‘Hart of Dixie’ Midseason Review: My take on why Season 2 is even better than Season 1

Before Hart of Dixie returns from the holiday hiatus this week, I wanted to take some time to talk about how awesome Season 2 has been so far. I enjoyed Season 1 for the most part, but the second season is so much better and I’m not just saying that because Zoe kind of sort of chose to be with Wade over George (even though that does help).

The real reason Hart of Dixie gets my vote for most improved show is because the series has fully embraced its comedy side and that has elevated it to a new level of awesomeness. All of the actors have really great comedic timing and it doesn’t seem like they mind dressing up in silly costumes or standing around to watch a chicken decide an election or my personal favorite, gathering for what they thought was a hostage crisis.

Bluebell has become a character in its own right and it has been fun seeing more of the quirky townspeople in each episode. I praised the show last season for its use of guest stars (sure some of that was Justin Hartley, who they should really bring back to make me even happier with the show) and I feel like they have even more to do this season and it’s working. I like seeing Annabeth, Magnolia, Tansy, Tom, Wanda and Rose in multiple episodes. It’s fun watching the main characters get involved in the wackiness that comes with living in a small town where everyone knows each other and their business.

Speaking of improvement, I’m not sure there has ever been a character on television that my opinion has changed so radically of between two seasons. Last year, half my recaps were filled with how much I despised George Tucker and this season, I adore him to the point that I’m actively invested in his relationship. Did anyone see that coming? I certainly didn’t, but I have to give credit where credit is due and the show deserves a round of applause here. My biggest complaint about George was that everyone always said he was the best and the nicest and the greatest to ever be, but we never got to see any of that onscreen. All I ever saw was a guy who was emotionally and sometimes physically cheating on his fiancée.

But this season, we’ve been given a whole new George and he’s not always the best or the greatest in the eyes of the town. He’s had to pick himself up and he didn’t automatically get the girl. Instead, he started dating and that has been fun to watch. Scott Porter is really great with comedy and it’s obvious he enjoys doing his thing and that translates onto the screen and I love it. Don’t get me wrong; I’m never going to be here for a George and Zoe romance because I feel like they’re better with other people, but George has been awesome this season and he’s made the show better.

Zoe, however, still has some serious flaws and not the good kind of flaws that come with being the main character of the show. Zoe has the kind of flaws that when they pop up, I want a house to fall on her, Wizard of Oz style. I always feel like it’s a bad sign when I’m actively rooting against the main character and that happened a few times last season and it has continued into this one, even though Zoe did get her act together in the midseason finale.

But my problem with Zoe is the way that she treats Wade. He’s the best and she’s constantly hurting his feelings or ignoring how awesome he is because she has convinced herself that she belongs with George and she kept refusing to give Wade a real chance, even when she could see that his feelings for her were real and she was hurting him. I know it sounds like a shipper gripe and it is to a point, but if Zoe really loves George the way she says she doesn’t, she shouldn’t be with Wade, end of story. But as I said, she did come around in the last episode and she made Wade really happy so let’s hope the trend continues (I want to like Zoe. Rachel Bilson is the reason I started watching in the first place because she’s so adorable and awesome).

The Breeland family continues to be the best; each member of the family is perfect so that I cannot choose which one is my favorite. Jaime King, Tim Matheson and Claudia Lee are flawless in their roles and when all three are in a scene, I pretty much just want to sit back and clap. I love Annabeth and would not mind seeing her have a love interest (*coughs* Bring back Justin Hartley *coughs*) and I’m also very much enjoying Tansy and hope she sticks around. I’d really love to never see Ruby again, even though I do hear there are plans to bring her back (cancel them!). Speaking of Ruby, the way Lavon treated Lemon in the last episode was unacceptable. He’s taken Zoe’s place on my list for the time being.

I know I haven’t said much about Wade, but I think pointing out that he’s the absolute best covers it. Wilson Bethel has stolen the show from Day 1 and that is not going to change anytime soon. Obviously he knows how to bring the funny and the sarcasm and the shirtless hotness, but he’s also fantastic at the sweet scenes and the emotional stuff. The Christmas scenes with Wade and crazy Earl were so good (all that was missing was Justin Hartley as Jesse to complete the family dynamic. No, I’m not letting this go. He’s my favorite and I have an agenda, obviously).

Overall, I give the first part of the season an A- (and that minus does have Zoe’s name written all over it) and I’m very much looking forward to the rest of the season. What do you guys think? Is this season better than the first? Who’s your favorite? Are there any Ruby fans out there? Hit the comments and let us know!

Hart of Dixie returns Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. on The CW.