Ep 2. Parades & Pariahs

When New Yorker Dr. Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson) inherits a medical practice in the small town of Bluebell, Alabama, she sees it as an opportunity to further her career. However, she quickly realizes that practicing medicine in a small town is very different than in the big city. In episode 2, entitled "Parades & Pariahs," Zoe continues to struggle with fitting in with the townspeople.

Zoe is still not accustomed to the southern hospitality and traditions that are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Bluebell. The episode revolves around the annual Founders Day parade, which is a special event in Bluebell where everyone participates and dresses up in costumes. Zoe is surprised to find that her ex-boyfriend and fellow doctor, Harley Wilkes (Nicholas Pryor), started the parade tradition. She reconnects with Harley's son, who is also a doctor and works at the only other medical practice in town.

Zoe is determined to make a name for herself in Bluebell and win over the townspeople. However, her efforts seem to be in vain as she is still seen as an outsider. For example, she makes the mistake of declining an invitation to a "Petals and Paychecks" party at the home of a wealthy local family. She instead plans to attend the parade with her only friend in Bluebell, Lavon Hayes (Cress Williams), who is the mayor and a former NFL player.

The parade starts off as an exciting event for Zoe, as she is impressed by the effort that everyone has put into their costumes. However, things take a turn when she spots the girl she operates on in the previous episode, Rose (McKaley Miller), dressed up as a "bee queen." The townspeople avoid Rose and her family, as they are deemed pariahs due to Rose's mother's job at the local bar. Zoe feels bad for Rose, but doesn't know how to help her.

Zoe later receives a call from Rose's mother, who begs her to come to the bar to tend to her daughter's medical emergency. Zoe agrees to help and is able to save Rose's life. However, she is still unable to win over the people of Bluebell and she realizes that she may never fit in.

The episode ends with Zoe and Lavon watching the fireworks from the parade. Zoe feels defeated, but Lavon reassures her that it takes time to win over the townspeople. He also reveals that he was the one who nominated her for the medical practice, as he believed that she has what it takes to be a great doctor. Zoe is touched by Lavon's kind words and begins to feel more hopeful about her new life in Bluebell.

"Parades & Pariahs" is a great continuation of the pilot episode, as it further explores the town of Bluebell and the characters that inhabit it. It also delves deeper into Zoe's struggles to fit in, which is relatable to anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in a new environment. The episode is a mix of humor and heart, with some poignant moments that tug at the heartstrings. Overall, it's a great watch and sets up the rest of the season well.