Shocking Revelation: Preacher's Fate in Virgin River Revealed!

John Middleton, also known as "Preacher," is a much-loved character in the popular Netflix series Virgin River. The big question on everyone's mind is whether he will leave the town he holds so close to his heart or decide to stay. Preacher has captured the hearts of fans in Virgin River. With a background as a former Marine, he serves as the town's chef and is best friends with Jack. Known for his unwavering loyalty and kindness, Preacher devotes his love and time to those in his community.

In Virgin River Season 5 Part 1, based on Robyn Carr’s books, Preacher faces more ups and downs in his romantic life and deals with the haunting presence of Paige's abusive ex-husband. However, will these circumstances compel Preacher to permanently depart from Virgin River? Find out the answer below. Spoiler alert: Details from Virgin River Season 5 Part 1 ahead!

Does Preacher leave Virgin River?

Contrary to expectations, Preacher will not be leaving Virgin River much to the delight of his loyal fans. Rather, it is his former flame Paige who makes the decision to leave the town alongside her son Christopher, seeking a fresh start following the Wes and Vince ordeal.

To recap, Paige relocated to Virgin River with her son, seeking refuge from her abusive ex-husband Wes. During her time there, she forms a romantic connection with Preacher. However, in Season 2, Wes manages to track down Paige, launching a violent attack on her and threatening to abduct their son Christopher. In the ensuing struggle, Paige unintentionally pushes Wes down the stairs, resulting in his fatal injury.

Overwhelmed by fear, Paige urgently contacts Preacher, who assists her in concealing Wes's body as a means of protecting her. This storyline unfolds over multiple seasons, ultimately leading to Paige's decision to flee Virgin River and entrust her son's care to Preacher.

Yet, their tumultuous past resurfaces to haunt them when Christopher is abducted by Vince, Wes's identical twin brother. In the penultimate episode of Season 4, Paige returns to Virgin River upon learning this devastating news, revealing that she sought refuge at a women's shelter.

Preacher eventually locates Christopher, but realizes that Vince has taken Paige with him. This leads to a climactic showdown involving all three characters, as Vince threatens to harm Paige unless they disclose Wes's whereabouts. It is revealed that Vince shot Jack during his pursuit of Preacher, although Jack survives.

Preacher manages to thwart the attack, and in the beginning of Season 5, local police officer Mike and his team arrive and apprehend Vince. Vince confesses about what happened to Wes, but fortunately, the police are skeptical of his story. Paige and Preacher are ready to start fresh, after Preacher ends his short-lived relationship with part-time martial arts instructor Julia.

However, once they commit to exploring the possibilities, Paige experiences a sudden change of heart. "When I ended my relationship with Wes, my world revolved solely around him, as he desired," she confides in Preacher.

"Thus, when I eventually departed, my only wish was to escape his presence entirely. That's precisely what made Virgin River so extraordinary. Until it wasn't."

Paige expresses her desire to move on from their current situation, stating that she no longer feels the need to run away. Despite her emotional distress, Preacher inquires if she plans to depart with Christopher. Surprisingly, she suggests that he could join them instead.

At this point, some followers may assume that Preacher is considering leaving the town as well. Nevertheless, despite his longing, he confesses, "I truly wish I could, but this place... it holds a special place in my heart. It is my home."

But Preacher's rollercoaster ride is not yet finished, as his past returns to haunt him again when a devastating wildfire engulfs Virgin River. Among the firefighters who respond to the scene is Kaia, a character who enters into a relationship with Preacher.

In Season 5 Part 1 finale, Kaia and Preacher develop a deep connection and Kaia chooses to stay in Virgin River. However, a shocking development occurs when Kaia gets a call from a colleague informing her about a body found during wildfire cleanup, likely to be Wes. Preacher, undoubtedly affected by this, initially considers leaving Virgin River but ultimately decides to stay in the town he considers his own. The resolution of this situation will only be revealed in Season 5 Part 2.

Virgin River Seasons 1-5 are streaming on Netflix now. Check out our other coverage below: