Sweet Magnolias Cast Season 2

After digesting a series of devastating cliffhangers for nearly two years, sweet magnolia lovers can finally rest, but not too much.

The Netflix drama returns for its second season on Friday, picking up where it left off in May 2020, with Maddie & Co gasping after the car crash update. But just before the hour mark, the aftermath of the accident became one of many game-changing developments that will shape everyone's journey this season.

Luckily, the show's stars Joanna Garcia Swisser, Heather Headley and Brooke Elliott were more than happy to blast this juicy twist in an interview with TVline.

Rate the premiere below, then read the stars' thoughts on what happened and what's next.

WHO WAS IN THE CAR?

Photo : Netflix screenshot

Let’s start with the million-dollar question(s): Who was in the car and what happened next? The premiere picks up with everyone gathered at the hospital, where Kyle is undergoing surgery for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Nellie was in the car with him, but her injuries are considerably less severe. And much to Dana Sue and Ronnie’s relief, Annie wasn’t in the car.

Tyler also wasn’t in the car, but that doesn’t mean he escapes the premiere unscathed. He hurts himself during a fight with Jackson, resulting in an arm injury that will take four to six weeks to heal. Needless to say, he’s furious. Like, cry-himself-to-sleep upset.

“We had our theories” about who was in the car, “but I didn’t expect all this other drama,” Swisher tells TVLine. “I feel like we really get into some fights this season. I knew it was going to be a rollercoaster of a season, given all of the elements that unfold in that first episode.”

MADDIE AND CAL REUNITE

Despite being at odds in the finale, Serenity’s No. 1 couple is back in action by the end of this premiere  and the viewers aren’t the only ones relieved.

“I was surprised that Cal and Maddie were back together so quickly, but I was delighted for that,” Swisher tells TVLine. “Maddie kind of overreacted [in the finale], so she should probably forgive him for that.”

MADDIE VS BILL

Maddie and Bill also share a heated exchange in the premiere (“God may be able to forgive you, but I can’t!”), and it’s not the last one they’ll have this season.

“She is done carrying his burden,” Swisher tells TVLine. “I think everybody has been met with a situation like this in their life when they just ask, ‘Why am I holding so much for this person?’ She has to deal with the fallout of his actions because they share children, but it would be so easy for her to just wash her hands of him and move forward. She can’t be responsible for his choices anymore. She has to make sure that she supports the ones she loves.”

Without giving too much away, this sentiment becomes especially true as we get closer to the end of Season 2.