Don't Expect to See This Fan-Favorite Virgin River Character in Season 5 Anytime Soon
We hope to see him back soon and will definitely miss him in the meantime.
As 7 September approaches, so does the first part of Virgin River Season 5. Fans couldn't be more excited to immerse themselves in the cosy atmosphere of the Northern California town and catch up with the locals who will return with new compelling stories. However, one of the viewers' favourites will reportedly be missing from the upcoming episodes.
Both showrunner Patrick Sean Smith and actor Grayson Gurnsey have confirmed that Ricky Sudder will not be returning to Virgin River in the near future.
'I'm not coming back for season five,' Gurnsey, who plays Ricky, told Express.co.uk. '[Ricky] needs to move out of the way so other plot lines can develop.'
At the end of Season 4, viewers were heartbroken to see Ricky leave his hometown to join the Army. His breakup with Lizzie and Jack Sheridan sending Ricky off left many viewers in emotional turmoil. Of course, at this point, it seems that the romantic show will feel incomplete without Lydie's grandson.
On the other hand, this new direction could offer an interesting development for the character and alter his dynamic with Lizzie and other townspeople when he returns. But when can we expect that?
'The timeline was set that Ricky would be in basic training until December,' Patrick Sean Smith told TVLine.
Given the show's famously slow pacing, this suggests viewers might need to wait a while to see Ricky again. Thankfully, the showrunner isn't ruling out a return for the beloved character.
'I won't say [you'll have to wait until] Season 10, but he's a fan favourite. Everybody loves him,' he said. 'We'll probably see Ricky at some point down the road.'
Grayson Gurnsey echoed the sentiment, confirming he is ready to rejoin the cast of Virgin River whenever called upon.
'I don't think that means [Ricky is] not coming back ever,' he said. 'He won't be in season five, but maybe season six or seven, who knows. I'm always happy to come back. I love the show, I love the people.'
Fans adore Gurnsey's charming character and hope to see him again sooner rather than later, perhaps even in the holiday specials scheduled for 30 November this year. Fingers crossed!
Sources: TVLine, Express.co.uk.