Virgin River fans have been left scratching their heads over one of the season six cliffhangers, which sees Doc Mullins’ career left hanging in the balance.

Virgin River has left fans on the edge of their seats with a series of nail-biting cliffhangers, setting the stage for an explosive seventh season on Netflix.

The show’s latest chapter closed with Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson) tying the knot in a dreamy ceremony, only for calamity to strike as Jack’s ex, Charmaine (Lauren Hammersley), seems to have vanished, possibly with her newborn twins in tow.

Adding to the tension, Dan Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) finds himself in a romantic quandary after declaring his love for Brie (Zibby Allen), while his current partner Lark (Elise Gatien) absconds with his life savings.

Meanwhile, Virgin River’s elder residents, Hope McCrea (Annette O’Toole) and Vernon ‘Doc’ Mullins (Tim Matheson), are set to face their own trials and tribulations in the upcoming season.

Doc’s decision to conduct a perilous operation without a paramedic on hand leads to his medical licence coming under scrutiny, jeopardising the future of his practice, reports the Daily Record.

Virgin River fans already baffled by ‘totally implausible’ season 7 storyline

In a dramatic twist, Hope uncovers plans for a major hospital chain from Grace Valley to embark on an aggressive takeover, threatening the livelihoods of both Doc and Mel in Virgin River.

As the stakes soar in anticipation of season seven, viewers are left pondering the credibility of Doc and Hope’s latest ordeal.

A curious fan took their doubts to Reddit, posing the question: “Is this storyline plausible?

“Doc’s medical license is under investigation initiated by Dr. Hayes (Kaj-Erik Eriksen) at Grace Valley Hospital. Doc did call the hospital for a video consult but lost connection so he performed the burr procedure in a life or death situation.

“The patient was not admitted to Grace Valley yet, how does Grace Valley assume liability for what Doc does on his own?”

Doc and Mel’s jobs could both be at risk in season seven 

Other viewers agreed the investigation didn’t seem to stand up to scrutiny, with one commenter replying: “I’m also confused about this as well. Ik a lot of doctors (esp PCPs with private practices) tend to be affiliated with hospitals.

“But, that just means they have access to hospital services and can refer patients for inpatient care. I’m not sure how the hospital can take away Doc’s license???”

And another fan wrote: “Totally agree. I doubt Doc has privileges at Grace Valley so I don’t see how it’s relevant.”

While someone else claimed: “Doc saved a life, they should award him not chastise him.”

Another fan believes the outcome of the investigation is clear as day, predicting: “First, all the townspeople will testify to how great Doc is and he’ll get his license back.

Virgin River could be setting up Dr Hayek’s replacement 

“Second, Dr Hayes will butt heads with Doc until Doc miraculously saves someone close to Hayes, prompting him to have second thoughts about putting the clinic out of business.

“Third, Grace Valley will give Doc more equipment and money for the clinic, allowing him to be in charge and lo, and behold, Dr Hayes is his new partner.”

This could all be paving the way for the exit of Mark Ghanime, who has played Dr. Cameron Hayek since season four but won’t be returning as a main character in season seven.

Could it be time for Dr. Hayes to step up? Or will he push Doc into retirement?

Virgin River is available to stream on Netflix.