MusicCityFan

Here's what I don't get. Read the article about the studio head's explanation of why they went with the cliffhanger. He claimed that this was how they always envisioned it-- that it was always in their plan. If so, then why film alternate endings at all? And didn't they have other cliffhangers that they filmed concerning Will and (not sure-probably someone here knows)-- Scarlett and Gunnar? IF that were the case, and they really wanted to leave the fans wanting more, why not go with all the cliffhangers? Just seemed odd that they only left the Juliette/Avery storyline hanging. I admit they are my favorites- so I guess I am not very objective here- but I disagree when he implied in the article that not everyone wants a sweet happy ending (or something like that). Well I did. I think when fans stay with a show- despite how bad it's gotten- and root for these characters- they should respect the fans instead of trying to manipulate them. At least they finally ended the miserable Maddie storyline. That was horribly done but at least it's over. If they do bring Nashville back on some other platform, hope they relegate the daughters to just singing/background characters. Hope they also just get rid of Layla-- or put her as recurring as well- and same for Will Chase/Luke. If I recall, the thirtysomething guys - on all the shows they have done-- seem to prefer to focus only on about 6-8 characters with longer, dialogue -driven scenes. At first thought they were an odd fit for this show-- but if all they key actors stay on board- hoping the show gets to its potential. They sure underachieve this last year.

Awful episode like everyone's been saying- and just an awful year as a whole. The fans (and the main six actors) deserve better and the show deserves to be canceled. Why do the writers think we'd want to see everyone so unhappy all the time? Weekly episodic TV to me anyway has always been about having characters to root for every week. But so many of the characters are inconsistently written and they're put in such hideous circumstances that there is nothing left to root for Miss the days when we had the main characters' storylines intersecting- like when Deacon would team up with Avery and Gunnar and interact with Scarlett. Have we even seen a Juliette/Deacon scene? Miss when we actually had humor and real romance and better music performed by the actual main characters. Does the girl who plays Maddie have just a very good tan? Maggie used to be fairer skinned it seemed. In reading peoples' comments on this board, I am trying to think which have been the absolute WORST storylines on this show, and I think the Maddie/Cash/Frankie one has to be at the top of that list. I think it might even top Juliette's psychotic PPD that resulted in the stupidest death on a show ever about a character that mostly no one cared about. Or maybe not- there are other loser SLs out there - Gunnar's brother and fake child also come to mind. Or maybe Teddy's hooker girlfriend or Teddy's pork blood Peggy... the list is long. The Scarlett - Gunnar will they/won't they stay together thing is just tiresome. It's like groundhog day every day with them. At this point, even the most loyal S-G shippers may not even care. If the show starts putting Deacon (who they made into a complete moron by going to the Beverly- and again I am throwing up a little in my mouth just by typing 'the Beverly' ) - at odds with Rayna to create some contrived drama/marital tension-- that will be yet another insult to the fans. Disagree with those who have said Avery's being a jerk to Juliette. He's actually been pretty decent to her given all that he's been through- though he needs to stop whining- just like Deacon needs to stop being an idiot. Because even thought Juliette was ill (with this psycho PPD that the writers have lazily now just put away like it was nothing) - he did get abandoned a few times (as well as his child). But I think the problem is that many of the fans so love Juliette (me included) - and the writers have put her through SO MUCH ridiculousness- that it's hard to not want her these days getting what she wants- and of course most of us want Javery back. Layla and Avery together bore me. But Layla has always bored me. Hopefully despite how badly the writers have written the Javery drama they aren't done yet. Don't think they will go the Juliette /Luke route-- looks like she hooks up with the actor (from the movie). Will be glad when the movie/Oscar storyline is done-- it may have gone longer than Juliette's pregnancy. IF anybody's got any spoilers/reasons for us to look forward to the season finale -like maybe something good actually happens for a change- please share in one of the other threads. As a loyal fan who still wants to believe in the show, looking for a reason to watch and enjoy it again. Because right now the trouble with the truth is the truth is Nashville just isn't very good anymore. Sorry for all the negativity- still hoping it gets better.

Anybody got spoilers/know what will happen for the season finale?

