Hart of Dixie is back to what made me fall in love with it. I loved everything about this episode, and It is easily the best of the season. There was a light hearted silliness that had me laughing and some real heartbreaking moments that made me cry.
Between a rock and a hard place. Vivian has been avoiding Wade ever since he found out that Charles spent the night at her place. Zoe offers to do some digging for Wade after she sees that he is troubled that things are weird between Vivian and him. Zoe finds out that Vivian is considering returning to her ex-husband, Charles, who asked for another chance. Vivian asks Zoe to not say anything to Wade until she figures out what she is going to do. Stuck in an awkward position, Zoe tries to avoid Wade who figures out that she must have found something out. Through a series of blinks, Zoe reveals to Wade that Vivian is seriously thinking about Charles’ request for a reconciliation. Wade storms out of Zoe’s office and goes to Vivian to lay it all on the line. Vivian can’t resist a rain-soaked Wade’s appeal, and they kiss and spend a fantastic night together which leads Wade to believe that Vivian is going to stay with him. Zoe wisely points out to Wade that he may be reading more into things than what was said after she finds out that Vivian didn’t tell Wade that she would talk to Charles. Wade asks Zoe to put in a good word for him with Vivian. When Zoe goes to Vivian’s to do so, she finds out that Charles got a job offer in Baton Rouge and Vivian is thinking about going with him. Their conversation is interrupted by a call that Harley is at the hospital after getting injured. Zoe goes with Vivian to the hospital where she witnesses a happy family scene with Charles, Vivian, and Harley. Zoe goes to Wade to break the news to him that Vivian is going to return to Charles. Wade refuses to believe her and tells her that he doesn’t need her help any longer. Later Wade shows up at Vivian’s to find Zoe watching Harley. Zoe is left to tell Wade that Vivian has gone away for the weekend to look for houses with Charles. Heartbroken, Wade lashes out at Zoe and blames her for not doing more to get Vivian to stay.
It was inevitable that Wade and Vivian were going to break up. They
needed to break up. That still didn’t make it any easier to watch Wade get his heart trampled on. Vivian is the absolute worst. She didn’t even have the decency to tell Wade herself that she was leaving. She left it up to Zoe to do her dirty work. Wade deserved far more than he got out of this relationship. With that said, I don’t think Wade was ever in love with Vivian. He kept repeating all episode that he and Vivian had something real. He told Zoe and Vivian. I think he was trying to convince them and himself. And he tried so hard to keep this relationship, and in the end that is all I think it was. And Wilson Bethel is a killer at the emotional scenes. My heart was breaking for Wade in this episode. Especially so in his scene with Harley when he finally had to accept the fact that things were over with Vivian. It is unfair of Wade to blame Zoe since she didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, her main concern throughout the whole episode was Wade. It was great to finally see her being so concerned for him. She was hurting for him. Kudos to Rachel Bilson as well in this episode. I don’t think Wade really blames Zoe, and I’m sure he’ll come around in time. He is hurting right now. And Zoe is the one there. It was also like it was Zoe herself breaking up with him all over again. I don’t think Wade has really gotten over what happened with Zoe and this brought it all back up for him. I’m sure it will only be a matter of time before things start to move back toward Wade and Zoe. Wade needs time right now to heal and come to terms with the fact that despite doing everything right, he still lost the girl. Zoe showed how much she deeply cares for Wade. Wade and Zoe just sparkle in their scenes together even though there weren’t any romantic undertones.
Lavon is the subject of the Owls Annual Roast where the Belles are set to perform. After Lavon’s drunken visit on AB’s doorstep, the Belles stand behind AB and refuse to perform at the Owl’s event and plan an event of their own for the same night. This all leads to an awesome musical mashup of Brotherhood of Men and Roar. Meanwhile, Wanda has been taking fertility drugs which have turned her into a moody mess. When Lavon and AB’s spat threatens her night of baby making with Tom, she schemes to get AB and Lavon together at the gazebo. She hysterically delivers a verbal smackdown, wearing a nightie and fishnets, telling them that their pressuring Tom caused him to not be able to perform so they wouldn’t be performing until they fixed her husband. AB and Lavon worked together to find a compromise that helped Tom and lead them to come to an understanding that they needed to try to get along. Lavon also sincerely apologized for his drunken outburst a few days previously.
