‘Hart of Dixie’ season 3, episode 5 video: Show boss on Zoe’s attempts to make Joel likable
“Hart of Dixie” has done something that is pretty interesting when it comes to the Joel character: Created a new and likely-temporary love interest character for Zoe, but has done it in such a way that you do not spend most of your time simultaneously thinking that this guy is a jerk. You see, there is nothing really that Joel has done that deserves him being hated on by fans. He doesn’t treat Zoe horribly, and he has not ultimately done anything as maddening as what Wade did to her.
So with all of this in mind, how is that we are still left rooting for Zoe and Wade to be together? It feels like Tuesday night’s episode “How Do You Like Me Now” is an investigation into this issue. As executive producer Leila Gertsein explains in the video below, Rachel Bilson’s character decides to convince Joel to go out on this little woods adventure in order for more of the town to approve of the idea of her being with him. But the problem? It turns out that he is terrified of zip-lining, which is one of the activities that she was hoping to see him take part of.
Thanks to this, we certainly do expect there to be some fun drama between the two. Part of the reason why we like Zoe and Joel is that their chemistry is almost like two people in class constantly teasing each other; however, that’s also the reason not to like them together. There is a great deal of comfort, but not the sort of knock-down, drag-out chemistry that you would hope for someone involved in this sort of romance. You would want someone with a little more passion, and you don’t get that feeling from Joel right now.
But, who knows? Stranger things have happened in BlueBell, so perhaps he will find a way to make that chemistry appear and they will feel less like friends pretending to be in love.
You can see an additional video preview for Monday’s “Hart of Dixie” episode at this link, and we will have our full review up right after it airs. This is going to be a fun one to watch.
Photo: The CW
Macy
November 6, 2013 @ 3:57 am
I like Joel *shrug* He’s a good guy, treats Zoe well, and is drama-free. I love that the Joel/Zoe relationship is relatively Zen but still full of love. Yes Zoe and Wade had passion but they also brought out the worst in each other. I’d rather have her with George than with Wade.
DrirD
November 5, 2013 @ 3:43 pm
They did make a reference to Wade+Zoe. At the zipline when Joel climbs up to take the zipline and shouts that he is the hero of Zoe’s story, not George. Wade says something like, “but everyone knows she still loves me”. I like how they play out the story, Wade and Zoe slowly need to build it up again. He cheated on her and she was also not always good to him. If they get together so fast again, it would not be believable and it would be boring.
Ctagood
November 5, 2013 @ 5:18 am
It does seem as though it is a different show, like season two just never happened. It’s still a cute show; it’s just missing the warmth. Last season there seemed to be a purpose or path, an evolving of the characters. This season it just seems so forced and random. I had a few laughs but still a little disappointed.
Karla davris marti
November 5, 2013 @ 12:16 am
im with you guys !!!!
Judith Constantino
November 4, 2013 @ 8:45 pm
I can’t stand it anymore…it’s like the writers have made up a new HOD with Zoe and Joel as the stars. It’s not even poor Joel, but Zoe who annoys me…she acts like she and Wade never shared anything …like passion, and fun (he drove across Alabama to say “I love you”)…and none of this is remembered or referred to. Enough already. Let’s get back to the HOD that we love and want to watch…It certainly isn’t on right noiw. Get Zoe and Wade back on track.
Dee
November 3, 2013 @ 4:40 am
What is happening on HoD? Why are the main characters getting a back seat to this Joel person? Where is Wade and Zoe??? Where is their interaction? It is like they NEVER had any passion, love, fun, chemistry, or relationship between them. We, of course, know that is not true. We want to see them back. Joel is an ok person, just not for Zoe. What is happening with the writing of HoD? I really hope this gets better and Wade and Zoe work themselves back to each other because the way I see it, this new direction is not helping the ratings!!!