
Nashville is my new favorite show of the fall season. I knew it was going to be good the moment I heard Connie Britton was attached. That woman can do no wrong in my eyes. She will always and forever be Mrs. Coach and I will watch everything she decides to do with her career from now until the end of time. I was also intrigued to see what kind of story Callie Khouri would bring to the small screen. I knew it would be a character-driven, nuanced show and I haven’t been disappointed yet (although if I’m honest I didn’t love the pilot). Of course anytime you get T Bone Burnett involved, you know the music is gonna be good. But most of all I’ve got to give credit to the network, the writers and producers, and the stars for making me interested in a show about country music. It’s so much more than that, but as I have no interest in country music I thought watching this show might be a struggle. But Nashville is about relationships and dreams and sacrifice and secrets. And here are the 10 reasons you should be watching.
10. The soapy element. This show has just the right amount of soap for me. I like that there are those soap opera elements we’ve come to expect – but that the writers do something interesting and sometimes unexpected with these situations every time. I like it when I think I know what’s coming next and the writers show me something new or different or interesting. It keeps me coming back for more.
9. The location. I like it when any show is filmed on location – it gives the show a more authentic feel. I like seeing the city from so many different angles and perspectives. I think I’ve been writing Nashville the city off as just a town for those aspiring to break into country music. But as we’ve seen on this show, the city is home to different kinds of music. And while Nashville the city is mostly associated with music there is so much more to it than that.

8. Politics. First of all, I hope this attempt at a fresh start doesn’t break up Teddy’s marriage. Or do I? Second, I love how this story is evolving. That Rayna had to withdraw her support of longtime friend Coleman Carlisle (the great Robert Wisdom) made things interesting. That Rayna was eventually persuaded to take a more active role in her husband’s campaign could have made things tense all around. Now that Teddy’s ex is in the mix as well, I smell the kind of trouble I like. I’m also curious to see if Teddy’s dirty little money secret will come to light. I hope Coleman’s arrest doesn’t derail his campaign too much because I really want to see these two duke it out to the finish.

7. The supporting players. I’m talking about Juliette’s manager and publicist, Rayna’s sister and her new producer, Avery’s potential manager – and so many more. I like that even people with more minor roles are interesting and layered and maybe more than we’re expecting. That’s the mark of a great show – when the writers/producers care about all the little details.
6. Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne. Sometimes I want him with Rayna, sometimes I want him with Juliette. Sometimes I think maybe he’d be better without female companionship so he can focus on his music. Who is he without Rayna? He hasn’t given himself a chance to really find out. Would he be good with Juliette? I see potential there but that doesn’t mean it’s right. And I keep forgetting he’s Scarlett’s uncle. I’m looking forward to seeing more of their dynamic. However the chips fall though, I can’t wait to hear more of his voice and see where his story takes us.
5. The music. Have I already mentioned that I don’t really enjoy country music? I mean, I haven’t given it much of a chance. But when you’ve got all kinds of musical talent behind the scenes (and on the screen) let by T Bone Burnett you sit up and pay attention. I think I’m slowly coming to appreciate good music, whatever the genre. And that’s always a good thing.

4. Scarlett and Gunnar. I love the way they sing together and now that Avery is kind of out of the picture (we’ll see if the breakup takes or not), I’m kinda rooting for a Scarlett/Gunnar hookup. They just have crazy chemistry when they sing together and I think it could spill over into their personal lives if they let it. I know Gunnar’s involved with what’s-her-face right now. I’m glad he got tired of waiting around for Scarlett, but we all know where his heart is.
3. The writing. I mean, I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. I know Callie Khouri has been writing for the movies for a while but I really do love that she wanted to work on this kind of story for television. And any time Liz Tigelaar is on staff, I’m gonna pay even more attention. I love her, so if she loves something enough to get involved odds are I’ll love it too. But beyond that, I’m really intrigued by these people and these stories. I like that the characters are layered and conflicted. I like that these seem like real people with real problems who speak in distinct voices. I like what the characters have to say and the way they say it.

2. Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes. I’m not sure how to express my delighted surprise at Hayden Panettiere in this role. Yes, I liked her on Heroes (even though I didn’t end up liking and/or watching the show much past the first season), but it didn’t prepare me. I love that she’s kind of based on Taylor Swift, but with a darker past and a more uncertain present. I love her complex relationship with Rayna so far – to call it a rivalry makes it trivial and boring. I’m surprisingly engaged in whatever is happening between her and Deacon and I kind of hope it’s not over. I just love that Juliette is multi-dimensional and that her story keeps surprising me.
1. Connie Britton as Rayna James. Connie Britton knows how to make an aging country superstar look good. I’m not sure why I’m constantly surprised by this character, but I love that. I like the strained family dynamic, I like that she’s searching for her sound, I like that she’s taking her career back no matter what her label says. Although I wish she had chemistry with Eric Close, the lack of it makes it even easier to root for her and Deacon to resume whatever they’ve got going on. Do we believe Rayna when she tells her husband she hasn’t slept with Deacon since they’ve been married? Should we worry about whether or not Deacon and Rayna will ever sing or play together again? Can Rayna make the type of music she wants to? Will Rayna ever be able to have the type of relationship she wants with her father?
If you’re not watching Nashville, my Thanksgiving Day wish (I know that’s not a thing, but work with me here) is for you to give it another chance. You won’t be sorry.
Nashville airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
Related posts
Classics
John Griffin and Harold Perrineau Talk From on EPIX Season 1 Finale
[Warning: General spoilers ahead.] How are we doing, #FROMily? In case you missed it this morning, the very good news is that that cliffhanger will be followed by a second season, which was gifted this morning ahead of the linear broadcast of the finale. I always legitimately appreciate when we…
Elizabeth Saunders Talks EPIX’s From
[Warning: General spoilers ahead.] One of the things that makes EPIX’s From such a fun ride is the abundance of Canadian cast members. Elizabeth Saunders, who plays Donna, is a favorite from her turn on the third season of Mary Kills People, which US audiences still have not been able…
Corteon Moore Talks From “Broken Windows, Open Doors”
[Warning: Spoilers for tonight’s episode.] Tonight’s episode of From had us all in our feels as we learned through flashbacks about the Sophie’s Choice Boyd had to make to save his son, and back in the present as Boyd said his piece with Ellis before heading into the woods with…
Pegah Ghafoori Talks From “All Good Things…”
[Warning: Spoilers for tonight’s episode] Tonight on From, Fatima’s anniversary celebration turned into a Colony House of horrors when a misguided Kevin let his monster bae in and she promptly killed him and left the window open for her crew. While the party devolved into terror and sent everyone running,…
Shaun Majumder Talks From “Book 74”
[Warning: Spoilers for tonight’s episode.] Tonight on EPIX’s From, Father Khatri made a bold move, kidnapping Sara instead of turning her in, and then recognizing her as a vessel for some big messages. That startling realization speaks to him on multiple levels–as a man of faith, a man trapped in…
Avery Konrad Talks About Sara’s Struggle in From “Silhouettes”
[Warning: Spoilers for tonight’s episode.] Over the course of the season so far on From, we’ve witnessed Sara’s battle against the voices telling her to to do terrible things, and tonight we saw her unravel further, threatening the Matthews and lashing out in a moment of terror with horrifying results….
Hannah Cheramy Talks From “Choosing Day”
[Warning: Spoilers for tonight’s episode.] Tonight, on EPIX’s From, the Matthews participate in the show’s version of the sorting hat, choosing where to call home–the town or Colony House. At the end of the episode, Julie makes the decision to split from her family and instead settle in with Fatima…
Ricky He Talks From “The Way Things Are Now”
[Warning: Spoilers for episode 102 of EPIX’s From.] Epix’s new series From is two episodes in and it’s already laying the groundwork for a seriously spooky season. Tonight’s episode demonstrated the careful balance of relief and horror that the show hits, with our characters’ worst fears realized, just not when…
Catching Up with Ted Lasso and Previewing Season 2
[Warning: General spoilers ahead.] The not so dirty little secret about how I approach a new series is that I sometimes make a call based on the headspace I’m in at the time. It’s been a minute since I’ve picked up a show after the first season and then binge…
Interview: Henri Esteve on Grown-ish Season 3
An interview with Henri Esteve, who plays Javi on Freeform’s Grown-ish. He talks about his season three experience.
What They Said: Three Revealing Conversations from Survivor’s Remorse “Closure”
WARNING: Spoilers for Survivor’s Remorse “Closure” The latest episode of Starz’s Survivor’s Remorse featured conversations that showed characters really digging deep into their thoughts, emotions and motivations.
Two Takes: The Catch “The Knock-Off”
Who can you trust? If this episode of The Catch was any indication, the answer is just about nobody. Betrayal was running rampant as Felicity (Shivani Ghai) arose from the dead to seduce-con Margot, Gretchen (Maria Thayer, Gotham, The Mindy Project) played gold-hearted Alice 2.0 before swindling Ethan, Tessa jumped…
What They Said: Top 3 Quotable Moments from Preacher “El Valero”
Both Quincannon and Jesse refuse to give up on what they each think is rightfully theirs. While Jesse is struggling to face the consequences of his actions, Quincannon has laid his past demons to rest and is hellbent on moving forward and putting Annville on the map again. Despite a…
What They Said: Favorite Quotes from Supergirl “Worlds Finest”
Oh, Supergirl. That ending was cold. But I can’t hate on you because the latest episode has quickly become one of my favorites.
What They Said: Top 4 Quotable Moments from Black Sails “XXIII”
The dialogue in “XXIII” is phenomenal. It’s always a fun ride when Black Sails carries its viewers along without giving them the chance to catch their breath. When an episode moves at this unforgiving pace, there is no chance for a breather nor is there a respite from the information…
What Lucifer Said: Favorite quotes from Supernatural “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
Supernatural episodes are almost always funny but thanks to the dialogue and a certain man speaking said dialogue, I laughed a lot during “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” You know, when I wasn’t busy fearing for Sam’s life or wondering what in the world was going on with Dean and…
What They Said: The Flash, “Legends Of Today” and Arrow, “Legends Of Yesterday”
Two nights of Arrow + The Flash = what more could we ask for?! I don’t know what it is about blending these shows, but I can’t help but feel that every time they come together, they somehow become greater than the sum of their parts. And that’s saying a lot…
What they Said: Top 4 Quotable Moments from Graceland “Little Bo Bleep”
Shoot outs. Fake outs. And long-awaited revelations. “Little Bo Bleep” was a jam-packed episode that wrapped up some loose ends and totally frayed others. Â It finally gave us one Sarkissian in jail and pulled back the curtain on Briggs’ master plan, but it also set up Jakes for a world…
What They Said: Favorite Quotes from Poldark “Part 4”
“What have I told you, I don’t require my wife to crochet and sip tea, but I do require her to remember she’s not a beast of burden.†No, I’m not talking about The Rolling Stones! I have to admit though, just for a second, the lyrics popped into my…
3 Moments of Goodness from Brooklyn Nine-Nine “Johnny and Dora”
The most satisfying part of this season’s finale has to the Jake and Amy kiss. Well, they kiss three times but the last one is the best one — and it means something. The Charles and Rosa dynamic was also great. I love how she’s convinced he doesn’t know anything…