WHAT TO REMEMBER: A YEAR FOUR ‘SWEET MAGNOLIAS’ RECAP
As someone who enjoys many of the same shows that are trending, which are also shows that many amazing outlets cover (and therefore, sometimes what I share may be redundant), I share today’s publication with a straight up confession. I saw another publication recapping a show in anticipation of its next season drop, and while I did not read the article, I thought the idea did seem fun. I also realized, that I have done something similar in the past, so I guess I’m not totally relying on seeing said article title for inspiration. Regardless, this is what I decided to do today. Specifically to recap and remember what happened in season four of the Netflix favorite Sweet Magnolias, a feel-good show that has a loyal fanbase.
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WHAT TO REMEMBER: A YEAR FOUR ‘SWEET MAGNOLIAS’ RECAP. Looking back on what happened in #SweetMagnolias season four. #Netflix Share on XThe story of Sweet Magnolias is a light-hearted (mostly) show that is all about feel-good emotions; it follows a trio of besties who stand by and with each other through all of the ups, downs and good parts of life. All this to say, let’s dive in and see what happened in season four of the charming Sweet Magnolias.
SWEET MAGNOLIAS SEASON FOUR RECAP: What to Remember
Be aware; spoilers follow
THE CHARACTERS
The primary characters include:
- Maddie Townsend aka Maddox – divorced mother of three, Maddie is a newlywed, published author and talented businesswoman. She’s also deeply invested first in her family but also her hometown of Serenity.
- Helen Decatur – lawyer and empathetic ear, Helen cares for all and is often the one people confide in. She’s also thought she had love right a few times only for her to perhaps truly be in love with a grieving man.
- Dana Sue Sullivan – the third member of the Magnolia bestie trio, Dana Sue is a business owner and mother of teenage Annie, she worries about her daughter leaving for college and family.
- Cal Maddox – teacher and baseball coach, Cal is a new businessman who struggles with this while adjusting to his new role as dad and husband, all of which he wants to get right after struggling with some anger issues.
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- Ty and Annie – eldest son of Maddie, Ty struggles to find his place, which he decides is chasing music. Annie, daughter of Dana Sue, is an artistic soul who has the eye of a photographer. She has been in love with Ty for years, but it took him years to confess.
- Ronnie Sullivan – husband of Dana Sue, father of Annie, Ronnie is the man who is always looking to chase something.
- Eric Whitley – a chef who is a co-owner in a popular restaurant spot.
- Isaac – a talented chef, Isaac is the newcomer who has a secret. This secret ends up giving him a new family.
- Noreen – nurse and now, friend, Noreen was the “secret” everyone found out about when Maddie ended her marriage to Bill. She is mother to the half-sister of Maddie’s children and now considered a friend to these people where before she was nuisance, but a lot of forgiveness and time has gone into these bonds and they seem to be stronger.
- …and there are many other interesting characters too!
THE STORY
As previously stated, the storyline follows three friends, native to Serenity, a small Southern town, they all call home. Season four uses a literal storm to untangle some metaphorical storms that twist up the characters in various different ways. From teenagers spreading their wings (Ty and Annie) to newlyweds (Maddie and Cal) finding their footing; a new stepfather (Cal) becoming a father to a long-awaited romance (Helen and Eric) blossoming. Then there is the business side of things which includes business partners Cal and Eric, and Ronnie trying to find out what is missing in his life.
A sweet season four moment between Maddie (Joanna Garcia Swisher) and Cal (Justin Bruening). SweetMagnoliasNetflix via Instagram
The stories are lovely and build bonds which includes Cal having to deal with the grief of the stepchildren he loves in the aftermath of their father’s death and also, having to support his wife through this during what should be their honeymoon. Still, the story allows them to find strength.
The story also finally writes a happy ending for Helen. This happens because of a romance with Eric. Elsewhere, Dana Sue and Ronny are about to embark on a new business venture.
Meanwhile, on the young love front, Annie and Ty are separated for much of the season while he chases big dreams and she applies to a dream college (on the west coast!). Then there is Kyle who has his first real relationship challenge. Lily, looking for a bit of quality time with her beau, ends up feeling like a third wheel because of a new friendship.
Elsewhere, there are some things that don’t end quite so happily.
WHAT to REMEMBER: WHERE DOES SWEET MAGNOLIAS SEASON FOUR LEAVE EVERYONE?
Season four leaves most people happily which includes Maddie having it out (do we love the strength this character has grown into over four years??) with her mother-in-law. There is also the happiest engagement news between Helen and Eric, too. However, after Ty asks Annie to spend the summer (and beyond) touring Europe with him, she tells him she won’t defer school to chase his dreams. Given that the actor playing Ty is sitting out season five, one has to assume they aren’t a couple. But how do you think this story will resolve in Ty’s absence?
The Magnolias (Helen, Maddie and Dana Sue) share in celebration at the end of season four! SweetMagnoliasNetflix via Instagram
Elsewhere, another big change is coming as Maddie is moving to New York to take a job with an indie publisher. Though she’s also working on a second book, she, with Cal’s help, decides that taking this job is a great opportunity.
So, needless to say, the themes of storm led to change and new horizons as the season closes. How do you think this change will play out in the binge release of season five?
Stream, at publication, Sweet Magnolias seasons one through four exclusively with Netflix; watch for season five to drop June 11.
So, what do you remember about season four of Sweet Magnolias? What did you think? What do you want to see in season five? Would you add anything to our Sweet Magnolias season four recap? Which big things did I miss? Share all of your thoughts below! Let’s talk.
Photos: SweetMagnoliasNetflix via Instagram
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