Review of Virgin River Season 5 Part 2: An Invigorating Holiday Treat

Netflix’s hit series Virgin River returns with two special holiday episodes that are filled with festive cheer, surprising twists, and enough seasonal joy to rival a Hallmark Christmas movie. Season 5 Part 2 wraps up the standout season with a delightful celebration of the most wonderful time of the year in the beloved Californian small town.

Decked out in festive tinsel, cozy plaid, and endless smiles, this new installment provides some much-needed comic relief after the intense traumas of the first 10 episodes. A wildfire tore through the town, testing the community's resilience, Mel experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage, Mike was shot, and Jack's caravan business was used as a cover for a drug operation. And let's not forget that Charmaine dropped the bombshell that the twins' father is Jack's archenemy and criminal leader, Calvin, while Mel uncovered her mother's affair with a man in Virgin River, who may just be her biological father.

The new showrunner, Patrick Sean Smith, has ramped up the stakes and pace of the series set in a sleepy town, leaving many unanswered questions for part two to resolve. Will Jack find out about the twins' real father? Will Doc lose his sight? Who is Mel's father?

Netflix released the first nine minutes earlier this week, indicating that Season 5 Part 2 will give the picturesque town a chance to indulge in its charming Hallmark Christmas quality. However, beneath the twinkly, cocoa-filled surface are more relatable holiday experiences, such as navigating divorced parents, estranged family members, bumping into ex-partners, and remembering those who are no longer with us.

Chosen family

Christmas just wouldn't be complete without unexpected guests, family tension, and last-minute cancellations, would it? Jack and Mel have generously offered to host both of their families for the holidays, hoping that it will give everyone the chance to get to know each other before their wedding.

However, the well-meaning festivities inevitably bring attention to the familiar fractures within each family's dynamics. Jack and his sister Brie find themselves trying to keep the peace between their newly divorced parents, while their previously unknown relatives have to cancel due to being snowed in. Despite the disappointment of not having the big, happy family Christmas they had envisioned, the mood is still deliciously light, flirty, and joyful.

Season 5 Part 2 focuses on Mel’s Father Christmas 

Lizzie and Denny find themselves in a blissful babymoon bubble following her unexpected pregnancy. This joyous event has only strengthened their bond with their parental figures, Doc and Hope. The power of chosen family, cultivated within the tight-knit community, takes center stage in these two episodes, serving as the cornerstone for the lives of all the residents. This theme was established earlier in the season through their solidarity during the fire.

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This season, Mel's quest to find her biological father takes center stage. After the shocking revelation that the city nurse has roots in the small town, Mel and Jack embark on a journey to uncover the identity of this enigmatic figure.

The couple follows their clues to the Christmas markets, the ice rink, and then to the local Santa at the mall. Santa gives Mel the gift she’s been searching for and reveals that the letter-sender is known as Champ, the winner of Virgin River’s 1976 Lumberjack games.

However, their Christmas Eve reunion with the local legend turns sour when he dismisses Mel and denies being the right person, despite the trophy being visible behind him. Disheartened, Mel finds comfort in her chosen family and asks Doc to walk her down the aisle, expressing that the best people in her life are the ones who chose to be in it.

Virgin River is full of sickly, sweet Yuletide spirit 

Filled with peppermint treats and steaming hot cocoa, these two episodes overflow with heartwarming displays of love reminiscent of those found in every idealized Hallmark movie. Following Hope's victory in the annual Christmas tree decorating contest, Doc pops the question, hoping to recreate their wedding day before he potentially loses his sight.

Jack fulfills Mel's second wish by giving her a puppy named Pony, while Muriel and Dr. Cameron showcase their captivating chemistry as they lead the festive musical. Even local Santa, Lydie, finds love with her former high school crush, and Jack's mother arrives with her new boyfriend, eager to show off in front of her ex-husband.

Additionally, Kaia decides to take a local job to be closer to Preacher, as their once tumultuous relationship now looks promising and stable. The town is filled with collective joy, a stark contrast to their earlier hardships and grief. While potential problems like Lizzie's mother's disapproval of her teen pregnancy and Muriel's aversion to having kids arise, they are quickly glossed over and resolved just in time for the holidays.

Season 5 closes with a Christmas miracle 

In Season 5, a new love triangle emerges involving Brie and the two former marines, Mike and Brady. Despite Brie and Brady moving on with other partners, they almost kiss under the mistletoe after he confesses, "It's hard watching someone you love move on, no matter how happy you are for them."

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Amidst the holiday celebrations, a genuine Christmas miracle unfolds as Charmaine at last welcomes her eagerly anticipated twins into the world. The expectant mother had shared her joyous announcement at the conclusion of Season 1, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the arrival of these long-awaited babies.

Midwife Mel, alongside Doc, is there to ensure the safe arrival of the babies, finally putting an end to Charmaine's manipulative ways in Virgin River - at least for now. As the new season approaches, it becomes clear that things won't be neatly resolved, and that the town's sinister drama is far from over.

Brady’s charming new girlfriend secretly takes a call from her daughter’s father in prison, who turns out to be Calvin’s trusted associate, Jimmy. It is suggested that the couple had planned for her to get close to Brady as a form of retaliation against the ex-marine. It appears that his brief freedom from the criminal world is coming to an end...

Preacher’s newfound happiness with Kaia is also in jeopardy when Mike confirms the identification of the unknown body as Paige’s ex-husband, Wes. With news of this revelation spreading, Wes’ twin Vince will return, and the grim truth about those fateful events may finally be revealed...

Just as the final episode wraps up, Mel's father shows up at her door and expresses his desire to be a part of her life, apologizing for his initial shock at her surprise visit. The scene takes a turn when Mel's smile fades and her father reveals that he has something important to tell her... but the camera cuts away.

With the holiday season coming to a close, it looks like Virgin River's short, heartwarming, festive journey has come to an end. Let's hope you enjoyed the drama-filled ride!

Virgin River Season 5 Part 2 review score: 3/5 

Season 5 Part 2 of Virgin River is a delightful display of the charming Hallmark-esque drama that characterizes this small-town series. At times, the show ventures into a lighthearted, festive alternate world, bringing forth the warm, Christmas-themed cheer. This addition is not overly saccharine or too disconnected from the main plotlines, as it is clear that this tranquility will not last for long.

Season 6’s major storylines have been set in motion, bringing a refreshing change of pace after 10 episodes of tackling life’s difficult challenges for both viewers and the residents of Virgin River.

Part 2 of Virgin River Season 5 is now available for streaming on Netflix. Check out more of our coverage below.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the return of Virgin River Season 5 Part 2. The first half of the season left us with many unanswered questions, and I can't wait to see how they are resolved. I am particularly interested in finding out who Mel's father is and what will happen with Jack and Charmaine's relationship.

I am also looking forward to seeing more of the chosen family dynamics in Virgin River. The show does an excellent job of portraying the importance of community and support, and I think it is a great message for Gen Z viewers. Overall, I am very excited about Virgin River Season 5 Part 2 and can't wait to see what the next two episodes have in store for us.