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The action heads back to the titular city this episode, but only after Rayna and Liam eyefuck all over the stage in front of (and around, and over) Juliette. What terribly obnoxious people. And has Rayna never heard of YouTube? Well, it is Rayna, so probably not, but still, this footage is likely going to get back to Teddy at some point (and what happened to Liam only doing three shows?). But after that, the ladies are going back to their hometown to celebrate their co-written song topping the charts.
Well, that and Juliette has some personal issues to deal with, namely in the shape of her nearly unrecognizable sober mom who has a parole hearing. Of course, Deacon shows up, because even though magazines are talking smack about him going off the wagon and getting kicked out of the Revel Kings, he's still the closest thing this show has to a decent human being with actual emotions. Deacon doesn't think he should speak on mom's behalf, given his situation, and Juliette does a really shitty job talking to the judge, so mom gets denied her parole or whatever. But she gets one night out and chooses to go to the big Number One party as Deacon's date. Deacon bails, because he's wallowing in his own misery and talking about selling his house and going off the grid, but his absence gives momma and daughter a chance to bond, and Juliette finds out just how proud her mother is, and there are tears.
Deacon, while sulking like a small child, isn't back to drinking, just back to being grouchy. And he has a conversation with Rayna where he calls her out on her infuriating ability to talk in circles about absolutely everything… but they still talk in circles some more. It amounts to we are never, ever, ever getting back together, except that maybe we will, but we totally won't. But, at the end of the day, it's Juliette who gets through to him because they are both all kinds of dysfunctional, and he joins her tour, much to Rayna (and Teddy's) dismay.
As for Rayna, when she's not busy on-stage molesting yet another guitarist/writing partner, she's pondering some big five-record deal from Ming-Na. See, they want to woo her away from the people who pretty much forced her on this tour with the spoiled young Juliette in the first place, and Rayna loves to have all that delightful smoke blown up her ass. Well, until she finds out that the reason that Liam is pushing this deal so hard is that he gets a lovely little side bonus out of it all, so it’s a win-win for him. Rayna objects to being lied to/used, so she sends Liam on his merry way and is, again, without a guitarist.
Teddy is mayor, but still unable to be any kind of breadwinner, apparently, given all of the talk about Rayna bringing home the bacon and whatnot. Seems all he's good for is handing out accolades for artists who have big hits, and whining about the status of his relationship with Rayna. Go to one of her concerts, Teddy, you'll see she's clearly not that into you.
Avery continues to be an ass, wheeling and dealing and behaving obnoxiously, even trying to befriend Juliette before he's quickly rebuffed. And, extra bonus points of hate for him this week as the logo on all his posters seems to be almost a direct rip-off from The Who's famous bullseye.
Gunnar still won't talk about his brother, but even moronic Scarlett realizes something's wrong when he's playing a crappy old guitar instead of his Gibson. And Gunnar's fending off calls from his brother's parole officer. Still, Gunnar's guitar gets mysteriously returned, even though we don't see Jane By Design brother at all.
Scarlett, meanwhile, is off in whatever fairy princess land she lives in and going to see Avery perform when she meets up with one of his disgruntled former bandmates who proposes again that she join them. She demurs because pixie time isn't the same as human time, but once he says she can bring Gunnar along for the ride, she's totally game. Gunnar's not, because of the brother bullshit, but then he decides to do it because he still really wants to get in Scarlett's pants (well, flighty fairy dresses). They all practice in her garage, and a depressed-looking Avery drives by, only consoling himself with the fact that his shitty song is playing on the radio. -- Angel Cohn
Want more? The full recap starts right below!Previously: Rayna and Juliette did a number together at the Ryman, which caused visions of dollar signs to dance in Marshall Evans's head. MethMom went to rehab, with a hand from Deacon. Rayna needed to be letting Deacon go, and in the process turned to hotshot rock star Liam McGuinness to help rediscover her voice (and perhaps other parts). We met Gunnar's jailbird big brother, who hawked Gunnar's Gibson, bought a gun, and went on the lam. Teddy actually won the mayoral election, thus ensuring Nashville a nomination for the "Worst Mayor in America" prize. And, finally, the lead singer of The Revel Kings was positioned to "press his advantage" with Scarlett, causing Deacon to a) throw him into a table; b) quit the band.
We enter in Dallas, where Rayna and Juliette are performing "Wrong Song" as their show-closer. The crowd is loving it, and Rayna is loving is the opportunity to rock out in exceptionally close proximity to Liam. They lean against each other for a while, then he gets on his knees in front of her for a solo. Juliette and her enormous boobs try to hone in on the moment, to no avail. And whatever happens later, I still maintain that a man who can fully ignore that cleavage has some modicum of unassailable integrity. As the bridge starts, Rayna runs her hands through Liam's hair and Juliette has to elbow her to: to a) remind Rayna that she exists; b) get her to pay any attention to the fact that they're supposed to be interacting with one another at this point. To get out of the bridge, Rayna does a super high kick in Liam's direction and leaves Juliette to touch the hands of front row audience members until the song is through.