Usually the musical numbers don’t work that well for me, but the mash up of the Owls doing Brotherhood of Men while the Belles were singing Katy Perry’s Roar was just awesome and worked. AB also looked amazing during this scene. It was definitely way past time for Lavon and AB to start acting like adults. And a moody Wanda was just the person to do it. Wanda was hilarious throughout this whole episode. She is usually so sweet that it was funny to see another side of her.
Who is hungry? George is still having difficulty talking to Lemon without picturing their sexytimes. George seeks out Reverend Mayfair for advice on how to rid himself of his newfound feelings for Lemon. Reverend Mayfair suggests that George go out on a date with their visiting Sunday school teacher, and he isn’t afraid to call in the Big Guy to encourage George to do so. Meanwhile, Lemon concocts a plan to raise her A- grade on Fancie’s recent health inspection which involves talking Brick into partnering the inspector, Mae, in a ballroom dance competition. When Brick is called away to help Tom and Wanda, Lemon steps in to fill his shoes. George discovers that the Bible school teacher has a wild side. He takes her to Fancie’s for dessert after their date. After placing 7th in the competition, the health inspector agrees to re-inspect Fancie’s that very moment since she won’t ever be happier. Lemon and Mae hear rattling in the kitchen and find George and his date making human sundaes out of one another. Lemon talks Mae up to a C from a F. While berating George about it being his fault for the new grade, George realizes that his distraction worked and he only feels annoyance at Lemon.
Lemon looked adorable in her tux. Of course she knew how to lead. How could anyone doubt that? I actually liked George’s date. She had good chemistry with George. It was predictable that she’d have a wild side the minute she looked so conservative. I’m not so sure that George is quite over the most annoying “sheep” as he thinks he is. I think this was just a momentary distraction. I’m loving this round of George and Lemon. They are fun and not as boring as they were in season 1 now that they’ve both grown into their own.
Final thoughts. This episode really had everything for me. The tone was just perfect between being light and silly and yet also dramatic and emotional. Wade and Zoe just have a spark together that lights up the screen. They had some truly fun and playful moments that was reminiscent of season 1. It has been great to see how their relationship has evolved and will continue to grow. I really liked Mae. I wouldn’t mind seeing her return. Brick needs something more than Don Todd in his personal life. It was great seeing him be a doctor again and helping Wanda. After a long season that has been trying at times, the past 3 episodes have been good and are only getting better. For the first time in a while, I’m actually excited about the show and what could happen.
What did you think of the way Vivian handled things? Do you see the road being paved for Wade and Zoe to eventually get back together? How would you have handled things if you were Zoe? What did you think of the musical mashup? Will we see a Tonda baby in 9 months? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Next week, the Lemon and Wade friendship will be front and center. George and Zoe are stranded together on the side of a road when George’s truck is stolen. AB’s parents meet her new boyfriend, but they would rather spend time with Lavon. And Brick continues to help Tom and Wanda in their quest to have a baby.
About the Author - Tracie
Tracie is a wife and stay-at-home mom of 2 residing in NJ. She likes to unwind with a good book or in front of the TV. She is an avid reader of romance books. She likes to cook and bake. She loves to exercise and is trying to live a healthier life style. She watches a wide variety of TV shows ranging from reality TV to scripted dramas. Some of her past and current favorite TV shows are Sex and the City, Charmed, The Good Wife, and Hart of Dixie.
I think it was definetly one of the best episodes of the season. I absolutely loved the musical mash up, although the storyline belles vs. owls itself was boring to me. As you said in your review, we saw a whole new side of Wanda which was really fun :) she made me laugh a few times.
