Why Brady's Reaction To Brie's Sexual Assault In Virgin River Season 4 Is So Important

Contains major spoilers for "Virgin River" Season 4.

Netflix's much-loved series "Virgin River" has explored far more than just a tiny town's flannel-clad romances and woodland wooings. The series has been rooted in timely cultural conversations from the very start. Let's not forget that the scaffolding of the "Virgin River" model is the complex human experience associated with taboo topics such as infertility and veterans' experiences with post-military PTSD (via Marie Claire, Movie Guide).

Though there are things in Season 3 of "Virgin River" that make no sense to fans, the fourth season affirms the show's dedication to using its popularity to highlight important topics. Along those lines, Season 4 of "Virgin River" begins to unpack the rape of the character Brie Sheridan (Zibby Allen). 

We know from the lead-up that Brie had a relationship with a former colleague and that she was raped. As of the end of Season 3, she had shared this only with Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge). Now, as her relationship with Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) becomes more serious, the enormity of her grief and emotions become difficult to navigate. Within the healing process, she shares her secret with Brady, and the series allows ample time to explore the complexity of his reaction.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

"Virgin River's" proactive approach to complex topics is a reminder that, although there are other shows like "Virgin River" to binge, the series remains in a league of its own.

Brady's reaction to Brie's rape is important because it intentionally makes space for how loved ones can help support survivors of sexual violence. Though the audience has watched as Brie tries to come to grips with her experience, in Season 4, Episode 11, the lens shifts. Brady — known for being a bit rough around the edges — finds himself in emotional upheaval as he struggles to process his emotions surrounding Brie's rape.

Overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, Brady goes to Doc's office to chat privately with Mel. He's visibly shaken and asks if their discussion will be confidential. Mel's answer could have been a simple "yes, of course." But the series, instead, creates an opportunity for education and awareness in how people can access resources to help sexual violence survivors. In response to Brady's concern about privacy, Mel informs Brady of his legal right to confidentiality. She responds, "Yes, absolutely; HIPPA ensures that you have complete privacy."

From there, the audience watches as Brady's emotions run the gamut from anger to uncertainty. "I didn't know what else to do. I have all this rage, and I know I can't show her. And I want to help, but I don't know how." He is visibly shaken and says Brie has been hesitant to open up, so he doesn't want to "push her." Mel listens and assures him that he is doing the right thing. "If she wants to talk, you listen," she says. "And if she doesn't, you just let her know you're there for her."

Mel gives Brady a pamphlet about support services for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. She makes it a point to remind Brady these resources are as much for him as for Brie as tears well up in his eyes (via Netflix).

For as much as we enjoy the romances in the rustic settings of "Virgin River," we also celebrate the series' deliberate use of airtime to address difficult topics. 

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).