'Sweet Magnolias' Season 4 Episode 8 "Walls and Doors" Review

Episode 7 of Sweet Magnolias ended with Helen rushing to Maddie and Dana Sue to let them know that their kids were possibly getting arrested, but episode 8 emphasizes the power of sticking up for what’s right and being willing to show vulnerability while doing so. 

The episode titled “Walls and Doors,” started with Helen, Dana Sue, and Maddie walking up to all the commotion of the kids protesting to save the library. Kyle tells Maddie that he and his classmates talked about how awful it would be if something happened, so they organized a protest. Kyle is then encouraged to give a speech. 

In Peggy’s office, she and Helen discuss how the town reporter, Alana, may spin the protest to make it seem like even kids dislike Peggy. Helen reassures Peggy that she’ll be there and that she’s her forever friend. 

Annie shows Dana Sue the family portrait they took, and Dana Sue says she’s honored that Annie would consider submitting it, but that it’s also a reminder that Annie is all grown up, leaving soon, and so close to a great future.

Cal, Isaac, Ronnie, Erik, and Harlan are playing poker, but the conversation leads into a discussion about fatherly love. They all concur that no relationship is perfect, you just have to keep trying and be vulnerable. 

Cal apologizes to Maddie for what he might have said to influence Kyle to start a protest. He tells her that he’s still trying to balance parenting. She understands and says they’ll keep working through it together, sealing their night with a kiss. 

Romance ensues for Helen and Erik when he shows her his secret talent. He opens a locked room filled with beautiful and creative pieces of pottery. She’s in awe and even asks him to teach her. It’s a very intimate moment between them, but they’re interrupted. 

Later, Peggy calls a meeting with all the community leaders. They come up with a great solution all together for the library, with everyone willing to pitch in.

Maddie tells Beatriz the good news. She’s incredibly happy and lets Maddie know that she didn’t mean to be so cold to everyone, and that all she’s ever wanted is to protect the library. 

During their version of margarita night, with milkshakes, Annie, CeCe, and Lily finally come up with a name for their trio. They decide on the Mini Magnolias, a fitting name to usher in the next generation of powerful women. 

At the OG’s margarita night, Maddie tells her best friends that she misunderstood Beatriz’s passion for anger. Dana Sue gets emotional and tells Maddie that she’s proud of her. That pride also extends to Helen for how she handled the meeting with Peggy. Helen says that vulnerability is needed to help fix the town, and that she sees a light at the end of the tunnel. 

The big rivalry game between Serenity High and Castlewood has arrived with everyone tailgating. In a gasp-worthy moment, Katie calls Cal “Dad” after he promises to fix her lunch. It made Cal, Ronnie, Isaac, and Erik all smile. 

After an amazing Serenity win, the gang celebrates with brownies and ice cream at Sullivans and Friends. Annie also gets a great idea to do for her self-portrait.  At the end of the episode, a conversation between Isaac and someone he reconnected with from school, Michael, is interrupted by Lily snapping at Dev, with Kyle caught in the middle. Both Dev and Lily end up walking out on Kyle, leaving him confused and hurt.  

What could have possibly happened? Viewers will have to keep watching to see. The full season 4 of Sweet Magnolias is now streaming on Netflix.

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