Vernon Mullins

Vernon Mullins
Name	Vernon Edwin Mullins, M.D.
Occupation	Family Doctor and Clinic Owner (current) Head of Internal Medicine (former)
Family	Ryan Cutler (Son with Rose, deceased) Denny Cutler (Grandson) Unnamed father Two unnamed sisters
Status	Alive
Actor	Tim Matheson
First Seen	Carry On

Dr. Vernon "Doc" Mullins is one of the main characters of Virgin River. He is the local physician in Virgin River and has his own clinic. He is the husband of Hope McCrea. The two have a complicated relationship following an indiscretion in their marriage by Vernon twenty years prior and have been separated since then. At the end of Season 1, the two reconcile. Initially Vernon struggles with the idea of Melinda Monroe being hired to work as a nurse practitioner at his practice but soon warms up to the idea and two grow close.

History

Not much is known about Doc’s early life other than the fact that he is originally from Seattle. His father was a doctor and he mentions two sisters. Before studying medicine, he was an English major. After seeing the good that his father did as a small town doctor, he realised he wanted to do the same. He worked his way up to being Head of Internal Medicine at Northwest Hospital. He quit as there was apparently too much paperwork and politics, and not enough doctoring.

He later moved to Virgin River, setting up a practice which has been in business for nearly 30 years by the time Mel arrives. He married Hope McCrea at some point 20 years prior to the start of the series. However, a brief affair between him and Charmaine’s mother Rachel following a tough moment in his career caused their separation.

Welcoming Mel

When Melinda Monroe arrives in Virgin River to work at Vernon's medical practice, she clashes with him immediately. After Vernon gives her a ride to the McCrea Cabin, Mel remarks that she has moved to Virgin River to work with the doctor, who is old and in need of assistance; Vernon quickly makes it clear that he is the doctor and is offended by her remark, given he is still able to do his job.

Following their encounter, Mel and Vernon find themselves at odds, with Vernon reluctant to accept Mel's help at the practice; both because he doesn't want the help, but also because he doesn't feel she is medically competent. Vernon refuses to allow her to see or treat any patients and after he begins treating her like an assistant, she hands in her notice to Hope. Hope is able to convince Vernon to give her a months trial, but agrees that Hope leave him alone if Mel doesn't prove herself.

The practice sign with Mel's details on.

After Mel helps the diagnosis and treatment of a family that has been poisoned by chemicals from Calvin's farm, Vernon congratulates her, realising that he could use her help and that she is medically competent. Vernon officially welcomes her to Virgin River and adds her name to the sign outside of the practice, much to her surprise.

Relationship with Hope

Vernon meets Hope when the two both move to Virgin River. At the start to the series, they have been married for around 20 years, although their relationship is not revealed until a while later. However, the couple have been separated for the majority of that time due to Vernon cheating on her with Charmaine’s mother following a crisis. Vernon tries numerous times to apologise to Hope but despite the twenty-year period since it happened, she is reluctant to forgive Vernon and accept his apologies.

The couple are shown to still be somewhat friendly and involved in each other’s lives, with Hope constantly having influence over him. At the start of Season 1, Hope experiences a heart attack during which Vernon helps her out and takes care of her, even sleeping outside her house in his car just to stay close.

Eventually, Hope asks Vernon if he can sign their divorce papers which were drawn up decades previously, in order for her to move on with her life. Vernon is reluctant, and tells her that new papers will have to be drawn up as their original lawyer is deceased. After an argument over who will pay for the divorce, Vernon agrees to do so and books an appointment with a new divorce lawyer. Hope starts to becomes hesitant about the divorce, however, and does not show at the meeting. Vernon is left furious, unsure about what Hope really wants. When he questions Hope on it, she remarks that she was busy, but Vernon refuses to believe this to be the case.

Having grown closer, the two decide not get divorced, and instead rekindle their relationship by the end of the season, although this is a secret at first. Vernon disagrees with the secrets and asks Hope if they can go public but she is reluctant and does not want to be the gossip of the town. In order to achieve this, Hope asks Vernon to agree to go on dates with Muriel, whom Hope knows is into Vernon.

Vernon and Muriel spend time together.

After reluctantly agreeing to begin going on dates with Muriel, Vernon finds it difficult to lie to her about the situation with Hope. The two grow closer, and Vernon eventually calls of the whole thing and comes clean to Muriel, not wanting to lead her on any longer. Several more issues arise in his relationship with Hope when he flies to Seattle under the guise of a "medical conference" to get her engagement ring recast. Hope believes him to be with Muriel and eventually confronts him but Vernon reveals that Muriel helped him with the ring and as a thank you, he took her out to dinner. The two agree to renew their vows shortly after, opting for a large ceremony in front of the entire town.

Medical issues

After not feeling himself, and snapping at Mel for no reason, Vernon travels to Eureka for a consult with a local physician. Upon return to Virgin River, he tries to talk with Hope about the consult and she becomes increasingly worried. Before Vernon can explain the results, however, they walk into a surprise party at Hope's house.

Personality

Dr. Mullins is "set in his ways and a bit of a curmudgeon," and "he’s not keen on working with anyone including Mel, who he views as a challenge to his authority."

Trivia

• He and Hope have been married for over twenty years
• Vernon refuses to go digital, and opts to remember the majority of his patient notes
• His full name is revealed to be Vernon Edwin Mullins

Appearances

Vernon Mullins appears in the following episodes:

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

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