S04.E14: What I Cannot Change

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Juliette Barnes returns to Nashville after receiving her postpartum depression treatment; Layla courts a country music superstar to try and secure a slot on her tour; Rayna looks to take up a worthy cause.

 

Promo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaGgheRifcA

[WhosThatGirl]

Juliette is BACK! Wooo! I seriously missed her more than words can describe and I adore seeing Hayden on screen. She looks better on screen now and I am no longer worried for her, personally, back to the show..

 

I am so glad Juliette came clean about her postpartum depression. Also now that she has said this at press conference, what the hell is the point of Layla wants revenge plot? I hate it and don't understand the point of it now. Juliette isn't hiding her issue anymore.  Layla is the worst. I laughed when Autumn chose the EXs instead of her.

 

Ugh. Frankie and drinking..again. Snooze fest. 

 

Luke is becoming awesome-possibly, again? I know right before he married Rayna I liked him and then felt bad for him when Rayna decided to not get married the DAY OF!- and the fact that he is letting Will sing again on his label, yay! I hope Will gets to win one. Also, I'm glad Luke listened to Colt. 

 

Why does this show keep trying to make me care about things I don't? Vita, Frankie, etc, Layla,ugh. 

 

I am so, so happy Juliette and Hayden are back on this show! I can only hope we are getting Javery back soon.

[NYGirl]

Poor Layla...can't catch a break.  I'm really really happy for Will. 

 

Welcome back Juliette!!  

 

I'm glad Frankie's lapse only lasted one day.  I couldn't take any more.

 

Bye bye Colt.

[dbell1]

I think Frankie is drinking because of having a bar called "The Beverly". Change the name and lots of people get sober.

Sucks to be Layla. She might be trying to create Juliette's life, but it's not happening. Though I'm not sure how the stage presence of "The Exes" was so riveting. Must have been Scarlet's tambourine skills.

And the best for last: WELCOME BACK Hayden!! She looks radiant and healthy. Avery crying outside the nursery door just broke my heart though. She better make tracks to get her husband back soon.

And happy things are going Will's way again. Guess it's time for the Luke Wheeler redemption arc. I'm in, only if he gets Juliette to go apologize to Layla for the Fordham Fall.

[TVFAN]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hayden's back, and she looks healthy and radiant!  I'm really digging her shorter hair cut.  Juliette and Avery!!!!!!!!  Juliette and Cadence!!!!!!!!!  Juliette and Emily!!!!!!!!!!!!  Come home, Glenn!  I want some Juliette and Glenn, too.  The show was 1000% percent better this week.

 

Yay!!!!!!!!!  Will is back with Luke.  I like Luke, and I like Will.  Now, let's hit the road and play some rowdy music.  I'm tired of sad songs.

 

Yay!   Scarlett and Gunnar got the gig!  I enjoy their music.  (Although I like it even better when Avery joins in.)

 

Layla and new people whose names I cannot even remember, you bore me.  Go far, far away.

[Fisher King]

I'm not sure how the stage presence of "The Exes" was so riveting. Must have been Scarlet's tambourine skills.

 

Bwahahaha!  Fine, ex-bohemian-like tambourinists are in such short supply.

 

I'd almost forgotten how great Gunnar & Scarlet are singing together. Too bad we couldn't hear more than 25 seconds of that song, which was apparently enough to convince the woman (Alicia Witt} to pick them instead of Layla. I just can't anymore with G & S giving the serious, intense, I-want-to-do-you-right-now stares at each other while singing the slow ballads. Just stop it. Your attempts at relationships never last for more than 25 seconds. Knock it off.

 

Poor Layla. The show is really trying to push her into another psychotic state. They just don't know what to do with her character. At least Will had 25 seconds of acceptance tonight from Luke. It's about time. Glad you had the same quality time with Colton, dad.

Well, looks like 25 seconds is all the airtime Vita was allowed on this show. Obviously enough time for Rayna to decide to start a "Save the Troubled Musicians Who Live in Their Cars While Thieving & Lying About It" campaign. Maybe the charity will be a huge success - unlike Highway 65.

