SWEET MAGNOLIAS is everything a sappy, soap-opera should be. The series reinforces several themes such as: be kind, love God, family, friends, and be forgiving.
This dramatic, romantic, comedy comes with as many “spoonfuls of sugar” as the writers and producers can push into each installment. When everything is going perfectly, don’t get too comfortable because the sky will “fall down” on each main character. This is to see how they can handle life’s everyday tests of coping, surviving, and growing to be the best they can be. Luckily, Maddie(JoAnna Garcia), Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott), and Helen (Heather Headley) are all up for the challenge.
I enjoyed the easiness and beauty of living in a small town. I am pleasantly surprised at how many stunning folks live and successfully work within Serenity’s boundaries. The friendship between Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue is mind-boggling. Together, those three could climb the highest mountain, swim the ocean, or survive in the desert. Is it realistic? Probably not, but that is not what viewers want to see in SWEET MAGNOLIAS.
Season two also brought more layers to be discovered among the supporting cast. Their reactions to life’s setbacks seemed more realistic but were too quickly resolved. There were three huge cliffhangers in the final moments of the finale. I am sure the producers are planning on being renewed. And why not? Today’s world could definitely use more serenity in our everyday lives. And, in case you hadn’t noticed, SWEET MAGNOLIAS is a chick’s show, but a guy could earn tons of points by watching it together. Just don’t get stuck in the saccharine as it reminds us of “who we are and how we came to be.”
SWEET MAGNOLIA is available to stream on NETFLIX.
