One of the biggest cliffhangers heading out of Virgin River during Season 7 centers on Preacher (Colin Lawrence) and Jack’s (Martin Henderson) bar partnership – and whether it’s about to change for good.
After years of helping turn Jack’s bar into a culinary hotspot, Preacher is itching to branch out with a more elevated dining experience. Jack , however, is perfectly content keeping things casual.
The two have discussed a buyout, and the paperwork is ready. But nothing is signed, putting stress on a tight-knit relationship first forged when they served together in the U.S. Marines. So where does that leave them?
“Preacher and Jack have a true friendship, whether they see things eye-to-eye or not,” Lawrence exclusively told Parade. “I think rather than staying safe, I think that Preacher is ready for growth.”
That growth doesn’t necessarily mean walking away. Instead, Lawrence hints at a middle ground. “I don’t know if that means leaving the bar,” he said. “There’s going to have to be some kind of arrangement — some kind of compromise — so he’s allowed to grow.”
It’s a natural evolution for Preacher, who has long played the loyal right-hand man. “Now it’s time for him to explore what he’s capable of accomplishing on his own,” Lawrence added.
Preacher’s personal life is also heating up. His relationship with his fearless firefighter girlfriend, Kaia (Candyse McClure), came out of the gate quickly — and is continuing to escalate. This time, Preacher is thinking long-term.
“He’s looking to settle down and start a family—with Kaia as the one,” Lawrence shared, while acknowledging his rocky romantic past. “I’m really hoping that it sticks this time.”
Fans have already seen his nurturing side, especially in his protective bond with Christopher, a young boy whose mom was in trouble, further cementing Preacher as one of the show’s most dependable figures.
“People tell me all the time that Preacher is the guy you want in your corner,” Lawrence said. “Everyone wants someone like him as a friend. He is the guy who always has your back. Loyalty, integrity, consistency — that’s what people respond to.”
That warmth people feel for Preacher carries over into fan interactions as well. “People come up with open arms, eager for a warm hug,” he said. “They just embrace Preacher because of how he treats people.”
Much like his Virgin River character, Lawrence enjoys cooking – just with a bit more humility. “My kids will tell you that I call myself a culinary wizard,” he joked. “In the summer, I am on the grill making my signature BBQ ribs. In the winter, it’s beef stew and broiled salmon.”
Another aspect of the series viewers noticed is that Season 7 didn’t hold back on shockers. Among them: Brady’s (Benjamin Hollingsworth) devastating motorcycle crash just as he rekindles his romance with Brie (Zibby Allen). “I love their story arc,” Lawrence said. “They bring so much to the show.”
One big emotional thread is the fate of the baby that Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack hope to adopt, following a critical heart surgery. “I’m excited to revisit that,” Lawrence said. “Maybe I’ll be babysitting. After all, Uncle Preacher has a nice ring to it.”
If there’s one thing Virgin River guarantees, it’s emotional twists. “We always surprise people,” Lawrence said. “There’s always going to be those twists and turns of what’s going to come next, and we always, always, always, have the best cliffhangers.”
Beyond the drama, he believes the show’s appeal is something deeper. “It’s an escape, it’s a respite from all of the chaos in the world,” Lawrence said.
“This is a small town where people care about each other. In a chaotic world, people crave that sense of community and a slower pace. We give people a moment that they need to sit back, relax, and unplug.”
With Season 8 now in production, fans can expect more heart, more surprises — and perhaps a new path forward for Preacher that doesn’t mean leaving Jack behind.
Seasons 1-7 of Virgin River are streaming on Netflix. Season 8 is in production in Vancouver.