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“Hart of Dixie” recap (4.1): Learning the Lesbian Way

In the Season 3 finale of the southern CW favorite Hart of Dixie, viewers watched Zoe acknowledge her truth, of which she has spent much time being in denial. She is, in fact, in love with Wade—just in time for him to move away to the big city, which never came to fruition. Zoe, however, wasn’t the only Bluebellian to utter her truth. Cricket hiccupped her way through her wedding day and, seconds before saying “I do” in an over the top, choreographed ceremony announced, “Stop the music. Please. Folks, um sorry. I can’t do this. It’s 2014. Nobody has to pretend to be something they’re not anymore. It’s time you knew the truth: I’m gay!” And lesbian southern belles from Texas to Tennessee cheered in welcoming another slow talkin’, hair teasin’ lady to our team.

Season 4 opens with all the picturesque southern beauty we’ve grown accustomed to seeing—panning to eggshells being awkwardly plucked from a skillet. Zoe uncharacteristically makes breakfast for herself and Wade in an effort to pave the way toward establishing more trust between them and her, as yet, unrequited love. Zoe informs Wade that she has made arrangements for the two of them to feast on grits and eggs alone and gracelessly propositions the man of her dreams to accompany her to a screening of Robocop at the Bluebell library. Wade sees through Zoe’s failing attempts to prove her sincerity and declines while pointing out the inadequacy of her grits. Although Wade is not yet ready to open himself up to Zoe’s charms, it is clear that he is entertained by her pursuit.

Breakfast is served by Annabeth in another part of Bluebell to a distressed Cricket. Cricket expresses her embarrassment to an encouraging Annabeth as she insists that Cricket’s coming out was nothing short of courageous. However, they each agree that the freshly out gay lady’s timing was less than impeccable — it being minutes before she became Stanley’s wife and all. Annabeth is on a high due to her recent declaration of independence and insists she and Crickett will “conquer the world.” Crickett is un-enthused and expresses her desire to finish the last two seasons of The L Word before she can join Annabeth in conquering anything. Education first, conquering second.

Lavon and George visit Wade at the Rammer Jammer—separately, but for the same reason. They each proceed to question the sincerity of the other’s alleged affection for Lemon, while Wade regrets ever being privy to this love triangle. Lavon and George both fervently insist that Lemon is “the one.” Wade begs the two love sick boys to consider an honest and adult conversation rather than unloading their troubles on him. This suggestion, of course, falls on deaf ears. Much to Wade’s relief, Meatball enters to express his gratitude to Wade for allowing him to crash at his place during what seems to be a less than storybook beginning to his marriage to Lily Anne.

Annabeth accompanies Wanda to her appointment with Dr. Hart and Wade is the topic of discussion. Annabeth, Wanda, and Baby Long express their disapproval for Zoe’s efforts to win Wade’s heart. Grits and Robocop does not an appropriate romantic gesture make. Wanda suggests a series of outlandish operations straight out of a Gary Marshall rom-com. Annabeth and Zoe question the feasibility of such endeavors and the proverbial lightbulb outshines Wanda’s pregnant glow. Better ideas are in store.

George and Lavon are amongst a group of prospective, and underwhelming, members of the future Bluebell Volunteer Fire Department assemble under the direction of Tom and a hot lady firefighter, Jaysene. As the universe would have it, George and Lavon are paired together in an exercise which requires trust and loyalty between partners.

Zoe, Annabeth, Wanda, and an annoyed Crickett attempt to implement Wanda’s lightbulb-worthy master plan by performing their version of “Walk the Line” outside Wade’s house only to find out their audience is a gowned down Meatball. And another stab at gaining Wade’s affection bites the dust.

Later, Wade catches up with Zoe to innocently harass her with regard to her epic failure of a romantic gesture. For good measure, Zoe inquires as to whether her serenade would’ve been successful had Wade been there to witness it. Wade continues to reject Zoe’s flirtations, but Zoe shows no signs of relenting.

Brick voices his disdain for Zoe’s chronic lateness as Bettie enters asserting her relief at Lemon’s decision to go on a cruise. Bettie may now turn her attention-and meddling-to her son. Bettie insists on setting Brick up with Thelma O’Donnell, despite her underbite. Brick quickly rejects the idea, but comes to his senses when his mother mentions she’ll be forced to postpone her trip to Europe in an effort to find a more suitable lady for her son. Brick then feigns interest in courting Thelma in hopes of ensuring Bettie follows through with her trip as planned.

