Virgin River season 3 ending explained

Are you still reeling after binge-watching Virgin River season 3? Well, you’re not the only one, and how could you be with cliffhangers this jaw-dropping?

The new season of Virgin River welcomes viewers back to the close-knit small town and thrusts us right back into the aftermath of the season 2 cliffhangers, including (of course) how Jack fared after being shot at the bar.

Virgin River season 3 also tests Mel and Jack’s relationship more than ever as they start planning toward a future together and whether that future involves having a family.

But if you’re looking for an explainer on what went down in the season 3 finale, we’re breaking down all the gasp-worthy twists piece by shocking piece. Between what’s next for Hope and theories about Mel’s baby bombshell, here’s the Virgin River season 3 ending explained.

What happens to Brady in Virgin River season 3?

Brady had a rocky go of it in the third season, but he didn’t have too hard of a time considering he fell in love with Jack’s sister, Brie. However, past mistakes came back to bite Brady in the finale as he ended up taking the fall for shooting Jack, whether he did it or not.

After finding out Brady’s alibi fell through, Mike made him the prime suspect. When the police search Brady’s home and car, they find a gun in his truck that matches the one used to shoot Jack. He insists the gun was planted, and we’re inclined to believe him.

If Brady didn’t really pull the trigger, then that means the shooter remains at large, and it will be an uphill battle for the troubled one-time drug pusher to clear his name. Just throwing it out there, but don’t we think Jack’s BFF Mike, the one pinning Brady to the crime, is a little sketchy?

Does Hope die in Virgin River season 3?

No, Hope doesn’t die in season 3, but her fate doesn’t look too great for the future. It’s unclear whether Annette O’Toole will return to the series in a series regular capacity should the Netflix original return for season 4 or why exactly she wasn’t part of season 3.

Hope landed in a coma after getting into a car accident on the way to her best friend Lilly’s funeral. She spent much of the season in Port Royal, South Carolina caring for an elderly aunt during a hurricane. Hope’s fate was up in the air for most of the season, but never more so than in the finale.

In our last glimpse of Doc waiting with Muriel in the hospital to hear word on Hope’s condition, the doctor tells Doc that Hope has developed an infection. Of course, this makes her prospects of surviving that much more difficult. However, Hope’s fate seems to lie in O’Toole’s hands.

What happens to Preacher in Virgin River season 3?

After caring for Christopher all season for Paige while she’s on the run, Preacher hits quite the snag. He thinks he’s been reunited with a friend of Paige’s, who says she’ll take him to speak with Paige. Unfortunately, she plays him. Preacher winds up drugged and dumped in the woods.

Back at his house, Connie brings Christopher home with a pizza, only for the viewer to see Paige’s ex-husband Vince waiting in the shadows. Clearly, he has ulterior motives and surefire plans to kidnap Christopher, and Preacher got caught in the crossfire. Let’s hope it doesn’t interfere with his plans to partner with Jack.

Who is Doc’s grandson?

Perhaps one of the biggest shockers of the entire season arrived in the Virgin River season 3 finale. A hooded figure walks out of the rain and into Jo Ellen’s bed and breakfast. He asks for a room, and when Jo Ellen asks what brings him to town, he says he’s looking for his grandfather… Vernon Mullins.

For those who need a reminder, that’s Doc! Doc’s grandson says he’s 19 years old and from Seattle. What?! Looks like we’re in for more details on Doc’s affair. We don’t know his name, but we’re looking forward to getting to know Doc’s grandson and his story in season 4.

Is Jack the father of Mel’s baby?

It’s the one you’ve been waiting for! In the final scene of Virgin River season 3, Mel drops the bomb of all bombs: She’s pregnant! But wait, there’s more! She doesn’t know if Jack is the father. That news really takes the wind out of Jack’s proposal sails.

Some viewers might be wondering how that could be, but don’t forget a very key detail. Mel visited the Los Angeles fertility clinic that housed the extra embryos she and her late husband Mark were going to use to have a baby.

Obviously, she went through with having the procedure while she and Jack split due to his balking at having a baby with her. Could the baby be Mark’s, or will Mel and Jack have their own bundle of joy on the way? Only time will tell next season on Virgin River.

Stay tuned for more news and updates about the Virgin River season 4 release date and what will happen next season.