In an episode of Nashville much too focused on recurring characters we’d rather forget, there was one who stood out. Markus Keen comes to Rayna’s aid this week when she is seeking guidance, but does the former bad boy of rock have ulterior motives?
Rayna and Markus Keen are actually working well, and the work on Deacon’s bar is coming along, too. While their business lives may be thriving, their daughter is a mess. Teddy may not have always made the greatest decisions, but I don’t think he got nearly enough credit for raising two girls, especially during the years when Rayna was on tour. Maddie is offered a music contract with Sony after they see her video performance from Juliette’s concert. Rayna immediately rejects the offer, which of course Maddie follows up with the cliché “You’re ruining my life.” It’s the perfect opportunity for Deacon and Rayna to work together as parents, not just Rayna coming up with a solution and Deacon agreeing with it.
Markus is the one to actually put things in perspective. He more than anyone knows what skyrocketing fame feels like, and how easy it is to lose yourself in it. He and Rayna have a pretty intimate conversation about their experiences, and me thinks Markus may have little crush on his boss. Deacon has gotten so used to being alone and pushing his problems away. He really needs to find a better outlet than taking his frustrations out on a wall at the bar. As a compromise Deacon and Rayna agree to let Maddie and Daphne sign with Highway 65 so then the girls can at least be under Rayna’s watch. Daphne is elated until her big sister makes it all about Rayna keeping Maddie from doing what she wants. Teenagers.
Another surly teenager in desperate need of help is Colt. To be fair, this one is on Luke for distrusting his son and forcing him to lie about Jeff’s death. Luke not only feels responsible for his son, but for Juliette and Jeff as well. Jeff’s consultant Gabrielle is helping Luke to heal, but she can’t work that same magic for his son right now.
Gunnar has a real problem keeping his focus on the road with Erin in tow. Erin’s inexperience at different aspects of her job cause a power outage at one of The Ex’s shows. Everyone panics at first, until Gunnar and Scarlett remember that they started out singing acoustic at the Bluebird. On with the show, powered by the lights of the fans’ phones. Scarlett doesn’t think Gunnar will deal with Erin’s mistake directly, which she says just as he is chewing Erin out. At least Gunnar’s professionalism is somewhat intact, as he and Erin are able to work out their differences in the end. The same can’t be said for Scarlett and her boyfriend. Distance is having a real effect on the couple.
Avery’s career has been reduced to radio jingles while Will has kept himself locked in his room trying to write about the pain of his breakup. As catharsis for both of them Avery suggests he perform one of Will’s songs at Songwriter’s Night at the Bluebird. Will can’t bring himself to stay though. It’s too bad, because Avery gives a beautiful performance with Juliette in mind, and encourages Will to give himself more credit for his beautiful songwriting skills.
So it seems everyone is still sifting through their issues. Hopefully, some of our favorite country artists will find a resolution by the new year.
[Photo credit: Mark Levine/ABC]
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