Summary
“Meaning to Tell You” reintroduces viewers to the glossy soap opera setting of Sweet Magnolias. It’s a sickly-sweet opener, where friends offer their love and support to one another, with minimal conflict or tension to be had. When there are any signs of intrigue, the cast goes for over-the-top theatrics, ruining the potential drama the writers are striving for.
We recap the Netflix series Sweet Magnolias Season 3 Episode 1, “Meaning to Tell You,” which contains spoilers.
Netflix romantic drama series Sweet Magnolias returns for a third season. The season premiere, “Meaning to Tell You,” focuses on the fallout of Cal’s (Justin Bruening) fight with Stu (David A MacDonald) while exploring the lives of the other main characters from Serenity, South Carolina.
Sweet Magnolias Season 3 Episode 1 Recap
Carrying on from Cal’s fight in the last season’s finale, the gang all gather back at Helen’s home. The attorney promises to deal with the matter in the morning.
But Cal is still frustrated by his sudden outburst, worrying that his career is now over and the fact that he has let everyone down.
Maddie fears that Cal is keeping a secret from her as well, but Dana Sue has her own problems. Her husband’s sister Kathy is back in town, and she has vandalized Dana Sue’s tires. Ronnie was unaware that Kathy was back, but he agrees to speak with her.
The next morning, Maddie’s children, Tyler and Kyle, are concerned about Coach Cal, who has been fired from his position. Maddie states that he was protecting her, it is nothing to worry about. The kids still debate the future of their baseball team now Cal is gone.
What do Dana Sue and Ronnie plan to do with the money?
Dana Sue shows Ronnie the life-changing check that Miss Frances left them. Ronnie doesn’t celebrate this gift, though; he’s actually annoyed that Dana Sue kept it a secret from him. The couple decide to put the money towards their daughter Annie’s college fund.
Why has Helen not accepted Ryan’s proposal yet?
Miss Frances’ nephew Ryan is still handing out the rest of his auntie’s belongings. He has a box of memorabilia for Maddie and another for Helen. Ryan has proposed to Helen, but she is unsure of what to do. She hasn’t said yes to him yet as she is conflicted. She has strong feelings for both Ryan and for Erik.
In an emotional heart-to-heart, she tells Ryan that she had a miscarriage with his baby, and the doctors have said that she will struggle to have children in the future. This upsets Ryan, who now wants to have kids.
At The Corner Spa, Trotter lets Maddie have the day off after the trauma of the night before. Maddie spends her day walking rescue dog Samson with Pastor June to take her mind off of her troubles.
Meanwhile, Cal talks to Helen. The county prosecutor is not pursuing the case, and Stu refuses to testify, so Cal is off the hook.
Why is Kathy back in town?
On the same day, Ronnie meets with his sister Kathy. She is in town for Miss Frances’ funeral. Ronnie demands that she goes home immediately and orders her to stay away from his daughter. He doesn’t want any more trouble. Clearly, these siblings do not get along at all. Later, Kathy bumps into Bill at the bar, and the two get chatting.
Helen updates her friends Maddie and Dana Sue on the proposal, showing them the wedding ring. Dana Sue discusses the check and the issues with Kathy. While Maddie is annoyed by Cal’s outburst.
These friends all have difficult lives at the moment, but they are there to support one another.
Sweet Magnolias Season 3 Episode 1 Ending Explained
Bill shows up at the spa to speak with his ex, Maddie. He wants to help Cal get his job back and informs Maddie that their son Tyler is quitting the baseball team. Tyler confirms this with Maddie later. Maddie asks her children to stop keeping secrets from her.
As the opener draws to an end, Maddie and Cal finally have the talk. Cal admits that he has things personally that he needs to work on, and Maddie concurs. While Helen finally admits the truth to Erik, Ryan has proposed to her, and she has told him that she would think about it.
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