 

Juliette is back! It took all of 25 seconds of singing so sweetly to Cady to allow her to earn Avery's trust. Of course next week will see Juliette yearning to be back on stage again.

 

It only took about 25 seconds for Frankie to undo 15 years of sobriety. Who didn't see that coming?

 

I'm happy to have been spared Maddie & Daphne's whiny angst tonight. Their singing together is angelic & always welcomed. Their acting is another story. They're not bad actors, they just need more than 25 seconds of decent script.

 

Despite what I just wrote, I actually enjoyed this episode.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Fisher King

[WhosThatGirl]

Seriously, I've been feeling meh on this show but then Juliette comes back and it's like a switch was turned on. I love seeing Juliette embrace motherhood, it makes me happy and then reminds me of how much I hated the postpartum storyline. I also want Glen and Juliette scenes stat! Layla just bugs the hell out of me now, eating up stupid screen time at this point and sorry she will never had the relationship Glen had with Juliette. What is Nashville thinking?!?!?!

[rachel1496]

When Juliette's new agent yelled hello he sounded exactly like Deacon and for a second I thought the writers remembered that she had a good friend who was also an addict, had also been to rehab and would probably want to check up on her.  That was silly of me.  Clearly Deacon has more important things to do, like hang out in his sad dead sister bar with the long time friend/sponsor who has never been mentioned before and his friend's daughter, Replacement Blonde.

 

I miss the good old days when these people interacted with each other.

[Kathemy]

Newsflash to Layla: If you want to seal an opening act position you don't take your potential employer to a concert with the greatest country duo currently not on tour in America.

[AnnaRose]

Newsflash to Layla: If you want to seal an opening act position you don't take your potential employer to a concert with the greatest country duo currently not on tour in America.

 

Ha!  Yeah.  It was such great karmic justice since she took her there because she was basically stalking Avery... and he failed to show and then she lost the tour opportunity.

[LotusFlower]

Rayna's speech at the police station about being an advocate for Vita was such a Tammy Taylor moment. I can't help it - that made me smile.

I also loved Hayden being back. Um, that was a kind of loud lullaby she sang to her baby, but Avery seemed to like it, so there's that.

[GaT]

I can't imagine why this show thinks I could possibly be interested in Frankie & his drinking problem or Colt & his daddy issues.

[Kathemy]

Ha!  Yeah.  It was such great karmic justice since she took her there because she was basically stalking Avery... and he failed to show and then she lost the tour opportunity.

It was also sort of karmic justice for Layla intentionally sabotaging Scarlett's career way back.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

It was pleasantly surprising to see Layla act so normal and friendly with Gunnar and Avery at the beginning of the episode. I knew it wouldn't last! I'm probably supposed to be feel sorry for Layla not getting booked as Autumn's opening act, but I really have a hard time feeling bad for someone who just last week was scheming to hook up with Avery in order to get back at Juliette.

 

Hayden looked gorgeous tonight. I am fine with Avery not wanting to give Juliette more time with Cadence the day that she checked out of treatment. Like he said, she was doing better while she was in a very controlled environment which is different from real life. As much as Juliettet wants to spend more time with her daughter, Avery's first priority is their child's safety so moving forward with caution is the smart thing to do.

 

Poor Will - I know that no one is purposely trying to avoid him, but it sucks when every time you try to talk to someone or work with someone, they run off. The person who has the suckiest excuse is Luke. All he had to do was say, "Yes, you can have the rights for your songs," or "No, you signed a contract so you can't have those songs," before he left. The end. Colt is still three months away from turning 18 so it's not like he was going to run off in the next hour.

 

My issue with Colt joining the army is that he hasn't finished high school and he isn't 18. If my kid said he wanted to run off and join the circus (or do anything else), I would have the same issue. Finish high school and then you can join the army. I know Colt said he was going to take the GED but what is the big rush? He can join the army in a few months after he's done with high school. It's not like if he goes three months sooner he is going to save the world tomorrow.

