You’ll never look at a pool table the same way again. In Season 6, Episode 5 of Virgin River, titled “Love Story,” the simmering, electric tension between Brie (Zibby Allen)
and Brady (Benjamin Hollingsworth) finally reaches its boiling point, culminating in what many fans are calling the hottest and most memorable scene in the series to date.
Set against the rustic charm of Jack’s bar, the unexpected and passionate pool table encounter is far more than just steamy fan service—it is a dramatic turning point for
two complex characters whose emotional journeys have long been intertwined.
The Backdrop: Secrets and Betrayals Set the Stage
The episode opens with a bombshell revelation from Brie to Brady: Jimmy (Ian Tracey) is the biological father of Lark’s (Elise Gatien) daughter, Hazel. This confession instantly stirs a whirlwind of emotions for Brady, who had been under the illusion that he might be Hazel’s father. Initially, Brady’s reaction is one of disbelief and defensiveness. He lashes out, accusing Brie of undermining his relationship and causing chaos. Yet as the truth settles in, Brady begins to realize that Lark’s deception was far more calculated and painful than he expected.
What makes this moment so compelling is the raw vulnerability displayed by both characters. Brady, burdened by his turbulent past and feelings of betrayal, grapples with his self-worth. “You are worthy of love, and no one knows that better than me,” Brie tells him with fierce conviction. It’s a pivotal line that cracks the emotional armor Brady has carefully constructed around himself. From this point forward, the scene shifts from confrontation to catharsis.
The Scene That Changed Everything: From Tension to Fire
What follows is a masterclass in building tension and payoff. The hug that initially offers comfort slowly transforms into a searing kiss, escalating quickly as Brady rips open Brie’s shirt. In a moment that feels both spontaneous and inevitable, Brie backs onto the pool table, and Brady follows—shirtless—onto the green felt, igniting a passionate encounter that’s as raw as it is intimate. The setting—a bar’s pool table—is unconventional, making this scene uniquely memorable and loaded with symbolic significance.
Behind the Scenes: An Unplanned Iconic Moment
Zibby Allen and Benjamin Hollingsworth revealed in a candid interview with Swooon that the pool table was not the original setting for this defining scene. Initially scripted to take place in a bedroom—Brady’s room upstairs—the actors and creative team felt something was missing. Allen explained, “We’ve seen them there before, and this moment needed to feel different, urgent, and unexpected.” Hollingsworth shared that during an Oscars party, he pitched the idea of making this reunion “really iconic” and “completely unplanned,” wanting the setting to underscore the spontaneity and rawness of their reunion.
Ultimately, relocating the scene to Jack’s bar pool table added a layer of depth and symbolism. “That pool table will forever be changed in Jack’s bar,” Hollingsworth said, “it’s iconic and territorial.” This setting captures the essence of their relationship—unpredictable, intense, and marked by moments that defy convention.
Allen echoed this sentiment, noting how they nervously pitched the idea to showrunner Patrick Sean Smith, who embraced it despite initial concerns over “sacrilege” toward Jack’s bar. The decision paid off spectacularly, delivering a scene that fans are unlikely to forget anytime soon.
The Characters: Complex, Flawed, and Deeply Human
What makes the pool table scene resonate so powerfully isn’t just the physical passion, but the emotional undercurrents that run beneath it. Brie and Brady are characters marked by their struggles with trust, love, and vulnerability. Brie, who has often wrestled with feelings of unworthiness, finds in Brady a kindred spirit who understands her pain. Brady, on the other hand, is a man who has never quite found his place or felt truly loved—until now.
Allen explained, “There’s so much real love between them. That pool table moment isn’t just hot—it’s an acknowledgment of their deep soul connection.” This scene reignites feelings they both tried to bury while moving forward with other relationships—Mike (Marco Grazzini) for Brie and Brady’s complicated past.
The Aftermath: Ripples Through Season 6
The aftermath of this secret encounter is felt throughout the rest of Season 6. Brie finds herself torn between her commitment to Mike, who eventually proposes, and the unresolved passion and connection she shares with Brady. A crucial moment comes when Brie prepares to confess the pool table hookup to Mike—only to discover Mike already knows, yet chooses to stand by her. This revelation sets up a tantalizing love triangle, with fans anxiously awaiting Brie’s ultimate choice.
For Brady, the pool table moment is more than just a physical act—it represents a breakthrough. Hollingsworth spoke about playing Brady as a man experiencing love for the first time. “He’s met his match with Brie, and she might be his last love.” Their storyline delves deep into themes of first love, second chances, and the transformative power of true connection.
Why This Scene Matters: Beyond the Heat
The pool table scene transcends typical steamy moments for several reasons:
- Symbolism of Setting: Using the pool table—a public, everyday object transformed into a private, passionate space—mirrors the unpredictability and boldness of Brie and Brady’s relationship.
- Character Growth: The scene is a culmination of emotional journeys that have been simmering for seasons, revealing layers of vulnerability and desire that propel their story forward.
- Narrative Impact: This encounter reshapes the dynamics between the main characters, injecting tension, drama, and emotional complexity into the series’ ongoing love triangle.
- Fan Reception: The scene has become a viral talking point among Virgin River fans, praised for its intensity and authenticity, and hailed as a standout moment in the show’s evolving saga.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for Brie and Brady
Both Allen and Hollingsworth express hope that their characters’ love story is far from over. With Season 6’s closing episodes setting up high-stakes choices for Brie, the stage is set for more heart-wrenching drama. Will Brie stay loyal to Mike’s steady love or answer the call of her undeniable chemistry with Brady? For Brady, who has rarely experienced love so deeply, the stakes have never been higher.
Hollingsworth mused, “I’d like to believe the endgame is Brady and Brie. This pool table chapter is just the beginning.” As Virgin River continues to explore the complexities of love, loss, and second chances, the legacy of this iconic scene will undoubtedly loom large.
In Conclusion
Season 6, Episode 5’s pool table sex scene is a defining moment for Virgin River. It artfully combines raw passion with nuanced character development, symbolizing the unpredictable yet profound nature of Brie and Brady’s relationship. This moment not only raised the heat level of the series but also deepened the emotional stakes, leaving fans eager for what’s next. In the cozy, often tumultuous world of Virgin River, love is never simple—but when it erupts in the most unexpected places, it becomes unforgettable.
