Who Is Champ In Virgin River? Mel’s Biggest Mystery Is Finally Solved After 4 Years
After four years, Netflix’s Virgin River has finally solved one of Mel’s biggest mysteries – the identity of her father, “Champ.” The melodrama follows the residents of Virgin River, California, after a big-city nurse practitioner named Melinda “Mel” Monroe moves to town, hoping to get a fresh start. Virgin River introduces dynamic characters who all impact the storyline; however, the narrative continually returns to Mel. Her perspective as the outsider serves to mirror the audience’s point of view. Additionally, she has significant character growth, pushed forward by her relationships with others and unanswered questions about her past.
One of the biggest mysteries throughout Virgin River is the identity of Mel’s father. Initially, she isn’t sure of his name or where he’s from. Mel introduces herself as an orphan, saying her mom died when she was 11, and her father died before that. This heavily shapes her relationships with her sister and Jack. At the end of Virgin River season 5 part 1 Mel finally learns that her father wrote letters to her mom, using the name “Champ.” The letters are postmarked from the eponymous town, implying her father lived there. This leads her to search for her father in Virgin River season 5 part 2.
After searching for him throughout the second half of the season, Mel finally discovers at the end of Virgin River season 5 part 2 that her father’s name is Everett “Champ” Reid. Unfortunately, their first meeting doesn’t go well, with Everett claiming he isn’t the man she’s looking for. Since she knows he’s lying, Mel perceives this as his rejection of her. This causes her to question her choice to search him out. However, Everett quickly overcomes his fear, coming to her to apologize and introduce himself. He’s still visibly hesitant in the last episode of Virgin River season 5, but he cares more about knowing his daughter.
Actor John Allen Nelson plays Mel’s father, Everett, in Virgin River, season 5, episode 12, “Father Christmas.” Since the actor began his career in 1983, viewers may recognize him from other TV programs and movies. Nelson’s acting portfolio primarily includes action TV shows like Baywatch, Sheena, Crisis, and 24. His last role prior to Virgin River has interesting parallels to Everett though.
In the musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend seasons 1 and 2, he played Rebecca Bunch’s absentee father, Silas Bunch. Like Everett, he resists having a relationship with his daughter. Contrastingly, Everett seems to have abandoned his daughter due to pain, rather than malice, making him a better parent than Silas. Luckily, Virgin River season 6 will explore the character’s motivations and personality further.
After the cliffhanger in which Everett tells Mel he has something important to tell her, Everett is guaranteed to return in Virgin River. By making this the last thing audiences see in this season, the writers set it up as the central question for Virgin River season 6. Moreover, Virgin River’s showrunner, Patrick Sean Smith, told Deadline the upcoming season – expected to release in 2024 – would feature a paternity triangle between Everett, Doc, and Mel. As such, Nelson will likely have at least a recurring role in Virgin River season 6, if not a main character role.