RE: Jonathan Jackson and Unchained Melody. Thank you Lillybee for linking/sharing this performance. Wow. That is one of the best renditions of this song I have ever heard. The guy can really belt it. I used to think Sam Palladio had the best vocal range on the show but I think it might be JJ? If not he's pretty close. Agree- too bad he doesn't get to perform this song on the show. In fact, though, he hardly gets to sing at all anymore. I guess the writers/producers don't think he connects with the audience? Maybe he had a lot to do in season 1 so they are focusing on other characters- but wish they'd let him sing more. Am interested in the how they pick who sings what - too many guest vocalists this year I think. Seems the quality of season 4 music to me has gone down just as the quality of the show has. Love the song and the singer- but do still wish he'd get a haircut!

Hate to seem so negative, but this Juliette storyline just sucks. Seriously? The 'friend' who doesn't give the message? Why wouldn't Emily tell Avery what she knows? Ridiculous daytime soap era tropes. Avery is also a songwriter. Why doesn't he try to sell some of his songs/get them published? Show, please give my guy Avery a win sometime somewhere. And by the way, maybe let him sing a song too (along with Will). Surely there will be more to the Markus Keen character than what they are showing. If not, then the storyline seems pointless and yet again a useless plot device. Angry/scary Deacon still is great

Looks like Avery is going to get the producing gig for Markus Keen's album. According to Spoiler tv.com, in episode 5, entitled 'Stop the World and Let me Off', the synopsis says: Keen pushes back against Avery (so gotta be with him as producer, right?); Rayna pushes back against Layla's relationship (am assuming against Fordham?); Maddie joins Colt. From what have read about the Keen character, sounds like he's gonna be a real problem in the studio, given his hold over Rayna, so that can't bode well for Avery's job. Come on show, give Avery a professional break! For those wanting some Juliette/Avery news, no idea if it means anything, somewhere (maybe a twitter photo somewhere?) I saw a photo of the actors who play Avery, Emily, and Glenn together off set, so that's gotta mean they are there for Juliette, right? Hate it that they're going this route with Juliette, but probably they are there for the Juliette inevitable meltdown. This is pure speculation-- but also saw in someone's post (here I think), that Deacon buys a bar? Anybody got anything on that?

CofCinci, since you posted that, lots has happened of course so we probably all have a good idea. Season finale is titled 'Just so you know before you Go" and looks like, as someone else noted above, the season cliffhangers will be Juliett's PPD and Deacon/his illness. That looks pretty confirmed by the recent photos on line. Spoiler TV (www.spoilertv.com) just posted photos for the season finale. Lots of Deacon and his family at the hospital. Gunnar is there (could he be a surprise liver donor?) as well. He's probably there just for support maybe, since he/Scarlett will be on Rayna's label. But the guy who plays the doctor in this storyline said that the Dr/Scarlett/Gunnar love triangle (which am not vested in) plays a role in the season finale, so could that be the surprise? Don't see rotten sister Beverly in the photos, but in some other interviews it was noted (maybe by Dee Johnson?) that Rayna and Deacon make a 'deal with the devil' so the devil has to be Beverly, right? Based on the organ bribe? Who knows. Most telling (maybe?) might be the Juliette/Avery pix posted. It LOOKS like they have a fight, and then looks like Juliette actually THROWs something at Avery and the baby? That might be the final thing that makes Avery leave and take the kid with him. Episode summary also said that "Avery makes a decision that impacts the rest of their lives"... which seems more emphatic and permanent-- might they show Avery leaving Nashville? Since it looks like he's out of the music business right now, maybe he decides to just get out of town for awhile? Looks like by the end of season 3, no one will be happy. I just talked myself into drinking early.

So agree. Hate watching what they are doing with Juliette though HP kills it. Started watching this show because of the initial rave reviews, Callie Khouri, T Bone Burnett music, and Connie Britton. I've kept watching for Juliette, Avery, and Deacon (the flawed ones). I was hoping they weren't gonna go there when she first had the baby. In that episode- when Avery, Glen, and Emily were there- and when Glen said "welcome to the family", and she cried a little as Avery looked at her-- was hoping as a viewer/fan that this would be when she realized that she was loved- that she was the girl worth choosing- and that she did have family who loved her unconditionally. But now seems they're going full out crazy/PPD. Looks like in next episode Avery and her team start to see the difference between Juliette being ambitious/bitchy (which is common with her) and that she actually may have a deeper problem with her child/PPD. In the season 2 finale, Juliette herself acknowledged she was damaged and needed help. Maybe with this storyline, assuming there's a season 4, they'll actually delve into this, and by next season's end (which I think will be the last season of this show) she'll be a person at peace with herself and happy with the love/family she has, whoever that winds up being (hoping Avery).