Zoe crashes the Bluebell VFD training to pick the brains of George and Lavon on how she should go about yet another attempt at obtaining Wade’s devotion. They shame her John Cusack meets Johnny Cash ditty and insist the way to a man’s heart is simple—sex. Zoe maintains that requires an even grander gesture than a roll in the hay.

Earl pays his son a visit to declare his recent sobriety, an impending date with a special lady, and being perplexed as to why Wade would continue to refuse Zoe’s advances. Their dialogue comes to a halt as Zoe is seen swimming in a black bikini — obviously having taken the advice of Lavon and George. Zoe and Wade have a brief and awkward conversation and Zoe swims away. Wade responds with, “Kablang.”

Over tea and scotch, Brick gently breaks the news to Bettie that he will not be taking her advice with regard to going on a date with Thelma O’Donnell. Bettie, taking Thelma’s dental shortcomings into account, is supportive of her son’s choice so long as he agrees to make his social life a priority. In an ever so timely fashion, Shelby rings the doorbell looking quite patriotic in her patent leather pumps and blue cocktail dress. She informs Brick that she is in town for the weekend—for the sole purpose of winning him back. Not wanting to set off mommy dearest, Brick politely asks Shelby to come back tomorrow.

Zoe returns to Wade’s house to lay all her cards and a six pack of beer on the table. In no uncertain terms, she informs him that she intends to seduce him. Although Wade protests a bit in insisting that sex will not accomplish Zoe’s ultimate goal, he quickly finds the sight of Zoe sans shirt too difficult to resist and gives in to her advances.

Although Zoe’s moves prove effective in getting Wade in the sack, it is clear that one night of sex—no matter how mutually enjoyable—will not serve as a resolution to their problems. Pillow talk between the sexually compatible couple consists of Zoe struggling to drag their relationship out of the bedroom and into the real world and Wade holding firm to the fact that their connection has not yet proven capable of finding success anywhere other than between the sheets. Zoe accepts Wade’s assertion and declares the familiarity of it all.

Zoe shares news of her hot night with Brick to which Brick insists that, if she wants to win Wade’s love, she is going about it the wrong way. Although she seems somewhat doubtful, Zoe holds firm to her conviction that sex can lead to love. Bettie enters and gives Zoe the lecture on the dangers of giving away her milk for free.

The Belles meet for the first time since Crickett’s ceremonious coming out. Annabeth opens the floor for those who may have questions. The floodgates of annoying inquiries lesbians get asked are opened. Crickett is on the receiving end of various curiosities referencing everything from vegetarianism to Ellen Degeneres, but in a kid sister, endearing sort of way. Annabeth takes the reins and focuses the discussion, requesting that Crickett share her story. Crickett recounts her college love — Donna Lynn. While Crickett accepts that their relationship was purely experimental for Donna Lynn, it was life changing for her — comparing it to the profound moment when she realized she couldn’t wear the color yellow. She continues to share with the Belles that, although she knew she was gay back then, she did not believe she would have her parents’ approval had she come out, which deterred her from doing so. Crickett seems pleased at the love and acceptance she feels from the Belles.

George and Lavon acknowledge that, as fellow volunteer firefighters, they must find a way to coexist. They agree to put their conflicts aside, at least until Lemon returns from her singles’ cruise. Seconds later, Lemon enters with the ship’s doctor on her arm — to the surprise of George, Lavon, Brick, and Bettie. To Brick’s disappointment, Bettie announces that she will in fact be postponing her trip in order to ensure the new romance between Lemon and Dr. Henry Dalton lasts.

Zoe is waiting for Wade when he arrives home. Realizing she has exhausted all other efforts, Zoe elects to simply tell the truth — that she loves Wade and that she knows he feels the same. He acknowledges the truth in her assertions, but explains his reservations. Wade reminds Zoe of the pushing and pulling that has taken place during their time together and communicates his fear for another round of heartbreak. Zoe argues that things would be different this go round, however, her pleas remain unsuccessful.

To Jaysene’s approval, George and Lavon demonstrate their ability to put their disagreements aside in the name of the Bluebell VFD.

