The romantic drama returned to Netflix with new episodes on June 11
Credit: Netflix
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Sweet Magnolia season 5!
The Magnolias have been reunited for another chapter of love, heartbreak, big dreams and of course, margaritas.
Sweet Magnolias season 5 — which premiered on Netflix on June 11 — kicked off with a six-month time jump from the end of season 4, exploring the aftermath of their big decisions: Maddie's (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) big move to New York City to work in publishing; Helen's (Heather Headley) engagement to Erik (Dion Johnstone); and Dana Sue's (Brooke Elliott) new pursuit to open up a test kitchen while her husband, Ronnie (Brandon Quinn), starts a new venture of his own.
As in seasons past, it’s not all smooth sailing for the group. Maddie’s time in N.Y.C. is cut short, bringing her back to Serenity to dream up new ideas alongside her husband, Cal (Justin Bruening); Helen and Erik are struggling to get on the same page about their wedding plans; and Dana Sue experiences a devastating house fire, which leaves her family displaced and puts additional strain on her relationship and plans for the future.
Dana Sue and Helen’s lives are also disrupted by two new characters. Courtney (Courtney Grace), an investor in Ronnie’s e-bike tour company, proves troublesome for both the business and his marriage. Meanwhile, Erik's niece, Jessica (Iman Benson), appears unannounced as she escapes to Serenity amid her parents’ divorce.
Annie (Anneliese Judge) is also facing her own heartbreak, with Ty (Carson Rowland) breaking his promises and dodging coming home to Serenity while on tour in Europe.
So, how did season 5 of Sweet Magnolias end? Here’s everything to know about the finale.
How did season 5 of Sweet Magnolias end?
Despite the rollercoaster of emotions the Magnolias experience during the season, the last episode ends on a high, thanks to Helen and Erik's wedding day.
Though Helen and Erik have their disagreements during the planning process, the other two Magnolias are grappling with their own issues. Dana Sue and Ronnie aren’t speaking, and Maddie has her plate full with Cal awaiting news on Serenity’s bid to have an independent baseball team come to town, as well as a job offer after an unexpected visit from her old boss in N.Y.C.
It was a long road to Helen and Erik’s wedding day, which wasn’t without its stressful moments on the day of as well. Erik’s parents are late to the wedding, which he takes as a slight on their relationship due to their past family dynamics and recent tense interactions. However, they are just merely late, but Erik insinuates to his father that he assumed they just weren’t going to show up at all. His dad remedies this misstep later in the reception by giving a touching speech about his son, Helen and Serenity.
At the bouquet toss, Noreen (Jamie Lynn Spears) and Isaac (Chris Medlin) both catch the bouquet, but Noreen surrenders the flowers to Isaac on one condition: he has to use them for good. Isaac takes the bouquet to his boyfriend, Michael (Kyle Findley), and asks him to stay in Serenity, permanently. As it turns out, Michael had already spoken to his boss about making Serenity his home base, setting the couple on a new path and chapter together.
Throughout the season, Helen and Erik discuss the concept of having “children of the heart,” whether through adoption or fostering. While sharing a dance at their wedding, the two see the Mini Magnolias having a sweet moment at the ceremony, which sparks an idea for Helen: what if the couple foster teenagers? Erik declares the idea an “excellent” and “beautiful plan.”
What do Maddie and the Magnolias do after she gets fired in New York City?
Maddie’s time in N.Y.C. is short-lived. By the end of Sweet Magnolias season 5 premiere, her company is acquired, but she is offered the opportunity to move to the new imprint with her boss, Lucas, and her author, Nell (Jamie-Lynn Sigler).
However, Maddie is fired after showing her loyalty to her authors, rather than the company. With that, she heads back to Serenity to be with her family and friends, and she quickly starts dreaming up her next chapter alongside the rest of the Magnolias.
Through conversations with her loved ones, Maddie decides she wants to go into business with Dana Sue, who is looking for a location for her teaching kitchen.