 

Best Deacon moment this week was when he sent Cash home so she wouldn't have to see him wrestle her drunk dad off the stage. I can't believe that Frankie managed to guilt trip Deacon into apologizing. Sorry I saved your dive bar that was going under and turned it into a place where people are actually willing to pay money to come see singers so that you can stay in business.

[Soup333]

It was also sort of karmic justice for Layla intentionally sabotaging Scarlett's career way back.

 

I laughed with pure glee when this happened. Karma is only a bitch if you are. She was jealous of Scarlett for being Will's friend. 

[Bort]

Does that even count, though? That was like, three Layla-personality changes ago.

I'm still on the fence about Layla because while she's apparently plotting and scheming, she hasn't actually pulled the trigger on anything yet. I can't really hold against her things she's only thought about doing. So far, all she's done is hire Avery as her producer -- something he actually needed, since he's been eking by on jingle commercials.

I'd complain about all the buildup on Frankie being wasted by it coming to a head so fast in one episode but I'm just glad it's over because I didn't care. At least, I hope it's over.

[airwair]

I seriously want these bit side players gone immediately.

I cannot force myself to care about Layla, Luke, or Frankie. That said, drunk Frankie will never rise to the occasion of drunk Deacon crawling across a lawn on all fours.

I bet Cash was sorely disappointed Maddie wasn't around for her to make sad rescue-me-with-your-lips eyes towards while her dad got smashed.

I didn't wait four seasons for a cheesy wedding to watch Rayna and Deacon onscreen for 20 seconds an episode, and certainly not for it to always be a "good morning/missed you last night/how'd ____ go?" situation. Pretty sure there's more to marriage.

Avery really irritated me last night. For starters, while I get he's leery, it's not like Juliette came over and was like "pack her bag I want her for the weekend!" She only asked for more time. He could've given her an extra day and said that Emily had to be present, but instead he went right with NO.

So then of course she throws herself into work and his response is "but I thought you wanted more time with Cadence?!?!"

You told her no, dude. Can the girl win?

[Primetimer]

Some relationships reach détente this week -- including one involving this lady.

Read the story

[Bwill3133]

Welcome back Juliette Barnes and Hayden!!! I loved her scenes with Cadence. Its nice to see Juliette embracing motherhood. I am glad she told the truth at the press conference. (except the Jeff part) But if they are willing to forget I am too. Avery being skeptical of Juliette's parenting is understandable because she was so unstable for so long. I'm glad he let her see her at the end. 

 

So glad Will got a win this episode. Luke letting him back on the label is the happiest he has been in weeks! Even though the poor thing couldn't find anyone to write with because they were busy. He did crack me up with his face with Avery ranting about Juliette. 

 

Layla, you've heard The Exes sing right? Of course Alicia Witt is going to take them on tour with her and not you! I can't say I feel all that sad for her. She is trying to use Avery but hasn't really succeeded yet. All of her plans are just falling apart. 

[Soup333]

Does that even count, though? That was like, three Layla-personality changes ago.

I'm still on the fence about Layla because while she's apparently plotting and scheming, she hasn't actually pulled the trigger on anything yet. I can't really hold against her things she's only thought about doing. So far, all she's done is hire Avery as her producer -- something he actually needed, since he's been eking by on jingle commercials.

I'd complain about all the buildup on Frankie being wasted by it coming to a head so fast in one episode but I'm just glad it's over because I didn't care. At least, I hope it's over.

 

Should it count? Well, hell. Everybody else on this show pays for their screwups. Certain characters pay for years and years. 

[Sandman]

I feel for Avery, even up to the point of "... but you JUST SAID you wanted more time with your daughter." Even if he ought to know by now that Juliette's response to personal stresses is to throw herself into work. (Is that the healthiest response for Juliette? Probably not. Is it the most Juliette-like of all Juliette things? Yup.)

 

But, much as I loved their détente (and the fact that they seem to be starting to actually communicate), I'm fairly certain that the screenwriter for this episode owes Aaron Sorkin a dollar for "I didn't change my mind so you'd let me spend more time with Cadence."/ "I didn't let you spend more time with Cadence so you'd change your mind." Maybe two dollars.