Latest spoiler from 'Raina Reveals' posted on SpoilerTV: Deacon tells Maddie about his cancer and she reacts badly. A shooting occurs involving Sadie and Luke, shortly after Sadie leaves Nashville. Juliette goes into hospital and has her baby, a girl. Deacon receives the results of his latest scan which reveal whether the tumor has grown.

Good episode. Good music. How is Chip Esten not a bigger star? He's handsome and talented and sexy and full of heart & grit and vulnerable all at the same time. Agree that the slap was unnecessary but CB and CE are a couple of pros and I thought the scene was well done despite the seriously superfluous soapy slap. I think their scenes at the Opry were even better-- especially CB when Rayna was getting emotional introducing her girls and when CE (Deacon) was staring at Rayna during their duet. Such chemistry. Like John Ramos, I think I needed a cigarette too. Put me in line behind madam magpie and others who'll volunteer for slap duty on this one if it happens. But just don't think they'll go there. I am probably wrong but I still think it will be Teddy who gives up his liver. They're backing his politician character in a corner so donating his liver would allow him to either go on an extended leave of absence as mayor (and deflecting any potential scandal with mousy hooker) or maybe he just resigns altogether in the name of 'family sacrifice' before anything hits. And, the writers have already lobotomized Teddy at this point, so what's a liver, too? Seriously, this guy is an idiot. But this is Nashville so who knows? Poor little adorable Daphne. Literally never in the spotlight. At this rate, maybe she'll get a Jan/Marsha Brady type subplot for herself- Maddie Maddie Maddie! I'd rather have a Daphne subplot at this point than Jeff. Unlike others, don't care for him or the Layla/Jeff pairing- serious ick factor for me. I hope they don't make the Maddie/Colt romance bigger in terms of screen time- too many people already. Thought/hoped they were done with evil Pete but clearly not--not good. What was the point of the Bucky/Luke interaction? Never seemed in previous episodes that they really had any sort of friendship- so am assuming at some point that Luke asks Bucky to come to his label? Still loving the SAG trio and that storyline. Would have preferred just the Exes over Triple Exes (or XXXs?). But so enjoy their singing. Anybody else think that as good as SAG sound is- that the ZAG sound was maybe better? Probably in the minority here on that. But the actors have great onstage chemistry and Scarlett, Avery, and Gunnar always seem to be having such a joyful time-it's infectious. I actually think Gunnar has better (nonstage) chemistry with Avery and Will than he had with Scarlett or Zoey. I also would have preferred their showing my man Avery having a bit of concern about being away so close to the pregnancy. As some have noted though, they'll probably gloss over this during this break between new episodes. Since next new scripted episode is April 1st (I think?) - maybe they just move the story ahead 2 or 3 weeks with XXXs returning to Nashville from their gig and Deacon/Rayna dealing with his cancer. So missing Juliette-and Javery. Looking forward to when she's actually back and has more scenes (Her/Layla interaction could be interesting now that they are back on the same label). Do we know yet which episode has the arrival of Juliette/Avery's baby? Show, I know you will at some point, but please don't mess with them or the baby (yet).

Good episode. Think Will Chase is a terrific singer, but nothing they do is going to make me like Luke any better. I guess the producers just love him, though, because he seems to get more of a storyline and more songs to sing than most of the original cast. Would rather they keep Sadie. But looks like Laura Benanti's getting even busier with other projects, so assume she'll continue to be recurring? Loved the studio interaction and music production segments- way more interesting to me to see than those ultra soapy parts of the show. As an Avery fan, always glad to see him getting a story-- and loved his adorable/hot 'bring it' to the evil wife beater. No way they're pairing Avery with Sadie- would be great to see an actual long term friendship between these two. Think any turmoil with Javery is going to be around the challenges of having a family with two musicians pursuing careers. Hope Chip Esten gets some emmy attention. He's doing a great job with (in my view) a loser storyline. Not to mention- he seems to get better looking the sicker he gets. Agree to those who say Eric Close deserves better. Think it will be Teddy that donates the liver. Guess they're not getting rid of Jeff or Layla. Would rather they just pair them up and ship them off to LA... but am assuming they both sign with Luke's new label. Missing Juliette like most others-- but HP does a lot with a little screen time. Where's Emily? Does anyone know- has Hayden come back to work on Nashville yet or is she still on maternity leave?

