Sweet Magnolias season 3 boldly refuses to take the easy way out when new challenges arise.
Look for new faces and some challenging circumstances in Serenity. Mix that with a strong foundation of faith and friendship until you end up with Sweet Magnolias season 3. A surprise proposal, an angry outburst and forbidden relationships are the entry points for the new season.
Suddenly, Ryan decides he does want to have children and asks Helen to marry him. Of course, she and Erik are already in the midst of a growing relationship. Maddie left Bill long behind and moved forward with Cal. But then her new partner reveals a troubling side of his personality. Dana Sue has reconciled with Ronnie when a seemingly unhinged woman resurfaces in Serenity with a hatred toward Dana Sue. Add all this to teenagers finding young love just to have it squashed by their angry mother.
How will the Sweet Magnolias and their families navigate these new challenges? And what happens when Margarita Night no longer brings the refuge it once did?
Try new things
Watch for our favorite residents of Serenity to try some new approaches. Maddie and Cal will tackle the former ball player’s anger issues in an unconventional but healthy way. Both will be open to new experiences individually, too. Some folks will experiment with new friendships. You never know when a new friend may offer a helpful new perspective.
Of course, new plans are not always successful. When you try to sneak around your parents, you will likely fail at some point. Be willing to reconsider that thing you are so strongly seeking. Be open to surprises in Serenity. Keep your eyes open. Maybe a new opportunity will present itself as it does for Noreen, Isaac and several others.
Wrestle with your pain
Maddie, Dana Sue and Helen learn that a candy bracelet will not always fix a rift right away. Some problems take time. The struggle to understand a situation can bring strength and renewal.
Sometime things just take time. Ty grows frustrated with figuring out his purpose when he leaves baseball behind. His nana Paula reminds him that you can have more than one thing that brings you purpose and joy.
Confide in others
A men’s basketball group goes a long way in providing a safe space for guys like Cal to open up. A group like that can also be of great support when Harlan’s family faces a medical emergency.
You need not always lean on the same people either. Helen and Ty both open themselves up to help from people outside their usual Serenity circles.
Celebrate
No matter what challenges are in play, there is always something or someone to celebrate. Watch for Serenity to host more than one amazing party this season. Special occasions often draw on old memories that serve as a foundation of friendship and love. There is also a town scavenger hunt that proves to be very entertaining.
The late Miss Frances continues to celebrate Serenity and its goodwill. Her careful estate planning brings joy, surprise and support to her beloved Serenity.
The payoff
Sweet Magnolias season 3 certainly brings our characters to some uncomfortable places. But it also draws on the strong foundation already established among them. One of the best things about Serenity is that most residents can learn from their mistakes and persevere in times of challenge. This allows for some wonderful payoffs before the season closes. Keep the tissues handy!
Per usual, however, Sweet Magnolias will likely not tie up every story in 10 episodes. But that just means we need season 4, right?
Finally, watch for a beautiful homage to author Sherryl Woods in episode 4. Keep your eyes and ears open for this sweet nod to the author of the books about the Sweet Magnolias. I will not give it away here, but I will point out that I have already given you 2 clues, wink-wink.
Final Verdict: Wharton’s milkshakes for everyone!
All 10 episodes of Sweet Magnolias season 3 are currently available on Netflix.
Watch for our continuing coverage of the series with our “Serenity Scoop” newspaper recaps for each episode and a special interview on the way.
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