This isn’t the first time a show has had to prop up its storyline by getting increasingly melodramatic. Grey’s Anatomy (2005) started out as a medical drama with an ensemble cast of interns and resident doctors working at a Seattle hospital. Grey’s had the benefit of an endless stream of medical emergencies to keep the plots coming – instead of depending just on relationship drama, they could lean on medical mysteries to keep viewers entertained.

Grey’s at least has the excuse of heading into their 20th season this year, while it only took Virgin River a few years to veer into soap opera territory.

Surprise!

It used to be that we tuned into Virgin River for the gentle romance and general cozy vibes. Sure, there was some spice to keep things interesting (like someone’s abusive husband getting buried in the woods), but largely it was just a sweet little romantic drama.

Now Virgin River is up to its soft-focus elbows in dead mothers, sudden revelations (BAM! It’s Mel’s long-lost father!), love triangles, forest fires, paternity switcheroos, and traumatic brain injuries.

Is It Too Much?

Some fans would argue that Virgin River was a melodrama to begin with – after all, it was based on a series of romance novels. Even the end of Season One was awash with soapy tropes, like the revelation that Charmaine was pregnant with Jack’s twins (a revelation that has since been reversed) and the murder of Paige’s husband.

Still, when things get this convoluted it might be time to turn down the drama and return the show to its homey, cozy roots. That’s the vibe that got us all watching in the first place, and it’s a vibe that’s slowly disappearing.