In the sweet-as-a-peach town, Serenity, or South Carolina, three friends weave through the struggles of motherhood, feminism and individuality. This American romantic drama, Sweet Magnolias, has been a fan favourite for three years and it is now back with a third season. Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias Season 3 is brimming with drama to the point it can be easily considered a soap opera. In all of its drama-fueled and cheesy glory, the series is once again tackling complexities of romance, career, adulthood, teenage and every possible subplot you could think of.
Sheryl J. Anderson’s dramatic series follows three childhood best friends, Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott) and Helen Decatur (Heather Headley). Similar to the previous two seasons, Sweet Magnolias Season 3 puts the trio amid emotional crossroads. With the several story arcs the season explores, one question remains prominent. Whom does Helen end up with? Let us find out now!
Sweet Magnolias Season 3 Plot Synopsis
Maddie split with her husband, Bill Townsend (Chris Klein), in the previous season. Dana was trying to manage her restaurant, Sullivan’s, and dealing with her estranged husband, Ronnie Sullivan (Brandon Quinn). Meanwhile, Helen, an accomplished attorney, was struggling to continue her relationship with her on-again off-again boyfriend, Ryan Wingate (Michael Shenefelt).
Now, after two successful runs, this trio has come a long way and so have the other characters. Maddie’s eldest son, Tyler (Carson Rowland) who has been pursuing baseball no longer wants to continue but is afraid to come out clean. Though his coach and Maddie’s love interest, Cal Maddox (Justin Bruening), is aware of Ty’s decision, he keeps it a secret. Bill, who cheated on Maddie with a nurse from his hospital, is drowning in guilt and wants to apologize for ruining her life. On a whim, Bill slips Ty’s secret in front of Maddie and ends up complicating the situation further.
Sweet Magnolias Season 3 Ending Explained: Whom Does Helen End Up With?
Maddie and Tyler decide to work on their relationship and do some “soul-searching”. Meanwhile, Helen needs some serious serious soul-searching, too. After breaking up with Ryan in the previous season, she was nearing closer to Erik Whitley (Dion Johnstone), a chef at Sullivan’s. Moreover, Helen went through a miscarriage and can no longer conceive. It weighs down on her but with Maddie and Dana’s support, she starts considering IVF treatment. Then, enters Ryan back in her life and ruins everything.
Ryan’s major issue has always been his inability to stay rooted in one place but Helen wants stability. When Ryan proposes to her, Helen asks for time and narrates the entire ordeal to her friends and later Erik. Upon hearing Helen’s answer to Ryan, Erik walks away from her. He understands Helen still harbours feelings for Ryan and nobody could stay with a woman who isn’t all in. Of course, his decision is motivated by heartbreak, rage and manipulation by a new entry of this season.
Ryan and Helen start fresh after the former moves into Serenity but he soon realizes he cannot stay at one place. The issues between the two grow deeper while Erik resigns from Dana’s restaurant and moves away. Helen now recognizes her feelings towards Erik but now the latter is trying to move on. Erik fails immensely though and Helen isn’t in a better condition either. As Sweet Magnolias Season 3 climaxes, Erik and Helen stand in front of each other, brimming with feelings left unsaid.
What Happens To Lily, Annie And CeCe?
Annie Sullivan, Dana and Ronnie’s daughter has always aspired to have the friendship her mother, Helen and Maddie does. But fate hasn’t been on her side and she always ended up with selfish people. One such selfish person is her boyfriend, Jackson Lewis (Sam Ashby). When Annie meets with an accident, Jackson leaves her deserted due to his fear of his mother, Mary Vaughn (Allison Gabriel). She admits to Tyler that he was right all along and nurses her broken heart.
Meanwhile, Tyler’s brother, Kyle (Logan Allen) forms a bond with Nellie Lewis (Simone Lockhart). Caroline “CeCe” Matney (Harlan Drum) and Annie become close friends in the meanwhile along with Lily. As Sweet Magnolias Season 3 climaxes, the three of them stand together with a bright smile and maybe, Annie’s wish will finally come true.
On the other hand, Dana’s life is distorted due to a sudden intrusion. Bill isn’t drowning in his guilt and serves a bigger purpose than being Maddie’s ex-husband. The townsfolk might have a better leader soon, too.
RECOMMENDED: Back To 15 Season 2 Ending Explained: How Does The Time-Travel Loop End?