Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Virgin River season 6!
The return of Ricky in Virgin River season 6 raises intriguing possibilities regarding Lizzie’s storyline. His brief appearance may unravel a mystery that many fans have been pondering, drawing from the narratives outlined in Robyn Carr’s original novels. The series, which revolves around Mel, a nurse who relocates to the close-knit community of Virgin River, California, has introduced a broad cast of characters over its six-season run, some of whom come and go as their own stories evolve.
Ricky’s Potential Paternity of Lizzie’s Baby in the Books
The Teenage Pregnancy Plot: Lizzie and Ricky
A key point of contention in Lizzie’s storyline is the rapidity of her pregnancy following her romance with Denny. However, the show may address this narrative gap by mirroring events from Carr’s novels. In Paradise Valley, it is revealed that Ricky is the biological father of Lizzie’s child, as the duo becomes pregnant as teenagers. Their journey takes a tragic turn when Lizzie experiences a stillbirth, a pivotal moment in their relationship.
Despite going through turmoil, Lizzie and Ricky ultimately find their way back to each other in the novels. This aspect may resonate with fans who have grown weary of Denny’s character throughout the series.
While the show has opted to age the characters, the essence of Lizzie and Ricky’s teenage romance remains intact. Their sexual relationship leads to Lizzie’s pregnancy, aligning with the book’s narrative. As Virgin River season 6 concludes, Lizzie is seven months pregnant, contrasting sharply with Charmaine, who spent five seasons pregnant before delivering. As such, viewers might have to wait before knowing Lizzie’s fate regarding a possible stillbirth.
Additionally, the show hints that Ricky’s trajectory may follow the original book series, as he joins the Marines and prepares for deployment, paralleling his character’s arc in the novels. Should the show stay true to the source material, Ricky may grapple with severe injuries during his service and return to Virgin River struggling with his emotions, further complicating his relationship with Lizzie.
Understanding Ricky’s Role Within Virgin River’s Timeline
Ricky’s Two-Season Absence Explained
Interestingly, while Ricky has been absent from the series for two full seasons, the timeline within Virgin River indicates that only six to seven months have elapsed since he enlisted in the Marines. This calculation stems from the format of one month passing per season, with additional three-month jumps between significant story arcs.
When Lizzie announces her pregnancy, her and Denny’s relationship timeline reveals they were only dating for about a month and a half before the reveal. Since they begin their intimate relationship in season 5, the timeline is indeed tight, leaving it plausible that either Denny or Ricky could be responsible for the pregnancy. Lizzie’s last intimate encounter with Ricky before switching gears to Denny adds to this complexity.
Given the gestational nuances—such as potential variances within the first trimester—it’s reasonable to deduce that any of the two men could be the biological father without contradicting the established timeline of the show.
Paternity Set-Up: Testing for Huntington’s Disease
Preparing for Potential Outcomes
In a compelling narrative development, Virgin River season 6 sets the stage for a crucial moment in season 7 regarding the paternity of Lizzie’s baby. A pivotal conflict arises when Lizzie and Denny consider testing the baby for Huntington’s Disease. Initially hesitant, Denny understands that gaining information about the potential health risks could allow for better preparation for their child’s future.
Despite this setup, Lizzie is visibly distressed at the thought of confronting the potential loss of both Denny and their child. Facing the practical realities of financial preparations for end-of-life care also weighs heavily on her, complicating her agreement to test the baby’s DNA. Furthermore, Lizzie fears being defined by a diagnosis.
Ultimately, the couple decides to go forward with the necessary testing, which could very well reveal that the baby is not Denny’s. If such a conclusion unfolds in the upcoming season, Lizzie and Denny will need to navigate the ramifications of this surprising revelation.
The Future of Denny and Lizzie: What If Ricky is the Father?
Potential Break-Up Scenarios Explored
If it turns out that Ricky is the father of Lizzie’s child and she avoids a stillbirth, this raises numerous questions for the characters involved. Ricky’s desire to be part of his child’s life is evident, but Denny’s struggles with his Huntington’s Disease could color his perspective. Throughout the series, his insecurities have led to conflicts with Lizzie, with Denny worrying about being a burden.
There is a significant possibility that Denny would choose to end his relationship with Lizzie if he learns that the baby isn’t biologically his. This could be a self-sacrificing decision aimed at allowing Lizzie a chance at a “normal” family life. Such a decision may lead Denny to leave Virgin River entirely, causing anxiety for Lizzie, who is eager to embrace motherhood.
Should Denny exit the picture, the likelihood of Lizzie giving up her baby for adoption seems low, opening avenues for her to either embrace single parenthood, co-parent with Ricky, or possibly rekindle her relationship with him amidst the unfolding drama.
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