Juliette storms off the stage, complaining to Glen that this is the third consecutive night in which Rayna and Liam have acted like she's not even there. Wasn't she the one who initially put forth the condition that they not pretend to like each other during collaborative ventures? Glen doesn't seem to think it's a big deal, but promises to say something to them. Juliette's plane is waiting, and she is less than thrilled to learn that Rayna is hitching a ride with them back to Nashville for their big "Congrats on your number one record!" party. And speaking of Rayna, Bucky gives her an extra big smile for killing it onstage before introducing her to Calista Reeve, president of Countless Records. Calista flew in from LA to see Rayna, and is obviously a fan. Liam gives Calista a hug, indicating that Countless is his label as well. Calista wants to talk to Rayna about what's in her career, but since Rayna has to hurry up and jump on Juliette's plane back to Nashville she says she'd love to talk to Calista at some later point.
As Calista and Bucky walk off together, Liam and Rayna have some sort of post-show hormonal moment, with Liam looking at Rayna like the Big Bad Wolf and saying, "She wants you... can't say I blame her." They kind of lean into each other for a second before Bucky is all, "Hey you guys ONE OF WHOM IS MARRIED what's going on?" and shoos them toward the plane. And I know some of you think Rayna is kind of a skeez, but really, if you had spent the past twelve years married to an embezzler husband whom you maybe didn't even really like all that much AND had to deal with freaking Deacon making you feel sad and tormented all the time, wouldn't you take advantage of the opportunity to get your flirt on with a young, hot rock star slash collaborator? Carpe diem, says I.
Oh God, and then we have to deal with Scarlett and Gunnar. They're writing, and she's singing like a cartoon porcupine, per usual. And then their house catches on fire and they both die agonizing, painful deaths and we are able to enjoy the show ever so much more! Oh, wait, that was just a dream I had. I must note that Scarlett's lip-syncing, in this scene and generally, is just slightly less naturalistic than the cast of Kids Incorporated. Gunnar's guitar goes out of tune for the umpteenth time and Scarlett asks, "Where's your Gibson at?" The "at" at the end only adds to her ever-increasing southern realness. Gunnar says that he loaned it to somebody who loaned it to somebody, so clearly they've talked a lot and gotten really close about family stuff since the last episode. Scarlett is maybe a little drunk, or just dumb per usual, and tells Gunnar that he's one of the good ones. This gives him yet another chance to be tortured about the fact that nice guys finish last. He's frustrated that no one has cut one of their tracks yet, and Scarlett suggests that they could sing the tracks themselves, perhaps at the upcoming Winter Fest. But Winter Fest, says Gunnar, wouldn't be Scarlett's thing, largely because Avery's playing it. Also, adds your recapper Potes, it's TOMORROW, and wouldn't that take a little bit of planning? Scarlett gives an unconvincing, "Awesome," as she goes to get more beer.
Speaking of Avery, he's setting up for a performance, and Marilyn tells him that he's got a $1,000 guarantee for the Winter Fest show tomorrow. That's $1,000 more than the last show he played, so he seems happy. He's also gotten an invite to Rayna and Juliette's "Wrong Song" party so he can schmooze a bit. As Avery says that Marilyn is giving Dominic a run for his money, she tells him that Dominic might have given him a car, but she's giving him a career. I guess his getting firm with her actually worked, or at least better than all the other times he's gotten "firm" with her in a different, grodier context. A backdrop reading, "The Avery Barkley Band" is put in place, and Avery wants to lose the "The" and "Band," because he's a one-man guy now.
On the plane to Nashville, an annoyed Juliette asks if anyone has seen her bean dip. Cut to Rayna looking at Liam, who is eating Juliette's bean dip. Juliette's assistant seems to be in on the whole thing, asking what bean dip looks like. The answer is, of course, "Like a can that has 'bean dip' on the side." Pink macaroni doesn't travel well, so this is the best option. As Juliette searches for her delicious trailer snack, Liam brings up the subject of Calista Reeves, and Bucky notes that she's perhaps the most powerful label head in the industry. Rayna says that she has to do her album with Edgehill, but it turns out that Calista wants Rayna's five records, on the strength of what Rayna did with "Wrong Song." Juliette pipes in to remind everyone that she and Rayna co-wrote the song, and "co" means "two." The Rayna Jaymes corrections department tells her that "co" actually means "with," and Liam cracks up. Juliette wonders aloud why Rayna is on her plane, then reminds herself aloud that it's because Rayna can't afford her own. Rayna is mock-scandalized as she says that she's three feet away from Juliette and can actually hear her. This gives Juliette the perfect opportunity to complain that Liam and Rayna act like she doesn't even exist on stage, which gives Liam the perfect opportunity to note that they are, in fact, painfully aware of her existence. And, I mean, they COULD be a little nicer to Juliette given that they are sitting in her plane.
