Unveiling the Identity of Mel's Father in Virgin River

As Virgin River Season 5 Part 2 approaches, fans are once again wondering about the identity of Mel's father. Here's what we currently know.

Patrick Sean Smith has assumed the position of showrunner for Season 5 and the future of the popular romance drama Virgin River, following Sue Tenney. The initial part of this fresh chapter has already claimed the top spot on Netflix's Top 10 chart, captivating fans with numerous surprising revelations in the latest episodes.

Season 5 Part 1 of Virgin River introduces unexpected relationships, a devastating breakup, a challenging court trial, a sorrowful farewell, and a wildfire that both unites and divides the town. The upcoming November episodes will uncover the shocking developments of the latest chapter, leaving fans curious about the show's potential direction, including the identity of Mel's father in Virgin River. Caution: Spoilers ahead!

Who is Mel’s father in Virgin River?

Amidst speculation about the true identity of Mel's father in Virgin River, Netflix has yet to provide any confirmation. Currently, various theories are circulating, with Vernon "Doc" Mullins being the most obvious contender, although other names are also being considered.

Season 5 left viewers hanging with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. The last scene of Episode 10 catapults us a few months ahead, after Labor Day, where we find Mel and Jack sprucing up their cabin in preparation for the festive season.

NetflixMel received a shocking blow when she discovered her mother's extramarital affair.

Mel has a phone conversation with her sister Joey, who reveals that she has found a collection of love letters exchanged between their mother and an unidentified man. "Mom was involved in a romantic relationship with someone in Virgin River," Joey discloses. "And this person could possibly be your biological father."

Mel is understandably perplexed by this revelation, but unfortunately, before we can delve deeper into the matter, the episode concludes. This abrupt ending leaves the audience feeling both frustrated and intrigued, generating anticipation for the second part of Season 5. Netflix assures viewers that they can expect the continuation of this mysterious storyline in the upcoming Christmas episodes.

Fans are currently engaged in speculation about the identity of this unidentified individual. It is widely believed that Vernon "Doc" Mullins, a well-known figure in the town who serves as the local physician, the husband of Mayor Hope, and Mel's employer, would be the most plausible candidate. The rationale behind this assumption is that his age aligns with the given description, and their relationship also raises suspicion. Initially, Doc was resistant to accepting Mel as part of his practice and did not warmly welcome her, which possibly hints at his knowledge of the secret.

NetflixDoc would be the clear selection. In fact, even if he doesn't choose it, he has grown fond of Mel throughout the seasons, to the extent that their father-daughter-like bond has been acknowledged in the past. In an interview with Intervieweros in 2021 during the release of Season 3, Alexandra Breckenridge, the star of Mel, expressed, "I appreciate the evolution of their relationship."

In Season 3, it's been enjoyable to witness Tim's journey and the transformation of Doc into a more sentimental character. The father-daughter dynamic they've cultivated is endearing. Nevertheless, certain fans argue that choosing Doc as a love interest would be too predictable, especially considering his existing secret love child: Denny's father.

Another theory suggests that Lily's deceased husband, Buck, may be the reason behind her deep connection to the farm and her close bond with Chloe and Tara. As pointed out by a Redditor, it's plausible that Lily's husband's death affected her in a significant way. Additionally, a comment on X/Twitter speculates that Lily's late husband is actually Mel's father. This theory gains support from the introduction of Mel's oldest daughter and her decision to purchase the farm. The unexpected twist is that Mel finally gets to have a baby, but it turns out to be Chloe, who becomes her sister due to these circumstances. This idea is further hinted at by Jack.

There has been a debate about this matter, with some disputing the possibility. In the Season 5 Part 2 trailer's conclusion, Mel informs Jack that she has discovered the identity of her father. In response to Jack's inquiry about who it is, Preacher interrupts to reveal, "He is still present in Virgin River."

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Given this information, it seems unlikely that it could be Buck. However, Mel's expression suggests confusion, possibly because she knows he is deceased and Preacher's statement implies that he is present in spirit, with his grave situated in Virgin River.

Despite this, some fans remain unconvinced by this theory. One commenter on ReadySteadyCut stated, "I don't believe it is Buck, as that would be underwhelming. Buck and Lily are both deceased, thus the dramatic impact of that choice would be minimal. I find it too predictable for it to be Doc. My money is on Nick."

And this leads us to another potential candidate for being Mel’s biological father. Nick, a local businessman associated with Jack’s glamping enterprise, has had a greater presence in the last two seasons of Virgin River, and he happens to be the appropriate age.

NetflixCertain fans speculate that Nick may be Mel’s true father.

Although suspicions were raised about his involvement in the drug plot, he appeared to be completely unaware of his sister Melissa's activities as a queenpin. According to a Redditor, there are thoughts that it could be Nick due to his nickname "handsy." Another Redditor mentioned that both Nick and Doc could fit the age category.

Alternatively, there is a possibility that our interpretation of the situation is incorrect, and Melissa's father is still the person she has always believed him to be, despite suggestions from the trailer hinting otherwise. All that can be done is to await the release of Part 2, but we will ensure to provide updates if any new developments arise before then.

Virgin River Season 5 Part 1 is available to stream on Netflix now, and you can check out our other coverage below: