Jeb dies of an overdose at the Fentanyl plant.
While this episode had a lot going on, most of it was table setting for the rest of the season. Brady, Ava, Hope, and Muriel’s arcs were only just beginning, with their payoffs coming much later. Virgin River often opens with a bang, and then there’s a lull in the show, which was what Episode 2 became.
“Full Moon” Delved Deeper into Old and New Relationships
In the wake of her workshop, Mel makes the brave decision to return to work to help people. She is helped in her healing by Brie and Ava who release their pain in a sweet ritual. Exhausted by her failed attempts at becoming a mother, Mel tells Jack that she no longer believes in their lifelong dream to start a family together. Jack gently helps her start her healing journey. On the other hand, Brady finds new companionship in Lark, and they share some quality time together, along with Lark’s daughter.
This episode gave viewers an intimate look into the best relationships of Virgin River, as well as the beginning of a budding new romance between Brady and Lark. The town also received to see a public outing of Muriel and Cameron, which was sealed with a kiss. While tender and sweet, this episode relies on the twists that the show is known and loved for.
Love Was in the Air in “From the Ashes”
In the aftermath of the wildfires that ravaged Virgin River, new bonds are being formed. The newest and most interesting character, Kaia, had a previous marriage already, but she assures Preacher that her feelings for him are real. Seeing Preacher get a relatively normal love interest is great, but Brady is on the back foot. He is told that he and Brie were definitively over when he gets jealous about how much time she spent with Mike in Sacramento.
Brady also sees huge character development when he agrees to wear a wire for Mike so that he can bring Melissa’s Fentanyl business down. His friendship with Jack comes into close scrutiny in this episode, and Brady proves to be a good friend to him. There are many gasp-worthy moments in this episode.
“A Second Chance” Was a Fitting Season Opener
There were many unanswered questions before the start of Season 5 of Virgin River, and the season opener is appropriately shocking, revelatory, and tender (as Virgin River is not). Jack is reeling from the fact that he is not the father of Charmaine’s twins, while Mel is taking in the joys of motherhood. Melissa’s threat looms large as Bert gets Fentanyl poisoning from helping Gene with his tires.
Additionally, Preacher and Paige manage to (astonishingly) escape arrest, even though Vince is telling Mike that they have killed Wes. Virgin River clearly has its own unique laws. This episode is an incremental start to an enjoyable season, and fans loved every minute.
