Hart of Dixie

Nancy Travis plays a critical role on the opening episode of Hart of Dixie.

The veteran actress portrays Mrs. Hattenbarger, a resident of the town into which Rachel Bilson's Zoe moves and the assistant in her new practice. In the premiere (mini-spoiler alert!), Travis's character even breaks a certain piece of news to Zoe that prompts her to stick around.

But Travis has been cast opposite Tim Allen in ABC’s Last Man Standing, meaning she won't be offering Zoe advice behind episode two of Hart of Dixie.

Producers say the role will not be given to another actress, however. No word yet on how Mrs. H will be written out.