Taken by Surprise

"Taken by Surprise" is the second episode of the second season of Virgin River. It is the twelfth episode of the series overall.

Synopsis
Despite Mel's efforts, Charmaine's stay at Hope's house gets off to a rocky start. A situation involving Paige's past intensifies unexpectedly.

Plot summary
At the practice, Mel is held at knife point by an injured man demanding that she hand over the practice's supply of Oxycodone. Mel tells him that they do not keep medications on the premises, but he is reluctant to believe her and things become violent. Jack contemplates knocking on the practice to speak with Mel but decides against it, almost walking away before being alerted to something amiss by a smashed glass and sounds of Mel screaming. Jack rushes into the practice and is able to fend off the assailant, helping Mel back to her feet after a fall and a twisted ankle. When it is clear that Mel cannot walk, Jack offers to take her back to the cabin and help her rest.

At the cabin, Jack helps Mel into bed and provides her with an ice pack made from frozen vegetables and some ibuprofen. There is a near kiss between the two as Jack helps Mel get comfortable by rearranging the pillows behind her; this causes a speedy exit from Jack as it becomes clear that Mel feels uncomfortable.

Paige is visibly bruised and bleeding after her encounter with Wes the previous night. Wes tells her to pack her things as they are leaving soon to return home, but Paige is reluctant and fights back, remarking that they are not done talking. Nonetheless, Wes tells her that he will not be too nice if she disappoints him once more.

Meanwhile, Charmaine and Jack arrive at the practice where they receive an update about the housing situation. Both are shocked and reluctant to accept the narrative when Mel remarks that Hope is happy to have Charmaine stay with her. When they realise that it is the only option, however, both accept the offer.

Things are brisk and awkward between Jack, Charmaine and Hope during their encounter, however. Hope asks Jack if the two can talk, and he tells her that he forgave her weeks ago but doesn't want her to be involved in his personal life any longer. Hope tells him that the two are family, but Jack rebukes her, citing that he cannot trust her therefore the two cannot go back to the way things used to be. Back at Paige's, Wes tells Paige that they are leaving and to round up Christopher. She refuses, however, and he grabs her by the throat, threatening her further. As Wes is about to grab Christopher, Paige pushes him and he falls down the stairs, seemingly twisting his neck.

At Jack's Bar, Muriel finally shoots her shot with Vernon, asking him if he would like to come over for dinner later that day at her house. Vernon — remembering what Hope said — reluctantly agrees, taking Muriel's number and timings for cocktails. In the kitchen, Preacher receives a call from Paige asking for his assistance, remarking that it is an emergency. He asks Jack, who has just arrived but realised he has forgotten Charmaine's medicine, can he leave as it is an emergency. Jack agrees, asking Ricky to man the bar until he returns.

At Hope's, Charmaine Roberts complains of a headache following from Hope's perfuse usage of the vacuum and loud television. Mel arrives moments later switching the two off and talking to an agitated Hope about the situation. Mel gives Charmaine soup, remarking that Hope will soon see sense. There is an awkward glance between Mel and Jack, who is delivering Charmaine's medicine, as they cross in the door way. Charmaine picks up on the glance and questions Jack about the tension between the two, but he is reluctant to divulge any information.

Preacher arrives at Paige's and she shows him Wes' body, seemingly immobile and presumed dead. Paige apologises, revealing that she didn't mean to kill him, but explains the events leading up to pushing him down the stairs. Paige asks if Preacher will assume guardianship of Christopher whilst she turns herself in to the Sheriff. Preacher pleads with her to reconsider, but Paige assures him that Wes has contacts in the DA's office and she will most certainly go to jail. Fearful for Christopher's future and in awe of Paige, Preacher tells Paige to leave Virgin River and he will take care of Wes' body — Paige must once again disappear completely, even from those she considers friends. Vernon and Hope find it increasingly difficult to show affection for one another without those in Virgin River becoming suspicious. Hope notices Vernon is well dressed, but is shocked when she finds out that he is having dinner with Muriel later that night. Vernon senses a hint of jealousy and asks if he should call the whole thing off, but Hope remarks that they need to throw the town off their scent. Vernon arrives at Muriel's shortly after and the two play board games together and enjoy a bottle of wine.

Mel arrives at Jack's Bar to talk with him about the state of their relationship. She apologises for both leaving and returning to Virgin River without telling him, but is reluctant to move forward with their relationship. Mel becomes agitated at the fact that Jack does not understand the pain of losing a husband or child, but Jack rebukes her, citing that he feels the pain of those he has lost each day. Mel leaves the bar in anger at Jack, but is forced to allow him to take her home when her car will not start. Unexpectedly, however, the two end up kissing on the porch and sleep together moments after.

Main Cast

 * Alexandra Breckenridge as Melinda Monroe
 * Martin Henderson as Jack Sheridan
 * Benjamin Hollingsworth as Dan Brady
 * Colin Lawrence as John Middleton
 * Lauren Hammersley as Charmaine Roberts
 * Annette O'Toole as Hope McCrea
 * Tim Matheson as Vernon Mullins
 * Grayson Gurnsey as Ricky

Guest Cast

 * Lexa Doig as Paige Lassiter
 * Teryl Rothery as Muriel
 * Nicola Cavendish as Connie
 * Gwynyth Walsh as Jo Ellen
 * Steve Bacic as Wes
 * Marco Grazzini as Mike

Co-Starring

 * Chase Petriw as Christopher
 * Christina Jastrzembska as Lydie
 * Thomas Nicholson as Leo Cavanagh
 * Cecilly Day as Beverly

Trivia

 * Paige accidentally pushes her husband down the stairs; he appears deceased, but this is not confirmed.
 * Muriel asks Vernon out on a date to which he reluctantly agrees.
 * Mel and Jack have sex for the first time since meeting.