Sweet Magnolias 2×02 “So Much to Say” Spoilers Ahead
Communities go out of their way to help people—that’s the point of this episode and Sweet Magnolias as a show. Despite how hard it might be to believe that these characters care deeply because the real world is sometimes darker than fiction, on this show, it never makes me cringe with cliches the way it might in another instance. On this show, “So Much to Say” equates to not really saying much but doing enough to showcase that you’re there. And yet—there are plenty of words to go around too.
Sweet Magnolias 2×02 “So Much to Say” leaves enough up in the air while managing to still secure us with bits of happiness while we wait to move forwards. There’s a reason the heart of the series is a friendship and the decision to immediately make matters right following the end of “Casseroles and Casualties” is a solid move to keep us grounded and satisfied.
Candy Bracelets and Forever
Just when I thought the Sweet Magnolias and their traditions couldn’t get any more precious, their makeup equates to purity in box form. Trotter acts as our guide into this scene by having the ladies explain to him that the gesture originated from a fight in second grade. As it turns out because Dana Sue watched her father give her mother jewelry, she figured that’s how you make matters right, and so, she gives the women candy jewelry. (Did anyone else feel the urge to go to Target and buy some? No? Just me? Okay.)
The argument felt organic and understandable, but it’s worth noting that it’s admirable the series didn’t drag it on unnecessarily because the women love each other so fiercely they’re going to ensure that they understand each other’s pain. Maddie knows Dana Sue loves her boys, but she also understands why she felt the way she did—being the strong one is exhausting, and sometimes, the words need to come out. She needed the platform to vent and vocalize her fears. These women finding their strength together is how it’s always been and how it’ll always be, which means that this journey towards figuring it out together is the entire purpose of Season 2.
Teenage Angst?
In our overall review for Season 2, I had said that I was proud of how the series handles the teenage arcs, and I am. They didn’t annoy me as much this season as they did last, but we need to get through this angst to get to a better place with them. Kyle needs to talk to someone, and lashing out isn’t the way to do that—it needs to happen as he looks inward, which is why I’m glad that Maddie is suggesting therapy and she isn’t waiting long to do so.
Plus, continuing to actually see Jackson’s remorse and how he’s handling everything is fascinating given what a genuinely frustrating teenager he is in the Season 1 finale. (And also, given who his parents are.) This is where it’s starting to get interesting with his character, and I’m entirely here for it.
Trotter and Helen Discuss Adoption
No matter how many times we write about Trotter, we need to write about what an indisputable treasure he is. I cannot imagine ever being upset at work if someone like him was around me. And someone like him, plus everything we know about Ashley, would be the perfect parents to any kid. The fact that this conversation is happening amplifies the show’s heart beautifully.
Inheriting Fears
There are a lot of excellent conversations throughout this episode, but everything about this moment with Maddie and Ty is worth mentioning. Dissecting fear and how much power it has is always something we need to do because it’s reasonable no matter anyone’s age or gender. And it’s not something we talk about with teenage boys as often as we should. But Maddie being able to have open conversations with her son tells us a lot about who she chooses to be and how she wants to operate as a parent.
Ty really shouldn’t hold back because of her fears, and it’s important that she vocalizes the fact that she’s fully aware of all that’s happening to him while simultaneously making it clear that she values his decisions. This will give him the push to talk to her more because he can believe that her opinions are not only worth appreciating as a mother, but she’s listening to him and wanting to do right by him. Mothers and sons aren’t always easy to navigate through, but the way Ty’s consistently gone out of his way to defend the pain she’s endured showcases his heart in ways that reveal he’s on the right path towards growth. He’s learning to communicate in a healthy way that’s planting seeds for his future family as well.
Sweet Magnolias 2×02 patches things up while still leaving much to be dismantled. This show’s strength isn’t sleeping on anger, and that’s a quiet comfort we, as the audience, could have when everything else seems like it’s up in the air still.
Pour it Out and Further Thoughts
- Isaac is home and it’s not Dana Sue’s doing. It’s his. And Dana Sue telling him that was a precious thing because he needs to understand how deeply loved he is as a result of the person he consistently chooses to be.
- Dana Sue and Ronnie staying married despite…everything? We’re game. This is going to be fun.
- The girls giving Helen the baby gift? Cue the tears.
- Cal and Maddie are so stinkin’ cute it’s ridiculous. It’s actually ridiculous.
Now streaming on Netflix: What are your thoughts on Sweet Magnolias 2×02 “So Much to Say?” Let us know in the comments below.