Virgin River enthusiasts are buzzing with theories that Lizzie (played by Sarah Dugdale) will be at the centre of an unexpected plot twist in the anticipated sixth season on Netflix.
The endearing romance of Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) has charmed fans across the globe for several seasons.
As viewers eagerly await the return of the cherished small-town series, the lead pair is busy with wedding preparations, while other characters find themselves tangled in personal conflicts.
Among the town’s residents are Lizzie and her new beau Denny (Kai Bradbury), who expect their first child in the upcoming episodes.
Even though Lizzie is certain that Denny is the baby’s father, one eagle-eyed fan put forward the idea that it is, in fact, Ricky (Grayson Gurnsey), her former flame, who is the real dad, a theory a lot of followers seem to support, reports the Mirror.
The fan took to Reddit to query: “Does anyone else think that Lizzie’s baby is actually Ricky’s? I mean in the books [by Robyn Carr] she’s pregnant with his baby and in the books they are endgame… so who knows?”
Puzzling over the timelines presented in the show, the Redditor pondered, “The timeline of the show just makes more sense that the baby would be Ricky’s?”
To round off their commentary, they expressed a less-than-favourable opinion of Denny: “I also cannot stand Denny. He has the personality of a rock.”
While personal tastes vary, a number of comments have echoed one particular theory. A self-proclaimed Virgin River fan shared their spot-on prediction, saying: “Love all the various opinions. I thought I was the only one that thought Lizzie could be pregnant with Ricky’s baby! I’ve been reading the threads and this is the only one I’ve found!”
This viewer confessed a mixed emotional response towards the potential paternity reveal: “Honestly I’m conflicted. I love Ricky and love his character and thought that Lizzie and Ricky were cute together. But after seeing Lizzie with Denny I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Speculation around Denny has surged since he disclosed his diagnosis of Huntington’s disease, which deteriorates brain function and poses a risk of a 50% genetic transmission to any offspring.
Another fan weighed in, casting their doubts based on moral grounds: “I also think it’s Ricky’s,” and adding, “It wouldn’t really be ok to have her get pregnant with a guy who’s going to die and possibly pass on that disease to their baby. Just too sad.”
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SkyA third voiced their preference firmly, stating: “I really hope it’s Ricky’s. I can’t stand Denny either. I don’t trust him.”
Yet another viewer countered with logic regarding the character’s timeline: “It can’t be Ricky’s! He’s been gone way too long.”
The chronology within Virgin River remains intentionally vague; this is particularly evident considering Charmaine’s prolonged pregnancy on-screen.
Speculations arise as viewers ponder whether there was ample time for Ricky and Lizzie to conceive before his exit in season four, or if Lizzie and Denny are destined to grapple with the potential prognosis of their future child.
Virgin River season 6 premieres Thursday, December 19 on Netflix.