Juliette spies her bean dip being eaten by Liam and is incensed. She snatches it back as Glen wonders if everyone can just get along for a minute, especially given that they're heading back to Nashville for a party in their honor. Juliette's assistant pipes in to say that she thought they were going to MethMom's court hearing, and Juliette gives a terse, "Stop. Talking." Rayna and Liam crack up, which is a little mean given the court hearing situation, but also understandable given the fact that the assistant is dumber even than allowing an archnemesis to eat her boss's bean dip would indicate. Things then take a serious turn, as Bucky hands Rayna the latest issue of Tremolo magazine, with an article entitled, "The axe falls hard on guitarman Deacon Claybourne."
Cut to Deacon screaming at Carmen on the phone. And really, what a jerk she is. The article has a quote from Cy indicating that Deacon was fired. Deacon yells that he caught Cy mauling his niece, and gave no comment on the matter because he wanted Scarlett to have some privacy. Cy also apparently gave a quote about Deacon falling off the wagon, and Deacon asks if Carmen really believes that's true before yelling that he hasn't had a drink in 12 years, or 4420 days to be exact. He slams the phone down, and the big takeaway here is that you should never trust reporters, ESPECIALLY ones who will bang you. The mysterious Vince is probably rolling over in his grave right now.
And then we're home with Rayna and the girls, who are in their PJs and thrilled to see her. Daphne and Maddie have lost a tooth and a cleat, respectively, since she's been gone. Teddy comes in to deliver a gift that came for Rayna (not from him) and tells her that she didn't have to sleep in the guest room overnight, not recognizing that she probably WANTED to sleep in the guest room. The box is from Calista, who is looking forward to talking and thinks that for starters, Rayna needs her own plane. Rayna agrees that she DOES need her own plane, fully stocked with her very own bean dip, and lifts a little model plane bearing a diamond-encrusted watch out of the box. Teddy wonders if he should be jealous, because he's kind of a tool to begin with and still extremely insecure even though he's the mayor elect. He asks what's going on... with their relationship. They're putting on a good face for the girls, he says, but they're sleeping in separate bedrooms and haven't made love in months. Yeah, like 48 months. He wonders if they're trying to fix things or not, and Rayna isn't really sure yet. And really, let her go try on her new sparkly thing! How rude.
While Rayna is making breakfast in her PJs, getting expensive gifts, and deflecting questions from her soon-to-be ex-husband, MethMom is nervously getting ready for her court appearance. Her lawyer is trying for a plea deal, in which she'll admit she's guilty (to doing whatever shady thing she was doing at the bus stop), and as long as she completes rehab all charges will be dropped. Deacon shows up, and it turns out that he agreed to speak on her behalf. But given the recent article implying that he's a drunk who can't keep a job, Deacon doesn't know if his presence is going to do her any favors. Juliette takes a moment to note that the Tremolo piece was absolute crap, saying that she grew up knowing what "not sober" looks like, and it isn't Deacon. Jolene is all, "...Thanks. Great timing." And anyway, Deacon thinks that it would be better if Juliette spoke on her mother's behalf, something she is quite reluctant to do even though the lawyer thinks it's a good idea since she's the person most affected by Jolene's sobriety or lack thereof. There is no can of bean dip in the world large enough to make Juliette do this willingly.
Back at the Conrad/Jaymes manse, the girls have returned from Maddie's soccer game, which apparently didn't go so well. Calista is there, too, and she and Rayna head off to talk while Teddy comforts Maddie on her poor performance. Awww, he is a good dad. Rayna appreciates that Calista was amenable to meeting at her house, so she'd have more time to spend with the girls, even though it seems like it's really giving Teddy more time to spend with the girls. Calista understands, because she's a mom too. And, she says looking over at Teddy, the breadwinner. Damn, that man can't even get any respect when he's the freaking MAYOR. And shouldn't he have some job-related things to do now? Is being mayor of a major American city actually that easy?