ReplyDeleteAs for Wade, Zoe and Vivian... I do think that Wade was in love with Vivian. And even if I ship Zade, I hope they don't rush into it now because I think Wade needs time to get over Vivian to make a relationship with Zoe work. Wilson Bethel did a great job on last nights episode, the emotional scences were really convincing.
And although I never really liked Vivian, I didn't like the way how the writers made her such a mean person all of a sudden. All the episodes before her character acted so sweet and nice and now all of a sudden she's so uncaring and mean to Wade, not even telling him that she moves away. That fast change was unrealistic to me. Nevertheless I am really glad she's finally gone and there is nothing in the way of Wade and Zoe :)
You have covered all the important points about last night's episode. I agree it was a most enjoyable mix of lighthearted fun and heart wrenching drama. The real Hart of Dixie is back!
ReplyDeleteBoth Brick and Zoe went the extra mile as doctors with Brick's coaching of Tom and Wanda, and Zoe declaring herself as Wade's doctor and then doing the tough doctor job of delivering the bad Vivian news with kindness and sensitivity.
In this episode, kudos have to go to the set decorator for designing Tom and Wanda's bedroom and the Mayfair living room which we have never seen before, and the choreographer who created a very intricate and entertaining musical number combining Katy Perry and barbershop harmonies. Who would have thought that could be done?
Most of all, credit goes to the eyes of Rachel Bilson and Wilson Bethel. With those eyes, who needs words?
I think Wade wanted to be in love with Vivian. I think he tried really
ReplyDeletehard because he really wanted to be over Zoe. I do think that he cared
for Vivian a great deal and perhaps loved her on some level. And he is
definitely hurt by the break up. I also think that a lot of his hurt is
going to be dealing with it also meaning that he tried and failed even
though he didn't do anything wrong this time. He did everything right
and still Vivian did essentially the same thing that Zoe did when she
left for NY and sent him an email that she wasn't returning. I wanted a
longer build up for Wade and Zoe, but I have a feeling we'll start to
see things move quickly by the finale.
I don't like the way they
handled the break up. This was the last thing I wanted to happen. I
wish they would have given Wade and Vivian a better send off like they
did everyone else this season. At the end of the day, the relationship
was going to end one way or another.
Yes, may have been the best of the season! So far at least...I hope the next few are even better! Vivian is a witch. She was in a serious relationship with Wade and she doesn't even call and tell him herself that it's over before she leaves town with her ex?!!? I didn't like her that much in the first place but buhbye biatch! Wade really has changed and what a performance by Wilson. Him and Rachel are good together.
ReplyDeleteStrangely I think it came down to screen time. If Zoe had not been involved so much with the Wade situation, You would have barely seen her this episode. This show has really gone from being centric to one character to ... an ensemble show
ReplyDeleteJust correcting one think, Vivian called Wade, but he was the one who thought would be better just drop by. So, if he had called Vivian back, he would know that she made her decision.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do think Vivian's behavior makes sense. She was caught in an amazing romance, then the guy she passed 15 years with comes back wanting her again, and he is the father of her child, and she kind of owns to Harley to try and make things right. But she doesn't know how to tell Wade, specially after he did such a romantic gesture. She'll try to avoid him. Is not right, but it is an expected reaction.
Wades reaction makes sense too. He would shoot the messenger, in that moment, deep down, he will have this awful thought that Zoe may have worked against him, that she is still hurt about his betrayal and is trying to sabotage his relationship with Vivian, it doesn't make sense for us, but for someone who was just told he lost his girlfriend by his ex-girlfriend, makes sense. Specially since, deep down, he wanted to prove to Zoe what she lost when she didn't come back. Vivian was a chance of redoing things with Zoe, that's a fact, he was happily single until Zoe came back with someone. He did have feelings for vivian, it was a chance to have this family, with a child and all, and see if he could do it, but it wasn't his family, and I think he'll realize that...
