Only 1 Character Did Okay in Dumpster Fire That Was Sweet Magnolias S3
Among the entire ensemble cast, there is only one character that hasn't gone down the drain.
Without a doubt, Sweet Magnolias is one of the most heartwarming and soothing shows on Netflix and in the television industry at large. However, from season 3 onwards, the show began to lose its way. It should be noted that the show had its issues from the beginning, but the first two seasons managed to keep the balance between the heartwarming and the absurd.
By contrast, the latest season, released on 20 July, seemingly went ahead and fully embraced plot inconsistencies, over-the-top storytelling and questionable acting.
The dip in quality can be attributed as much to the subpar acting as to the equally uninspired writing. This season made several characters insufferable due to over-the-top and occasionally misplaced drama. The season's teenage characters seem to be the only respite from the cringeworthy lines and exaggerated Southern accents. Among these, one of Ty's friends truly distinguishes himself, and this might be the series' only saving grace in all three seasons.
'Gabe is the kind of friend I think everyone should have in their life,' a fan wrote.
Gabe Weatherspoon is portrayed by actor Al-Jaleel Knox (whom you might recall from Raising Dion, Black Lightning, and Atlanta). He is best friends with Tyler Townsend and goes to Serenity High School with him. He's an extraordinarily understanding and easygoing character, a quality that, regrettably, most of the other characters on the show, especially the adults, completely lack.
Gabe is a loyal friend to Ty. Since the first season, he's given Ty plenty of advice and support regarding the latter's for Annie Sullivan. His counsel has aided Ty in navigating his emotions and attitude toward his romantic interest. Whenever Ty was overwhelmed, Gabe was there to offer a comforting gesture and remind him to relax and have fun.
Gabe even convinced Ty that his feelings for Cece were not as genuine as those for Annie and that his relationship with her was unhealthy. Luckily, Tye was smart to heed his friend's advice and ended things with Cece.
Tye paid Gabe back in kind by congratulating him on Serenity High School's football victory over Castlewood.
All in all, in Gabe, we have a likeable and relatable character who makes Serenity a better place and keeps Sweet Magnolias watchable despite its many flaws, which include, among other things, almost all the other characters on the show.
Source: Reddit.