Summary
Virgin River is back, and the show hasn’t changed one bit. The new season promises more daytime drama antics accompanied by more stunning scenic views. “A Second Chance” continues the many interconnecting stories, ending a few subplots abruptly before they’ve really gotten started. The characters are surprisingly nonchalant about many life-changing events.
We recap the Netflix series Virgin River Season 5 Episode 1, “A Second Chance,” which contains significant spoilers.
It’s been just over a year now since viewers last paid a visit to the scenic town of Virgin River, and fans are desperate to return to this heartening place once again. The fifth season of the much-loved Netflix original series opens with “A Second Chance,” continuing the many interconnecting stories from the previous run.
Virgin River Season 5 Episode 1 Recap
We begin with Paige and Preacher’s storyline. Criminal Vince Logan has just been shot, and Detective Mike Valenzuela soon arrives to arrest the man for kidnapping and attempted murder.
As he is taken away, he tells the police that Paige killed his twin brother Wes and Preacher then helped bury the body.
Why does Preacher split up with Julia?
Mike assures Preacher that they will not be investigating these claims, and all of Paige’s charges have been dropped. Paige can now restart her life once more. Of course, Preacher still has strong feelings for her. He breaks up with Julia so that he can get back with Paige. Preacher then discusses his exciting future with Paige.
Unfortunately, Paige can’t stay in Virgin River; everything here reminds her of her troubled past. Paige and Christopher say a tearful goodbye to Preacher and then leave the picturesque town shortly after. This storyline seems to be over before it’s even begun.
Meanwhile, Jack and Mel discuss the explosive news from the night before. Jack found out that Charmaine had lied to him all this time. The twins are not Jack’s children, after all. Jack is clearly angered by this betrayal but happy to move on. He wants to forget about her and also start afresh.
Why does Mel leave the clinic?
Mel has her own plans; she wants to quit the clinic and focus on her pregnancy instead. She has a baby on the way and a wedding to organize, too. Mel doesn’t feel like she has time for work and needs the break. Her colleagues are less than impressed, though.
Doc and Cameron try to convince her to stay. But Mel has made up her mind already. She will not be persuaded otherwise. Doc accepts her decision just as Bert is rushed into the clinic.
He has been exposed to fentanyl after trying to help a dodgy stranger change a tire. Isn’t it just so annoying when that happens? The seedier underside to Virgin River and Melissa’s drugs empire is slowly creeping back into town once more.
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Elsewhere, Brie decides to press charges against Don Shepherd, and Brady continues to work for the ruthless criminal Melissa Montgomery in secret.
Melissa is expanding her business empire and wants Brady to help her out with these plans. Brady is conflicted though, eager to leave but unable to truly escape this criminal life for good.
In a sinister twist, Melissa also has a hand in Jack’s new glamping business. She wants to expand upon this venture as well.
Hope tries to get on with her own life and plans the agenda for the upcoming town council meeting. Her aide, Lizzie, attempts to get Hope to exercise more and be more active in general, but the mayor is eager to restart work instead. Lizzie helps her with the agenda and reunites with Denny.
Doc’s grandson Denny confessed to having Huntington’s disease in the previous season. Lizzie isn’t put off by this revelation, though, and kisses Denny. She wants to live in the moment and be with her lover no matter what.
Virgin River Season 5 Episode 1 Ending Explained
As the opening episode reaches its final third, Jack ponders Charmaine’s news further. He may have told Mel that he is over it, but the betrayal cuts deep. Jack decides to confront Charmaine after all.
Hope attends the town council meeting to discover that she is being ousted as the town mayor; they plan to replace her. And Brie’s new home is violently attacked when she receives a rock through the window. It looks like Don’s people plan on scaring Brie out of testifying.
What did you think of Netflix’s Virgin River Season 5 Episode 1? Comment below.
