BWW Recap: Bright Lights and Bigger Egos Take Over NASHVILLE

It's the day of the show y'all! Nearly two minutes into NASHVILLE and we're greeted with pre-show jitters, emotional flashbacks, glitz, glamour, and a lingering prenuptial agreement. Despite the nerves, unasked questions, and shaky confidences of our favorite characters, even a fictional Country Music Awards is a thrill. Especially because they include real-life country stars like Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.

Ok, obligatory deviation to appreciate Will Lexington's "Hook 'em horns."

And we're back. Scarlett sitting on the couch, glued to the television, fangirling over the mention of every country star is fabulous- because it's essentially all of us two short weeks ago. Though she hasn't carried a huge storyline over the past few episodes, tonight she was a breath of fresh air and a reflection of the combination adorable and craziness that are country music fans. Honestly I just want to be sitting next to her, popcorn in hand, squealing over all the wins, too.

With Rayna's first win of the evening (and Luke's first loss) comes a whole new set of problems. Mainly stemming from her mention of her co-writer Deacon. Luke's face says it all- he's upset. However, he is completely wrong. Deacon co-wrote the song, and Deacon deserves a mention in that acceptance speech. I have zero sympathy for the man who, after making not-so-subtly jokes about sweeping the ceremony, and cockily searched for his five acceptance speeches in front of his fiancée and competitor. Show some class, dude. I want to like Luke Wheeler, I really, really do, but the more overconfident and simultaneously jealous he gets, the harder and harder it is.

Annnnnd it seems to be a clean sweep (deservedly) for Ms. Rayna James- and she's thanking everyone in that audience but Luke (which is actually hilarious, whether or not it's intended to be). Especially after he hogs the microphone during their tandem win- noticeable (and irritating) to at least Rayna, Deacon, and Scarlett.

Something new, and extremely interesting, to the show includes shaky flashbacks of Juliette's childhood. In addition to her mother's addiction, we see her mother's boyfriend after boyfriend, the sheer neglect Juliette faced as a child, and her subsequent neglect as a babysitter only a few years later. A bit overdue, the flashbacks provide some incredible insight into a past and a childhood we never really knew much about. Pile on Avery's father's insensitive and condescending comments about both his own son and Juliette, and it's not hard to see why Juliette is as unsteady as she appears to be.

To break up the drama, we get a full-on country performance by Broadway starlet Laura Benanti- proving, once again, that this woman can do anything. Not much to say here- that lady's a powerhouse. As Scarlett says, "She makes it look so easy." Not too crazy about the song, but I could pretty much watch Benanti sing anything.

Luke's true colors- the ones we've been waiting for bated breath for- are finally exposed. Driven by jealousy, Luke flat-out accuses Rayna of riding off his success, and his proposal, to gain exposure for her song. I think I have to censor myself for what I'd really like to call him right about now. But know I'm thinking it, y'all. As Scarlett points out correctly again (she's full of wisdom tonight, that one), "They don't look very happy, do they?"

An actual smile crossed my face when Avery told Juliette, "We got this." They may not be together (right now), but they're still so charming. And they aren't fighting. And Avery is back to his adorable, sweet self. Victory for Team Avery and Juliette- and their baby girl.

In other news; Teddy, in classy mayoral fashion, has fallen for an escort. Gunnar and Zoey's relationship has been hanging by a thread pretty much the past 4 episodes (at least). Layla's self-esteem is at an all time low, and both her and Will ae pretty much ready to get out of the limelight. Deacon has placed a small, potential spark in Scarlett to get back into songwriting, or at the very least, the music business. Which brings us to the coveted Entertainer of the Year- taken home by a 6/6 Rayna James. And that speech thanking her daughters, claiming "they'll be up here one day," recognizing Sadie and Juliette, and finally (albeit haphazardly forced and guilt-tripped) thanking Luke was nothing short of perfection and class. And Deacon's text made the Team Rayna/Deacon fangirl in me squeal with delight.

What do you think is in store for Avery and Juliette? Think they'll get back together for good? That sexual tension in the last scene was more than obvious, but will it stick? Should it? Let me know in the comments or at @WendiReichstein!

Next episode airs in two weeks, Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Photo cedit: ABC

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