Goodness gracious, what a dramatic episode! The aftermath of Scarlett's on-stage meltdown yielded a plethora of problems ranging from more Rayna/Deacon angst to trouble for Juliette and Avery's relationship. And Scarlett had to keep dealing with her aggressively "helpful" mama throughout her whole ordeal. Let's review and discuss!
Scarlett was carried off and brought under Rayna's protective wing to a rehabilitation facility where she later awoke bound to a bed and confronted by the sight of her somewhat evil mother Beverly. That would be enough to freak anyone out, so naturally Scarlett went running through the facility's yard in her hospital gown, sobbing. Rayna managed to talk her down, but the continued presence of Beverly, who in all of her meddling and references to family psychological problems completely failed to take any responsibility for essentially pushing Scarlett to her breakdown through emotional abuse. The trauma that Scarlett endured in childhood due to this habitual conduct on her mother's part still shines through in their every interaction. Hence, although - especially in her scenes with Deacon - Beverly's character got more layers and became theoretically more sympathetic, Scarlett's mama still gives me the creeps.
Another touching aspect of this plotline was that Zoey ended up being there for Scarlett when she needed her. I'd always like to think that true friendship and loyalty take precedence over any comparatively superficial dispute at a time like this. Gunnar, on the other hand, clearly worried a great deal about Scarlett and even wrote a lovely song on the topic, though the unpleasant results of their last attempt to be friends kept him from her side.
That said, it was awesome to see Rayna converse so gently and with such kind understanding with Scarlett. Talking to Deacon seemed to make Rayna see a bit more that Scarlett had indeed been signaling her about being overwhelmed and wanting out of her contract for a while. Rayna's eloquence peaked with her soothing words to Scarlett, "You figured out somethin’ you don’t wanna to do, and that is every bit as important as finding out what you do wanna do." Now the success of Highway 65 rests on Rayna's own new album, and after that awkward radio interview which indicated her classy ways are of little interest to the sleazier side of the industry, here's hoping that her solid fanbase brings her strong sales.
Deacon and Rayna's conversation built off of their rather searing talk last week and seemed to at least show some progress in their getting on better terms. I think it was a bit rich of Rayna to inquire whether Deacon had noticed Scarlett drinking or taking drugs at his house, and then to seem a bit perplexed when this provoked a sarcastic response. And Deacon was a tad over the top in noting Rayna's contributions to Scarlett's problems, although it was ultimately a good thing that he did, since it made Rayna take a good look at her past interactions with Scarlett and understand what steps needed to be taken to aid in her recovery. Ultimately, Deacon and Rayna seemed to leave off on a quiet note of mutual understanding that hopefully indicates they are a tiny step closer to reuniting romantically.
Jeff: “Sometimes I really hate this town.”
Juliette: “Sometimes I really hate everything.”
And Gunnar glimpsed Jeff and Juliette slipping back into the event after their tryst, so chances are that secret could be hinted to Avery soon....of course, he's bound to find out anyway. What a mess! I hope, despite everything, that Juliette and Avery can make it through this, though it doesn't look good.
What did you think of this week's episode? Share your thoughts in the comments!
