Nashville is practically a minefield of emotions and tensions. There’s still a few episodes left in the season, thanks to a seemingly interminable hiatus a few weeks back. Rayna and Juliette can most interestingly be seen as two sides of the same coin – or light and dark if you will. Juliet is young, tenacious, and a little terrifying in her ruthless ambition. Rayna is softer, but deeper and really understands the nature of the long play. Both women are fascinating and their dynamic relating to and with each other is the perfect central tenet to build the show around. Their relationships with their respective managers are enough of a story to focus on for several episodes (but thankfully we don’t). The women also share history with a certain main man  — Deacon. Deacon is a man of many contradictions. He’s a real rocker, but one that plays with country queens. He’s a tough guy, but one that loves Old Yeller with all his heart. He’s sober but expected to be a raging partier. Most importantly, he’s the place of calm for these two emotional, high octaine women. The question really is who in the triangle makes the best pairing. Young audiences no doubt want to see Deacon end up with Juliette since she’s the new, shiny, pretty penny but definitely has some depth. The argument can also be made that Rayna screwed up her chance with him long ago. However, Rayna has one thing that Juliette doesn’t – the wisdom that comes with age. Deacon has had his own share of hardships that taught him wisdom. Now with Rayna newly separated, they finally have the freedom to be together – but will Deacon pick her? The power dynamic is finally in Deacon’s favor and that makes for an endlessly interesting will they wont they? Speaking of power dynamics, Avery Barclay is one to grapple. His relationship with his newly fired manager is putting his entire career at risk, as is his consistent (near) harassment of his ex, Scarlett, who also happens to be Deacon’s niece. The themes explored in the Deacon-Juliette-Rayna triangle are heavily mirrored in the Gunnar-Scarlett-Avery triangle, which is another reason why this show is so masterfully crafted. Props go to Callie Khouri, an amazing writer who doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the subtleties woven throughout the show. But back to the love triangle – Will Scarlett and Avery reunite? Will Gunnar and Scarlett work out as a couple? Will Scarlett become a solo superstar and burn them both? Will Gunnar seriously put his and Scarlett’s lives in jeopardy on his quest for vengeance for Jason’s death? Will it come to blows or violence, or nothing at all? These are the burning questions that will be answered in the second half of season two and set the groundwork for season three going forward. Lastly, will Rayna’s ex end up with his awful mistress? Here’s hoping not. This is not endorsed in any way, shape or form by Nashville/ABC or it’s affiliates but I beg of you, BUY THE SOUNDTRACK.

Nashville Soundtrack