Anyway, Calista relates to Rayna in a powerful-working-mom way that the folks at Edgehill never did, and Rayna says she spent years hitting her head against the wall trying to get them to understand. This is something that Liam apparently shared with Calista when he sent her his and Rayna's demos. Rayna had no idea that he sent those tracks, and says they weren't ready to go out. But Calista thinks they were ready enough. Both Calista and Liam thinks it's time for a change for Rayna. Although "Wrong Song" is great and put Rayna on the map again, Calista says that she need not be pressured into doing duets with some prefab primadonna who came up overnight and can be gone overnight with only a can of bean dip to assuage the pain of her descent. No offense. Rayna of course loves anyone who says mean things about Juliette, so is REALLY enjoying this pitch. Calista knows that it's hard to leave, but she says that doesn't make staying right. Rayna looks over to Teddy, who is sweetly helping Daphne with her homework, and says that it feels like she has a lifetime investment. And really, why would Rayna feel any allegiance to Marshall Evans? He was a total dick to her when she wasn't making him mad bank! Plus, says Calista, he's a bean counter who will never get what Rayna is trying to do creatively. Calista says that Liam can vouch for her -- she wants to be Rayna's partner. Plus, free plane!
Then we're with Avery, who is performing his thousand dollar gig at Winter Fest, held at Belmont College. I guess it doesn't get very wintry in Nashville, since the hot college girls in the audience are wearing Avery Barkley Band tank tops. And speaking of, the "The" and "Band" are still on the banner, so maybe he's not quite such a big shot yet. Scarlett is in the audience, dressed in a homeless lady's knit hat and baggy sweater. All she needs is a hacky sack to fit in with this mid-'90s college crowd! Is Phish the headliner? I guess the hat is a disguise, even though the scraggly weave poking out of it gives her away. I was going to say that at least the weave is a step above white person dreadlocks, but I'm actually not so sure. Scarlett walks away, pouting, before also finding JT in the audience. That is the kind of shit I would totally do, so I can't really blame these two for hate-watching their collective ex. They agree to hoist up their dignity and get out of there.
In court, Jolene's lawyer tells the judge that she's not a criminal, but a person with a disease. And she's in treatment, with only 21 days left to go. Basically, they tried to make her go to rehab and she said yes, yes, yes, and that should count for something in the judicial world. Juliette has agreed to speak on her mother's behalf, which obviously is going to go GREAT. Deacon tells her to speak from the heart, which is a mistake given that her heart is just shy of The Grinch's pre-transformation size. Juliette tells the judge that her mother has been an addict for as long as she can remember. She's glad that Jolene is getting the help that she needs, and adds that there's no one who hopes this sticks more than she does. And that's all that Juliette has to say. And, I mean, you can't blame her for that either. Her childhood brain development was probably somewhat stunted by the constant diet of pink macaroni, lead paint chips, and secondhand crack, so an eloquent speech is a lot to ask.
While the judge deliberates, Deacon gives Juliette shit for her "emotional" and "moving" speech. Juliette says that that was all she had to give, and notes that this is going to be an exhausting day. Deacon remembers that the big Edgehill party is tonight, and congratulates her. Juliette notes that he should be congratulating Rayna, since everyone seems to believe that she's the superhero who did this all herself while Juliette just held her cape. Deacon as always is team "Juliette has talent," which she appreciates, just as she appreciates him being at the court hearing. Her offer for Deacon to go on tour as her bandleader still stands, but he's planning to go off the grid for a while. Juliette is not accepting this answer, saying that he's too good to hole up and hide behind patchy facial hair. Their friendship is really sweet as long as they're not banging. Jolene and her lawyer emerge from the courtroom with the news that the plea deal didn't work. She'll have to finish rehab and then try to get the criminal charges dropped. Deacon notes that Jolene still has a free pass for the day, so they should go do something fun. Like smoke crack! Juliette begs out, saying that she has her big party. But Deacon is invited to that party, too, and has a plus one that he isn't using. Juliette is (quite reasonably) not thrilled about the prospect of her mother coming to the Edgehill party, where there will be copious alcohol and lots of opportunities for embarrassing gaffes. Jolene thinks she can handle it, or at least has to try being in the real world at some point. Juliette makes it clear that she won't be able to talk to or really even acknowledge her mother, but Deacon and his patchy facial hair volunteer to keep an eye on her.
Back in the studio, Bucky tells Rayna that the deal Calista is offering her is going to be hard for Edgehill to beat or even come close to. Rayna's tempted and admires the work of Countless Records, but something feels off to her. At the mention of potential sketchiness, Liam pipes in to say that Calista is a visionary and Rayna's a superstar, so what's the problem? The problem to Rayna is that it's all happening too fast. Of course this is the woman who has been talking about needing to let Deacon go for the past twelve years, so one might say she's a tad change resistant. Rayna also wasn't thrilled that Liam shared their unfinished tracks with Calista, but he was just trying to help. Liam tells her that if she wants to stay in something stale, old and boring, she should go for it since maybe that's "her thing." He suggests that she think of Edgehill like her marriage -- the only way to get through it is by fantasizing about someone else. As Liam leaves, Bucky gives Rayna a "WTF?" look, and she yells, "What?" even though she very well knows what.
