Hart of Dixie Review: George Tucker Time!

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It took George and Lemon to split up for me to finally understand their relationship.

Throughout the opening season of Hart of Dixie, I've questioned why someone so kind and understanding would be engaged to someone to stern and demanding. But George's pre-New Orleans speech to Zoe in "Destiny & Denial" actually made a lot of sense:

There's no way Lemon could date someone like herself. The guy would just fight back and the couple would spent every night apart, one attending the opera and the other a jazz club, for instance.

George in New Orleans

And can you actually imagine Geore Tucker dating someone like George Tucker? It would stand a better chance of success, but it would also lead to nauseating moments where each side coos and tells the other to hang up... no, you hang up... no, you hang up! There's a reason they say opposites attract.

But when it comes out that one of those opposite sides has cheated on the other? With the town's Mayor? Yeah, that's grounds for a break-up, as we saw last Monday.

The development led to this fun episode, which Scott Porter simply owned. It was a hoot to watch George smiling and prancing around town. It was a blast to watch him on stage, showing off the singing voice that he also featured in the film Bandslam and the off-Broadway production of Altar Boyz.

Heck, it was practically inspiring. How great would it be if we all could react to life's most disappointing moments by seizing the day and following the saying that every letdown is merely an opportunity to learn and grow? I know I'd feel better after any split if I could make out with Rachel Bilson.

Sadly, though expectantly, it could not last. George's wonderful world came crashing down on him at the drop of a song, bringing him back to stark, depressing, anger-filled reality. This did at least give Porter yet another moment to shine, as he confronted Lemon on her doorstep, tears streaming down his face.

My only criticism of the episode? And the last few weeks in general? They've rushed Zoe's feelings for George, to an extent at least. The series spent most of its season teasing some kind of love triangle between Zoe, George and Wade, with the latter in the lead. (Remember how the winter finale concluded?) Then it seemed like someone simply decided Zoe's true feelings lay with George, which has left the show scrambling with what to do with Wade.

The apparent answer? Match him back up with his oddly-named ex-wife! (I'm sorry, but... Tancy?!? Is that short for something?) Talk about feeling rushed. We'll see where this goes, but it will take more than a speech from Tom for me to believe Wade has any real interest here.

Overall, though, a strong follow-up to last week's emotional hour. George and Zoe displayed real chemistry throughout the episode, while I even felt sort of bad for Lemon when she broke down in her father's arms.

And speaking of that father: Way to go, Tim Matheson! You really did nail every word of "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General!"

Destiny & Denial Review

Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 3.9 / 5.0 (110 Votes)

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

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