This week on Hart of Dixie, small Southern town conventions continue to be explored: Zoe tries to assimilate but inevitably fuels a rumor that the preacher and his wife are breaking up. If only they knew it was syphilis–that’s enough fuel to run a small country.
Mrs. Sally Syphilis
The preacher and his wife are beloved, even more than Brick (who is conveniently absent this episode). The town loves them; they sort of hate Zoe. It is sort of the formula for this show.
With Brick gone, we re-meet Addie? Like, did the production codes get out of order? Not a problem. Now, she gets a proper introduction! Feisty, I like her; especially because she puts some sense into Zoe about the case of the week.
Zoe must break the news to the preacher and his wife. Apparently, one of them has syphilis. This is another TV convention–Christians are hypocrites. Because Zoe is wicked cynical and raised on these TV conventions (and from New York–this show has also recognized the dark nature of that place!), she assumes the worst in people.
In order to not be such a stick in the mud, Zoe travels to the place I fear most: the beauty parlor. Do not ask me how I survived prom because I blacked out for most of it. Anyway, the beauty parlor is the best place to gossip and such; it’s the old fashion version of Gossip Girl. Fix them highlights! Oh, I love Adie and this town.
This tiny little redhead runs into the parlor, late for her shift. She realizes she broke up the marriage of the preacher. Self-absorbed much? Word gets out that his girl is a home wrecker. This show is clearly going to play into every Southern stereotype. However, this is the best possible thing ever. Best sight gag: Zoe’s giant hair.
Anyway, Zoe is adamant in her cynicism. Her mother cheated on her father, and 99 of people will screw you over. Except this town is honestly that one percent. Interestingly enough, it is also makes up the 1% of TV, most of which is full of darkness and morally ambiguous lead characters.
But this show is called Hart of Dixie. It isn’t meant for darkness! Mrs. Mayfair wanted to get her belly button pierced; the redhead gave her one on the side. Christians aren’t hypocrites on this show! Some people are genuinely sweet and kind. Like this show.
In a seemingly pointless plot (I don’t know where else to mention this), Wade runs over the town drunk with his trailer. Zoe becomes snarky (which is what I think Rachel Bilson does best actually) and all is forgotten. Until the town drunk climbs to the top of the building threatening to drunk. I think it is hilarious that the volunteer fire department does not like to be called on poker night. Zoe tries being a hero, but is too short. Oddly enough, Wade is the greatest hero ever. And the worst singer. He has to sing ‘Moon River.’ Yeah. Remember from that Audrey Hepburn movie? But sadness–the town drunk is Wade’s father. That seemingly pointless plot? Actually character development.
Also, we witness further development in the George-Lemon-Lavon triangle. Lavon as mayor dictates the budget of excess money (unrealistic in this economy). Lemon being a future Southern Emily Gilmore must rise up within her town charity organizations through some silly bridge. And George, missing New York (for some reason) just wants a fancy new road. All of this takes up a lot of time, so I’ll summarize quickly: Lavon gives the money to the road. Lemon, outraged, fights with George–despite their relationship being insecure, he reassures her. Lavon does a commercial in which ‘nothing itches in the right places.’ Or something like that. I was laughing too hard.
Dropped Accents
I detected Lemon’s accent drop! Awesome sauce. I also heard some wavering in George’s but I was too busy staring at his beauty. Whatever. Sexism works both ways.
Final Take
I am so glad this show can take these stereotypes and play against them or in a way that is interesting. Christians are not hypocrites on this show, there are great and smart professionals, people can actually love each other. It is honestly so warm. It may not be must-see, but it definitely is must-feel. Because if you are not feeling anything on this show, you need to gain a heart.
Emily E. Steck
Contributing Writer
(Image courtesy of The CW)
Photo AlbumHart of Dixie – 1.5 “Faith and Infidelity”
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
