Nashville “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight” 

I have to admit something to you: I’m actually a little bit pleased (well, more than a little) that February sweeps is happening right now. Why? Because it’s given us the best two episodes of Nashville to date. I was really happy with the show before, but this and last week’s episodes have upped the ante in surprising ways. I like where every single storyline is headed, I love the music, and each week brings anticipation for the next episode. So without further ado let’s look at the latest developments from “There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight.”

Rayna and Liam

I can’t be the only one who was extremely disappointed with the way Michiel Huisman’s Liam McGuinnis was dispatched in the 11^th episode of the series. I thought he and Rayna were going to make a different kind of album and I really liked their energy. So imagine my surprise and delight when Liam came back into Rayna’s orbit in this episode. And he came back in a big way. While I am now and will always be a Rayna/Deacon shipper (do they have a ship name yet?), I have to say I love the chemistry between Rayna and Liam. I was both excited and apprehensive about where things were headed when they started kissing. I mean, it was hot. But I’ve got some serious loyalty to Deacon on Rayna’s behalf. I get that she really just wanted something with no strings attached. Deacon is drama (just because of all their history and their recent kiss) and Liam is easy and available. And he’s sexy. So while I was telling Rayna not to do it (seriously, I was talking to my TV) I was also enjoying their make-out session. I’m glad that’s as far as it went though.

Juliette and Glenn

In other news, I really do love that Juliette’s taking control of her career. I can’t say I agree with the way she’s going about it but I think she has every right to either be in control (or at the very least consulted) on all creative decisions. It’s her brand and her life. But I’m not loving the way she’s treating Glenn. He shouldn’t have gone behind her back but is it necessary for Juliette to be such a brat about it? I’m glad he quit. I hope things without him are bad enough that she has to put her pride aside and ask him back. And if that does happen, maybe she can be a little nicer to him.

Scarlett and Gunnar

I wasn’t that excited about them becoming roommates at first, but I think my fears have been assuaged. Not only did I enjoy Gunnar’s near-nakedness, but I like this different dynamic. I think their domestic bliss will be extremely short-lived because of their unexpected houseguest. Just the fact that we saw a gun in Jason’s bag means it’ll come into play soon. I hope Scarlett and/or Gunnar doesn’t get hurt. From what little we’ve already seen, Jason makes bad decisions and is generally bad news for his baby brother. I understand why Scarlett relented and agreed to have him stay a few more days, but I hope that decision doesn’t come back to haunt her.

Avery

I just don’t know what to think about Avery. He’s got some talent, but he’s a douche. I hate the way he treated Scarlett and his out-for-only-himself attitude grates on me. I understand that he wants all the perks that come with being a young, hot new artist but he seems to want none of the struggle that precedes that. I think he made a huge mistake in “selling” half of his rights. Of course he’s got a big check now, but that kind of mistake may haunt him for the rest of his career. Maybe he deserves it, but I want to see him make smarter choices.

Teddy

I hate that Maddie overheard him talking to Peggy. Actually, it broke my heart a little. Even though Teddy asked for a divorce in “I’ve Been Down That Road Before,” I wasn’t sure if it was going to take. Rayna is clearly still reeling and, like her, I don’t understand the rush. I don’t think they should stay together but things do seem to be happening very quickly. I know Teddy was tired of waiting for Rayna to “pick him,” so maybe this is his attempt to move on with his life as quickly as possible. I just hope things remain civil and that he continues to be a good father to the girls. Much less important (to me), is how this will affect his job. Now that he’s divorcing Rayna, how will his relationship with Lamar change? I already kind of like that he got feisty with Tandy. It’s about time.

Nashville airs Wednesday at 10/9c on ABC.