Sweet Magnolias Season 2 Review: A Margarita For Your Soul, But Make It Salty

Bless our hearts, y’all.

Stepping back into Serenity, you’re going to need all the good prayer you can get. Sweet Magnolias Season 2 may have just as much heart and soul as always, but when it comes to drama, it’s a whole new ball game.

The series is still the ultimate comfort — plenty of sweet familial bonding, captivating romances, and an abundance of margarita nights alongside our Big 3.

That doesn’t stop the sophomore season from constantly putting its characters through the wringer, barely giving them enough time to take a breath, let alone make Sunday church services on time.

Just kidding, of course they make it to church on time.

The faster pace isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It certainly keeps the audience on the edge of their seat, and the show is meticulous in doling out equal drama to all its major players. That drama both helps world-build around characters who have already been developed and adds more depth to those who came secondary in Season 1. 

The season starts off with a bang — or crash, to be more appropriate. You don’t have to wait long for answers to last season’s cliffhangers. They reveal themselves in slightly underwhelming ways, but they do set the stage for a myriad of interesting character journeys moving forward.

Joanna Garcia Swisher plays Maddie Townsend more steadfast this season; no longer plagued by the disillusion of her marriage, she’s found her footing in the next chapter of her life. That growth in her character is clear, as Maddie quickly becomes the support system for her family and friends. 

Swisher’s innate ability to bring nuance through simple looks and gestures helps showcase the duality of Maddie’s frayed insides, versus her resilient outer layer, and her big confrontation with Bill becomes one of the most memorable moments of the series.

The juxtaposition of her boys in the aftermath of the crash is an interesting pivot for the series. The two are at odds for the majority of the season, but the audience never gets a real explanation as to why. The conflict over Annie can be assumed is the root of their problems, but the show never delves into the details of Prom.

There are no flashbacks, and the show goes to great lengths to keep that fateful night vague. It’s a peculiar choice, but the boy’s contrasting journeys post-accident are captivating enough to keep looking forward. 

Logan Allen shows his true range as a young actor through his dedicated performance as Kyle. The bright, upbeat boy from Season 1 now struggles through recovery, and while most of his scenes — at least through the first half of the season — are shot from a hospital bed, his unkempt anger is palpable through the screen. 

Ty’s journey is equally satisfying, as he struggles to figure out a new life post arm injury. The injury itself is a surprising twist on the otherwise underwhelming Prom night, and it propels Ty into a sense of maturity as the season unfolds. 

Rowland clearly enjoys playing a more evolved version of his character, and some of his best scenes are opposite Garcia. The two’s easy, familial chemistry brings a special kind of emotional gravitas to every moment they share. 

If the show loses direction anywhere, it’s in the Ty and Annie love story — a missed opportunity that takes a hard left turn.

Where Season 1 seemed to be building towards childhood friends to lovers, Season 2 all but swerves away from it completely.

Just not before dangling the carrot just enough to make it hurt. 

Narratively, the show puts all the plays in motion, then after an intimate one-on-one talk with Helen about first loves, the series finale not only introduces a brand new love interest for Ty, but establishes his relationship with Annie as nothing more than siblings.

It might all be a chapter in the long game of the “Tyannie” journey, but it’s also emotional whiplash that feels unfulfilling for the audience.  

Luckily, there is plenty of romance blooming beautifully elsewhere.

Dana Sue choosing Ronnie is undoubtedly a polarizing choice, but one that feels much richer in story. The chemistry that exists between Elliott and Quinn (a fantastic addition to the cast) is absolutely unparalleled, but the sexiness is just the beginning of what makes the duo so compelling. 

Sweet Magnolias takes its time with Ronnie and Dana Sue; they’re given space to work through their marriage in a way that feels true to life. That nonlinear healing makes for the ultimate payoff when they finally give their family another try. 

Did I mention they’re really hot together?

There are so many things to love about Sweet Magnolias, but what makes the show truly special is how dedicated it is to writing middle-aged, adult women as complex human beings. Ones with strengths and weaknesses, joys and defeats. People who are able to dream new dreams, find new loves, and live fulfilling lives.  

The men of Serenity are likable, enjoyable, fantastic eye candy (not you Bill), but it’s the women who get to shine most.

Not that shining always equates to happiness.

The loss of Helen’s baby is an emotional sledgehammer to the season, and Headley’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, if not devastatingly guttural to witness. She elevates an already strong season of television, and makes it into something truly special. 

Headley brings Helen to life in the magical way that makes you feel like she’s a part of your life, a Sweet Magnolia of your own. That type of investment brings an entirely new level of heartbreak. 

Not all of Season 2’s actors give such emotional deliveries, and Jamie Lynn Spears still feels stilted as Noreen. She seems most uncomfortable in scenes opposite the more seasoned actors, but her moments with Kyle are a bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming screen presence.

Chris Medlin also struggles at times, but his story is captivating enough to let any shortcomings slide. The reveal of Bill having another child feels slightly egregious, but the unveiling of Peggy as Issac’s biological mother is both surprising and moving to watch, as they figure out how to form a connection.

Brittany L. Smith especially steps up this season, proving she can handle heavier material, and her range as an actor will not be denied. 

In true Sweet Magnolias form, Season 2 is more about the journey than the destination; not simply the story of a small southern town, but the trials and tribulations we face as we go through life, the lessons we learn along the way, and the people who are there to pick us up when we fall. 

With that premise, there is an endless string of stories to tell in our beloved Serenity — ones that remind us of the importance of friendship, family, and, many times, forgiveness.

As Season 2 leaves most of its characters in disarray — and us with more questions than answers — it makes the promise to keep providing us with love, comfort, and plenty of romance, for many seasons to come. 

Oh, and Helen For Mayor. Please. 

 

What did you think of this season of Sweet Magnolias? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sweet Magnolias is now airing on Netflix. 

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