Based on some of the above posts, looks like they won't drag the 'secret' of Deacon's illness too long. Good. From some of the episode guides to E11 that are posted, looks like Juliette and Avery will get a few episodes of happiness (and provide some comedy). Thinking TPTB will start breaking them up toward the end of this season just as Deacon/Rayna and Scarlett/Gunnar start getting back together. Isn't the 'hot doctor' going to be on in episode 11? Thought maybe he'd be Deacon's doctor and a potential love interest for Scarlett- but maybe he's going to be Layla's doctor? Wonder if they'll create some sort of professional competition between Juliette and Sadie? Looking forward to Juliette being more prominent in the plots coming up.

Just not feeling or believing all of Rayna's angst and sudden truths when all of the things that were happening to her were of her own making. I hope we get a break from Rayna's storyline for awhile. Know she's the star but honestly think she's one of the least interesting main characters at this point (am in the minority am sure). Annoyed that we didn't get longer Javery scenes... couldn't we at least have heard him tell her that he loved her? Am assuming that they are staggering a lot of HP scenes across episodes so that we don't miss Juliette in any episodes once HP has her baby? Am thinking that's the only reason (and how pregnant she is) that we are not seeing more of Juliette. Am also probably in the minority, but just wasn't feeling the Gunnar/Scarlett embrace/moment. Love them and feel the chemistry when they sing together, but that is usually about the only time for me. Love all things Deacon, but seriously, show- major illness? So many other things they could have explored with him. Layla looks pretty dead. Am totally ok with the trade of Sadie for both Layla and Zoey. Though would have preferred they ship Layla off to NY or LA. Enjoyed the song with Sadie and Avery and the fact that it was a scene where they were actually showing people making music. No doubt Avery is going to have some producer issues to deal with regarding Sadie and the rights to her songs and the abusive ex. Will Glenn want Avery to sign a retroactive prenup? Or is there such a thing? Missed Glenn and Emily. Show, please keep Juliette and Avery happy for the rest of the season-- Nashville will likely get a fourth year so you've got plenty to time to break them up again.

Juliette is awesome. Loved her and Emily and Avery, and the SAG song from this episode. And the fact that Zoey's gone. So enjoyed the SAG trio- because you could see just how much they love the music and singing/playing together. To me, the songs where multiple characters perform are the best musical moments on the show. Rayna and Luke are sucking any life out of their scenes/this show. They both look tired. What's happened to Rayna? It's like Invasion of the Body Snatchers III. Like others have posted, questioning the purpose of Sadie (other than it's the actress/singer LB who's great)- but am thinking that she and Juliette will become musical rivals despite being on the same label. Once Juliette has the baby (and show, don't kill that baby) and gets over all those hormones, you just know that sassy ambitious Juliette will re-emerge and she'll be totally focused on getting back to the top... Sadie will likely be in the way. Deacon- snap out of it! Rayna doesn't deserve you- hell, she doesn't deserve Luke. My love continues for Javery. JJ and HP are adorable together, and JJ can do so much with those eyes of his. They better have Avery tell our girl he loves her and can't be without her or am gonna be seriously ticked. And that scene better be more than the 30-45 seconds which is what they usually have in their scenes as opposed to Ruke which often seem like 2 or 3 minutes (or hours). Hoping in the second half of the season that we get more songs from Gunnar, Scarlett, Avery, and Juliette. Seems like they've had fewer thus far in S3. Oliver Hudson is only 38? Wow. Is the Ruke wedding supposed to be in this next show or in the show after the winter break?

Got the album and it's excellent overall. Great rock music - beautiful, heartfelt writing and musical arrangements. Agree with the glowing review.I never really watched JJ on GH so only started following him on Nashville. Now I can't explain it but I've become a huge fan girl of his (and I am too old probably but can't help myself). Have listened to some of his Enation previous songs too- and some of them are amazing- Feel this and Eyes of Grace come to mind. His piano and guitar playing on this record are incredible- and he's got amazing vocal range. With so many talented singers on Nashville whose styles probably better fit the show's country theme and genres, I don't see him getting as many singing opportunities now in the show. I guess his songs on the show don't sell as well on iTunes, but I do hope they'll use his talents and continue to show him writing/playing/producing with the other actors.

