Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson reflect on their roles, fan connections, and what filming Season 7 really means to them
As Virgin River Season 7 begins filming, stars Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel Monroe) and Martin Henderson (Jack Sheridan) have opened up about the personal and emotional weight of returning for the final season. For two actors who have grown with their characters over the years, saying goodbye is bittersweet—but deeply meaningful.
Alexandra Breckenridge on Mel’s Evolution
In a recent interview with Netflix’s official blog, Breckenridge reflected on Mel’s character arc from grief-stricken widow to confident nurse practitioner and soon-to-be mother. “Mel is such a beautifully layered character,” she shared. “This season, she’s stepping into her power while still wrestling with parts of her past she never fully addressed.”
Season 7 brings even more emotional complexity, especially with Mel’s journey to uncover the truth about her biological father. “It was important to us that this storyline didn’t just serve as a plot twist,” Breckenridge explained. “It’s about identity, belonging, and understanding who you are at your core.”
The actress also revealed that filming some scenes was “deeply personal and draining,” but emphasized how rewarding it was to portray a woman embracing both vulnerability and strength.
Martin Henderson on Playing Jack One Last Time
Henderson, who has portrayed the steady yet emotionally scarred Jack since Season 1, called the final season “a cathartic experience.”
“Jack’s arc has always been about healing. In Season 7, he’s finally starting to allow himself happiness without fear,” he said. Henderson acknowledged that fans have watched Jack grow from a stoic, guarded man into someone learning to be open and emotionally available. “That’s not easy, especially for someone like Jack, who’s used to putting others first.”
When asked about filming his final scenes, Henderson admitted, “There’s a certain weight to it. You know it’s the last time you’ll walk through that bar set, or look at Mel with those specific lines in the script. We’re all feeling it.”
A Deep Bond On and Off Camera
Both actors credited their close working relationship as a major reason the chemistry between Mel and Jack feels so authentic. “We trust each other, and that shows on screen,” Breckenridge said. Henderson added, “It’s been a gift to play opposite someone who brings so much emotional truth to every scene.”
They also acknowledged the global fanbase, many of whom have written to say that Virgin River helped them through personal struggles—from divorce and loss to PTSD and chronic illness. “It reminds us why we do this,” Henderson said. “This show isn’t just entertainment. It’s comfort. It’s hope.”
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
While the end of Virgin River is near, both actors expressed deep gratitude for the journey. Breckenridge summed it up best: “It’s rare to be part of something that means this much to people. Season 7 is for the fans who believed in us from the start. We’re going to make sure they’re proud of the ending.”
