"I Fall to Pieces," the Season 2 "Hart of Dixie" premiere, describes the upcoming season, not just a single episode. Taking its name from the famous Patsy Cline song, this episode shows how Dr. Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson) undermines all her efforts to become a real part of BlueBell, Alabama.
From "Doc Hollywood" to homewrecker
Season 1 of "Hart of Dixie" had a real "Doc Hollywood" feel to it. Like Michael J. Fox's character, Dr. Benjamin Stone, Zoe is an indifferent young physician who lands in a small town. After inheriting a medical practice, Zoe tries to fit in, but her habit of wearing short shorts alienates many local women.
The first season's humor came from Zoe's big-city attitude clashing with the small town way of doing things. The series also contains some affectionate nods to "Doc Hollywood," including one scene with a pet pig. Like Ben Stone, Zoe comes to appreciate what a town like BlueBell can offer a big city girl.
Hart attracts lots of attention from the local male population, including the very engaged George Tucker (Scott Porter). Before he marries Lemon Breeland (Jaime King), Dr. Brick Breeland's daughter, George says he can't go through with it because he has feelings for Zoe.
"I Fall to Pieces" takes place on the day after the aborted wedding. Over breakfast, Lemon has an epiphany about her failed nuptials. Realizing that she has never lived on her own, she tries to rent an apartment only to find out she has no credit score or reportable income.
Meanwhile, Zoe is dealing with the aftermath of spending the night with Wade Kinsella (Wilson Berthel). Zoe felt a real emotional connection with Wade, but he appears to have been in it just for the sex. He even gives their encounter a B-minus, offering to help Zoe raise her grade.
George, on the other hand, has given up everything for the pretty city doctor, but he now finds himself as part of romantic triangle. As Mayor Lavon Hayes (Cress Williams) describes it, Zoe went from no boyfriends to having two. By the end of the episode, Zoe has chosen neither man, but she does continue sleeping with Wade.
Speaking of Lavon, his old high school flame, Ruby Jeffries (Golden Brooks), has come back to BlueBell. Lavon and Ruby did not part on the best of terms, and she appears to have sweet revenge on her mind.
Season 2 of "Hart of Dixie" in song
Based on the titles of the first two episodes, the producers are telling Zoe Hart's story in song this season. "Always on My Mind," the second episode title, indicates that Zoe's romantic arrangements aren't going to hold up in the long run. Zoe encourages George to date other people, but they may be having trouble with that arrangement.
The title also could apply to Wade, who seems to eager to dismiss any emotional connection to Zoe. Wade could soon be asking the pretty doctor for a relationship more involved than just "friends with benefits."