Am done trying to make logic of most of these storylines and how useless/contrived many of the plot devices and characters are (the fake son, the mayor & his hooker, among several ) and how bad some of the acting (i.e. zzzzZoey) is. Still rooting for the show despite it all. Sometimes, Nashville, I feel like the cowboy in Brokeback Mountain-- "I wish I could quit you". But can't just yet so- Good episode compared to much of this season. Eric Close did a good job directing and somehow the writers were able to include in this episode all of the 97 characters that we're supposed to care about in this show. Maybe give Eric a deal to direct more shows and send Teddy to D.C. for a special task force? Deacon/Scarlett were sweet. I'm always in for Deacon and Chip Esten's gruff integrity and overall hotness. This is a man- even when he's still pining for Rayna. Didn't Scarlett's eyelashes look kinda large? Just saying. Too much Rayna/St Rayna. Miss the Rayna who could be a bit sarcastic and sassy. No shock that she got to win everything- it's Connie Britton's show I guess. Like many, still rooting for her- but we get her (and the insipid Luke Wheeler) and their extended storyline at the exclusion of all the others. Even the promos are only about them. And it looks like we get another song from them next episode- why- when so many others have hardly gotten to perform this season? Do the writers and producers know something we don't? Hoping that after her big win this year we get to see less of Rayna as a performer/star and just focusing on managing her label. Her last speech was lovely-somewhat of a feminist manifesto at the end. My biggest fear for the inevitable Rayna/Luke breakup is that we'll have to start following Luke as his own character/storyline. I just think his character has brought this show down. Looks like they'll put him with Sadie but that's yet another storyline that will take time away from the core characters. Have hardly gotten any music yet from Gunnar or Avery compared to the others. Would much rather hear their more authentic songs than Luke Wheeler's or some of those more commercial country songs they've been using this season. Miss the folk/Americana vibe of music from S1 and much of S2. Like a lot of the posters, loved the Juliette/Avery parts and still in mainly for them. HP and JJ simply bring it. The zipper scene, as some noted, was so sensual and they had more chemistry in a few seconds than most of the other 'couples' have had in all their scenes combined. The looks they gave each other when he openly commented about his dad then realized he had been like him was great. And when she told him they were having a girl- so damn sweet. The two characters I think work as a couple because they are flawed people who really do make each other better. They better get these two together soon so we can at least see them happy for about 2 or 3 shows before something awful happens again. Hoping Avery works with Juliette on her album and we hear some of their music. Nashville probably isn't popular enough, but at this point just wish they'd give Hayden her own show as Juliette in a spin-off. After Juliette's inevitable comeback, I sorta wish she'd pull a Taylor Swift move and go to NY or LA to pursue pop/rock music and/or movies. Or maybe Las Vegas could give her one of those long term concert deals (ala Brittany Spears). Take Avery and the baby with you, Juliette- and Glen and Emily, too. I'd be on board with that. John Ramos' recaps on this site are the best. So enjoy reading the posts of all the fans on this board - their passion for the show, their favorite characters, and all the snark.

Can't find all the terrific posts I read earlier to directly cite/reply to but commenting on but a few things for speculation below: - not on spoiler tv yet, but hypable.com has some additional photos for the episode 8 coming up Wed. Some of y'all may have seen all of these- I had not. Good pix to speculate on, but clearly this episode won't do Rayna/Luke in but hopefully keeps sowing seeds of doubt for the Rayna and the wedding. - LIke some others, my first thought about Layla and her "finding comfort/solace from a surprising source" was Jeff. Unfortunately, since (in my view) this show continues to try to shock the viewers at the expense of the characters, am guessing it might actually be Gunnar or Avery- which would make me sick (especially it it's Avery). What I HOPE is that the surprising source is actually Juliette or Scarlett or another female character. Couldn't care less about Layla- but if they insist on keeping her, the girl needs an actual friend (and seems like none of the stronger female leads actually HAVE friends) since her only friend now appears to be Will, the source of most of her misery. - Read somewhere that the 11th episode (filming now?) that airs in January is called "I'm bad at saying Goodbye" or something like that. Still not convinced it's the official end of Ruke (but maybe end of the wedding happening during that time) -- and don't see any character (unfortunately) ACTUALLY leaving the show.. so could it possibly be Gunnar/Zoey that officially breaks up? There's pix on twitter of Gunnar bonding with his 'son' while the two of them play guitar for the episode. - Based on above and other notes, E11 S3 also appears to have hospital scenes. I am thinking that that's either Juliette and the baby and/or a Deacon medical issue. Am thinking E 10 cliffhanger maybe gives 2 medical situations we're supposed to see before the winter break. - But then again, have no idea.

