Early Virgin River Season 5 Reviews Leave Fans Cautiously Optimistic
It's The Final Countdown!
Virgin River Season 5 will officially premiere on Netflix on 7 September, and that's when we, mere mortals, will get to see it. However, TV critics have already had the privilege of previewing the initial ten episodes of this season, and their consensus? It's - brace yourself - 'the best one yet.' Promising, isn't it?
‘Praise be to the heavens!’ a fan wrote on Reddit after reading one of the first reviews.
The review from Glamour guarantees that the prolonged year-long wait to dive back into Mel and Jack's narrative will be worth every moment. Here's a breakdown of what has fans on the edge of their seats.
Timeline
There are zero time leaps as the season unfolds. Season 5 seamlessly picks up where Season 4 left off. Although this implies that the timeline remains consistent with Season 1, under the guidance of the refreshed showrunner, Patrick Sean Smith, the narrative's pace has reportedly picked up. Time, in the Virgin River realm, has finally started moving.
Cliffhangers
The conclusion of Season 4 left the audience grappling with numerous unresolved dilemmas. Season 5 meticulously addresses these, layer by layer, while weaving in fresh, compelling storylines.
New Characters
Season 5 will introduce a slew of fresh characters, thanks to several additions to the cast. If there's apprehension about these newcomers eclipsing the existing Virgin River narrative tapestry, fear not. Every new character is said to be seamlessly integrated, bringing intriguing arcs that move the overall story forward.
Wildfire
Trailers and promotional materials have alerted fans that a devastating wildfire will loom large in Season 5, posing threats to Virgin River and its cherished inhabitants. Such a plot could strike a raw nerve, especially given real-world parallels.
Yet, preliminary reviews suggest this sombre theme is approached with tact, emphasising character development over the catastrophe of the blaze.
Charmaine's Arc
Following the jolting end to Season 4, audiences are keen on seeing the ramifications of Charmaine's revelation. Indeed, Season 5 delves deep into the twins' lineage mystery and Jack's subsequent reactions to Charmaine's disclosures.
Mid-Season Finale
The tenth episode of the season doubles as the mid-season finale, paving the way for two subsequent holiday specials set for release on 30 November. Initial reviews hint at a rollercoaster episode, ensuring viewers will be eagerly awaiting the specials.