Sweet Magnolias’ Trotter Vidhyarkorn is a friend we all need.
As Sweet Magnolias gears up for a second season, we are left with many unanswered questions. Other things seem very certain, however. One thing we feel we can count on is the steadfast friendship of Trotter Vidhyarkorn, played fantastically by Hunter Burke. Trotter is not stingy about his friendships either. He seems to have a knack for reaching out to just about everyone.
Let’s take a closer look at the traits that make Trotter such a fan favorite. What makes him extra special? What kind of stories do we hope to see from him in season 2?
Credit: Netflix
Who is Trotter Vidhyarkorn?
Trotter has a lot of connections in Serenity. He is romantically linked to Ashley, although we have not yet learned a lot about their relationship. He is best friends with high school baseball coach Cal Maddox who “usually” heeds Trotter’s bar stool life lessons. Trotter has also been recently hired as personal trainer at The Corner Spa run by Helen, Maddie and Dana Sue.
Honest
Friends can count on Trotter to speak his mind. Trotter cautions Cal on getting involved with his boss Maddie. Not only is Maddie going through a messy divorce, she is also mom to Cal’s star player. Of course, Trotter is very fond of Maddie, but I feel like he is trying to protect his friend from getting caught in the grip of Serenity’s gossip mill.
Supportive
Okay, so Cal does not heed Trotter’s advice about finding a less controversial dating situation. But that does not keep him from supporting Cal as the coach pursues Maddie romantically. Trotter respects his pal’s decision and drops great tips like the idea of bringing flowers instead of candy to Maddie on her first day working at the spa.
When Maddie is navigating all the different emotions that come with finalizing her divorce, Trotter is there to “be sad with [her]”. He does not want her going through it alone and gives her space to share her thoughts.
Funny
Trotter has some fun stories and even funnier expressions! He doesn’t skip a beat when sharing his experience being physical trainer to a dog named Ernie – we’re talking exercise training, not “sit” and “stay”. And why does Trotter like the Pittsburgh Pirates? Well, pirates are cool, he says.
Trotter is also never at a loss for a clever description such as when he asks Cal:
like ‘polka-dotted fish with two heads’ weird or, like, ‘not everybody likes Beyoncé’ weird?
. . . plus more!
Trotter is a Dolly Parton enthusiast! Who doesn’t appreciate the talent, spunk and optimism of Dolly? Our favorite physical trainer is also anxious to grow his clientele at the spa and see the members make progress. He is dependable and at the ready to cover at the spa when Maddie cannot be at the front desk.
Credit: Netflix
Another special moment with Trotter is when he asks Noreen to dance at the spa opening. I suspect he knows full well who she is and sees her standing alone. It is a very kind gesture that exemplifies his good will for others. Trotter may not be a fan of Bill and Noreen’s indiscretion, but he still reaches out to Noreen at the event.
Who will be there for Trotter?
As much as I enjoy Trotter on Sweet Magnolias, I do not want his character to be reduced to “inspirational sidekick”, but I don’t think he will be. I trust the Sweet Magnolias writers and showrunners to delve deeper into all the characters including Trotter.
I want to see how Trotter will handle challenges of his own. Who will he lean on for support? I am sure there will be many lined up to help – Ashley, Cal, the Sweet Magnolias, his clients and more.
What else?
I would like to learn more about Ashley. How did he and Trotter meet? I also think it would be fun to see Trotter and Mary Vaughn work on a project together! How would Trotter handle a difficult client at the spa?
What else do you want to learn about Trotter? What kinds of storylines would you like to see him encounter in season 2? Please share in the comments. You never know if the writers might take a peek at our wish list!
With fabulous characters like Trotter, it is no wonder that Netflix has found such a big hit with Sweet Magnolias.
It speaks volumes how a character with only a handful of scenes can make a big impact with viewers. But we certainly will not complain if we get more Trotter scenes in season 2!
You can also check out our latest Sweet Magnolias trivia quiz here!
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