 

Frankie Feels Sad, Falls Off Wagon (... And We Don't Care) might be the shortest plot-thread this show's ever had that didn't involve an undercooked new personality for Layla. I don't care about her constant stream of angst. And now the show's front-loading Juliette's new manager, and Autumn Awesome, the best country singer no one's ever heard of until now? Do. NOT. WANT. Just let me listen to the Exes harmonizing, lady! Gunnar and Scarlett's latest song sounded beautiful, for the verse-and-a-bit we got to hear.

 

ETA: Will stands up for himself! Yay. Luke quits acting like a putz around Will! Yay! Will and Avery and the Exes inch closer to forming the supergroup of my dreams -- don't tease me, show!

Edited April 7, 2016 by Sandman

[dmc]

Juliette's Back! Okay this show needs her.

Don't care about Vita

Layla is CRAZY! She and Avery hung out once for work. Why is she setting her hopes on him? Layla is the kind of girl that always needs to be attached to some guy.

[LotusFlower]

I can't imagine why this show thinks I could possibly be interested in Frankie & his drinking problem or Colt & his daddy issues.

 

Re: Colt - I'm guessing the show doesn't care either, and they just cooked up the army angle as a way to get rid of the character.  They seem to do that pretty regularly.

[Bort]

I wonder if they're going to take Colt in the Army just far enough that the actor has to shave his head.

I actually want to give props to the network promo people. All week, the ad they had running made it seem like Juliette was just going to clam up at the press conference and run off, so the fact that she instead confessed her personal problems was a nice surprise.

[Sandman]

But doesn't pulling out of a high-profile movie project like that at the press conference called to announce her participation mean that Juliette's essentially torpedoing her career in Hollywood?

[beeblebrox]

Alicia Witt looked so different. Did she jack up her face? Is her acting rusty? She sounded as bad as Hillary Clinton acting on Broad City a few weeks ago. Hayden's return made the show watchable again. It was so nice not to have the whiny sisters on again. I can't wait for the fallout of the Army decision on Maddie. This show has been so boring lately. Conniving Layla's even boring.  

[Soup333]

I wonder if they're going to take Colt in the Army just far enough that the actor has to shave his head

 

I hope not. I don't know if anyone has noticed but that boy has some really beautiful eyelashes.

 

But doesn't pulling out of a high-profile movie project like that at the press conference called to announce her participation mean that Juliette's essentially torpedoing her career in Hollywood?

 

I thought the same thing. But maybe in the Nashville-verse people will have sympathy for her for discussing something so personal and making the decision to do what was best for her and her child instead of taking that very tempting offer.

[vendredi3]

Rayna's kids were credits-only. The episode was practically the best one this season. Coincidence??? 

[candall]

Rayna's little speech to the detective was a nice balance of respect and confrontation.  Sad truth that overworked social workers/public servants have too many case files and the squeaky wheels tend to get greased. (I'm going to snort, however, if Rayna decides to use her celebrity to "Achieve Good"  and thereby saves Vita somehow as the upshot.)

 

Luke and Will made my eyes well up.  More of that, please, Luke, country music biz, er, all of America, and so on.

Edited April 7, 2016 by candall

[Sandman]

Sad truth that overworked social workers/public servants have too many case files and the squeaky wheels tend to get greased. (I'm going to snort, however, if Rayna decides to use her celebrity to "Achieve Good"  and thereby saves Vita somehow as the upshot.)

 

Get out your snortin' gear, candall, buddy, say I. I'm guessing all the funds from the Takin' In Strays label (a new division of Highway 65 Enterprises) are going to be dedicated to Foregone Conclusion House for the musically inclined but economically disadvantaged. (Big fundraiser concert starring Juliette Barnes as the season finale?)

[DeLurker]

And that is a storyline that further expands the staff.  whee.

[Sutton]

Hope we know soon if we're going to get a 5th season because I can't wait for the new writers Zwick/Herskowitz to start writing and getting this series back on track. Expanding the characters only takes away from the favorite characters we all want to see in each weeks episodes. Anyone have any info about Nashville being renewed?

[GaT]

Alicia Witt looked so different. Did she jack up her face? 

