Ricky Sudder

Ricky
Name	Ricky
Occupation	waiter/bartender at Jack's Bar (formerly) Marine
marital	Lizzie (ex-girlfriend)
Family	Lydie (Grandmother) Herb (Grandfather, deceased) Elaine (Mother, deceased) Jack Sheridan (surrogate father)
Status	Alive
Actor	Grayson Gurnsey
First Appearance	Carry On

Ricky Sudder is the teenage grandson of Lydie, and a waiter/bartender at Jack Sheridan's tavern, Jack's Bar. Ricky struggles enormously with the feeling of being invisible, but things change when Lizzie arrives in Virgin River and the two begin a romantic relationship in secret; this eventually causes complications for Ricky in numerous ways.

History

Working at Jack's Bar

Ricky works at Jack's Bar as a waiter/bartender. He enjoys a close relationship with Jack, but becomes involved in conflict when everyone in the town falls ill. Ricky believes that it is his fault for not having double washed the lettuce from Preacher's stock, but it is later revealed by Mel to be sabotage by Calvin and his men for Jack meddling in his business.

Relationship with Lizzie

After Lizzie arrives in town, Ricky diverts his attention to her after she is rejected by Brady, and the two begin hanging out more and more. Initially, Lizzie uses Ricky to her advantage, influencing him to steal tequila from Jack's Bar, and asking him to drive her out of town, despite knowing that he is not allowed to leave Virgin River with his grandma’s car.

Eventually, Ricky and Lizzie become somewhat more serious, and she invites him around to her house with the intention of having sex with him. Ricky panics, however, revealing that he is a virgin and Lizzie would be his first. She too reveals that she is a virgin, and does not want to pressure him; the two watch Stranger Things together instead of having sex.

Lizzie invites Ricky to her house when Connie is out once more, and the two eventually have sex with one another. Ricky leaves to get juice for Lizzie but is surprised when Connie returns home and catches Ricky in her kitchen. She chases Ricky off, and a couple of days later, arrives at their house to talk with Lydie. Lydie sticks up for Ricky, however, much to Connie's surprise, but Connie tells him to stay away from her niece at all costs.

Lizzie breaks up with Ricky after he lies to her about joining the Marines. When Doc's grandson, Denny shows up in town, Lizzie takes interest in him to Ricky's dismay. Ricky tries to apologize and takes part in a Romeo & Juliet play with her but she is already committed to Denny who gives her hot/cold treatment. Ricky realizes she has moved on and even covers for her so she can meet with Denny.

Life after joining the Marines

He leaves Virgin River to join the Marines in season 4. Lizzie prepares goodbye surprise for Ricky when he is about to drive off.

He briefly comes back in season 6. He has finished his training and will be deployed in two weeks. Jack is happy to see Ricky back, but he is also worried, and so is Lydie. Ricky stops by to say hello to Lizzie and is surprised she is pregnant. They talk about all the new developments in their lives. Ricky seems caught off-guard by Lizzie’s sense of maturity. He makes an awkward comment about her pregnancy, and she gets defensive. As much as Ricky acts like he is cool with being deployed, it seems he is leaning on alcohol to hide his fear.

Jack head home and gets an impromptu visit from Ricky. Ricky admits he has been struggling ever since he learnt of his deployment, but seeing how Lizzie has changed, makes him question if he would have a chance to start a family of his own someday. Jack advises him to talk to someone and reminds him a Marine doesn’t act in the absence of fear, but in the face of it.

Lydie talks to Jack about her fear that Ricky won’t return home, but he assures her Ricky will be back. Ricky meets with Lizzie and she confesses she is scared to be a mother. Ricky comforts and assures her she will be an amazing mom and partner to Denny.

Jack invites Ricky at the end of his bachelor party and they play football together. The boys all cheer for Ricky and welcome him into the Marine brotherhood.

Personality

Ricky is "a clean-cut, nice-looking teenager who works at the local tavern owned by Jack, living with his grandmother after the loss of his parents. Upon the arrival of this beautiful newcomer into town, he struggles between being a good kid and finding the confidence to make his own choices."

Trivia

• Ricky and Lizzie have sex in Hazards Ahead, with both losing their virginity during the encounter.
• Ricky has a close relationship with his grandmother, Lydie, whom he lives with.

Appearances

Ricky Sudder appears in the following episodes:

Virgin River appearances	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
Season 1 episodes	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Season 2 episodes	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Season 3 episodes	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Season 4 episodes	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Season 5 episodes
Season 6 episodes			✔	✔