The sweet in "Sweetie Pies and Sweaty Palms" was certainly short-lived, wasn’t it?

All of our major relationships were on the table, and none were left the same by the time this Hart of Dixie episode concluded. Some were for the better, and some were not. Isn't that, right, Wade the jackass?

Wade and Zoe were definitely a hoot to watch as they continually tried one-upping each other in their little faux lovers war, while Judson was playing third wheel to his own date. Not that I cared, but he had more chemistry with that goat. So I can’t say I was surprised he decided to end things amicably with Zoe.

But Wade’s response to Zoe at the end felt forced, contrived, just another way to delay the inevitable and focus on the George/Wade/Zoe triangle. Which would be fine... if George’s story was left at him just having doubts. Now, George is having doubts and his good and loyal heart has sucked him back into Lemon’s vicinity. George is now the nice guy who’s in a poor situation, Wade is the sweet guy who just made a fool of himself - and Zoe is back to square one.

Zoe put herself out there momentarily for Wade, and the carpet was pulled out from under her. How does this help further any of the core relationships in the show when things are needlessly reset? I’m all for angst and love triangles, but at least make it believable. Hart of Dixie has no vampires, murderers, or high schools to set up obstacles. It lives and dies by how its characters and the relationships between them work.

Sadly, the main triangle didn’t this week. But, hey, at least Wade had his shirt unbuttoned.

The relationship that did work was that of Lavon and Didi. Lavon had some real doubts, and some real troubles with Didi. Most of them were in his own head, but at least he had the guts to actually express what was going on to Didi. However, as was the theme this week, relationships in this show chang sides quickly. I can’t help but wonder how long Didi will be around since she’s discovered Lavon’s secret photo of Lemon. Especially when it's clear Lavon still has some major hang ups and emotional ties with Lemon.

As for Lemon, talk about a one-note woman. Yes, I realize she’s been through Hell and had to grow up too quickly, but can we get a few different layers to her character?

It was nice to see her vulnerable side, but her actions and how she treats people leaves me with no sympathy for her. She’s truly an unlikeable person at this point in time. The good will I had for her way back in the prankster episode has evaporated. She likes to compare herself to her father, but at least he has a humorous side to him and has the ability to connect with people. So far, Lemon has none of those qualities.

“Sweetie Pies and Sweaty Palms” feels like one of those episodes that just has to be forcibly done so the deck of cards can be reshuffled and new cards dealt. Hopefully, a few good pairings will come out of it.

Other thoughts:

• Poor Rose, she’s such a sweet little girl and she ends up feeling alone and isolated.
• More pranks between Wade and Zoe, please. They were the definite high point of this episode.
• That woman kisses like she’s eating corn.