What's new "Nashville"

Okay, so we're on season 3 of the ABC drama "Nashville." Living in Nashville, I've been a fan since the first show. In the beginning, the show focused on the country music scene. Then it became a soap opera with a few songs thrown in. While the characters and actors on this show are terrific, I have a few complaints.

First of all, this is not a weekly show. I'm not sure how ABC expects ratings if you tune in on Wednesday night and there's no "Nashville." We haven't heard if there will be a season 4 -- but you can't get people hooked on a show when there's no show!

Second of all, I honestly hate the short story lines. They bring in a new character and they are gone before developing a story line. I enjoyed the character Terry (played by Mykelti Williamson), even downloaded the song "Carry On". As soon as Scarlett (played superbly by Clare Bowen) duetted with him -- Terry's gone. I also remember a bedroom scene with Juliette and some "assistant" (see, he wasn't even on the screen enough for me to remember the character's name). I could go on and on and on about these short story lines.

Third - the whole "Previously on Nashville" at the beginning of the show completely confuses a new viewer. Perhaps it will compel them to visit the previous seasons -- I hope so.

But let's get on to what I really love about the show. Rayna and Deacon. Everyone wants to see these two together and happy (nobody more than Maddie, the daughter they share). Connie Britton plays a strong character but she's made some mistakes along the way -- mainly falling in love (?) with Luke Wheeler (played by Will Chase). That was a total disaster and took up more than a few shows! So, can we get Rayna and Deacon together finally. At this point, Deacon needs a liver transplant so who knows how much time he has left. Charles Esten is terrific in that character. The writers have given his character very emotional story lines.

Juliette Barnes and Avery -- I just love Hayden Panettiere and Jonathan Jackson. They've provided us with great comic relief! Now if Juliette can just deliver that baby and settle down those hormones. We need to have more of Juliette singing! Get that girl back out on stage! It's okay that the writers have turned her from a huge witch to a sweet character. I've loved both sides of Juliette! Avery has a heart of gold and when he falls in love, he really falls deeply in love.

I hated seeing Chaley Rose (she played Zoey) leave the show. While some viewers did not like her character, I enjoyed her interactions with Gunnar (played by Sam Palladio) and Avery and I thought ZAG was a great band. Now Scarlett (Clare Bowen) has taken Zoey's spot and that band is just as good.

Can we please skip the Mayor of Nashville -- Teddy Conrad (played by Eric Close). That poor man has been given the worst story lines in the history of TV. The whole marriage to Peggy (played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley) was a sham. And the pig's blood? Come on! Does that really happen in real life? I guess the writers thought so. Now we have Teddy dilly-dallying with a hooker who is being monitored by the FBI. The sad part is every time I watch Teddy, I think of our real Mayor, Karl Dean. I smell a downfall -- for Teddy.

The whole Layla / Will Lexington relationship -- oh stab me in the heart! I love Layla (played by Aubrey Peeples). Her character has been treated like dirt from the very beginning, but she's finally coming out of her shyness and being much more assertive! Good girl! It's about time. Will (played by Chris Carmack), on the other hand, needs to chill out a little bit. For a couple of seasons, he's been terrified that word will get out that he's gay! Who cares? Not me! There have been several country music artists who have come out of the closet -- not that I think it's even necessary or important. What matters is who the person is inside -- their heart and soul. Will has a kind heart and I'm really hoping things work out for his character because I hate seeing him so tormented week after week.

Jeff (I hate you but I can't stop watching you) Fordham (played by Oliver Hudson) has finally gotten his just reward! It was hard to take Jeff seriously in the beginning when I enjoyed watching Oliver on "Rules of Engagement" where he played a guy with little intelligence. I think we all wanted to see Jeff fall at the hands of Rayna -- but I truly do not like the fact Layla has latched onto him -- or is it the other way around?

Gunnar -- oh Gunnar! The whole Micah ordeal -- the heartbreak of finding out he's your nephew and not your son. This was not an enjoyable story line for me at all. I would have much preferred Zoey staying on the show. Now, will Gunnar rise to the top with another great song? Or will SAG (Scarlett/Avery/Gunnar) -- oh wait, they've named themselves The Triple X's -- rise to the top of the charts.

Sadie (played by Laura Benanti) is a victim of domestic abuse and can't seem to escape her ex-husband who comes to Nashville wanting his share of her success. While the topic is relevant and I'm sure the plot is not going to end well for Sadie (or the ex), I'd much prefer this beautiful lady sing songs and find success at Highway 65 Records.

There are minor characters -- all played brilliantly -- Bucky, Raina's former manager and new A&R man for her Highway 65 record label (played by David Alford); Juliette's manager Glenn (played by Ed Armatrudo); and Juliette's assistant, Emily (played by Kourtney Hansen). I certainly miss Tandy (played by Judith Hoag) and Lamar (played by Powers Boothe).

Last but not least, there's Maddie and Daphne Conrad (played by sisters Lennon and Maisy Stella). These girls are so talented and we've watched Maddie turn into a typical, defying at times, teenager. My face breaks into a smile each and every time they appear in a scene -- especially when they sing. These girls are stars!!! I hope Maddie gets her wish that her mom (Rayna) and dad (Deacon) reunite -- permanently this time.

The show "Nashville" captivates me. Is the city of Nashville portrayed well on the show? I guess as well as the show "Dallas" portrayed the city of Dallas. I'm just happy the city of Nashville has captivated the hearts of some of the actors who now call Music City their home.