Virgin River: This town has many stories

A romantic dramedy series has started streaming on Netflix. Based on Robyn Carr's popular fiction series of the same name, Virgin River will be a satisfying watch for anybody fond of the genre.

Named after a fictional North Californian town in Humboldt County, which is a real place, the series begins languorously, picking up pace as the second episode comes to a close. What it has is a good story, a few fine performances and superb cinematography that captures the natural beauty of the place in all its glory.

The sparsely populated town has a motley crew of characters, among them a cantankerous medical doctor, a joint everybody visits called Jack’s Bar, a mayor who is good-hearted but intrusive, a nurse practitioner who has come from Los Angeles, a woman with a child and a mysterious past, and several other characters who walk in and out of the frame.

The story centres on Melinda Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), who is usually referred to as Mel. Mel, a healthcare professional, has shifted from LA to Virgin River to erase a recent tragedy from her mind. The viewer gets to know her back story through flashbacks as she gets accustomed to living in the nondescript town.

Mel meets Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), a former marine and the owner of Jack’s Bar. Jack, who is in a complicated relationship, is wrestling with his inner demons from the past.

The town ‘s mayor Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole) is married to Dr Vernon Mullins (Tim Matheson). The old couple has been living separately without getting divorced. Hope hires Mel to assist Dr Mullins, who is 72 and appears to need some professional help. Mullins, who is stubborn and chauvinistic, doesn’t want Mel to interfere. Their relationship would change, a subplot that forms a significant part of the story.

Virgin River flows delightfully also because of well-sketched supporting characters like Preacher, who works in Jack’s Bar (Colin Lawrence), Charmaine Roberts (Lauren Hammersley), a hairstylist in a relationship with Jack for two years; Dan Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth), who also works for Jack; and Paige Lassiter (Lexa Doig), the mystery woman who is also a protective mother. Several characters have deeply personal stories that keep us engaged as the story moves forward.

Breckenridge is marvellous as Mel, who is at the centre of the big picture. Henderson, whose Jack has many shades, makes a significant impact. Matheson is brilliant as Dr Mullins, a man with a tough exterior who has erred in the past. O’Toole as the loud and restless mayor plays her part well, while Lawrence as Preacher is particularly remarkable.

Tailor-made for binge-watching, Virgin River will develop a fan base soon. Watch it if you wish to join the gang.