Episode 4 titled “How Great Thou Art” brings pain, emotion, vulnerability, drama, and a funeral to the forefront.
It began with Maddie and Cal discussing the bombshell of Bill being Isaac’s dad with Ty, Kyle, and Katie. Maddie reassures them that they have the right to feel their emotions, and that everything will be okay because they all love each other.
Back at Isaac’s house, Noreen is furious, saying Isaac should have told her he was Bex’s half-brother the minute he found out. She walks out, leaving Isaac stunned and sad.
Helen warns Peggy about Bonnie’s announcement, and Paula confronts Bonnie for being a complete wrecking ball, failing to teach Bill to take responsibility for his mistakes, which have led to a trail of secrets and destruction. Maddie hears the fighting and asks Bonnie to leave.
After a sweet moment with Cal, Maddie confesses to him, Helen, and Dana Sue that she had known for over a year that Bill was Isaac’s father. Helen says that friends carry each other’s burdens and can’t keep secrets from one another. Maddie asks her besties to help plan the funeral after they pour it out.
At Erik’s house, he encourages Isaac to examine his grief by hiking and sitting at the prettiest nature site he can find, allowing himself to feel everything he wants to feel.
In a tear-jerking moment, Ty rushes into Annie’s arms, and she tells him that she wants to protect him from the world and mend his heart. He assures her that she has. This scene will surely make Tyannie lovers swoon.
Maddie and Paula finally meet with Kathy, Tripp, and Bonnie. Bonnie once again says something smart, but Maddie shows her unfaltering grace. Not long after, Maddie and Bonnie get into a tussle about Bill’s funeral arrangements, with Bonnie wanting to heavily insert herself into the service. Kathy and Tripp calm her down, encouraging her to do what Bill asked.
A highlight from this episode was a heartwarming moment between Helen and Katie. As Katie helps pick out her clothes for the funeral, she tells Helen that although she’s sad, she knows there are people still around who remind her of him, like her three brothers and sister.
Later, Kyle recites the poem he wants to read at his dad’s funeral to Maddie, and Kathy asks Ronnie to help pick out Bill’s casket.
Cal makes a romantic and thoughtful gesture for his wife by setting out roses, candles, sweet treats, and a novel, allowing her to have some needed self-care time, especially since she’s been taking care of everyone else.
The funeral begins with everyone dressed in their best Serenity Blue. Isaac attends the funeral but tells Erik he can’t stay, as he needs to be with his real dad. When Ty struggles to read his passage, Bonnie jumps in and starts singing, and everyone looks disappointed in her.
Pastor June gives a passionate sermon that leaves Erik on edge. Genevieve runs after him and he confesses that he doesn’t want her to wait for him. She’s left stunned, saying she didn’t think they’d end like that.
Chaos ensues at the end of the episode when Bonnie chastises Ty for following his music dreams. Ty explodes saying he doesn’t want to be known as Bill Townsend’s son. Cal, Maddie, Dana Sue, Helen, and Annie all witness the argument, with Maddie jumping in to read Bonnie the riot act.
The spat almost turns physical when Bonnie attempts to slap Maddie, but she catches her. Everyone is left completely speechless.
The drama will continue to unfold as the season progresses. The full season 4 of Sweet Magnolias is now streaming on Netflix.
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