I noticed that too, I think it might be her hair, I'm used to seeing her red hair.

[airwair]

Hope we know soon if we're going to get a 5th season because I can't wait for the new writers Zwick/Herskowitz to start writing and getting this series back on track. Expanding the characters only takes away from the favorite characters we all want to see in each weeks episodes. Anyone have any info about Nashville being renewed?

TV By the Numbers upgraded us from "likely to be cancelled" to "toss up."

The state also released their tax plan to fund the series and keep it in Tennessee should it be renewed. It's a plan that mirrors last year's and it is kind of premature--the show was renewed ahead of state negotiations the last two years.

Between these things and the announcement of new show runners I am far more optimistic than I was a month ago, but it's certainly not a done deal by a long shot.

I noticed that too, I think it might be her hair, I'm used to seeing her red hair.

She looked so bad that I busted out laughing at the idea that she's supposed to be some Faith Hill/Martina McBride type megastar.

[gryphon]

 

I bet Cash was sorely disappointed Maddie wasn't around for her to make sad rescue-me-with-your-lips eyes towards while her dad got smashed.

I am SO glad I'm not the only one who thinks that Cash is kind of in love with Maddie....and glad that Maddie wasn't that much involved in this episode. 

Welcome back Juliette! It's a long road, but I hope Juliette and Avery can become friends someday....I was hoping Will and Avery would show up at the Bluebird...I like seeing all of them together.  

And I still hate the Beverly. Ugh, that name.  

[Kathemy]

 

Layla, you've heard The Exes sing right? Of course Alicia Witt is going to take them on tour with her and not you! 

I don't know... It's only like choosing between a vintage mint condition Bentley and a rusty Hyundai.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Telepath

[Soup333]

I don't know... It's only like choosing between a vintage mint condition Bentley and a rusty Hyundai.

 

What an insult to Hyundais!

[dargosmydaddy]

The only thing that excited me about this episode was that Gunnar seemed to have gotten a bit of a haircut and looked much less ridiculous than usual.

 

I think I need to quit this show...

[Irlandesa]

I've been hating this show and when Hayden took her break, I decided to take one too.  I watched last night because she was back and who the hell are all these people? It felt like I didn't know half the cast.  I wasn't gone that long.  It's ridiculous. 

It did make for a quick viewing experience because I can barely be bothered with the regulars.  I wasn't going to put in the effort to care about the newbies. 

[vibeology]

I've always been a big Layla fan, but I don't think she's up to anything evil. I think she went after Avery to produce so she could get an in with Juliette but when it turns out there isn't anything there, she doesn't really have anything planned. I think she's mostly an upset, lonely girl who doesn't have very many people in her life and as a result is latched on a little too tightly to Avery. She had Jeff last year as a sounding board for every issue and now with him gone, she's just flailing for some connection and is thwarted at every turn. Connects with Avery who doesn't show up or take her call, connects with Alicia Witt who choses someone else for her tour. It's actually very sad.

 

Since I do not care about Frankie that's most of the episode written off. The Vida thing is also very stupid and it makes Rayna look like a moron to be surprised that crime happens and goes unsolved every day. When Rayna was talking to Vida a few episodes back she tried to compare her struggles to Vida's and I just laughed. Rayna honestly has no idea about how lucky and privileged she is to come from her family and all that money. Every step in this story only serves to make Rayna seem less and less aware of the world around her and how so many people actually have to live. I kind of hate her for it and wish Vida would be found just so she can stop showing her ass.

 

Juliette returning is exciting. I'm glad Hayden seems better and I was proud of Juliette for telling the truth at that press conference. I think her acting career is probably still safe; pulling out of a movie last minute is very bad but her reason will earn her public support enough to give her some cover.

[airwair]

I've always been a big Layla fan, but I don't think she's up to anything evil. I think she went after Avery to produce so she could get an in with Juliette but when it turns out there isn't anything there, she doesn't really have anything planned. I think she's mostly an upset, lonely girl who doesn't have very many people in her life and as a result is latched on a little too tightly to Avery. She had Jeff last year as a sounding board for every issue and now with him gone, she's just flailing for some connection and is thwarted at every turn. Connects with Avery who doesn't show up or take her call, connects with Alicia Witt who choses someone else for her tour. It's actually very sad.

