Sweet Magnolias Season 2 Review

After what felt like FOREVER, season 2 of Sweet Magnolias finally aired a few days ago on Netflix. I did a post long, long ago about season 1 HERE.  But here's what I thought of season 2 (NO SPOILERS): 

Helen and Erik continue to be awesome

Helen and Erik.  I love them together. Erik really helped Helen through something terrible and emotional this season (something that probably should've have come with a trigger warning, honestly), and the fact that she finally SAW him standing there in all his "let me love you and cook for you" glory was a delight to watch. Overall, Helen and Erik are BY FAR my favorite couple on the show. Now, if only the pesky ghost from Helen's past that slinks back into town at the end of season 2 would just GO AWAY FOREVER, I'd be super happy.  

Maddie and Cal are...meh

Like I said last season, there's nothing I love more than seeing a woman who got jerked around in her marriage and in her divorce end up with a guy who is better than her ex in every sense of the word. Cal is definitely that. But this season, I thought these two were a little boring together. They had some mild sexy times, Cal is super sweet and thoughtful, and Maddie is still the shiny, perfect little angel she was last season. But I was so BORED when they were onscreen together! I also thought Maddie overreacted to news about Cal's past (which included NOTHING really dark or scary) and past anger issues. Her pearl-clutching annoyed me. She was married to the biggest scumbag in the county and she's concerned that Cal is angry after a big loss? Jeez, chill out, Maddie!  

An on a completely unrelated note, as I asked last season...WHAT IS WRONG WITH CAL'S EYEBROWS???

Dana Sue...ugh

I may take some heat for this one, and maybe I deserve it. But...I hate Dana Sue. There. I've said it. She's mean, and judgmental, and so rigidly inflexible that she makes everyone around her walk on egg shells so as not to upset her.  I get that Ronnie was a bad husband, but either forgive him or tell him to get lost! The back and forth was exhausting. Ronnie has clearly changed, clearly regrets his past behavior, and is bending over backwards to make amends. He deserved a clear yes or a firm "get lost" right from the start. I get it if she can't forgive him. I might not if I was in her position. But I feel like she stringed him along way longer than she needed to. I also didn't like that she was downright mean and ungrateful to Cal who was only trying to help, and had been kind enough to save her ass at one point. She pretty much stomped all over his enthusiasm and joy for no good reason. And finally...I won't give any spoilers, except to say that Hot Farmer Jeremy deserved better. Much better. #JusticeForJeremy 

Also, I think the wardrobe department must hate Dana Sue, too, because while this actress is a gorgeous woman, they made her wear the most awful, unflattering potato sacks this season! I mean, yeah, she's an annoying character, but couldn't they find someone who knew how to dress a beautiful plus size woman??     

The kids

The kids on the show are still all pretty great. They look and act like real kids, which is harder to find than you'd think in other TV shows and movies. But while Kyle and Tyler were my favorites last season, this season I really found myself rooting for Cece, Jackson, and Nellie, because frankly, Kyle and Tyler were a little too angsty for my linking in season 2. (More so true of Kyle, but still...) Although, I will say they pulled through nicely by the end of the season. 

Bill and Noreen...sigh

Yes, this photo is from season 1. Couldn't find one from season 2. But, Bill continues to be the worst father ever this season. He's less of a pain in everyone's ass, though, so I guess there's that. Noreen is back, too. I can't say that I'm too happy about that. Even though her character has grown up a lot since last season and I'm clearly supposed to like and forgive her, there's just something about her face that's very...punchable. Same with Bill. And their accents are THE WORST. I'd be fine if they'd both leave and never darken the town again.  

Cliffhangers...again and a GIANT plot twist

This season's cliffhangers are multiple. I hate cliffhangers. There's also the mother of all plot twists that comes courtesy of Helen helping Isaac find his biological mother, who then introduces him to his father. And his father is the LAST man I was expecting. It was a genuine shock, and that doesn't happen to me often.  

And maybe it's just me...

I could be wrong, because I have slept once or twice since last season. But I don't remember the show being as church-y as it was this season. There was lots of praying, blessing, and church events this time around that I don't remember happening in season 1. I don't necessarily mind a church-y show, but it was enough that I noticed--so, if you aren't a fan of church-y programming, this one might not be your jam.

The verdict?

Long-story-short, I thought season 1 was better. Season 2 was a little boring in my opinion. But even though it fell a little short, it was still watchable and probably better than 90% of what's on the other networks at the moment. EXCEPT for Reacher, which is on Amazon Prime.  So, even if you really want to watch the second season of Sweet Magnolias, I suggest you watch Reacher first. It's WAY better.  

​But those are just my thoughts. Did you watch? What did YOU think?