Hope McCrea (played by Annette O’Toole) and Vernon “Doc” Mullins (Tim Matheson) have endured countless challenges throughout their relationship on Virgin River, and Season 7 of the hit Netflix series pushed their marriage to its breaking point once again. By the end of the season, the couple finds themselves at a crossroads, and viewers are left wondering whether they will be able to repair the deep cracks in their relationship.

As the season progresses, Doc regains his medical license and agrees to work with Grace Valley Hospital after a medical emergency involving a pregnant patient named Marley. However, he makes this decision without informing Hope, and it is this silence that becomes the root of their conflict. “That’s been Hope’s driving force all season: Getting Doc’s license back and dealing with Dr. Hayes trying to take over the clinic,” O’Toole explained in an exclusive interview with Parade. For Hope, the problem isn’t just the decision Doc made, but the fact that he kept it from her. Their entire relationship has been plagued by a lack of communication, especially in light of Doc’s past infidelity. In the past, his failure to share important details with her was a major issue, and now, once again, the same problem resurfaces.

Hope has always believed that she and Doc were a team — “you and me against the world” — so when Doc decides to act on his own, it strikes a painful blow to their relationship. If he had simply communicated his reasons for collaborating with Grace Valley Hospital, Hope could have processed the decision, though it would not have been easy. Instead, the lack of transparency shatters her trust, forcing her to reevaluate their bond. “If he had said, ‘I have to do this, and here’s why,’ she wouldn’t have liked it, but she could have processed it,” O’Toole said. “Instead, it just blew things to smithereens. Now she has to regroup.”

The tension in their relationship is further compounded by the return of Hope’s ex-husband, Roland (John Ralston). Roland resurfaces as a source of emotional support for Hope, and in the process, he confesses that he is still in love with her. While some might view this as the beginning of a romantic triangle, O’Toole downplays that idea, explaining that Roland’s return is more about familiarity and friendship than romance. “I wouldn’t call it that,” she said. “He’s someone from her past; someone she knows deeply. She needed a friend, and he was there. It’s more about familiarity—and rethinking who he is to her now.”

Despite these complicated dynamics, Virgin River remains an ensemble show, with multiple interconnected storylines revolving around Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson), Doc and Hope, as well as Lizzie (Sarah Dugdale) and Denny (Kai Bradbury). These relationships represent three generations in the tight-knit community of Virgin River, where family and friendship are at the core of the narrative.

Looking ahead to Season 8, O’Toole is hopeful that Hope will emerge stronger from the challenges she faced in Season 7. “My allegiance is to Hope becoming the best version of herself,” she shared. “This season explored her relationship with her father—next season, it’s about letting go of old wounds.” O’Toole envisions Hope moving forward, leaving behind the guilt and emotional baggage that has weighed her down for so long. “I want to see her start fresh,” she said. “To move past guilt, old wounds, and obligation and really step into who she is. I think she needs to give up all that stuff. I just want to see her start afresh and see what happens.”

As for the future of Hope and Doc’s relationship, O’Toole remains open-minded. “I feel like their therapist,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t need them to stay together or to split up—I just want to see how it plays out.” This open-ended perspective reflects the complexity of their relationship and the unpredictable nature of their journey in Virgin River. Season 8 is already in production in Vancouver, where O’Toole has brought along her dog, Barry, and her husband, Michael McKean, to share part of the filming experience. O’Toole expresses her excitement about the breathtaking filming locations and the warm reception from fans who often track down the filming spots to express their love for the show. “They’re always so kind and generous,” she said of the fans.

Another ongoing storyline in Virgin River revolves around Doc’s grandson Denny, his wife Lizzie, and their baby, Coco. The baby is portrayed by a rotating group of twins who are carefully managed on set to ensure the safety and well-being of the child actors. O’Toole expressed her delight in holding the baby early in Season 8, which she eagerly anticipates. “They’re precious,” O’Toole said of the babies. “You don’t get them all day—they’re carefully timed—but I do get to hold the baby early in season 8, and I’m very excited about it.”

Season 7 also tackled the theme of postpartum depression, focusing on Lizzie’s struggles after giving birth. In one particularly powerful scene, Hope, Lizzie, and Mel come together to support one another during a baby shower at Jack’s bar. O’Toole described this moment as an emotional and significant portrayal of the strength of women supporting each other. “It showed three generations, all feeling similar things,” she said. “That scene reminded me of the strength of women caring for one another, holding one another, while we were all sitting on the floor of this bathroom supporting her. I think touching on these issues is helpful to people.”

Off-camera, O’Toole enjoys more tranquil activities like reading and knitting, but she especially cherishes the friendships she has formed with her co-stars. “Now that I am older, having female friendships has become even more valuable to me,” she explained. “I can connect to the way that these women are there for one another.” These relationships are an important part of O’Toole’s life, as she values the authenticity and support that come with deep, meaningful friendships.

As Virgin River fans eagerly await Season 8, which is currently in production, they can revisit Seasons 1-7, all of which are available for streaming on Netflix. With complex relationships, heartfelt moments, and gripping storylines, Virgin River continues to capture the hearts of viewers, making it one of the most beloved series on the platform.