BWW Recap: Soccer Mom Minivans, Getaway Station Wagons, Laura Benanti

At the beginning of the NASHVILLE episode we're left with a lot of questions (though I'm sure I say this every week...it being a high-intensity drama, and all). Gunnar and Scarlett have some sexual-tension-filled-quasi-romance going on, that Zoe is slowly but surely becoming more aware and jealous of, Avery is seconds away from an obvious alcohol binge-turned-addiction, Juliette is in search of an adoption agency, and Jeff Fordham shows up at Maddie and Daphne's school with a questionable $25,000 donation and a silent auction bid to golf with the mayor. The only question we don't have is whether we will see Ms. Broadway Baby Laura Benanti (Rayna's request to meet with Sadie Stone in the first scene of the evening solidifies this...thank goodness!).

I understand why the writers chose to have Juliette opt for adoption. One, Hayden Panettiere is pregnant in real life (hence the storyline), so the more obvious option of abortion would clearly be difficult (and a bit pointless after introducing the pregnancy in the first place). Secondly, it easily opens several doors for some more story arcs. Despite her wishing the contrary, everyone will find out (Avery included) and it will eventually spiral out of control. Naturally, I can't wait to see how this madness pans out. Though imagining her- in her own words- as a soccer mom in the suburbs with her minivan (this fantasy would include Avery, obviously) does seem pretty damn adorable.

Meanwhile I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Sadie and Rayna become the most lovable set of girlfriends, because Connie Britton and Laura Benanti have amazing chemistry. From their onscreen gabbing over Rayna's wedding dress fitting, to their off-screen Twitter banter, these two are so endearing. It doesn't hurt that the entire Broadway community is already fangirling over half the pair to begin with, right? Here's hoping for many more scenes with them. Because wishing I was best friends with certain characters is a nice break from either hating or holding my breath for others.

Now's about as good a time as any to get really annoyed at a new character- hello, Pam! This relatively new addition to Luke Wheeler's tour has already pushed herself on and hooked with a lovesick Deacon, only to quickly sneak into an AA meeting (she's not an alcoholic) and temporarily gets on Deacon's last nerve- and stays permanently on mine. I'm sure- in true primetime drama fashion- she'll serve some longterm purpose, romantic or otherwise, but I'm growing impatient waiting for that to happen. And this comes from only two episodes into the season. Also a bit annoying? This Jeff and Teddy bromance that's brewing out of (almost) nowhere.

Thank goodness for Glenn, ya'll. He showed up at Avery's and said to him what we've all been wanting to say ourselves. He- of all people- stepped up and begged Avery to take Juliette back, something we all know he wants but is simply too stubborn to do. Sure, Glenn's pleading didn't do much (yet), but that line about loving Juliette as his own? Talk about an eleven-o-clock character moment.

...followed by a twelve-o-clock crash. A complete, drunken mess- better known as Avery- is found completely trashed and inside a stranger's car, in an unknown neighborhood, following Gunnar's harsh, but very necessary, jerk of reality. Juliette is knocking on Glenn's door finally admitting her fear, and Scarlett's performance anxiety is nowhere near gone, or even better, for that matter.

Nashville's greatest girlfriends strike again, as Sadie Stone announces to a roaring crowd, and a fuming Jeff Fordham, that she signed with Rayna James and Highway 65. Jeff may have won the battle (though calling Will and Layla a win at this point may be a bit overzealous), but Rayna- with Sadie- are catching up...even with Jeff's diabolical plan to sign Maddie and Daphne percolating.

"I wish I never met you," win for this season's most heartbreaking line so far. The Avery and Juliette confrontation we have been waiting on the edge of our seats for was both stirring and completely saddening. I have to give some well-deserved props to Jonathan Jackson here- unbelieveable acting. This is why I keep watching.

As you can see, I'm very invested in certain story arcs (ahem...Juliette and Avery) while some I see as a bit of a throaway (i.e. the whole played out Gunnar/Scarlett/Zoey will they won't/ they love triangle). So I have to ask- which NASHVILLE storyline keeps you watching this season? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter @WendiReichstein!

Check out a sneak peek at next week's episode of NASHVILLE titled 'Road Happy':

Photo Credit: ABC