Virgin River Season 5: Wildfire Threatens and Courtroom Tensions Rise

The fifth season of Virgin River is just around the corner, with its premiere date set for 7 September. As a treat for small-town romance fans, the new season will feature two special holiday episodes, which will air in a separate instalment on 30 November. But sadly, Season 5 is not all rainbows and unicorns; there's going to be some drama.

The new sneak peek photos recently released by Netflix offer a glimpse into the upcoming season's storylines.

One image shows Brie Sheridan in court. In Season 4, we saw Jack's sister finally muster the courage to stand up to the former colleague who attacked her. This image shows that the situation will likely be taken to court: we can only hope justice will prevail.

Perhaps the most alarming image shows Mayor Hope McCrea and John 'Preacher' Middleton watching a devastating wildfire ravage the beloved town of Virgin River. The official Netflix synopsis warns that the fire will threaten the town's community, uniting some people and dividing others.

The titles of the upcoming episodes, which were revealed earlier, show that the fire that strikes the town will be the subject of not one but at least three episodes, titled Trial by Fire, Heroes Rise, and From the Ashes. So buckle up for some serious drama.

There are even more dramatic storylines to come in Season 5. According to Netflix, viewers can expect a shocking breakup and a painful goodbye, whatever that may mean. The main couple, Mel Monroe and Jack Sheridan will have to deal with issues of parenthood and their inner demons.

Vernon 'Doc' Mullins and Hope McCrea are set to face the consequences of their medical problems, making many fans feel uneasy. Of course, Paige Lassiter and Preacher's story with Vince will continue and hopefully get a happy ending.

'What you can expect from Season 5 is a lot of answers to the questions you have been waiting for,' the show's executive producer and writer Erin Cardillo told Netflix's Tudum. 'Hope's recovery, Doc's diagnosis, the Paige situation, Brie and Brady's relationship — they're all going to be addressed.'

Add to that a ton of heartwarming moments like the ladies of Virgin River hanging out at a therapeutic spa and a bunch of new characters, and it seems we might be in for a perfect new season of the beloved series. Fingers crossed.

Source: Netflix.