Has Sweet Magnolias Become Too Toxic to Actually Enjoy the Show?
We could probably do without Season 4.
Let's face it: Sweet Magnolias was never meant to be a masterpiece of a show everyone loves and praises. From Season 1 on, it has often been cheesy, over-sweet, and unrealistic, but it has usually been balanced by a feel-good, lighthearted, and escapist atmosphere.
However, the most recent third season saw the feel-good vibes mostly disappear, and the cheesiness go through the roof. It got to the point where the show became toxic and difficult to watch. Here are just a few points to prove it.
Normalizing Unhealthy Behavior
The show's protagonists are portrayed as perfect characters who can do no wrong. At the same time, by Season 3, it was impossible to ignore their hypocrisy and toxicity toward everyone, from their partners and exes to their children and friends.
Dana Sue is probably the best example. It is simply painful to watch her interact with her daughter, her husband, and...well, basically everyone.
On top of that, the other residents of Serenity are not far behind the main characters in their questionable behavior. The worst part is that it's all cloaked in this superficial sweetness, goodness, and bless-your-heartedness.
Portrayal of Men
Speaking of terrible behavior, the portrayal of men in Sweet Magnolias is just horrific. All male characters, except for a handful of exceptions, seem only defined by their anger, drinking, and cheating. It's just unreal.
The message of female empowerment is great, but not if it is done at the expense of healthy plot balance and authenticity.
Overdoing the Preaching
Serenity is a small Christian town, and it is natural for religion to be a part of its residents' lives. But the show goes overboard with the preaching. At this point, it feels like half of the dialog consists of Bible verses and judgmental and pious messages.
The worst part of it is that none of it feels authentic but rather comes across as a Southern stereotype and is plain annoying. After Season 3, it feels like Sweet Magnolias has devolved into a checklist of all the small-town and Southern cliches.
Netflix has yet to renew Sweet Magnolias. And frankly, all the problems with this year's season make me think they better not. Do you agree?