Netflix’sVirgin Riveris no stranger to tackling intense topics. The popular romantic drama series has dealt with everything from Jack’s drinking to Hope’s heart attack. While some of the show’s storylines may be exaggerated for the purposes of a compelling narrative, they are by and large dealt with sensitively and carefully. WithVirgin Rivergoing into season 7, there will be even more dramatic storylines for us to get engrossed in. And one of the most riveting so far has been Denny’s health issues.
Initially, the kind-hearted and gentle Denny comes toVirgin Riverto find his long-lost grandfather, but that only leads him to find that his ex-lover, Rose, had a son who has since passed away. Soon enough, a romance between Denny and Lizzie takes center stage. Denny seems like the perfect match for Lizzie, and, of course, they hit it off, becoming one ofVirgin River’s best romances.But just as Denny and Lizzie’s relationship heats up, he receives some devastating news that will change the trajectory of his entire life.
Virgin River’s Denny Has Huntington’s Disease
He Learns The Truth In Season 4
Virgin Riverseason 4 reveals thatDenny has Huntington’s disease, which is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that is often genetic. On average, people diagnosed with the disease live for about 15 to 20 years after the onset of symptoms (viaThe Cleveland Clinic). While living with Hope and Vernon, Denny is found to be taking medications from the clinic - but what appears to be a situation of theft and addiction is far more tragic, when Denny reveals that he is stealing medications to try and treat his Huntington’s disease.
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Once the truth is out, obviously it is heartbreaking for Vernon - but Denny makes it clear that he intends to do everything he can to live a full life, despite knowing that it may not be a long one. He even allows himself to fall for Lizzie, despite some concerns about how that will pan out with his diagnosis.
The Show Accurately Captures Denny’s Mental Health After Learning About His Illness
Virgin Riveraccurately portrays the anxiety, depression, and mood disorders that may come from a Huntington’s diagnosis. Medical professionals cite the clinical symptoms of Huntington’s as a combination of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric/behavioral disturbances (viaNational Institutes of Health). The world-renowned medical research hospital,The Mayo Clinic,specifically details the mental hurdles patients with Huntington’s disease face:
The most common mental health condition associated with Huntington’s disease is depression. This isn’t simply a reaction to receiving a diagnosis of Huntington’s disease. Instead, depression appears to occur because of damage to the brain and changes in brain function.
These symptoms are in line with whatVirgin Riverportrays through Denny’s diagnosis. For example,he takes his father’s Klonopin, a strong anti-depressant, to help ease his symptoms ofanxiety, depression, and feelings of intense uncertainty.Denny is also upset and confused about his future with Lizzie in particular, because he doesn’t know if he wants to be in a long-term relationship due to his terminal illness.
So many shows with characters who have illnesses only focus on the physical symptoms, butVirgin Rivermakes sure to accurately depict what living with a terminal illness is like from a mental health standpoint, and this is further amplified in Denny’s storyline through actor Kai Bradbury’s powerful performance.
What’s Next For Denny In Virgin River?
He & Lizzie Plan To Test Her Unborn Baby For Huntington’s Disease
Denny’s relationship with Lizzie seems like it will be taking center stage inVirgin Riverseason 7. At the end of season 6, it’s revealed that Lizzie is pregnant. However, it’s not clear who the baby’s father is. There’s a chance that it could be Denny, but it could also be Lizzie’s ex, Ricky, who went away to serve in the Marines.Ricky’s return at the end ofVirgin Riverseason sixraises a lot of questions, especially considering that he and Lizzie already had a baby together that was tragically a stillbirth.
At the end of season 6, despite reservations on her part,Denny and Lizzie decide to test her unborn child for Huntington’s disease, which is interesting because the disease is passed down genetically.However, things are complicated even further if we look at theVirgin Riverbooks, because in them, Ricky is the father of Lizzie’s baby. Yet,Virgin River is no stranger to making changes from the book series, so it’s anyone’s guess. But one thing’s for sure — Lizzie’s baby storyline will majorly involve Denny in the upcomingVirgin Riverseason 7.