Since I do not care about Frankie that's most of the episode written off. The Vida thing is also very stupid and it makes Rayna look like a moron to be surprised that crime happens and goes unsolved every day. When Rayna was talking to Vida a few episodes back she tried to compare her struggles to Vida's and I just laughed. Rayna honestly has no idea about how lucky and privileged she is to come from her family and all that money. Every step in this story only serves to make Rayna seem less and less aware of the world around her and how so many people actually have to live. I kind of hate her for it and wish Vida would be found just so she can stop showing her ass.

Juliette returning is exciting. I'm glad Hayden seems better and I was proud of Juliette for telling the truth at that press conference. I think her acting career is probably still safe; pulling out of a movie last minute is very bad but her reason will earn her public support enough to give her some cover.

I've long thought that Maddie would have been better off being raised with Deacon as her father, even if he wasn't with Rayna. It could've added a level of depth and reality to her that she wasn't afforded growing up in her sheltered bubble of money with Rayna and Teddy.

Yes, Deacon has money but he's been notoriously frugal with it. It seems the cabin and his guitar collection have been his only big splurges, he lived in a beautiful yet modest craftsman, and he drove the same car for years until it was totaled. He clearly came from meager means and I think Maddie could've really benefited from being around someone that financially grounded. Instead she's turned out like she's turned out and if it's not mental illness than her similar world view of Rayna's is definitely a result of being a spoiled brat.

Edited April 8, 2016 by airwair

[Sandman]

I'm glad Hayden seems better and I was proud of Juliette for telling the truth at that press conference. I think her acting career is probably still safe; pulling out of a movie last minute is very bad but her reason will earn her public support enough to give her some cover.

 

It occurs to me that Juliette's being quite upfront about her treatment and her struggles with addictions and postpartum depression might have been influenced by Panettiere's own experience. I can see her not wanting to drag out Juliette's secrecy about her postpartum depression for the sake of amping up the drama. I'm speculating, of course, but it does seem to me that the actress could have decided (and perhaps even convinced the showrunners) that it's more responsible to show a character talking about her mental health than experiencing shame and plot-driven angst about it.

[Bobcatkitten]

Alicia Witt looked rough. I think they could have found a better actress for that role.

 

Also, Vita? I had to laugh at Deacon in the staff meeting talking about how everyone must be upset. What? Didn't she work like exactly two shifts? Same with Rayna - she knew her literally for a few days. 

[Kathemy]

I've long thought that Maddie would have been better off being raised with Deacon as her father, even if he wasn't with Rayna. It could've added a level of depth and reality to her that she wasn't afforded growing up in her sheltered bubble of money with Rayna and Teddy.

Yes, Deacon has money but he's been notoriously frugal with it. It seems the cabin and his guitar collection have been his only big splurges, he lived in a beautiful yet modest craftsman, and he drove the same car for years until it was totaled. He clearly came from meager means and I think Maddie could've really benefited from being around someone that financially grounded. Instead she's turned out like she's turned out and if it's not mental illness than her similar world view of Rayna's is definitely a result of being a spoiled brat.

Words cannot say how much I agree with this post. Bravo.

[Clemgo3165]

I've long thought that Maddie would have been better off being raised with Deacon as her father, even if he wasn't with Rayna. It could've added a level of depth and reality to her that she wasn't afforded growing up in her sheltered bubble of money with Rayna and Teddy.

Yes, Deacon has money but he's been notoriously frugal with it. It seems the cabin and his guitar collection have been his only big splurges, he lived in a beautiful yet modest craftsman, and he drove the same car for years until it was totaled. He clearly came from meager means and I think Maddie could've really benefited from being around someone that financially grounded. Instead she's turned out like she's turned out and if it's not mental illness than her similar world view of Rayna's is definitely a result of being a spoiled brat.

