A significant character will not be making a comeback in the upcoming Season 7 of Virgin River, as confirmed by the showrunner. This beloved Netflix romantic drama, which premiered in 2019, has captured the hearts of audiences throughout its six successful seasons and has already been greenlit for a seventh. The series boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Colin Lawrence, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Mark Ghanime, Sarah Dugdale, and Annette O’Toole. Fans can look forward to the release of Season 6, which debuted on December 19.
In an exclusive interview with TVLine, Virgin River showrunner Patrick Sean Smith confirmed that Mark Ghanime will not be part of the cast for Season 7. He clearly stated that Mark Ghanime won’t be a series regular for Season 7. However, Smith did leave the door open for the potential return of Ghanimé’s character, Cameron, in future installments, highlighting his admiration for both the character and the actor.
According to Patrick Sean Smith, “I love Mark, who plays Cameron, and I love the character of Cameron. He will always be a part of the world, and I would love to see his character back, but he won’t be a series regular in Season 7, unfortunately.”
The Implications For Virgin River
This development may come as a letdown to some fans of Virgin River, but it isn’t entirely unexpected. Cameron joined the cast in Season 4 and was a prominent character throughout that season and the next. Initially, he was a possible romantic partner for Mel, but later became the focus of Muriel’s affections.
Despite being a regular in Seasons 4 and 5, Cameron’s presence dwindled significantly, with only three appearances in Season 6. This trend suggested that Ghanimé’s character was already on the path to being phased out of the series.
Cameron’s storyline in the early episodes of Virgin River Season 6 clearly illustrates his departure from the series. Following the breakup with Muriel, which takes place between Seasons 5 and 6, the character is essentially written off.
The show offers Cameron a sense of closure, allowing him to exit smoothly. He reunites with his former partner, Michelle, and informs Muriel of his decision to relocate back to San Diego. This resolution effectively wraps up Cameron’s arc, although Smith remains open to the possibility of his return in the future.
The decision to not have him as a series regular in Season 6 facilitated a smoother transition for Cameron’s departure from the show. The series was crafted in a way that allowed the character to exit without abruptly vanishing, a common pitfall in many shows when contract disputes arise.
Cameron’s narrative felt well-rounded, particularly with his inclusion in the Season 6 finale of Virgin River. As various characters reached the conclusion of their arcs, Cameron’s storyline was also thoughtfully wrapped up, contributing to a more cohesive and satisfying ending.
Cameron’s Exit From Virgin River – Our Perspective
Cameron was certainly a captivating character in Virgin River, but it might be time for the series to shift its attention to other significant love stories. The romantic entanglements he had with Mel and Muriel have reached their conclusion.
To reintroduce Cameron in a meaningful way, the show would need to craft a fresh romantic storyline or revisit his breakup with Michelle, which could feel repetitive at this stage. Even in a soap opera setting, where love triangles are often embraced, revisiting this theme could become tiresome for the audience.
Patrick Smith has not completely dismissed the chance of Mark Ghanime appearing in Virgin River Season 7. He clarified that while Ghanimé “won’t be a series regular” this season, his comments suggest that the door remains ajar for a return.
Although Smith’s tone hinted at a significant change, his assertion that Cameron will “always be a part of the world” implies that a smaller role could still be in the cards. A cameo or guest appearance by Cameron, even if just for one episode, could serve as a delightful surprise for fans longing to see the character again.
This could be an excellent opportunity to reintroduce the character without falling into the trap of rehashing previous storylines. Although Cameron has relocated to San Diego, he still maintains a network of friends in Northern California.
This connection could provide a compelling reason for him to revisit the area, even if he isn’t planning to move back or pursue a new romance. It would allow Virgin River to bring Cameron back for a short stint, preserving the satisfying conclusion his character has already experienced.