Virgin River star Tim Matheson has revealed that the upcoming eighth season of the Netflix drama will test the marriage of his character, Vernon 'Doc' Mullins, and his wife, Mayor Hope McCrea. The show's seventh season, released on 12 March, ended with Doc considering a partnership with rival hospital Grace Valley, a move that infuriated Hope.
In an exclusive interview, Matheson confirmed that season eight will address the fallout from that decision. 'It focuses a great deal on that challenge in season eight,' he said. 'Like in any relationship there are changes and bumps and adjustments that need to be made. So, that continues on and it's all about people finding their true path in life.'
Matheson added that viewers should prepare for a bumpy ride. 'I've only seen the first two episodes in script form, but... strap on your seatbelt. It's going to be a wild ride,' he said. Production for season eight is due to start in April, with the storyline likely to see Doc legally practising medicine again while weighing the pros and cons of the Grace Valley partnership.
Despite the challenges, Matheson dismissed speculation that Doc might retire. 'I don't see that right now, no,' he said. 'Basically, he just keeps adjusting... his goal is to be of service to the patient and whatever's better for the patient is worth trying.'
The seventh season also saw Mel Monroe and Jack Sheridan face new obstacles after Charmaine's disappearance, and Mel's boss Doc continued his battle with the medical board over a controversial procedure. The season finale left Doc's future uncertain as he contemplated a deal with Grace Valley, despite his conflict with Dr Hayes.
