Nashville s04e20 Episode Script
It's Sure Gonna Hurt
1 Previously on "Nashville" I'm emancipating from you.
It's your damn daughter sinking her fangs into my little girl.
- Watch your mouth.
- Like some [Grunts.]
Rayna: I can't figure out how to work through this.
Just tell me what to do.
I will do it.
I just got an offer from a headphone company.
They only want Scarlett for the commercial.
Gunnar Scott, come on out onstage with me.
I don't know about you, but I'd love to see where this goes.
I love you, Ma.
[Cries.]
Being gay is not an issue - Oh? - certainly not for me.
You have to stop fighting Will's battle for him.
I'm on the right side of history here.
Goodbye, Ken.
[Cheers and applause.]
He's a red-hot country artist who just became one of the hottest topics in the headlines, so you knew we had to make some room for him at the table.
Please welcome Luke Wheeler.
- Hey, Luke! - Hey.
- [Cheers and applause.]
- Thanks for having me.
Thank you.
So, you're a hot topic right now for your very heated and very public battle with conservative pundit Cynthia Davis.
How'd this all start? Well, I wanted to get my artist - Will Lexington's music on the radio - Right.
uh, but we ran into some resistance because of his sexual orientation.
So I made a public plea to have his song requested, and Cynthia took offense.
And she says that you were shaming people into feeling like a bigot.
Well, um, Cynthia says a lot of things, a lot of which aren't true, but the truth is that Will is an amazing artist, and the conversation should be about his music.
Well, but regardless what the conversation should be, the fact remains that it's not about the music, really.
I mean, you've shined a light on a very important social issue.
So what's your stance on that? Well, I believe that any discrimination whether it be race, religion, or sexual orientation is just plain wrong.
[Cheers and applause.]
I couldn't agree more, but here's where I'm still confused.
I mean, you're the forerunner leading this charge.
Where's Lexington in all this? Well, uh, Will's gone through a little personal tragedy.
He just lost his mom, so But he was refusing to comment even before that, right? I think the problem that a lot of people have is, why does it seem like you care more than him? Well, I don't know if it does seem like that, but I can assure you that Will cares.
Hi.
I'm Dr.
Voris.
Nice to meet you both.
Hi.
Thank you so much for seeing us.
And giving us the whole day.
Not a problem.
I do occasionally, when the situation requires it.
We appreciate it.
Come on in.
[Knock on door.]
Sorry.
Didn't mean to interrupt.
No worries.
The luggage is unloaded.
We can drive home whenever you're ready.
Okay.
Thank you.
For what? For being exactly what I needed these last couple days.
[Chuckles.]
I'm glad my publicist sucks at finding me dates for the red carpet.
Me too.
[Both chuckle.]
Wait.
Why don't you come with me to New York? I mean, I'm taking your jet.
You might as well be on it.
That is so tempting, but I miss my little girl.
I got to get back to my real life.
Mm.
You have fun in New York.
I'll see you at the Oscars, and we'll pick up right where we're leaving off.
Yeah.
Sure.
Once Scarlett and I wrap the commercial shoot in Chicago, you'll have some time off before we join up again in Orlando.
I've got a couple meet-and-greets and a morning spot on Magic 107.
That work? - Yeah.
- Sure.
Are we doing the "not talking to each other" thing again? Look, whatever's best for the band.
You set it up, we'll be there.
Yep.
What she said.
[Sighs.]
Okay.
I'm gonna go finish checking you out of your rooms.
Thank you.
- Gunnar, can we please just talk about - Hey, there.
I don't know about you two, but I could certainly use a little break from this tour.
You guys have plans? Uh, shooting a commercial in Chicago.
Oh, that's right.
Gunnar mentioned something about that.
That's so exciting for you.
Is that today? Yep.
Aww! Bummer.
I'm just on my way to Boston to see my old friend Elton John play a show, and I was gonna see if you two wanted to tag along.
Elton John? Seriously? I love Elton John.
You're welcome to come.
I mean, I know I've offered before.
Oh.
Yeah, sure.
Got nothing else going on.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Sweet.
My plane is waiting for us whenever you're ready.
Now's good.
- Okay.
- Yeah? [Chuckles.]
See ya.
Have fun! All right.
Car's here.
[Sighing.]
Okay.
You okay? Yeah.
I am.
And we should get going.
[Sighs.]
Okay.
Yeah, thanks, Dad.
