While Mel and Jack are the titular characters in Virgin River, the series also features the town's most respected and experienced couple— Hope (Annette O'Toole) and Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson). While Hope McCrea serves as the mayor of Virgin River, her estranged husband Vernon Mullins is a physician who didn't like the idea of Hope hiring Mel as a nurse practitioner to work with him.
Following the complications in their marriage and Doc's affair with one of the characters, Charmaine's mother, resulted in the couple's separation. They began living separately but eventually realized how much they loved each other and reconciled.
Thankfully, in Virgin River Season 6, viewers get to see Hope and Doc enjoying a healthy life after facing health crises like Hope's past heart attack and Doc's macular degeneration. As explained by showrunner Patrick Sean Smith (via Netflix Tudum):
"It’s fun to see them fight! It was how the series started, and there was something so delightful in how they would bump up against each other and how that looked, and it was charged."
Smith also praised O'Toole and Matheson for bringing life to the characters and presenting the couple's lively, spirited dynamic. Continue reading to learn more about the couple.
Exploring Hope and Doc Mullins' relationship in Virgin River
Following the release of Virgin River Season 6, many fans might wonder about Doc and his wife Hope's journey into becoming a happy couple after all the complications they previously faced. The two have been the key figures since Season 1, which revealed that the reason behind Hope and Doc living separately was due to Doc's past affair with a town resident.
Despite Vernon’s repeated apologies, Hope struggled to forgive him, and the two remained distant for almost 20 years. However, it was evident that their feelings for each other hadn’t disappeared, and Hope gradually began to think about forgiving her husband.
Hope finally gave their relationship a second chance but insisted on keeping it a secret. She didn't want people in Virgin River to gossip about their rekindling and discuss her marriage with Doc in public.
Also Read: Who did David Cubitt play in Virgin River? Star's character explored in depth
However, their journey toward reconciliation in Virgin River wasn’t without complications. When Doc went to Seattle to get Hope’s engagement ring recast as a surprise for her, Hope misunderstood the situation.
She suspected Doc of having an affair, and it led to a confrontation. Thankfully, Doc's heartfelt gesture resolved the misunderstanding and brought them closer together.
Also Read: Virgin River Season 6 Spoilers: What lies ahead for Mel and Jack?
Hope and Doc are a happy couple in Virgin River Season 6
Hope and Doc finally found peace after facing significant challenges and strain in their marriage. The two had health issues in the past, but in Virgin River Season 6, they no longer face health crises.
However, in the Season 6 Episode "Ghosts," Hope ends up at her ex-husband Roland's ranch to find Sugar a place. Their interaction reveals that Hope left Roland without informing him on a random day and later claimed that he was a controlling husband.
While their confrontation was brief, Roland's introduction hints at a potential conflict in the upcoming season. Actress Annette O'Toole, who brought Hope to life, sat with US Weekly for an interview and said:
"I have no idea how it’s gonna go. I mean, I think it’s good that they leave the door open. So, they are enemies enough where it might be good storytelling next year to do it."
While O'Toole is unaware of the story in Season 7, she did appreciate the hurdles in a relationship, believing they add layers to the character and the show’s narrative. It would be intriguing to see if Hope and Doc's relationship remains as smooth as in the latest episode or face more challenges due to Roland.
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Also Read: "There's a lot more to go here": Virgin River renewed by Netflix for Season 7
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