I understand that not a lot happens each week in Bluebell.

We visit the town on Monday nights mostly because Zoe is cute, Wade is attractive and Levon is funny. Hart of Dixie doesn't really do cliffhangers or twists or turns, and that's mostly fine. It can be enjoyable to just switch your mind off for an hour and plop yourself down in the middle of these quirky residents.

But the lack of suspenseful storylines simply makes relationships on the show all the more important, and "Mistress & Misunderstandings" took two major steps back in that regard.

Wasn't it just two episodes ago, on the winter finale, where Zoe appeared to be opening up her heart to Wade? Granted, nothing actually happened and, yes, it makes sense there might still be some back and forth between these two.

That's what happens on TV shows, that's the sort of suspense Hart of Dixie wants to pull off, but the behavior by both these characters now feels contrived, like the writers have grown desperate to keep them apart for as long as possible. Their actions this week certainly erased any progress that was seemingly made on "Hairdos and Holidays."

Between past looks and kisses, it's just silly for Wade to still think Zoe is uninterested. And between her past exchanges with her neighbor, or even with George for that matter, it seems even sillier that proverbial sparks would fly from a smooch with Judson. Did anyone buy that lip lock? Does anyone really believe Zoe has feelings for the vet? I didn't think so. This reeks, as I said, of the writers needing to create an obstacle in order to delay the inevitable coupling of Zoe and Wade.

Meanwhile, wasn't it just one episode ago where the ice thawed a bit between Zoe and Lemon? What happened to the latter gaining some respect for the former after last Monday's Belle-based escapades?

That progress simply vanished here, as both Lemon and Zoe acted as if they were the same rivals they had always been. It's like last week's episode never happened, or previous ones for that matter, because the show has made it appear as if Zoe is gaining respect in town (she actually has her own patients now). It seemed like a stretch for AnnaBeth to be so afraid of their friendship going public.

These sorts of developments need to remain consistent on any series, but especially on one that relies so heavily on interactions between town residents. We need to believe there's some sort of evolution to these relationships, don't we?

That's why my favorite scene involved George and his enemy-turned-apologetic-drinking buddy. The former barely uttered a word, yet the look on his face - while his new friend rambled on and on about problems with his marriage that easily translate to George and Lemon - made it clear that he's just starting to realize the issue may not be Lemon's occasional nuttiness; it may actually be the two of them as a couple.

Which makes sense because George and Lemon together makes NO sense. I've noted it in past reviews, but it's worth saying again: he's nice and forgiving and open-minded, while she's simply... insufferable. Seriously, Lemon Breeland has to be my least favorite character on TV. She's just shallow and mean and stereotypical and a few instances of her crying won't change my mind.

So it was a frustrating episode overall. It's growing legitimately difficult to watch Lemon without hurling something at my television and, even more pressing, it's irritating that all progression on the Zoe and Wade front was erased simply for the sake of dragging out their courtship.

I need a double scotch myself after this one.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.