Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
The climax of Mel and Jack’s wedding in Virgin River season 6 has overshadowed several other significant plotlines, particularly one involving Vernon that poses a serious threat to both him and his medical practice as season 7 approaches. Much like previous seasons, this one has seen certain narratives take a backseat to more prominent events. With Preacher’s impending trial adding tension to the community and the couple’s nuptials drawing attention, secondary arcs—such as those involving Hope and Vernon—rarely received the spotlight they deserved.
In an intriguing twist, a seemingly minor storyline from season 6, episode 5 has escalated into a critical dilemma for Vernon. After a house call to the Bakers turned life-threatening, Vernon realized that traditional emergency services would have been too late. This prompted him to make a decisive choice to perform burr hole surgery, a move he confirmed with a neurosurgeon from Grace Valley Hospital via videocall. Although Vernon successfully completed the procedure and saved his patient, this act has placed his credentials under scrutiny, culminating in an investigation by the medical board by the season’s end.
The Threat of Grace Valley Hospital: Season 7’s New Antagonist
Unforeseen Threat: Grace Valley Hospital’s Investigation
Dr. Hayes’s sudden investigation into Vernon’s clinical decision-making came as a surprise. Hayes promptly informed Vernon of the inquiry upon discovering that Denny, his assistant, was still a student. Despite the patient’s recovery and Vernon’s prior consultation with the Grace Valley neurosurgeon, Hayes pushed forward with the investigation. What remains baffling is Grace Valley Hospital’s lack of prior scrutiny toward Vernon, who has always practiced with an unconventional approach due to bureaucratic challenges, ultimately leading him to Virgin River.
The intentions behind Grace Valley Hospital’s maneuvers seem to motivate a storyline that positions Vernon and Hope in an escalating conflict against corporate interests, turning their battle into a central theme for the upcoming season. With Hope uncovering the motivations behind Hayes’s actions, the stage is set for a fierce struggle to defend their community health practice from what appears to be a predatory takeover.
A New Level of Threat for Vernon Mullins’s Family Practice
Historically, Virgin River’s Clinic Faced Lesser Threats
Vernon’s clinic has always enjoyed a stable existence, free from the imminent threat of a takeover until now. Historically, challenges stemmed from more personal issues, such as his overwhelming workload—prompting Hope to bring Mel onboard in season 1—or concerns over his eyesight, which made succession planning a necessity.
The very foundation of Virgin River rests on the notion that Vernon required Mel’s expertise to manage the clinic effectively, a reality he initially resisted. However, with Cameron’s return and Vernon’s medical successes, he found himself without the pressing need for a successor. Still, Grace Valley Hospital’s dubious tactics suggest a dire need for strategic planning among Vernon, Hope, and Mel. Their impending battle for the clinic represents the most consequential narrative arc of season 7, as it could very well impact the town’s identity and wellbeing.
Virgin River season 6 is now fully available for streaming on Netflix.
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