Zoe and Wade were in "theoretically" perfect relationships, doing everything right, but it still didn't work. They gotta realize is not about doing the right thing, and having all thought out, but about feelings and sticking with the person you love, despite their flaws. And they are each other's person.
To me the WV relationship ended much the same way it began with Zoe right in the mix. Even in 309 when WV started, most of the focus was on Zoe dealing with it and coming to terms. I don't think we even actually saw WV together except from Zoe's POV.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes since last season, HoD has become more of an ensemble show. At times I prefer that approach. And then at times it seems like they are trying to do too much. Now that a lot of the guest stars and outside love interests have left, the focus has returned to the core characters and it doesn't seem as cluttered.
I absolutely loved the scene in Zoe's office where she was communicating everything with her eyes. They did a really good job there.
ReplyDeleteI liked seeing Brick as a doctor. I'm not so sure I really need to see him (or anyone else) go to the same lengths again to try to help Tom and Wanda conceive. That was a bit OTT and awkward. Tom's room was exactly what I thought it would be.
I haven't minded Vivian for the most part except for the past couple of episodes. And it wasn't really Vivian but the relationship. WB and RB are always magic together on the screen. It was nice to see them sharing the same screen again.
ReplyDeleteI'd still have an issue even if Vivian broke up with Wade over the phone. It is much the same issue I have with Zoe's email over the summer. In Vivian's case, I still think that Wade deserved something in person. I don't have any issue with Vivian choosing to return to her husband. I understand that and that is what I wanted because it should have been the less messy approach. I just really wish she would have spoken to Wade and been honest with him. Even though he would have been disappointed, I think he would have understood.
ReplyDeleteI also understand Wade's reaction. It was a blow and even worse coming from the ex who broke his heart. I think he'll come around rather quickly and realize that what he had with Vivian wasn't what he was trying to make it be. Throughout the whole relationship, I felt Wade was forcing things or trying too hard instead of just letting things evolve.
I think both Wade and Zoe will both realize that what they have and had is better and worth fighting for. They just need a little more time.
"Zoe and Wade were in "theoretically" perfect relationships, doing
ReplyDeleteeverything right, but it still didn't work. They gotta realize is not
about doing the right thing, and having all thought out, but about
feelings and sticking with the person you love, despite their flaws. And
they are each others person."
THIS. A lot of people have accused the show of being boring, but as a screenwriter I see what they were going for, this was merely a transitional season, which can be boring admittedly, but it is necessary for the characters.
I actually agree with you. This season has been more about Zoe and Wade's growth individually because they needed that before they can get back together and have a successful relationship that will last. I understood what the writers were going for. Unfortunately audiences don't seem to have the patience for stories to play out. With the show always having low ratings that has been one of my biggest worries is that the writers aren't going to get enough time to properly tell their story. I want Wade and Zoe back together, but I don't want it to be rushed.
ReplyDeleteThis show became so boring with useless story lines , it is seem like we are watching a circle of endless we are together than we are not, lemon was with George while she had secret love to Levon, and in the same time George was involve with Zoe who want to be with him while have some feelings to wade, than we have Tracy and her on and off relation with George, and AB With her relation with Levon, and Zoe with Joel, and wade with v, than they all this relations ends than we begin a new circle.
ReplyDeleteThis so boring and stupid, why we do not have a love story that last and progress.
So Wade pulls a John Cusack from Say Anything and shows up at Viv's house in the rain to declare his love and finally Viv shows him some actual affection - up to this point, it's been painful to see how apathetic she seems to be towards him. Props to everyone involved for actually pulling off that scene, there are so many ways that a scene like that can turn into awkward, over-acted garbage but they pulled it off. Also as a bonus, I really liked that they used "This House Is A Hotel" by The WInd and The Wave during that scene - it just made it all perfect, which in turns makes it that much more heart-breaking at the end - if you don't feel bad for Wade, you're not a human!
ReplyDelete