Sweet Magnolias 2×07 “Fragile Things” continues to hammer the show’s message of community and family, in a way that feels both entirely too wholesome in a good way, and almost unbelievable. We’ve all become cynical, particularly in such a partisan world and while living in a pandemic that feels like it’s gone on this long because some people just don’t care about protecting others.
Perhaps that’s why this show’s Season 2’s balance straddles the line between aspirational and far-fetched. We want to believe towns like Serenity exist, and people can indeed behave like they do on this show. And we know it happens. But to see it over and over, as the norm, is still something we just cannot accept. Not anymore.
Which doesn’t mean it’s not both refreshing and soothing to spend some time in the world of Serenity. It’s certainly looking more and more like the place we would love to inhabit. So let’s talk about the romances, and the way Serenity shows up for each other as we discuss Sweet Magnolias 2×07 “Fragile Things”:
SERENITY SHOWS UP FOR EACH OTHER
This episode sees Noreen give birth and focuses on the reaction of the town, a reaction dictated by a Maddie Townsend who manages to treat Noreen with more grace and kindness than most of us could probably muster. She isn’t really doing it for Noreen, at least not at first. She’s doing it for herself and her kids, but I think perhaps, after she allows herself to reach out to Noreen, she’s also doing it because she sees Noreen is deep down a good person who is trying — and also because, truly, Noreen did her a favor. Maddie is so much better off without Bill.
But this episode is about more than just Maddie finding her own peace, it’s about the town taking her lead and opening their arms to Noreen. And it’s also about how all of that has helped Noreen be a better person, for herself and for her baby. Because, sometimes, you just need to be given a chance to do better. This, of course, won’t work on everyone or for everyone, but some people, a chance is all they need.
People like Peggy, who is finally trying to connect with Isaac, despite her mother’s disapproval (also wanna bet Isaac’s father is going to end up being either Bill, Ronnie or Trent?), for Jackson, who seems to have turned over a new leaf and even for Kyle, who has struggled mightily this season to find his place in this town. Of course, not all the good intentions will work out. Sometimes, even if you give the best of yourself, people will disappoint you. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying, right?
FULL STEAM AHEAD ON THE ROMANCE
This was a good episode for all the Sweet Magnolias in the romance department, even if that ending left Dana Sue in a very weird position. This, however, is a mess of her own making. Not only is she keeping stuff from her daughter, she is having sex ON THE COUCH IN THE LIVING ROOM! What did she expect? Doesn’t she have a room, with a door that locks?
But, of course, that isn’t her only problem. Right now she’s trying to have her cake and eat it too, and I get it, I do. Trusting Ronnie feels like a stretch. I don’t trust him. But it’s either go full on or never forgive him, because the middle ground isn’t really helping anyone, least of all Dana Sue.
Maddie and Cal, however, have a really good episode, as they remember to keep the interactions kids shouldn’t see somewhere where kids won’t interrupt them. They also do a good job of communicating this episode. Cal has been a tremendous support for Maddie and the kids this season, and it’s good to see the relationship is equal in that he also trust her to be his support when needed. Relationships are about partnership, and one partner might need support more than others at times, but both should feel like they aren’t alone in what they’re doing or feeling.
Then there’s Helen and Erik and the adult communication turned up to 11 before they even get to kiss! It’s amazing to seek, just as it’s amazing to see them actually get that romantic moment in the end. The way we’ve gotten here has be so organic, so real — and it’s easy to see these two healing together. In fact, they have already helped each other heal, and I cannot wait for life to give them the joy the deserve, together.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Sweet Magnolias 2×07 “Fragile Things”? Share with us in the comments below!
Sweet Magnolias Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