Agreeing with the posts so far. So rooting for Juliette and Avery. Their scenes together are wonderful. When they argue, they're great- and those scenes - when he's intensely watching her as she's singing-and she's beaming when he shows up- are perfect. So sick and tired of Luke/Rayna... do the producers and two actors know that we don't want them together- so they just demonstrate 'no chemistry'? Or is it that the producers actually think we care about them as a couple and think they have chemistry? Still can't figure that out. I know people all love Connie Britton- and I do too- but just not buying her character selling out like that and her angst and regret when it's all angst/regret that SHE created. Where's the strong Rayna who makes tough choices? Don't care about Scarlett/Terry but enjoyed the song. Don't remotely care about Gunnar/Zoey/Gunnar's alleged family but hoping it just gets us one step closer to Scarlett/Gunnar duets. Interesting turn with the Layla/Will thing being turned against Layla in the reality show that she insisted on.. good to see Will back with Gunnar/the other characters. Still watching for Juliette, Avery, and Deacon. They're the only characters of the original six musicians that are flawed and make mistakes and yet I still root for them.

Lilybee, I agree with you about Avery. I don't like how they've written these first few episodes of S3 (almost all of the plotlines disappoint me, but especially Avery and Rayna), but I do think JJackson has played it pretty well. Think he's playing Avery as a guy who loves her so much that it hurts and so he's lashing out at her and others around him. I do wish though there'd be a scene for Avery where he apologizes to his friends and sort of admits the mistakes he's made. Both Jonathan and Hayden can cry convincingly at the drop of a hat- they're perfect for each other. For the CMA awards show episode that's coming, I hope Avery and Juliette decide NOT to go then wind up winning. I know this is only a TV show, but I do think their song, "Don't put dirt.." is far better than the other Nashville songs nominated. It really is a great anthem. I recall in S1- there was also an end of the year awards (I think there are 2 in country, yes? The one in Nov is CMA- the one in May, I think, is Academy of Country music?) In the S1 awards show, I seem to recall Juliette campaigning like crazy for one of the awards. How ironic now that it's going to be Rayna doing all the desperate campaigning this time. I 'd be very surprised if either Rayna or Luke win Entertainer of the Year. That's the most prestigious one, isn't it? I don't think in real life a woman has ever won that award. I'd go for Garsha as the Garth/Trisha name. Do either of them make music anymore? I like their music a lot better than the Fla/GA lines and Luke Bryan of these days...

I am wondering about the spoilers posted about Juliette and Avery (their marrying), Deacon getting ill, and Gunnar finding out that that little boy isn't his. Are these all supposed to happen BEFORE the winter break? Am assuming last episode before the holidays will be either Dec 3 or Dec 10.How does dark ufo get these spoilers? All 3 are pretty revealing so just a bit surprised by the detail. Also saw it reported by Eonline about 'a wedding will happen but it won't be Rayna/Luke', so am assuming Juliette/Avery is the only logical choice - but then again this is Nashville..is there anyone else it could be?. And of course if Juliette and Avery do marry, they'll probably only be happy for about two episodes. As others may have stated, they might just have the baby die which would likely drive them apart. But if the viewing schedule for the show is similar to last year, and what with Hayden P likely to give birth in Dec (not sure if that is so but looks that way), might they marry off J/A and then give them both a few episodes off? Wondering how Hayden's pregnancy/delivery will impact how much we see Juliette.... - As for Gunnar, think many of us saw that coming with the kid possibly being his brother's, but since I just don't care about it. Giving Deacon a disease seems downright cliché/incredibly soapy/a desperate plot device, even for Nashville. But Charles Esten would surely act the hell out of it. He's so good and he, Juliette, and Avery are these days the main reason I watch.

Has anybody gotten the new album by Jonathan and his band (Enation)- Radio Cinematic? I have heard that it's excellent... but was curious also how it's selling...

