- Title: Nashville – Dear Brother
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Tensions between Ranya (Connie Britton) and Teddy (Eric Close) continue to rise once Rayna discovers her soon-to-be ex-husband is spending his nights in Peggy’s (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) bed. Rayna breaks the news to her sister (Judith Hoag) only to discover that the tabloids are already running with the story and blaming the divorce on Rayna’s imagined affairs with Liam (Michiel Huisman) and Deacon (Charles Esten). After explaining the situation to her daughters (Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella) Rayna’s people go into full PR mode. Meanwhile Juliette (Hayden Panettiere), with the help of her mother (Sylvia Jefferies) and assistant (Kourtney Hansen), works on throwing a surprise birthday party for Deacon (which everyone tells her is a really bad idea).
The arrival of Gunnar’s (Sam Palladio) brother Jason (David Clayton Rogers) begins to cause tension between Gunnar and Scarlett (Clare Bowen), especially after they discover the ex-con’s loaded weapon in their home. After disposing to the gun, Gunnar tells his brother they are done in a move that will have permanent ramifications for both of them before the episode comes to an end. Juliette enlists the help of Scarlett to get Deacon to the party at the Bluebird by allowing Gunnar and Scarlett to perform as the opening act. Country music’s Kip Moore, Pam Tillis, Dan Auerbach, and Vince Gill all make cameo appearances at the party playing themselves.
As Teddy prepares to put his mistress on the Mayor’s payroll and paparazzi hound Rayna wherever she goes the queen of country music is pleasantly surprised by the support and kind words offered to her by her father (Powers Boothe). Juliette’s night is cute short when her mother gets drunk at the party leaving surprise guest Rayna Jaymes (who takes her father’s advice to take control of her life) and Watty White (JD Souther) to perform a special song at the end of the night.
Although Britton gives one of her better musical performances, once again Scarlett and Gunnar steal the spotlight with the show’s best number “I Will Fall.” The episode ends for tragedy for Gunnar but also a new beginning with the start of a deeper romantic partnership with Scarlett. Standing up for himself, Teddy makes a surprising choice for Deputy Mayor (Robert Wisdom), and much to Deacon’s surprise he enjoys his surprise party (even if he’s far less keen on Juliette’s four-legged birthday present).