Virgin River season seven has arrived on Netflix, bringing with it a major departure for one of its key characters. Mike Valenzuela, played by Marco Grazzini, is stepping back from the show after his romantic storyline with Brie Sheridan came to an end. Brie rejected Mike's proposal and confessed to being unfaithful, leading to their split. She later reignited her on-off romance with Dan Brady, making it public at the Founder's Day celebration.
Mike, a police detective, then began a new relationship with visiting medical investigator Victoria, who admitted she had always fancied him from her police days. After a kiss, it was hinted that Mike might leave Virgin River to follow Victoria to Los Angeles. Showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed to Deadline that Mike will not return for season eight, describing the departure as a narrative decision rather than one made by the actor.
Smith explained that Mike would be on the "back burner for a little while" as the writers develop something for him. He added: "We have so many relationships already that I think a little bit of that was just a sort of happy ending for this chapter for Mike to find his way back to Victoria and to explore what happens there. But I love Marco and could see his character coming back in a more substantive role if the creative is right."
Mike is not the only character taking a back seat. Lauren Hammersley's Charmaine Roberts will also not feature in the forthcoming series. Smith suggested that Charmaine's character might have "run its course" but expressed a desire to reintroduce her with an appropriate storyline away from lies about pregnancies and cliffhangers. Reflecting on the cast changes, Smith said he wanted to focus on the "longevity" of Virgin River and ensure characters have enough story engine to continue.