Much to my shock, kind of liked this episode. Two pretty good songs. I can't stand Luke- but Will Chase is a good singer and enjoyed the Sara Evans duet and loved Deacon's song (and all things Deacon). We all know Pam is a pit stop for Deacon- but she at least is giving him a perspective. But I do think there is something up with Pam and her constant text msgs. This episode in my view opened the door for a Luke/Rayna break up / call off the wedding- but maybe it being a mutual thing or even Luke calling it off. Luke is a lot more controlling and image conscious and it's going to really show in the next few episodes. Teddy, seriously? I think Gunnar's earlier line/opinion to Avery about 'cheating isn't the end of the world' will be tested because he'll find that the mother of 'his kid" cheated on him. Don't care about Zoey/Gunnar so don't care how Zoey reacts to the kid issue- except thinking this eventually breaks them up and opens the door for Scarlett/Gunna- which am all for it if leads to more S/G duets. Not a fan of the Scarlett storyline with Mykelti W. He's a great singer- she's a great singer. But we need another of the main characters to interact for me to care about the story- the actress for me can't pull this off on her own. Was sweet seeing Juliette being Juliette again and firing Zoey- though technically there was no tour for her to be fired from. And am still rooting big for Juliette and Avery. I didn't see Avery's reaction to Juliette as trying to get custody of their child. I saw it as Avery saying to Juliette that he has another choice than what Juliette gave him- and that is - to choose not to be with Juliette but still be a father to their child and be in the baby's life. I saw Juliette's proclamation of his being the father as an acknowledgement that she accepts those conditions. So I was hopeful for A/J-- at least Avery is not being a complete ass and drunk and Juliette continues to grow up. Is Derek Hough's arc of episodes over? Didn't mind him that much, but if they continue to keep him around, they need to make him more flawed than what they are portraying him to be- he is to good to be true in the show.

Some speculations: - Avery will clean up his act, but I think the writers are going to delve more into Avery's psyche/demons. Avery seems to have lost his confidence- and I think the writers are going to try and explore why. Don't like it -but think that is where they're going (hope not). Read somewhere that there had been a discussion of Avery's parents showing up sometime this season. If that is the case, then I think it will either be an alcohol/drug intervention OR them visiting him and learning of his pending fatherhood. Think will be the latter- and I think- as seemingly all the characters on this show do- he has some parental issues- probably his dad emotionally abused him/always put him down. I think in the first episode this season- when Avery told Scarlett how he always thought someone better for her would come along- that might have been an indicator. Also- looks like we'll see more of what Juliette went through as a kid...which will reinforce how they're both damaged souls. - I think it will be LUKE- not Rayna- who will either postpone or call off the wedding. I think he'll either finally see that Rayna isn't really committed to him, or they'll take a pause from each other- not closing the door on their relationship but postponing things which still keeps both Luke and Deacon in the mix. This will be part of the winter finale this Nov/Dec. - Timeline check- didn't the season 2 finale end (in real time and in the plot) in May- with Rayna's album coming out during the time of the season finale? Seems like we've gone about 3 weeks in time in season 3. Luke/Rayna are marrying now in November, yes? So am assuming they are going to move the plot along a little faster in time over these next few episodes- so they can finally start showing fully pregnant Juliette and getting closer to the wedding and this will be shown in Nov/Dec. - I think Juliette will carry the baby to term but then lose it-- since she/Avery must be unhappy at all times. This will drive them apart again after they were starting to reconnect- and they'll both go on to other useless love interests. - I don't really care much about Gunnar, Zoey, or Scarlett (except when they sing) but I too think that the kid of Gunnar's first love is his brother's child. I do think it will break up Zoey/Gunnar and eventually bring Gunnar and Scarlett together. - I just can't see this show going more than 4 seasons...so the writers need to start figuring out how they want this show to end.

WIth you Youngy. Just don't understand what the writers and producers are doing with this show and these characters. Too many characters that I don't care about- and then there are characters that I do care about doing things NOT in character. Hate what they are doing in particular with Rayna and Avery. The writers could have gone in a hundred different better ways with the two main storylines- and this is how they go? Can't see the Avery of last year behaving in this way for THIS long. Jonathan Jackson is killing it as pathetic, drunken Avery but am so sick of this route the writers are taking. Also, bored with Zoey and Gunnar. Only interested in them and Scarlett when they sing. Still hoping it improves and still watching for Juliette (who is the show, in my opinion), Avery, and Deacon, but not sure for how much longer. Sure hope they right the ship soon.