Sweet Magnolias season 3 recap guide: All 10 episodes explained

Sweet Magnolias season 3 episode 9 recap

In a blast from the past we didn’t expect, Cal’s ex, Vicky, texts him out of the blue and says they need to talk. Rather than having facing her alone, though, he tells her he and Maddie will happily meet with her which is when she springs it on them that she’ll book a table for four in a hint that she’s entered a new relationship as well.

When Cal and Maddie meet Vicky at the restaurant, they’re surprised to see not only is Vicky engaged but she’s engaged to Drew. Yes, that Drew, the one from the infamous fight.

Maddie, being the absolute queen she is, sees right through Vicky and her invitation to join them for dinner to be to flaunt her new relationship and see what hold she has over Cal still. During a pointed bathroom exchange, Maddie puts Vicky in her place telling her Cal is over her, and that she needs to get over him and herself.

In addition to juggling the Vicky drama, Maddie steps up to help Dana Sue, as does Helen, after she tells them she has to cancel the vow renewal due to a lack of funds. Rather than canceling the event entirely, Maddie and Helen convince her to allow them to plan something small.

To what should be no one’s surprise, as Maddie and Helen begin planning things they quickly discover their little celebration might not be so little in the end. As they begin reaching out to the community to inquire about items on their list,  the people of Serenity want to step in to help Dana Sue as a way to pay her back for all the good deeds she’s done over the years with the only thing they ask in return being an invite to the ceremony.

They’re quickly able to check off most items on their list but are struggling to find the perfect wedding cake which is why Annie gives her Dana Sue a nudge to reach out to Erik. Ironically, Howie gives Helen that same advice at the end of the episode after seeing he’s clearly still weighing heavily on her mind too.

Odds and Ends From the Episode

• Ty and CeCe get some closure on their former relationship, burying the hatchet and agreeing to be friends. Speaking of Ty, after talking with Helen, he comes to the realization that he feels college might not be the best path for him.
• After realizing it was not Nellie sending the roses, Kyle discovers it was actually Lily who had been sending him the flowers this whole time.
• Inspired by Katie, Maddie decides to write a book called “Love, Katie” and she wants to do so by working on the book with both her mom and Katie.
• Noreen meets with Helen per Isaac’s advice to see what steps she should take to protect Rebecca, to which Helen encourages her the better route might be to simply reach out to Bill directly with a moderator present to help.
• Peggy brings in Charles, an old friend from journalism school, to help investigate the mayoral scandal — but we get the sense Charles might soon become more than just a friend.
• After getting their foundation launched, the Magnolias meet with the church and are able to get approval for their food program which will look to serve the community.