At Winter Fest, JT and Scarlett knock around the hacky sack and talk about how Avery's song is on the radio and he's the number one most requested. Scarlett laments the dearth of music karma for the good, talented guys of the world, which is rich coming from her. I'm surprised someone doesn't stroll by and offer her a five-record deal right now. Scarlett thinks that they should wrap Avery in a tarp and dump him in a river, but JT has other ideas -- namely, making Avery's Exes (hopefully with a better name) a reality. Scarlett doesn't want to bail on Gunnar, but JT says she doesn't have to - they need a singer, guitar player, and songs, so Scarlett and Gunnar are just the Buckingham/Nicks they need to put them over the top. (Minus the actual awesome qualities of Buckingham/Nicks OBVIOUSLY, and also minus the likelihood of anyone blowing coke up Scarlett's asshole while on tour. Though if that happened, it would make me like her a lot more.) Scarlett says she'll run it by Gunnar, and they toast to good karma.
Oh boy, and then Rayna goes to see Deacon. He is instantly kind of aggro as she approaches, calling her "The Great Rayna Jaymes" as he puts a "For Sale by Owner" sign in his front yard. Leave it to Deacon to not even get a real estate agent. When she asks what he's doing, Deacon says he's going to go to the "Wrong Song" party, then head to "the cabin" for a while. Or forever, as his "for sale" sign indicates. Deacon says that he just needs a change (in attitude!) and then surmises that Rayna has read the Tremolo article. He says, "Bunch of crap, right?" She replies, "That's what I said," before asking if he wants to talk about it. He says that Cy is a horse's ass and he quit the band, end of story. Rayna notes that it's an awfully short story before asking if Deacon's talked to Coleman lately. Though she is just looking out for him here, strategically it is a bad move since it gives Deacon an opening to give commentary on all the wrongs that Rayna's family have committed at Cole's expense.
Rayna is sort of contrite and timid about this whole interaction, and finally Deacon tells her to just ask what she wants to ask. She says that seeing Deacon like this scares the hell out of her, so she wants to make sure he's all right. You know, like friends do! She wants to make sure he's "doing his program" and "going to his meetings" and has the serenity to accept the things he cannot change and stuff. Deacon is then so mean as he tells her the good news is that it's not twelve years ago, so he's not her responsibility anymore. She tells him that she cares about him, and he sarcastically replies, "That's awesome." When asked why he's so angry with her, Deacon gets more frustrated as he says that every time he's turning around she's firing him, or breaking up with him, or telling him to go see what's around the bend in the river and crap like that. Okay, POINT. But I would argue that it takes two to carry out a fully inscrutable conversation, and he kind of forced her hand with the firing.
Rayna says all these things (aside from possibly the firing) were because she wants him to be happy, which again gives him the opening to say, "What, like you're happy...with Teddy?" She asks him not to do that, at which point he snickers and does MORE of that, asking if she ever found out if Teddy was cheating on her. He seems disappointed when the answer is no, then guesses that Rayna made the right choice in picking Teddy over him. And then Rayna calls him out for his inability to stay sober when they were together. Deacon says that all he knows is that she put him in rehab, and the thing he knew, Rayna and Teddy were getting married. He also knows that she could have waited for him, and didn't. And...wait. Are you telling me that these people have had TWELVE YEARS to talk about this, during which they saw each other ALL THE TIME, and haven't hashed it out yet? Does anybody in Tennessee go to therapy? What about all the amends that Deacon had to make? Jeez. And on that same note...I'm assuming Maddie's twelve. So....he never even once counted backwards and had a "things that make you go hmmmmmm?" moment?
And then, heartbreak. Rayna asks Deacon how many times she had to go looking for him, or drag him out of hotel rooms because he was so wasted that she didn't know if he was drunk or dead. She didn't know that the fifth time in rehab was the one that was going to take. Plus there's the whole issue of what she isn't saying, which is that she was knocked up. Although I secretly think that the reason Rayna hasn't come clean to Deacon about potential paternity issues is because Maddie's father is neither Teddy nor Deacon, but Vince's ghost wearing a rubber gimp suit. Anyway, Deacon says that Rayna lost faith in him then, as she did now. And really, own up to the fact that you put her through some kind of hell, dude. Rayna counters that she never lost faith in Deacon, then or now. And he did get sober. But their non-inscrutable conversations are just as bad as their inscrutable ones, and make it so that Rayna can't "do this" (have conversations at all?) with Deacon. He says, "Then don't do it," and walks away. They're both wrong! They're both right! Ugh. It's really torture to watch, but in the best of ways. They have to get back together before the end of the season, just in case the show is cancelled, right? I may not survive otherwise.