You guys talking now? Actually, he's called me twice since I've been back.
Even wants to send me some of my mom's old things.
Wow.
Guess whatever you said to him must've really changed his mind, huh? I don't know about that, but it's a start.
[Cellphone rings.]
Oh.
Sorry.
- Hey, Luke.
What's up? - Hey, Will.
Just wanted to check in on you, see how you're holding up.
I imagine it's been a hard couple days.
Yeah, it's been rough, but, uh, I actually think some good might come out of it - with my father.
- I'm glad to hear that.
Um, listen, you happen to catch my appearance on "The View" this morning? Oh! G I'm sorry.
I totally forgot.
No, no.
It's no problem.
It's just, I want you to know that I'm committed as ever to launching your album.
Only I can't do it without you.
Okay? I've got some appearances lined up, and I'm gonna need you out there with me.
- Yeah, I understand.
- Okay, good.
I'll be back in Nashville in a few hours and, uh, have a radio interview lined up for us later today, so why don't you meet me back at the office and, uh, we can discuss then, okay? Yes, sir.
Hey.
What are you doing here? I just wanted to clarify what I meant in L.
A.
when I said, "I'd love to see where this goes.
" Okay.
Now, I-I didn't just mean red carpets or hotel rooms, and honestly, I'd rather spend more time with you here than do whatever crap my publicist has scheduled for me in New York.
My life is so complicated right now.
That's never bothered me.
But this will never go anywhere if we don't really get to know each other.
So what do you say? I say, "Why not?" Yes, it was a mistake for me to go to the bar.
I said that, all right? But look, me and Frankie we've been friends for like 15 years.
All of a sudden, he is helping his daughter to basically destroy our family.
Is it crazy for me to think that maybe we could have a conversation about that - without him physically assaulting me? - It was stupid.
It was a stupid thing to do, and you didn't tell me about it 'cause you knew it was stupid, but you couldn't help yourself! It's all just so familiar.
This cycle just keeps repeating itself over and over again betrayal, destruction, abandonment, forgiveness.
Yeah, 'cause that's what I want to do.
I want to get back in that same cycle.
Look, I would love to be the guy that didn't make the same mistake twice.
- I'm s - Twice?! Deacon, it's been a lifetime.
Okay, okay.
Let's, uh Let's stop and take a breath.
There are clearly very deep wounds here.
See? I told you it'd be fun cooking together.
Yeah.
It totally is.
So, this is really gonna turn into spaghetti strands? Yeah, I mean, uh Well, the texture's a little bit different than pasta, - but it's delicious.
- Oh.
It's also lower in calories and cholesterol than boxed pasta and higher in potassium, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
I mean, that's the best part about cooking your own food, is that you can control your nutrition.
You know, you can supercharge your body.
[Scraping.]
Neat.
I got you a gift for tonight.
What?! It's your album launch.
You shouldn't be getting me a gift.
Oh.
It's a It's a tie.
It goes with my outfit tonight.
I thought it would be cute if we coordinated.
- Right.
- You know what? Never mind.
That's a lame idea.
Hey, no.
It's It's a great idea.
Really, I'm I'm happy to wear it.
There's just so much riding on tonight.
I just want it to be perfect.
It will be.
And I did get you something, by the way - sort of.
- Really? Yeah, Cadence is, uh, spending the night at her mom's, so I'm yours all night.
Did you know that Elton John has sold over 300 million records? And he's got six Grammys, a Tony, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar.
Has someone been on Wikipedia since I went to get the champagne? And the fact that he's stayed on top for so long all by himself, it's it's inspiring.
Hey, what about you? How come you haven't tried it by yourself? I don't know.
Uh, I know Scarlett and I have our issues, but it's hard for me to imagine doing it without her.
Well nothing lasts forever.
But that being said, you guys are killing it right now, so there is no reason for you not to just sit back and enjoy the moment.
Kind of like how I'm enjoying this one with you.
Yeah, me too.
I think I've always been looking for a healthier path.
You know, I think that's what the marriage with Teddy was about.
I mean, he was the anti-Deacon.
I think I was trying to build a wall to protect myself, to protect my girls from my feelings for him.
And yet it seems you've built a door in that wall so you could let him in or shut him out as you needed.
I don't know that I'd put it that way.
Well, you had effectively disentangled yourself from a romantic relationship, then you hired him as your bandleader.
