Although the main couples from bothVirgin RiverandSullivan’s Crossinghave a lot in common, the latter pairing is missing one vital ingredient that made the earlier show so successful. Robyn Carr’s formula might be familiar to longtime fans, but there is no denying its success. Since the author began publishing romance novels in 1980, Carr has written over 28 standalone romance novels, a trilogy ofGrace Valleybooks, the 22-bookVirgin Riverseries, the five-bookSullivan’s Crossingseries, and a non-fiction guide to writing.
Most of Carr’s book series tend to follow similar stories and character types, so it is not a surprise that the central couples from both current adaptations of her books,Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing, are similar. However, whileSullivan’s Crossingseason 4may change this, currently, Mel and Jack ofVirgin Riverhave one thing that Maggie and Cal fromSullivan’s Crossingare sorely lacking. According to a common complaint from fans, the latter couple needs to borrow one more thing from Mel and Jack to succeed.
Virgin River’s Mel & Jack And Sullivan’s Crossing’s Maggie & Cal Share Big Similarities
Virgin River and Sullivan’s Crossing’s Main Couples Are Surprisingly Similar
Netflix recentlyrenewedVirgin Riverfor a seventh season, proving that the Carr adaptation remains as popular as ever with its large fan base. This was a particularly impressive achievement considering how axe-happy the streaming service can be at times, canceling even popular shows without warning. Part of the reason for the outsized success ofVirgin Riveris the straightforward appeal of Mel and Jack’s central love story, which shares a lot of tropes in common with the romance at the core ofSullivan’s Crossing.
Mel and Maggie both left medical careers in big cities behind to move to rural towns, while their respective love interests, Jack and Cal, are both rugged guys with mysterious/ sad pasts. There are a few key differences that ensureMaggie and Cal don’t feel like carbon copies of Mel and Jack,like the fact that Maggie returned to her titular hometown inSullivan’s Crossingwhereas Mel was a new arrival inVirgin River.
Mel & Jack Have Chemistry That Maggie & Cal Lack
That said,many of the major beats in Maggie and Cal and Mel and Jack’s love stories are similardespite some divergent moments. Unfortunately, Maggie and Cal ofSullivan’s Crossinglack one pivotal element that makes Mel and Jack’s romance sing. Mel and Jack have an easy chemistry that just isn’t as present inSullivan’s Crossingwhere, although Maggie and Cal are compelling, their romance hasn’t managed to set fans alight in the same way.
Mel & Jack simply click better on-screen, and although therelease model ofSullivan’s Crossingcould account for its lower ratings, it is hard to argue that the most common complaint about the show isn’t a factor. Maggie and Cal haven’t captured the hearts of fans the way that Mel and Jack did and, since their story has plenty of compelling twists and turns, it seems like the chemistry between the stars is the missing link.
Sullivan’s Crossing Season 3 Has To Fix Its Big Maggie & Cal Problem
Maggie and Cal’s Story Is Central To The Success of Sullivan’s Crossing
Fortunately, all hope is not lost forSullivan’s Crossing, and the second Carr series could last as long asVirgin Riverif the show makes the right moves.Sullivan’s Crossingseason 3 must prioritize Maggie and Cal’s romance,especially as it is the central pairing of the show. SinceSullivan’s Crossingseason 3 already feels differentfrom its predecessors, this change is more important than ever at this stage.
John Ralston
Jed Jones
Maggie and Cal could become another Mel and Jack if viewers get an opportunity to believe in their chemistry, and their current stability may provide this. Season 3 has finally seen the couple pair up for good, soSullivan’s Crossingnow has a chance to follow inVirgin River’s footsteps by getting fans invested in the romantic pairing of its main characters.