They plan to split the space, with Maddie opening up a bookshop to support authors and foster new talent, even telling Cal at the end of the season that she’d consider opening her own small press in Serenity.
Naturally, Helen wants in on the joint mission, mulling over what she wants her portion to be before landing on an art gallery and artist’s workshop.
The friends find the perfect space for their venture in the building next door to Sullivan's and Friends, formerly called The Bellwether and owned by Dana Sue’s high school rival, Clark (John Gabriel Rodriquez), who becomes a partner in the business.
What happens to Dana Sue and Ronnie?
Credit: Netflix
Dana Sue and Ronnie’s relationship has been a rollercoaster throughout the series.
From Ronnie leaving his family due to infidelity and personal struggles, to their reconciliation and vow renewal in season 3, the couple have made it through tough times.
In season 5, they’re faced with even more difficulties, as Ronnie struggles to get his new e-bike business off the ground, prioritizing work and his new business partner, Courtney.
Dana Sue and Ronnie's strained relationship is exasperated by a fire that breaks out — accelerated by off-brand e-bikes Ronnie bought behind Dana Sue’s back and stored in their garage — and damages their house.
It becomes clear that they are on two different paths: Ronnie is trying to make the business a success to make his family proud, no matter the cost, while Dana Sue is looking forward to her teaching kitchen and new venture with the rest of the Magnolias.
By the end of the installment, Dana Sue feels that Ronnie is focusing on the past and she wants a new beginning, suggesting in the final episode that they move into separate apartments as they figure out their future together.
Do Annie and Ty stay together?
After several years of a "will-they-won't-they" storyline, Annie and Ty finally confessed their feelings for each other at the end of season 4. However, Annie had planned to go to college in California and Ty was headed off to Europe on tour with his band.
Throughout season 5, Ty lets Annie down on several occasions, including not coming home for the major holidays, as well as skipping her high school graduation, sending flowers to apologize for his absence.
While Ty continues to communicate with Annie — by sending texts or FaceTiming her at Helen’s wedding — she explores two connections during her last summer before college.
Annie enjoys a casual fling with Blake (Austin Woods), who works for her dad’s e-bike business, though they ultimately split when she realizes she wants something more serious.
Annie also spends time with Noah (Aidan Merwarth), enjoying sweet moments together throughout the summer before sharing a kiss at Helen’s wedding, unsure what the future will hold as they head down their own paths.
Does Erik’s niece Jessica stay in Serenity?
Credit: Netflix
Jessica makes her big entrance at the end of episode three, interrupting Annie’s graduation party at Sullivan's and Friends. Rather than going to Nashville with friends, she runs away to Serenity without telling her family after learning about her parents’ separation.
Though her stay isn’t without its missteps, she bonds with the Mini Magnolias, gets close with Helen and is able to snap Erik out of the “Whitley way” to save his relationship with Helen.
While Jessica says she’s had the best summer in Serenity, she discovers her new journey by the end of the series. She still wants to pursue a degree in business, but with a less strict schedule and at a school closer to home in Chicago, so she can be near her parents during their difficult time.
What is Cal’s next adventure?
Credit: Netflix
The Magnolias aren’t the only ones in Serenity with big dreams and plans for the city.
While Cal has spent several seasons coaching the high school baseball team in town, he’s presented with a major opportunity during season 5: to become the general manager of an independent baseball team, potentially in Serenity.
With the support of Maddie and help from the community, Cal puts together a strong pitch to the town council, who give their stamp of approval. The next hurdle is cleared when the team accepts their bid, making Serenity their new home.
Things weren’t without their challenges, including an unexpected reunion with one of his old teammates, Javi (Evan Cleaver). He had been undisciplined and struggled with accountability the last time they worked together.
After a vow to change his ways from Javi, and encouragement from Cal’s family to give him a second chance, the duo are set to be the general manager and manager of the team.
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