SWEET MAGNOLIAS is just what the title says it is…a sugary, flowery series about three best friends who live in the make-believe, over-the-top town of Serenity. It is a huge slice of Americana and faith-based episodes.
This season at least, there were some conflicts and problems to overcome for the ladies, which include Helen (Heather Hadley), Maddie (JoAnna Garcia), and Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott). There were break-ups and getting-back-together moments galore. I enjoyed some of the focus turning to the men who are coupled with these ladies, as well as the teenage sons and daughters. There was plenty of angst to go around for everyone. The viewers were able to learn more about other members of the community. This helped break up the “margarita nights” and discussions. For a change of pace, some characters were interested in solving run-down parks and political fraud. Oh my…even the perfect town of Serenity has “Trouble with a capital T.”
I have watched all three seasons of SWEET MAGNOLIAS, and I conclude that the writers and fans love all three ladies’ enduring friendship, love for one another, and town. The writers are creating episodes that feed into this genre, and although we all know it does not exist in the real world, we all can dream about what life could be. For Dana Sue, Maddie, and Helen, “Men may come and go, but girlfriends are forever.”
The show’s pacing is filled with Southern comfort and an occasional proverb or two. Serenity is a lovely location, and everyone dresses nicely every day. Young ones learn lessons, all races and genders are welcome, and change is accepted. Would it be swell if this town existed? I am not sure. I like some true, raw grit mixed with my saccharine as I get older. But for those who use two sugars daily, SWEET MAGNOLIAS would be your perfect cup of tea.
SWEET MAGNOLIAS is available to stream on Netflix.
