Virgin River 1X4: A Wounded Heart

Okay, so it turns out Hope had a heart attack at the end of the previous episode. Not a bad one, but a heart attack none the less. And she is a miserable patient. Mel and Doc are trying to explain to her what she needs to do and she's not having any of it.

She does, however, pick up on the tension between Mel and Jack after her finding out about his girlfriend in the previous episode. So, she gives them the task of switching her mattresses to make sure they have some time alone together. Mel casually tries to bring it up, and Jack claims that she's not his girlfriend. He said he's been very upfront with her about how this is and always has been casual. He also claims she's on board with that, which she so is not.

Mel is trying to avoid the situation and just wants to move the mattress (which she stubbornly claims she doesn't need help doing) and promptly gets it stuck in the doorframe. Eventually, they sort of make up and work together to bring the mattress down. Hope seems pleased that they've reconciled.

While this is going on though, we finally figure out the relationship between Hope and Doc. They are technically married but have been separated for 20 years. He had an indiscretion 20 years ago that broke their relationship. And now, after her heart attack, she's decided she's ready to actually get divorced.

At some point, Charmaine shows up with a casserole for Hope having heard she had a heart attack. Hope stashes it for later seeing as Mel got rid of all the unhealthy food in her house. Charmaine claims she also heard Jack was here and is looking for him. And then sees him pop up with Mel. Mel, for her part is pretty calm about this. But, later the four of them end up having dinner together, and Hope isn't that great to Charmaine. Plus Charmaine is asking a lot of questions about Mel's husband which she doesn't seem keen to answer. (However, she does say that he will not be joining her here in Virgin River).

Then, Joey calls and she excuses herself to take the call. She tells her Charmaine is asking questions about Mark. When Joey is confused by this, Mel confesses that she is still wearing her wedding ring. And Joey, being no help at all in figuring out what's going on, suggests maybe she talk to people about it, maybe it will help. What is happening here? Is it dead or not? You're killing me with this slow reveal show! (But seriously, don't tell me).

When she returns to the table, Jack and Charmaine are leaving. Once they're gone, Hope tells Mel she had to get Charmaine out of the house. She claims she's a nice enough girl, but in no way is she good enough for Jack.

The next day, Mel shows up at the bar asking Jack about an organic farm that she'd like to go to to get some food for Hope. He offers to drive her as it difficult for a non local to get there. Unfortunately, they get a flat tire and while they are waiting for a tow truck they get into it about Charmaine again. It definitely seems like there is something between the two of them, but Mel claims they shouldn't get involved as she doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings (i.e. Charmaine).

While they are waiting a truck shows up. Jack asks for a spare tire, but the dude is aggressive. Mel just tells him they are shopping for a patient. When he finds out he's a doctor, he pulls a gun on them and tells them she'll be going with him. Is this one of the guys from the bar fight? It kind of looks like him. I also thought someone from the pot town, as they probably need medical help, but they didn't seem violent or aggressive when Doc went to see them last time.

Also, we find out that Paige and her son are both hiding their identities. The kid claims he doesn't want to anymore and asks how much longer, and she tells him until she's sure they are safe. I'm assuming she fled from an abusive relationship and is doing everything in her power to make sure they don't find her. I hope it's not true because she seems like good people, but I don't have high hopes this is for a positive reason.