Netflix’s popular romantic drama, Virgin River season 4 arrives just in time for one HOT summer. Will this binge-worthy series earn itself another number one spot on Netflix? Does it live up to the hype? What is the age recommendation for Virgin River? Is it okay for teens? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its TV-14 rating, in my Virgin River Season 4 Parents Guide and Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for your family. As always, no spoilers!
Virgin River Season 4 Parents Guide + Review
Virgin River season 3 ended with a bang, and multiple cliffhangers. Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) is pregnant, but who is the father, Jack (Martin Henderson), or Mel’s deceased husband, Mark? It is also revealed that Doc (Tim Matheson) has a grandson, all the while Hope (Annette O’Toole) is in a medically induced coma suffering from the effects of her car accident.
Let’s not forget that Preacher (Colin Lawrence) is apparently drugged while trying to rescue Christopher. And, Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) is arrested for shooting Jack!
There’s certainly a lot to unpack, and luckily season 4 delivers 12 episodes rather than its usual ten! But will all of our questions be answered?
Virgin River Season 4 Review
While it is clear in the Virgin River season 4 trailer that Hope survives, she is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As we all know, Hope is a very independent woman. Having to rely on others and not being able to keep up with her normal routine is hard on her. Hope is not used to being cared for and needs to learn to lean on her people. She’s also struggling with the grief of Lily’s untimely passing. She never got to say goodbye and that’s tearing her apart.
It’s no secret that Mel and Jack have the most frustrating relationship ever. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE them as a couple. Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson’s chemistry is FIRE. But they sure do seem to have all the bad luck.
Just when we think they might receive the happiness they deserve, it’s revealed that Mel is pregnant and there’s a possibility the baby is not Jack’s. We all know that Mel visited LA to have the embryo’s implanted that she shared with her deceased husband, Mark. So who is the father?
Obviously Mel wants a paternity test, and ASAP because why not? However, Jack is not exactly on board. He seems to want to live in this fantasy world that he is the father regardless, but Mel cannot push her need to know aside. And honestly, who can blame her? I kind of wanted to smack Jack upside the head and shake some sense into him.
Virgin River Season 4 Has Focus on Mental Health
With that being said, aside from the paternity of Mel’s baby, season 4 focuses more on Jack’s PTSD and struggle with alcohol. If Jack wants a life with Mel and have a family, he needs to address these issues.
Bringing mental health into a storyline is always empowering. Enabling others to see characters go through relatable experiences makes people not feel so alone. Martin Henderson portrays his role flawlessly, truly allowing us to feel his pain.
Mel has clearly been through more than most. She had a stillbirth, lost her husband, and is now pregnant and unsure of the paternity. Yet with all she’s faced, she still stands strong. Alexandra Breckenridge plays a strong lead female character, which is always a delight to see on-screen. Mel’s character is why Virgin River is so popular. She’s relatable, and she’s just all around a good person. I will never understand how she’s so incredibly compassionate towards Charmaine, who by the way is still pregnant this season.
Mel has a lot on her plate this season, and she takes it in stride. There’s also a new doctor at the clinic who has an interest in Mel. He seems to be looking for all the same things as Mel, but without the baggage of Jack. Is Mel and Jack’s relationship strong enough to survive his PTSD, alcoholism, and question of paternity?
IS VIRGIN RIVER SEASON 4 KID-FRIENDLY? HERE’S YOUR PARENTS GUIDE:
Virgin River has a TV-14 rating. This usually means it might have content not intended for children under 14 years old. Season four’s rating is based mostly on heavy content, language, and violence. There are 12 episodes this season, each being approximately 45 minutes long. As a parent, there’s a few things you need to know about this series. Let’s take a closer look at some of the questionable thematic elements.
Language
There is no heavy profanity in Virgin River season 4. However, words like “Hell,” “damn,” and “stupid” are used.
Violence
We are still dealing with the aftermath of Jack’s shooting. There are also prison fight scenes, including a stabbing. Season 4 ups the ante with a murder and an explosion.
Mature Content
This is where Virgin River earns its TV-14 rating, as there are many heavy themes this season. There are drug references, as well as mention of selling drugs.
Several health related matters are brought into play. Someone has a heart attack, another is dealing with an illness, and a character is coping with anxiety. Hope is struggling with issues relating to her brain injury. There is also a stillbirth and pregnancy loss is mentioned.
Jack’s PTSD and alcoholism is a big focus this season. Jack also owns a bar, so there’s obviously drinking going on there.
Brie’s (Zibby Allen) rape plays a storyline in season 4.
Virgin River is a romantic drama, so there are definitely some steamy scenes. There is kissing and sex, however, no nudity is shown.
Age Recommendation
Virgin River is not intended for kids. I would agree with the TV-14 rating, but I don’t necessarily feel 14 year olds would enjoy this series. This is a series for us…and I’m here for it!
Overall Thoughts
Virgin River season 4 answers a lot of questions. The 12 episodes move at a quick pace and this is a very easy series to binge. Each episode leaves you wanting more. You’ll become even more invested in these characters and their stories.
Although season 4 has a lot of heaviness, there is also a great message of friendship. These people are always there for each other. They show up. We should all be so lucky to have friends and family like those in Virgin River.
While there is still a whole lot of drama, Virgin River gives us its fair share of heart. Showrunner, Sue Tenney, delivers a compelling story that keeps us coming back for more.
Season 4 leaves us again with multiple cliffhangers and more unanswered questions. Thankfully we know there will be a Virgin River season 5, because we are SO here for it! Let the countdown begin!
Virgin River Season 4 Synopsis
Despite not knowing whether her baby belongs to her deceased husband, Mark or Jack, Mel begins Season Four with a sense of optimism. For years she yearned to be a mother and her dream is one step closer to reality. While Jack is supportive and excited, the question of paternity continues to gnaw at him. Complicating matters is the arrival of a handsome new doctor, who’s in the market to start a family of his own.
Hope is still healing from her car accident, and the lingering psychological effects of her brain injury will have profound consequences for both her and Doc. Brie, intent on proving the innocence of the man she loves, unexpectedly finds herself in a closer relationship with Mike and one step closer to Calvin’s violent criminal web. Even as Preacher forges a new romantic connection, he can’t help but hold out hope for being reunited with Christopher and Paige.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS VIRGIN RIVER SEASON 4 PARENTS GUIDE AND REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. LOOKING FOR MORE NETFLIX SERIES? CHECK OUT THESE POSTS HERE.
Can’t get enough of Virgin River? Don’t miss my exclusive interview with Alexandra Breckenridge!
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