BWW Recap: Love Never Dies...Especially in NASHVILLE

"You still love her, don't you?"

"Until the day I die."

It's not often I'm smiling 2 minutes into a new NASHVILLE episode, but I can't help but blush at Deacon's line. The constant on again/ off again/ on again/ sort of off again/ etc. relationship that describes Rayna and Deacon to a T is this close to be on again. The only potential roadbump being, of course, Deacon's liver cancer. Star crossed lovers once again. And just as lovable.

People that are officially back together? Scarlett, Avery, and Gunnar- in a band opening for none other than Rascal Flatts. Between recording Sadie's record, playing in the resurrected band, and expecting a baby- it's safe to say Avery has a lot on his plate. The only thing missing these days is Juliette- who is surprisingly (and regrettable) absent. It may be due to Hayden Panettiere's real-life pregnancy, but I do miss the drama of Juliette Barnes and the adorable relationship that is her and Avery.

All of Nashville is headed to the Opry for the tenth anniversary of Rayna's induction- and Maddie and Daphne are making their Opry debuts alongside Rayna. The one person missing from the pretty little family picture is Deacon- which, one way or another, I'm sure will be resolved- or at least confronted- tonight. Luke, however, is headed to Rayna's Opry celebration, at the request of his son. I can't wait to see how that goes down- Deacon or no Deacon. This will be the first time since the no-wedding blowout, and fingers crossed it'll be interesting.

Jeff Fordham has absolutely no control over anything these days, except for Layla Grant. After stepping into the role of manager, he's flip flopping between obsessive control freak and Layla's boytoy. Both lovely options, clearly.

And as I called it, as fast as Sadie's past was supposedly shut away, it comes creeping back up in the form of Good Morning America. Of course, the reporters want to dig into Sadie's past and discuss the story of her ex-husband.

And then enters another Broadway alum to join the Laura Benanti and Will Chase crew... Mr. Kyle Dean Massey! From Next to Normal to Wicked and now NASHVILLE- ABC seems to be the landing ground for Broadway stars these days (not that I'm at all complaining).

Deacon makes his long awaited and much anticipated appearance in the most picturesque and familial way possible. Teddy, an arguable missing piece of that puzzle, is headed that direction when he's intercepted by his escort turned lover turned... whatever. Turned reason he's having custody woes with Rayna. The irony of all of this is not lost on me.

Pause to squeal over that Deacon/Rayna handholding going on backstage at the Opry. And another pause to squeal again over Rayna's tribute to him, him going onstage, their hug...just, everything. This is what we've been waiting for, y'all.

The rest of the episode dragged a bit...the Triple Exes (as they're now known) booked more dates with Rascal Flatts, Gunnar is clearly jealous of Scarlett's new doctor fling... until Sadie Stone finally stood up for herself- and on Good Morning America, no less. She told Robin Roberts that she was a victim of domestic violence, and that her ex didn't deserve any of the money he was awarded in court. Which was freaking incredible.

Deacon- to match that drama- confronted Rayna about his liver cancer. And it's that depressing, heartbreaking note that we're left with.

How do you think Deacon's cancer will affect the once again blossoming relationship of Deacon and Rayna? Should he have told her sooner... or not at all? Let me know in the comments or at @WendiReichstein.

Photo Credit: ABC

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