Virgin River fans are already calling major season 7 storyline ‘totally implausible'

Virgin River opened the floodgates with several gripping cliffhangers at the end of the Netflix hit’s latest instalment leading into what’s shaping up to be a wild seventh season.

Following Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan’s (Martin Henderson) picturesque nuptials, tragedy struck the town yet again as Jack’s ex Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley) appears to be missing, potentially along with her new twins.

Meanwhile, there was more drama for Dan Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) after he confessed his love for Brie (Zibby Allen), while his new girlfriend Lark (Elise Gatien) ran off with the entire contents of his bank account.

However, older residents Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole) and Vernon ‘Doc’ Mullins (Tim Matheson) will have their own fair share of stress next season.

After performing a risky surgery without a paramedic presence, Doc’s medical licence was put under investigation, threatening the closure of his clinic.

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But, in the finale, Hope discovers that a larger network of hospitals based in Grace Valley are starting an aggressive expansion, putting both Doc and Mel’s jobs in Virgin River at risk.

The stakes are higher than ever heading into season seven, but does everything about Doc and Hope’s toughest challenge yet truly add up?

One questioning fan took to Reddit to speculate, asking: “Is this storyline plausible?

“Doc’s medical license is under investigation initiated by Dr. Hayes (Kaj-Erik Eriksen) at Grace Valley Hospital. Doc did call the hospital for a video consult but lost connection so he performed the burr procedure in a life or death situation.

“The patient was not admitted to Grace Valley yet, how does Grace Valley assume liability for what Doc does on his own?”

Other viewers agreed the investigation didn’t seem to stand up to scrutiny, with one commenter replying: “I’m also confused about this as well. Ik a lot of doctors (esp PCPs with private practices) tend to be affiliated with hospitals.

“But, that just means they have access to hospital services and can refer patients for inpatient care. I’m not sure how the hospital can take away Doc’s license???”

And another fan wrote: “Totally agree. I doubt Doc has privileges at Grace Valley so I don’t see how it’s relevant.”

While someone else claimed: “Doc saved a life, they should award him not chastise him.”

Another fan believes the outcome of the investigation is clear as day, predicting: “First, all the townspeople will testify to how great Doc is and he’ll get his license back.

“Second, Dr Hayes will butt heads with Doc until Doc miraculously saves someone close to Hayes, prompting him to have second thoughts about putting the clinic out of business.

“Third, Grace Valley will give Doc more equipment and money for the clinic, allowing him to be in charge and lo, and behold, Dr Hayes is his new partner.”

This could all be to serve the departure of Mark Ghanime, who has portrayed Dr. Cameron Hayek since season four but won’t be returning as a series regular in season seven.

Could Dr. Hayes step up to the plate? Or will he force Doc into retirement?

Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.