Times are a bit lighter at the "Wrong Song" party, at least for Rayna, who amiably chats with a suit about how many number ones she's had. Juliette is less thrilled when she walks in and sees a giant promotional poster, on which Rayna is twice as big as she is. Oh how times have changed! A blogger asks Juliette if she was intimidated writing with the queen of country. Juliette was not. The blogger then surmises that it must have been great, and Juliette tells him that it was a thrill to see Rayna contribute a bridge to the song. Damn, girl! I would like to casually remind her that there wouldn't be a song if Rayna hadn't had the sense to come over to her house with a pen and paper. And I know, I am a complete Rayna apologist. It's the hair.
And then there's Gunnar. He gets a call from a 512 area code and picks up the phone by asking, "Jason?" But nay, it's Jason's parole officer. Surprise, surprise, Jason didn't make it to his halfway house. Gunnar doesn't share the good news that at least Jason didn't shoot anybody, as far as they know. He lies that he dropped Jason off at the halfway house, and the parole officer asks if they happened to stop at any pawn shops along the way. Gunnar says that he did not, which I guess is technically not a lie. The parole officer notes that Jason is a fugitive, and if Gunnar is hiding any information that can help them bring him in, he's in violation of the law as well. So, if Gunnar gets sent off to jail for this AND Scarlett gets eaten by a bear while foraging for berries in the woods, we all can collectively agree that this show should receive one million Emmys. Speaking of Scarlett, she arrives at the Bluebird to tell Gunnar that she has a proposition for him. He's so worried about Jason that he isn't even excited about the possibility that it could be sexytimes-related.
Back at the party, Rayna talks to two guys who are probably country stars that I don't know. They talk for a second about Rayna's collaboration with Liam before Teddy enters. They hug and Rayna thanks him for coming to present her with an award. His response is, "Duty calls." And he turns out to be the LEAST biggest jerk to her in this episode! Meanwhile, Juliette wonders where the hell Deacon is as Jolene tackles a tray of sliders. She runs over and reminds Jolene that she can't touch all the food, and in route ignores Avery, who's trying to make an introduction. Marilyn laughs aloud at Avery's attempt to talk to Juliette, and tells him that she does not recommend approaching her for no reason. But Avery says that he's an artist, like Juliette is, and that is reason enough. He's such a blatant jagoff, and yet STILL manages to be more likable than Gunnar and Scarlett combined.
Meanwhile, Deacon strums his guitar in his dark apartment and ignores a call from Juliette. He starts a call to Cole, but ends it before Cole can pick up. His legendary love affair with misery really is reaching its apex, or nadir, depending on how you look at it. What he needs to do is start strumming "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" and cheer himself up a little.
At the Bluebird, Scarlett outlines the nature of her proposition -- joining forces with JT and the boys to form Nashville's newest supergroup, "Bleatwood Quack." They might even get gigs at The Five Spot! Gunnar is surly and says he has a lot on his plate, which Scarlett couldn't even begin to understand because IT'S SERIOUS. Scarlett is hurt and wonders if he doesn't think she's serious. The answer is, no he doesn't. And also he's a rageaholic, get away from him before it's too late. Scarlett mentions that Deacon thinks the band is really good, and Gunnar suggests that Deacon be their new guitarist, since he doesn't have a whole lot else going on right now. She runs out in tears... and gets hit by a Mack truck in the Bluebird parking lot! Oh, dare to dream. Before Gunnar can chase after her, a co-worker presents him with a guitar that was dropped off for him, by "some guy named Jason" who was just passing through. It's his Gibson, of course, safely back from the pawn shop. And, oooh! Maybe Jason is going to shoot Scarlett! Do you think that would count as community service?
Back at the "Wrong Song" party, Teddy -- as mayor-elect and co-chair of the Music City Music Council -- presents Rayna and Juliette with an award for their brave contributions to the field of songs about liars and cheaters. He adds that, no offense to Juliette, he's most excited to give the award to the woman who's always number one in his book, except for when she isn't, his wife Rayna Jaymes. Juliette takes this slight a little better than the others.
Avery then studiously ignores Marilyn's advice and tries once again to talk to Juliette, reminding her that they actually literally ran into each other backstage at the Opry in episode one, and telling her that he's that guy who sings that song. Juliette, who probably wouldn't be very nice to him under normal circumstances, is distracted by Jolene, who's touching all the sliders again and then dropping them on the floor. As she sees Jolene introduce herself to Rayna, Juliette tells Avery that she's sorry but has never heard of him, and rushes over to intervene. She grabs Jolene and shoos her away from Rayna, despite Jolene's protestations that she just wanted to thank her. Juliette definitively does NOT want Jolene thanking Rayna, since Rayna did her no favors. She also wonders if there's anything that Jolene doesn't ruin. If I were Jolene I'd call a cab straight back to rehab, where the people are at least a little friendly and let you eat sliders in peace.
