As Sweet Magnolias explores the lives of three close friends as they help each other through life and work to improve their close-knit community, the Netflix series does not shy away from complex dynamics. The show has explored Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) becoming friends with her ex-husband’s affair partner, Noreen (Jamie Lynn Spears), Dana Sue’s (Brooke Elliott) difficult relationship with her sister-in-law Kathy (Wynn Everett), and the Townsend children adjusting to Cal (Justin Bruening) as their stepfather just as their father dies. These moments provide some of the most interesting and heartfelt storylines in the series and show the drama of a small town where everyone seems to know each other. Yet, as Sweet Magnolias brings different people together, one relationship has been just a little too weird for comfort.

Throughout the series, Noreen develops a friendship with Isaac (Chris Medlin), and on the surface, it is sweet. These two should make the perfect friends, especially as both feel like outsiders in the small town of Serenity and are in need of support, but the secret of Isaac’s biological father makes their relationship slightly uncomfortable. Bill Townsend (Chris Klein), the father of Noreen’s baby, is also Isacc’s biological father, so despite Isaac and Noreen being close in age, their growing close was awkward. There was always the threat that it was more than friendship between them, especially when they started living together. Fortunately, Season 4 resolved that issue by revealing that Isaac is gay, and the series is better for it.

‘Sweet Magnolias’ Created an Odd Dynamic with Isaac and Noreen

While Sweet Magnolias never made Isaac and Noreen’s relationship anything but platonic, the threat of a relationship between them was always there. The two characters start off in drastically different storylines, with Isaac working at Sullivan’s and looking for his biological parents and Noreen caught up in the fallout of her affair with Bill. Yet, they came together when Noreen needed a place to live and Isaac needed a roommate. Since Season 2, Isaac and Noreen have been there for each other, with Isaac supporting her after the birth of her daughter. As they live together and constantly drop everything to help each other, the potential was always there, and just the idea of it is awkward because of their connection.

Noreen is part of the story because of her relationship with Bill, and Isaac eventually discovers that Bill is the biological father he came to Serenity to find, so any romantic relationship between Isaac and Noreen would be uncomfortable. Isaac doesn’t know his connection to Bill until after they are close friends, which helps make the situation understandable, but the fact that he continues to hide the truth from Noreen makes it worse. There’s no reason for her to react poorly. Though she hates Bill, she has no issue with her daughter or even Bill’s other children, and Isaac is not actively pursuing a relationship with his father. While it’s reasonable that Isaac was not ready for the town to know the truth, hiding it from Noreen, his friend, roommate, and mother of his biological half-sister, for no logical reason, was getting really suspicious. Season 4 ended that secret, but more importantly, put to rest any lingering idea of a romance plot for them by giving Isaac a different love interest in Michael (Kyle Findley). While the show didn’t establish Isaac’s sexuality before Season 4, it was the perfect way to end any doubts about him and Noreen.

Isaac and Micheal Have a Sweet Relationship in ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Season 4

Image via Netflix

Because Isaac is in town to discover his biological family, his love life hasn’t gotten much focus. However, especially now that the truth is out and he can openly get to know his half-siblings, Isaac gets a new storyline, which is a welcomed change. Season 4 confirms there is nothing more than friendship between Isaac and Noreen by revealing that Isaac is gay and introducing a new cute and cheesy romance to boot. Isaac’s love interest, Michael, comes to Serenity when Emergency Services sends him to assess the damage of the storm that hit the town. However, the pair quickly recognized each other from college, where they were constantly competing and never saw eye to eye. Their conversation proves that both have grown since then. After reconnecting, they start a flirtation that culminates in the pair beginning a relationship in the finale.

Their storyline is wholesome and allows Isaac to connect with Kyle (Logan Allen), his half-brother, who helps him interpret Michael’s confusing texts. It also delivers cheesy scenes, like Micheal showing up at Sulivan’s with a take-out problem because Isaac has not taken him out or the spontaneous dancing at the Christmas festival. The couple has a lot of potential because it is set up as such a unique dynamic. Both are aware that they need to work on themselves, but they are willing to do so together.

Future Seasons of ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Need Budding Relationships

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Isaac and Michael’s relationship comes at the perfect time for the series. Sweet Magnolias has focused on several couples, and while they are not going away, its other examples have moved on to a new phase of their relationship. Maddie and Cal are married and, most recently, the series’ longest will-the-won’t-they relationship, Helen (Heather Headley) and Erik (Dion Johnstone) got engaged. With those relationships maturing, there is a gap. Yes, Ty (Carson Rowland) and Annie (Anneliese Judge) recently started dating. But with Ty touring with his band and Annie heading to college, they are drifting away from Serenity. Plus, due to their youth, there is only so far their relationship can go right now.

But Isaac and Michael are different. Sure, they have a lot to figure out, but that will only provide the show with more storylines around the budding relationship. None of the others have faced the same challenges as Isaac and Michael are sure to (starting with the fact that Michael does not live in Serenity), which will offer something a little different for the future seasons. Though there is no official confirmation of a new season, the finale left several questions to be answered, justifying a return.

Sweet Magnolias is streaming on Netflix in the U.S.