Sweet Magnolias Fans Picked the Wrong Season 3 Character to Hate

It's been four weeks since the third season of Sweet Magnolias premiered on Netflix. The charming drama series celebrated its third anniversary this year, having debuted on the streaming service in 2020. Its popularity shows no signs of waning.

Sweet Magnolias centres on three best friends from the fictional small town of Serenity in South Carolina. They grapple with failing romances as they traverse their mid-lives and come together to open the eponymous spa.

Although the series mainly focuses on Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen, it also delves into the lives of secondary characters. Season 3, in particular, zeroes in on Bill Townsend's unfortunate circumstances. He seems to become a universal scapegoat, bearing the brunt of other characters' frustrations, a rather disturbing trend, seeing how fans seem to be following suit.

While Bill does deserve some comeuppance – he did, after all, cheat on Maddie and abandon her and their children for his pregnant secretary-turned-mistress – it's unjust that he's the only one facing the music while Noreen (the woman in question) seems to receive a free pass from everyone. The reasons for her hatred remain unclear, and her decision to alienate him from their newborn daughter comes across as an act of uncalled-for cruelty.

In this context, it's puzzling why Helen supports Noreen in this pursuit. Sure, she might wish to stand up for her best friend, but her zeal in doing so feels excessive. It seems Helen's own tumultuous love life may be skewing her judgement, causing her to project her anger onto Bill – not exactly a mature response.

Isaac's cold treatment of his newly discovered father is baffling, too. Bill was unaware that he'd fathered another child, and rather than giving the man the benefit of the doubt, Isaac meets him with relentless disdain. Given this portrayal, it's little wonder the audience holds a negative view of Bill, as well.

Still, this doesn't seem fair. Perhaps these three characters should confront their unresolved anger and admit their own shortcomings rather than continuously berating Bill. He is genuinely striving to be a responsible father and deserves credit for his efforts.