Who makes you the best version of yourself?  That was the question Juliette Barnes was asking herself during Nashville Season 2 Episode 9, and it wouldn't have hurt the rest of these characters to ask themselves the same thing.

Spending time with the deplorable Charlie Wentworth made Juliette act out.  Whether it was hitting Layla with a barrage of body blows on tour, or simply being a complete jerk to her manager, Juliette definitely hasn't been the best version of herself lately.

That's not to say that "bad" Juliette isn't fun to watch, because stealing the mic out of Layla's hand and saying "You're sitting this one out" was pretty darn awesome.

Apparently Jules thinks she's the best version when spending time with Avery - that's who she called on the plane after having her realization after all - and I wouldn't disagree that he could bring out the best in her.

But what kind of effect would that have on Avery?

He's back with Scarlett now, which surprised the heck out of Gunnar, and they seem to be doing very well now that Avery has become Mr. Super Nice Guy.  Remember how he was when they were together last time, though?  She sure didn't make him the best version of himself on their first go around.  Will this time be different?

Moreover, what will happen with the most awkward group of four friends ever now that Scarlett saw Zoe and Gunnar kissing?  Let's take a second here and remember that double phone conversation, in which  Scarlett was on speaker with Avery and Zoe - who was on with Gunnar, who could hear the other conversation as well.

Those kind of secrets have to be difficult to live with, so I'm sure some part of Gunnar and Zoe are glad that Scarlett finally found out.

Watch Nashville Season 2 Episode 9 Online

The revealed secret that Deacon is in fact Maddie's father, meanwhile, has only caused everyone involved a lot of hurt.

I get that Teddy feels like the whole thing is unjust because he is the one who spent the last decade plus being the father to this girl, and who is Deacon to just swing in and steal all Maddie's love away.  I get that.  But using the excuse that Deacon was never around isn't really fair either...he never knew he was her father.

Deacon was never given that opportunity.  Now that he has it, and he's sober, I think he deserves a chance to be in her life.  She doesn't need to call him Dad, and Maddie shouldn't push Teddy out of the way in the process, but preventing Deacon from seeing her is only going to cause resentment.

If Teddy paid any attention during that duet at the open mic, he would have realized that there will be no keeping these two apart.  Not only was that performance amazing, but the emotion that was permeating off the stage as Deacon looked into Maddie's eyes the entire song was off the charts.

An unrestricted relationship with his daughter might be exactly what allows Deacon Claybourne to be the best version of himself.  

What did you all think of Nashville Season 2 Episode 9?  What were your favorite moments?  What didn't you like about the hour?  And who on this show is acting like the best version of him/herself right at this moment?

Nashville Promo: "Tomorrow Never Comes"

Dan Forcella is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter.