Virgin River viewers cautious about Season 5 baby storyline
Virgin River Season 5 has stirred a wave of mixed emotions among fans as a captivating new baby plot unfolds in Part 2, leaving some anxiously nervous for what lies ahead
Season 5 of Virgin River has been an emotional rollercoaster, with Part 2 bringing in a new baby storyline that has left some viewers feeling uneasy. Based on Robyn Carr's popular novels, the Netflix series has been a huge hit, ranking as the sixth most-watched show of the past year.
In Season 5 Part 1, the residents of the titular town experienced numerous unexpected events, particularly lead characters Mel (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (played by Martin Henderson), who faced a devastating tragedy. As Part 2 and Season 6 approach, many fans are anxious about what will unfold in the future. Spoilers for Season 5 are included in the following discussion.
Virgin River fans “nervous” over Season 5 baby plot
At long last, it seemed like Mel and Jack were finally set to start a family of their own. However, this all changed in Season 5 Part 1 when Mel had a miscarriage.
Upon receiving devastating news, the couple learned that Lizzie is pregnant with Denny's child, a storyline that was further developed in the recently released Christmas specials. Mel star Alexandra Breckenridge expressed the importance of telling this story, citing the reality that not everyone gets their miracle baby. However, fans have expressed unease with the narrative, noting feeling nervous in light of Lizzie's news.
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"I always get anxious when new traumatic birth/pregnancy storylines are introduced," commented a Reddit user. "I'm relieved that Charmaine's twins didn't experience any negative outcomes (aside from the father)."
Another person questioned, "Does anyone really want to see Lizzie and Denny start a family? It should be Mel and Jack for numerous reasons, like age and illness. I understand that life doesn't always go as planned, but this feels more like cheesy melodrama than real life. I think I'm over it."
"And even though they claim they gave Mel a miscarriage to address issues of infertility, as someone struggling with infertility, it doesn't make me feel any better to see a teenager... getting pregnant so easily by her new boyfriend," added a third person.
It's always going to be tough for someone struggling with fertility to see a pregnancy plot, so why give Mel another loss just to introduce a new pregnancy storyline? Absolutely senseless.
"I would have been fine if things had worked out for them, but I really don't like the Lizzie pregnancy storyline."
Others are guessing what could happen next for Lizzie and Denny, based on how other storylines have unfolded in Virgin River. "My guess is that they decide to test the baby for genetics and discover that it's not Denny's," one person said.
Another prediction is that, for various reasons, ranging from the dramatic (such as Lizzie passing away during childbirth) to the less dramatic (like Lizzie changing her mind and choosing to accompany Denny while he is still able to travel due to his Huntington's disease), the outcome will be that Mel & Jack will ultimately end up with the baby.
If you're disappointed with how Mel and Jack's journey to having a baby played out, take comfort in knowing that they eventually find their happily ever after in the Virgin River book series. And considering the show's slower pacing, there's a good chance this could happen in the future.
You can catch Virgin River Seasons 1-5 on Netflix. Be sure to explore our other coverage as well.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of Virgin River, I have mixed feelings about the new baby storyline in Season 5. On the one hand, I understand the importance of addressing the reality that not everyone gets their miracle baby. On the other hand, I feel like this storyline is a bit too much to handle, especially after Mel and Jack have already experienced so much tragedy.
I think it's important to show that life doesn't always go as planned, but I also think it's important to give viewers some hope. I'm not sure if this storyline is the best way to do that. I'm also concerned about how this storyline will affect Mel and Jack's relationship. They've been through so much together, and I don't want to see them struggle even more.
I'm hoping that the writers will handle this storyline with care and sensitivity. I want to see Mel and Jack find happiness, and I don't want this storyline to get in the way of that.
