Nashville Season 2 Finale Preview: “On the Other Hand” [VIDEO] 

Warning: Slight Spoilers for the finale

First of all, congratulations to everyone over at Nashville. ABC has renewed the soapy series for a third season. I think it’s a good call. Even though season two was a bit hit and miss — especially in the first half of the season — I think the second half was much improved. And, frankly, I don’t think the show should be cancelled after seeing how things end in tonight’s finale.

Synopsis for “On the Other Hand”: As Will Lexington’s album climbs the chart with the help of Jeff Fordham’s deep pockets, Rayna enlists Teddy’s help to plan a huge, free concert at LP Field to draw attention to her Highway 65 debut. She will perform with Luke Wheeler and duet with Juliette before thousands of fans. Zoey, Avery and Gunnar rock out at a benefit for Deacon’s favorite charity, Sober House, and Avery plans to serenade Juliette with a song he wrote for her. But when he attempts to sing it, he doesn’t understand why she is not present. And Scarlett makes a decision about her future in Music City.

While I do struggle with the show every now and then, there are several reasons why I can’t quit Nashville:

• Connie Britton. I love the ex-Mrs. Tami Taylor. On Nashville, her Rayna James is a great leading character. And I’m always interested in what she’s doing and who she’s in love with. Other than Teddy, I’ve been totally on board with her relationships and entanglements with Deacon, Luke and Liam.
• Hayden Panettiere. As much as I love me some Rayna James, I do think that Juliette Barnes is the best character on the series. The girl is self destructive. She makes so many mistakes. But I love seeing her rise from the ashes stronger than she ever was before.
• Jonathan Jackson. The show saved his character this season. Last year, I wanted Avery Barkley gone. This year, he’s a favorite of mine. And I love love love that they finally got him involved with Juliette. They are THE couple to watch right now. They give Rayna and Deacon a run for their money.
• Charles Esten. I can’t get enough of Deacon Claybourne. The guy is a mess with a capital “M.” But he’s also sweet, supportive, supremely talented and sexy. And that’s the best combination.
• Chris Carmack. Carmack was great on The O.C. And I love the conflict that’s facing his character, Will Lexington. I may not like that he got married and decided to star in a reality show in order to hide his true sexuality. But it’s a real issue. And he’s so flawed in the way he’s been dealing with his situation. But I can’t stop watching him make mistake after mistake and fall deeper and deeper into this self-hating hole he’s created for himself. After seeing what happens tonight, I’m excited and anxious to see what’s in store for him in season three.
• The Music. I’m not a country fan by any means. But I am a fan of the music on this show. I also like this look behind the scenes of the country music industry. I think the show does a good job with this. Well, as far as I know. I don’t really know the true story. But I’m willing to accept this one. And man do I love it whenever the Stella sisters perform.

The Nashville season two finale airs tonight at 10/9c on ABC. My one tease: Jonathan Jackson is so good in the episode.