Nashville Season 3 Episode 9 Review: Two Sides to Every Story
Amanda Steinmetz
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It's almost Christmas time in Nashville, but there is anything but yuletide cheer in Rayna and Deacon's relationship.
Deacon made his declaration of love (again), but Rayna turned him down (again) in Nashville Season 3 Episode 9.
I love the two of them, but this never ending merry-go-round must be stopped.
Rayna and Luke's Christmas special proves, once again, that Rayna is different with Luke. Her kids see a difference, and Deacon sees a difference. We saw a quick glimpse of the old Rayna when she talked and joked with her daughters in the kitchen.
Deacon was understandably pissed about the Rolling Stone article, but Rayna tried her best to explain the situation. It was sad to see Deacon explain to her why it hurt him.
Rayna: I had to make a trade.
Deacon: So you gave him us. You gave him what we had. What was private. What you had insisted for years was private. You just sold it to a magazine.
Rayna: It was the last thing I wanted to do.
Deacon: But you did, and I don't get it. And I don't know how you're living your life this way.
Deacon knows how much Rayna has changed simply because she gave their story away. Yes she was protecting their daughter, but was there nothing else she could give the reporter? Why not something about her dad? Perhaps, she made the choice because subconsciously she wanted to get it out; to tell their story.
When she apologized to Deacon, I wasn't expecting him to let go of his anger so quickly. I was also expecting more of a plea out of him. What Deacon told Rayna was a flat out statement. I've always loved you, and I'm going to keep on loving you. Deal with it.
Deacon: I know now why I got so upset about that article. It's because it was true. Everything you said in that article is true. I've never been able to let go of you. I didn't let go when you married Teddy. I haven't let go after all these years. I'm not letting you go now. So you were right. I have to ask myself why. Why am I not letting go?
Rayna: Why won't you?
Deacon: Because I love you. That's it. It's easy. I always have and you're gonna have to just deal with the fact that that aint gonna change.
Of course his speech was swoon worthy, but Rayna didn't seem to think so. I still don't understand her. I feel like she keeps denying this giant part of herself by not being with him. What is she so afraid of?
I enjoy a good declaration of love like the next girl, but I'm getting annoyed with this little dance they keep on doing. I think the writers either need to put them together this season, or set Deacon free because this constant pining is getting tiresome.
The only couple swoon worthy right now is Juliette and Avery, and they're not even together right now. Who else yelled at their TV screen for those two to kiss at the end of the episode. Even when they're trying to be "friends", they end up flirting.
Why on earth was Juliette riding that motorized scooter? She looked ridiculous, but I enjoyed her physical comedy in this episode. She's in love with Avery, and he's clearly still in love with her. Let's hope these two crazy kids make up before the hiatus.
The only two people hooking up in this episode were Layla and Jeff. Okay, how do we all feel about this? I saw it coming the second he complimented her on her performance. The writers might be attempting to humanize Jeff by having him bond with Layla. Do I think he was genuine with her? Yes, actually I do. I have by no means warmed up to him (because he's the worst), but I could see a connection between them as they talked.
The question is how will he act toward her now that they've slept together? He's either going to ignore their tryst and make it a one time thing, or he's going to continue to show interest and cause problems for Layla and Will's sham marriage. As a viewer, I highly doubt they would have these two hook up for no reason. Maybe Jeff will actually like Layla, and "out" Will to the public so he can end their marriage. That would be an interesting turn of events.
Layla: If only everybody didn't see me as the girl curious about robot voices.
Jeff: I don't. At least not anymore.
Speaking of a turn of events, is Zoey leaving for good? I never got attached to her character, but that seems like an abrupt exit. I'm glad she stood up to Gunnar, but leaving them in a lurch was not cool.
Gunnar acted more like a child than a grown up with Zoey. It was completely unreasonable for him to call her selfish. She had no plans to become a mom at this point in her life. She may love Gunnar, but not enough to give up her dreams. If she stayed with him, she would only resent him later.
Okay, let's talk about Scarlett. I really want to like this girl again, but I just can't. Even her facial expressions during her performance with Gunnar and Avery annoyed me. I couldn't help but laugh at her scene with Terry where he called her a coward. Both of their performances were so over the top. His drunkenness was very high school theater class and her reaction was ridiculous.
Will was also battling Scarlett for most annoying this week. Was he really shocked that the hipster bartender wasn't afraid to kiss his boyfriend in public? Didn't this guy go on tour all over the country? Surely he saw same-sex couples on the road.
Sometimes Will can come across as completely oblivious to the world outside of country music. Plenty of famous people are "out", and no one cares. Has he never seen Neil Patrick Harris? America loves Neil Patrick Harris. Be the Neil Patrick Harris of country music, Will. Oh, who am I kidding? No one can be as awesome as Neil Patrick Harris!
So my favorite performance this week goes to Layla. There's something about her voice that I really love. I also liked seeing Jeff look around at everyone enjoying her performance.
So over to you guys! What did you think of the episode? How are you feeling about Rayna and Deacon's confrontation? What do you make of the Jeff/Layla hookup? Is Zoey gone for good? Sound off below, and don't forget you can catch up on any drama you may have missed when you watch Nashville online!
NOTE: Nashville Season 3 Episode 10 will air on Wednesday, December 10 on ABC.
Amanda Steinmetz was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She went into retirement in June of 2027. Follow her on Twitter.