Meanwhile, Liam and Rayna hit the bar and Marshall approaches them. Liam is none too happy to see him, but Rayna rather enjoys it when Marshall tells her that "Wrong Song" has hit two million downloads. It definitely has in my brain, which territory it will not abandon. It is the true danger of recapping this show. Marshall tells Rayna that she built Edgehill, and they don't want to lose her. Liam notes that word travels fast, and tells Marshall to save his breath since he won't be able to beat Countless's offer. Marshall says that, respectfully (but disrespectfully), his contract is with Rayna. Rayna pipes in to say that, respectfully (but disrespectfully), she and Liam are partners. Then Marshall drops the news that Countless has offered Liam an imprint if he can bring Rayna on as an artist, adding that a partnership where one half is double dipping and the other doesn't know isn't much of a partnership at all. Liam gets a real, "Oh shit" look on his face.
So, Rayna is understandably upset about the fact that Liam wasn't forthcoming with her, though he argues that he wasn't exactly lying. The part that I don't get is that the deal actually seems awesome for Rayna, and Liam was clearly into working with her seemingly before the prospect of a deal with Countless was on the table. Plus, Liam is a sage truth-teller! The whole issue doesn't seem insurmountable to me, unless Liam was just exploiting their romantic chemistry just to get her to take the deal, which is grody. But then Liam turns into a legit ass, saying that he's helping Rayna, which is what she wanted when she came knocking on his door. He adds that the whole reason she has a career again is because of him. And... did he actually write "Wrong Song?" No? Then he should pipe down. Rayna says that she thought they were partners, and you don't lie to your partner. He makes a crack about Teddy, then tries to say that they ARE partners, then says that she's finally getting something going, then says that THEY are finally getting something going. So... was all that stuff about liking her new music and wanting to bang her false? Was HE the guy in the rubber gimp suit? This is all a) a little confusing; b) a waste of a seemingly great character; c) depriving us of potentially fantastic shenanigans featuring Juliette and Deacon and Rayna and Liam on the road. Rayna tells Liam that their partnership is dissolved. He yells that she can't just walk away from him, but she corrects him that she most certainly can. For just this moment I wish that this was a traditional musical, and Rayna would turn around and bust out a reprise of "Wrong Song" on his ass. Teddy looks on with concern, and I wonder why Rayna can't just have one solidly good week.
Back at home, Teddy asks Rayna if there's something going on with her and Liam. She tells him that there isn't, except that she fired him because he was doing some kind of a deal behind her back. Teddy notes that it seemed like a lot more than that, and she tells him that, given that another man in her life lied to her, it feels like a lot more than that. Teddy is all, "CAN YOU GIVE IT A REST?" and I feel him on that for once. He says that he's apologized, and knows he screwed up, but he's been at home holding out hope for a reconciliation while she's out on the road doing "God knows what." She points out that "God knows what" includes paying for their house. He counters that he's been at home raising their kids. And... does no one still realize that he's going to be MAYOR? Rayna says that she's not divorcing OR calling the cops on him, which might be all he can ask for right now. Teddy wants to win Rayna back, and all she can say in return is, "It's complicated." He's giving her feelings, and she's giving him a Facebook preset. Just get divorced already!
Teddy notes that when he met Rayna, Deacon had destroyed her, with his quintuple rehabs and such. All she wanted was someone solid, with his life together, and Teddy was that guy. And when things fell apart for him financially, he lost his way while trying to be the guy that he thought Rayna wanted him to be. Okay, do NOT blame her for the fact that you embezzled all that cash. He knows he made the wrong choice, but was doing it for the right reason, which he thinks makes him and Rayna alike. He just called himself the wrong choice! He is going to be a terrible mayor, even though this whole thing reinforces the fact that he's actually kind of a good husband. And he probably deserves a nice lady who appreciates that about him.
Meanwhile, JT and the boys are all set up in Scarlett's yard for the inaugural rehearsal of Bleatwood Quack. She comes out and tells them that they can play there as long as they want, but Gunnar nixed the idea of joining forces. And...wait, have telephones not been invented in Nashville? Adding my theory about the lack of telecommunication technology, Gunnar is actually there and has already taught the band a new song. So...could Scarlett not hear all this happening from the house? Did no one think to knock on the door? What is wrong with these people? Aside from all the obvious stuff? Gunnar says he wanted the good guys to win. Scarlett wishes he'd talk about whatever it is that's bothering him, but he'd rather just play. THANK GOD.