Zoe visits Wade for the first time in 8 weeks in order to request his assistance with her hot water. Wade seems disappointed that she seemingly has no plans of revisiting their conflicted relationship.

George and Lavon bond over a cold drink and a mutual disdain for Lemon’s new love at the Rammer Jammer. A few tables over, Henry entertains Lemon’s family and friends with a bit of southern pretension as George and Lavon remain unimpressed with his snobbery. Shelby appears in the window and Brick slips out for a quick makeout with his secret love. George and Lavon continue to question the sincerity of Dr. Love. They begin plotting to uncover the skeletons in Henry’s closet. Wade quickly puts a stop to their scam and informs the frenemies that, if it hadn’t been for Henry’s arrival, the two would not have mended their friendship.

Crickett and Annabeth meet to unveil the Belles’ list of “women seeking women” in Alabama. Annabeth brings the conversation to a halt as she notices Zoe inhaling Middle Eastern fare a few feet away. Zoe has excommunicated herself from all places she will likely run into Wade, including restaurants. Crickett shares her frustration with the lack of available gay women aside from her 8th grade gym teacher and Zoe’s Aunt Winifred. Earl enters with his new girlfriend and proposes a double date with Zoe and Wade. This only serves to reinforce Zoe’s shame and embarrassment.

Lemon visits Dr. Hart as a result of troubled sleeping and queasiness. Lemon broaches the subject of Wade, to which Zoe quickly redirects the conversation to Lemon’s new boyfriend, Henry. After Lemon leaves the office, Annabeth addresses Brick’s recent suspicious behavior. Annabeth expresses her shock at the fact that Lemon has been under the weather for weeks while Brick has yet to take notice. Annabeth blurts out that Lemon could be pregnant and Zoe quickly rushes out to “run some more tests.”

Earl plots to bring Zoe and Wade together in what Zoe describes as a “reverse Parent Trap.” Earl and his new girlfriend, Mae, set up a romantic dinner to encourage Zoe and Wade to work out their differences. Zoe takes the opportunity to reiterate her feelings and emphasize the necessity for Wade’s trust. After a brief and unsuccessful interaction, Zoe leaves the dinner pre-amuse bouche.

George and Lavon’s rekindled friendship hits a snag as Frank shares the validity of Dr. Henry Dalton — thus revealing dishonesty from both parties as both George and Lavon sought out Frank separately to dig up dirt on Henry.

Brick and Shelby meet for a nighttime picnic and Shelby declares her love. Brick returns her sentiments, but requests that they keep their relationship under wraps until Bettie leaves for Europe. Shelby obliges.

Wade has a heart to heart with Earl to explain that he and Zoe are over. Earl listens, but insists that Wade not make the same mistakes as he has. Earl encourages Wade to open his heart to the possibility of love without fear of being hurt.

Annabeth accidentally on purpose views the results of Lemon’s blood tests.

Jaysene rejects the proposition of a volunteer firefighter by stating she is interested in someone else. A tiff over Jaysene between two firefighters ensues, which brings up unresolved conflict between George and Lavon. All four men proceed to fight in a manner a kindergartener would find immature, just as the fire inspector shows up — effectively ensuring the town of Bluebell must go another year without a volunteer fire department.

Jaded lesbians everywhere are taken back to a simpler time as Jaysene asks Crickett out on a date. The nervous smiles and fluttering hearts of Jaysene and Crickett transport us gay ladies to so many of our innocent and unforgettable firsts.

Taking the advice of his father, Wade shows up on Zoe’s doorstep to ask her out. When Zoe questions his genuineness, Wade reiterates his desire to give their relationship another shot. Zoe declines his request, communicating that Wade was right when he stated they would never work.

Annabeth visits an ill Lemon to congratulate her on her pregnancy. Lemon corrects Annabeth, explaining that she has a virus and is not pregnant. Lemon goes on to share that she and Henry have never had sex as their relationship is purely for show — to please each of their families. Annabeth remains confused as she viewed patient paperwork that showed a positive pregnancy test. Lemon maintains that this was not hers.

Zoe lies in bed visibly shaken up uttering, “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god” — suggesting that she may be the one who is pregnant.

Are you satisfied with the portrayal of Crickett since her coming out in season 3?

Do you think we’ll see more of Jaysene and Crickett?

Follow Emily on Twitter: @EmilyAMcGaughy

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