Welcome to the penultimate preview of the season. For the past half of the season, I have been your tour guide among the good, the bad, and the ugly. Well, “Farther On” has some good, some bad, and some ugly. A lot of what happens in this episode seems to be leading up to a potentially life-changing season ender. The seeds have definitely been planted for an intense season finale, so I’m hoping show really brings it’s A game. However, it would not be the first we’ve been disappointed by the show, but let’s try to stay positive.
So despite what the synopsis says, it’s actually Maddie, not Juliette, who shoots a mascara commercial but takes issue with the direction. This story arc is a turning point for Maddie because she finally experiences what it’s like to be an adult. All during last season, Maddie wanted to pursue her music career by herself and make her own choices, but she really had no idea what it was like to live in the real world. She thought life was greener on the other side, but in “Farther On” she gets her first insight into what being an adult actually means, and she doesn’t like it. It’s actually refreshing to watch Maddie’s eyes be opened. While some may think Maddie behaves somewhat bratty, I’m actually surprised she played along for as long as she did. She puts up with quite a bit before she decides enough is enough. Maddie’s whole storyline acts as a catalyst for a major decision that is made, which will have a ripple effect into the season finale and potentially next season. I can’t really say too much, but it looks like lines have been drawn in the sand, and our favorite characters will be taking sides. To be fair, Maddie isn’t really the cause of the potential chaos we could be seeing. She’s more like the straw that broke the camel’s back.
This episode really shows how stretched thin Deacon has become in the months since Rayna’s death. He’s been juggling the hats of father, record label owner, producer, musician, and more. He has been putting everyone but himself first, and that really starts to take a toll. He’s so run ragged that when he gets invited to play the Opry, he hesitates to answer. I keep praising Deacon for everything he’s been doing, but even I forget that he’s human too. He really hasn’t had a moment to himself since Rayna died. He has a lot on his plate this episode, and his decision whether or not to play the Opry is only the tip of the iceberg. Thankfully, he has other people to lean on, even though he’s somewhat resistant. Jessie helps Deacon put things into perspective when they go on a unique field trip together. Daphne also offers some sage wisdom by simplifying things in a way only a child could. In the end, Deacon has a lot of people in his corner, supporting him no matter what he decides to do. He really has taken over the role of the patriarch of Nashville, acting as both a father and mentor to most of the characters. He had some pretty big shoes to fill in Rayna’s absence, but I think she would be proud of the job he’s doing.
Lastly, Avery and Gunnar, well mostly Avery, embrace life on the road. There isn’t much to say about this storyline, only that it seems like a rehashing of Avery’s storyline in “The Night Before (Life Goes On).” Once again is the forced conflict of Avery’s independence versus his loyalty to Juliette. It’s like the writers are trying to force us into thinking they have to be mutually exclusive. Avery is allowed to enjoy his time on the open road while still being there for Juliette. Granted her insanity does dial up to eleven at one point but still. The same questions and issues are once again raised, so I feel like the writers must be setting up something for the finale. If not, then it’s like ‘why must we go through this again?’ So as much as it pains me to say this, I think Javery may be heading for a break, if not a breakup. It just seems like all the arrows are pointing in that direction. For what it’s worth, there are a couple great albeit short scenes between Avery and Gunnar. I really wished more of the bromance had been explored during their time on the road together.
So don’t forget to watch an all new episode of Nashville when it airs Thursday, August 3 at 9 on CMT. Before you go, I leave you with some of my favorite quotes from the episode.
“Yeah, sure. No problem. My album will just be horrible, our child will have pneumonia, you just go have fun.”
“Ugh, I’m so tired. Why do I have to do this?” / “Because you’re the star.”
“I just don’t know when I’m gonna find the time or brain cells to even rehearse for it.”
“What’s the opposite of OK?” / “It’s called being on the road.”
“I’m not asking you, Deacon. I’m telling you, get in.”
So hit the comments below to let me know what you think? What could be the potentially life-changing event? What major decision is made? Where do Deacon and Jessie go on their unique field trip? Is Javery headed for ‘splitsville?