Speaking of door-knocking, Juliette is furiously banging on Deacon's and wondering where he's been. The answer is: sulking in his apartment, which he trashed, apparently by slamming his guitar around. As Juliette picks up the busted guitar he says, "It was out of tune." She notes that he's too miserable to be drunk, and he gives her crap about the fact that she thinks she knows so much. Juliette sits in front of Deacon and tells him that he needs to be on the road, making music, working the program and going to meetings. There's an AA group within her crew that meets twice a week. It's a pain in her ass, but she thinks that Deacon needs to do what he loves, and notes that that's what got and kept him sober in the first place. Deacon tells Juliette that he always used to say he got sober for himself, but it was never true. He got sober for Rayna, and what kept him sober was hoping for something that isn't ever going to happen. Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that. Juliette wonders if Deacon really thinks that Rayna saved his life, and notes that, from an outsider's perspective, she has the opposite of what he needs. I wouldn't be so sure about that either. TRUE LOVE, EVERYBODY! Deacon isn't all that into Juliette telling him what he needs, and reminds her that she has another addict to go and take care of. He suggests that she redirect her concern, telling Juliette that he and Jolene are the same, and fighting the exact same battle. The only difference is that right now, Jolene is doing better than him. Except for how she touches all the sliders, but that's more of a basic manners issue.
Juliette takes Deacon's advice, and actually decides to talk to Jolene. Jolene starts to apologize, but Juliette says that she's the one who's sorry. She notes that Deacon is in bad shape, and didn't drink but easily could have. Seeing Deacon close to falling off the wagon has given Juliette a bit more sympathy for her mom, and she says that she should have told the judge how far Jolene has come. She also should have told Jolene about how proud she is. And, I mean, with all respect...it's only been six weeks. I think Juliette's hesitancy about her mom's sobriety is well founded. In any case, Jolene is thrilled to hear a kind word, especially when somebody like Juliette is proud of her. Juliette is curious about what Jolene means by "somebody like you," and Jolene says that she's in awe of Juliette. She was standing on the stage at the "Wrong Song" party, to a legend, who also happens to be the artist that Juliette has admired since she was a little girl. She sure has a funny way of expressing admiration, eh? Jolene says that Juliette is Rayna's equal, and then some. While Rayna came from a ritzy Belle Meade mansion, Juliette was born in a dish of pink macaroni in the trailer kitchen, with only a rusty can of spray cheese to cut her umbilical cord. She created her own success, and she's made it not because of her parentage, but despite it. Juliette cries silently, and Jolene says that she never told this to Juliette, because she didn't think it would mean anything to her. Juliette wipes a tear and says that it does, indeed, mean something. And you guys, Hayden Panettiere is just so good in this show. She constantly kills it, and they seemed to have figured out her hair, too! Awards all around.
Meanwhile, Avery is riding in his signing-bonus car and trying to find a station on the AM radio. And then voila! He hears his own song. He gets a big smile momentarily, until his song is drowned out by the dulcet sounds of Bleatwood Quack's rehearsal. That's what you get for driving by your ex's house, cracker! The song is all about how one works better than two, and it's so great to do all kinds of shit without your jerk ex. On the nose! Avery races off in his car, all alone, as Bleatwood Quack collectively cackles and plans the lead single from their first album, Gnumors.
And then we are with Rayna, as Teddy and the girls say adieu at the airport. She's getting back on Juliette's plane, to head off to wherever it is that they're going. As the girls check out the plane, Rayna tells Teddy that as far as she's concerned they're still married, whether she's home in Nashville or out on tour. She chose him, and that was never a wrong choice. Now, they're just choosing what their future will be. They hug, and Rayna resists telling him to get to work already, which is what I would do. Once on the plane, Bucky tells Rayna that both Marshall and Calista are calling and want to know where she stands. She says that she wants her own label, and if Marshall can provide that, she'll stay at Edgehill. She's all set with Calista for the time being. Juliette shows up, complaining about how they have to do everything at "the crack of butt," which leads Rayna to add a plane to her list of demands. Kansas City is on the tour, but they're not quite ready to take off yet - Juliette notes that they're waiting for one more. Cut to freakin' Deacon running through the airport. Rayna's girls give him an enthusiastic greeting. Teddy, as you may expect, is much less enthusiastic about this latest development. And it's all a big surprise to Rayna, who asks Bucky if he hired Deacon to replace Liam without telling her. Deacon overhears and tells Rayna that he's not there for her band. Juliette pipes in with, "He's joining mine," and Deacon slides his sunglasses back on. Rayna looks back at the airport, where Teddy's constantly-concerned face is more concerned than it's ever been, which I will tell you is VERY CONCERNED.
time: Avery tries to convince Gunnar that Scarlett is his sloppy seconds, and fisticuffs ensue! Teddy is not thrilled that Deacon is on Rayna's tour, but happily Peggy is there to comfort him. And wait...does Deacon kiss Rayna? OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! If this is a dream/fantasy fakeout I am going to be SO pissed.
Potes enjoys "Wrong Song," but would still like for it to abandon her brain for five minutes or so. She can be tweeted @traciepotes, or emailed at potesypotes@gmail.com.