 

If they make it to a 5th season, I'd love to see Maddie spending some time with people who actually did have rough childhoods - Scarlett, Juliette, Deacon - all come to mind. If her worst experience is not being able to get the kind of contract she wants at 16 then she's doing pretty well I think.

[LadyMustang65]

My issue with Colt joining the army is that he hasn't finished high school and he isn't 18. If my kid said he wanted to run off and join the circus (or do anything else), I would have the same issue. Finish high school and then you can join the army. I know Colt said he was going to take the GED but what is the big rush? He can join the army in a few months after he's done with high school. It's not like if he goes three months sooner he is going to save the world tomorrow.

 

Why did I think that Colt had dropped out of high school when he went to stay with his grandfather?  He'll be 18 in 3 months and wouldn't need his dad's permission, but I thought either way he'd need to get his GED to graduate. 

[Readalot]

Hope we know soon if we're going to get a 5th season because I can't wait for the new writers Zwick/Herskowitz to start writing and getting this series back on track. Expanding the characters only takes away from the favorite characters we all want to see in each weeks episodes. Anyone have any info about Nashville being renewed?

holy shit my favorite TV writers are taking over? YAHOO!

[thuganomics85]

She's back!  Juliette is back!!  I'm so happy.  Partially because I just find the character entertaining and interesting; even when she's being a jerk; but also because it's just great to see Hayden Panetterie again, after all the issues she had to deal with in real life.  When Juliette began talking about suffering postpartum depression, it really felt like Hayden and her feelings were showing through, and it made the scene work even better.  I suspect Juliette won't be like this for long; I'm sure she'll act like a jerk from time to time; but I really hope they take her character into a better direction going forward.  But more importantly, I just want to see Hayden get some time to shine!

 

I don't fully blame Avery though, because it really did come out all that.  She shows up unannounced and wanting to spend more time with Cadence.  After saying no, she quickly accepts a role that would require her to be gone for weeks.  Yeah, I can see why Avery will be thrown for a loop and be a bit of a jerk.  But I'm glad it seems like he's slowly opening back up.  Even if they don't get back together, I hope they eventually get to the point where they are civil again.

 

I certainly hope Colt lets Maddie know he's going to the army, or that's going to be a bad thing to hear second-hand.  Still not a fan of him, but at least all of this led to Luke realizing he can let fear cloud his judgement, and is signing Will back up to the label.  Poor Will needs some kind of victory.  I hope this show quits crapping on him.

 

Man, I don't even like Layla, but I kind of feel bad that she accidentally torpedo herself by taking Autumn/Alicia Witt to see The Exes, and she ends up being more impressed them.  Speaking of Alicia Witt, I find it amusing that she literally was on The Walking Dead in the same episode and in the same group that Vita/Jeananne Goossen was in.  I wonder if they just carpooled from Atlanta to Nashville.

 

At least the Frankie/Deacon stuff ended with them having a better understanding of one another.  I was worried they were setting them up to feud over the bar. Last thing I want is a freaking legal drama in my musical soap.

 

I really hope Vita's storyline has some point.

 

I do hope Juliette starts interacting with the rest of the cast soon.  I want to see her reunite with Deacon, Gunnar/Scarlett, and even Maddie.  And especially Rayna. They rarely have Rayna and Juliette together, but when they do, it's amazing.

[mikem]

I'm kind of confused.  Does Layla have some kind of scheme involving Juliette and Avery?  If not, did she have one before?  It seems like half the time, we're supposed to think she's scheming, and half the time we're not.  Her character is very inconsistent.

 

It's a little weird that Alicia Witt's character is named Autumn Chase, when Will Chase is a regular on the show.  I don't know if I've ever seen a show name a new character with the same last name as an established regular on the show.

Edited April 9, 2016 by mikem

[basiltherat]

What is poor angsty Avery going to do when THE TRUTH comes out that Juiiette was somewhat responsible for Jeff's death? Layla hopes he'll seek comfort from her, but she sure is a really bad schemer. By the way, it made no sense for Autumn to pick a lone girl singer for her opening act, one that is younger and prettier than she is. Better to have a due or band. More variety to attract a bigger audience to your shows. Although this does not apply to two "hat acts" touring together!