Lisa Wansley

Binge watching Sweet Magnolias. I was interested because it is based in South Carolina where my family roots are. The scenic design is beautiful and the story line is easy to follow, not raunchy and wholesome. The basic story of the three friends is heartwarming however, culturally, they could’ve done more research to make it authentic. There is a distinct dialect and accent in the low country of SC which has not been embraced. Race relations in these type of towns are not characteristically this seamless or smooth, but the diversity of the cast is refreshing. As talented as Heather Headley is (I love her singing!) casting her as a woman of childbearing years is a bit of a stretch and the overemphasis on her unhappiness because of her not having a baby sends an antiquated message that the only way for a career woman to be totally fulfilled is to be a mother. Also, the long kissing scenes between Maddie and Cal are also overdone. It’s generally entertaining and mindless. The youth actors in this series are very good and I look forward to seeing all of them in future shows.