Have you ever heard him play guitar? And the songs that we wrote together Look, in spite of all the hell, that part was heaven.
There's just something that happens.
There's a magic that happens.
Still does.
And you didn't want to give that up.
With Deacon and me, it's never about what we want or what we don't want.
I think there's something really inevitable about this relationship.
It just feels like we're inextricably tied.
There's my angel! - Hi! - Ahh, not so angelic today.
She's teething and really cranky.
She woke up screaming twice last night.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
You cooking? Yeah.
Well, sort of.
Noah is here, and he wanted to cook, so Noah West is here? Really? Wow.
That's That's fast.
Well, not really.
We've known each other for a while.
And you think it's it's all right for him to be around Cadence already? Avery, he's a good guy.
And Cadence is too young to understand, which is why I've never had a problem with her spending time with Layla.
Come on in.
Hey, sweet girl.
Oh, hey, man.
Hi.
Smells good.
Yeah, just, uh, heirloom tomato marinara.
Yeah, you want a taste? No, thanks.
All right.
Uh, call me if you need anything.
Say "Bye, Daddy.
" - Bye.
- Say "Bye, Daddy.
We'll be okay.
" This is my friend Noah.
Can you say "Hi"? - Oh, hey, there, Cadence.
- [Cadence cooing.]
Hi.
Oh.
Your mama talks about you all the time.
[Chuckles.]
Is Kenneth gonna join us? Uh, Kenneth doesn't work here anymore.
What happened? I got enough resistance out there to what we're doing.
I don't need it coming from within the label, as well.
- I'm sorry to hear that.
- That's all right.
I never liked him that much anyway.
Now, listen, about this radio show We got the spot because the deejay's an old friend, and it's a mainstream station.
Is he gonna ask about the controversy? Just a few questions about your music, and then he's gonna play the single.
I just don't want to be a spokesman, is all.
No, don't worry about that.
I'll have your back.
[Knock on door.]
Luke, you have an emergency call from the medical center at Fort Benning.
Excuse me one second, Will.
[Telephone beeps.]
This is Luke Wheeler.
Yes, sir.
U-Um Is he all right? Y-Yes, sir.
Thank you.
I-I'll be there as soon as I can.
- Okay.
- [Telephone beeps.]
- What is it? - Um Colt was in an accident.
I-I'm sorry, Will.
You're gonna have to do this radio show on your own, okay? - Of course.
- Yeah.
- Go take care of your son.
- Yeah.
Sure you're all right? You barely said a word on the plane.
- Oh, I'm fine.
Thank you.
- Scarlett.
- Dennis.
Hi.
Head of promotion.
- Hi.
We are excited to have you as part of our ad campaign.
Oh, I'm real excited to be here.
Thank you for having me.
Well, I wanted to talk you through the concept.
Our theme is "Cut out the noise, what do you hear?" So, each one-sheet features a different female artist listening to her own music on our headphones and answering the question.
Sounds really cool.
Well, we've got "Hope" and "Peace.
" For you, we were thinking "Joy.
" Would you stop, please? Don't listen to him.
Scarlett, this is Jackie Hudson, our esteemed photographer.
- Hi.
- That's right, and I don't need you to tell her what she should feel.
I'm sure you can figure that out on your own.
- Can't you? - Yes, ma'am.
Just listen to the music, be honest, and we'll see where that takes us.
All right? All right.
Deacon: I basically spent most of my life ashamed of the things I'd done to myself, to other people, but mostly to her.
That's a very difficult way to live, a tough thing to face.
It's like all I ever get to be is the guy who let her down again.
You think that's how she sees you? How else could she see me? You know, you talk a lot about who you are to her.
What about you? Who is she to you? [Exhales sharply.]
She's everything.
Without her music doesn't mean anything.
Nothing means anything.
I've had to wrap my mind around trying to live without her too many times.
I just don't know if I can face that again.
What if you had to? What would you do? Wait.
[Sighs.]
We're here today with country star Will Lexington.
Man, it's, uh, good to have you here.
- Thank you for having me.
- Absolutely.
Uh, so, listen, what a roller coaster of a career this has been for you.
I mean, to be nominated for a CMA, you signed a record deal with Luke Wheeler, only to then be dropped by Luke, then to re-sign with him, and now you're rolling out a new album.
It's exhausting even just saying it all.
[Chuckles.]
Yeah, it's been quite a ride, but, uh, I think it's made me a stronger artist, both from a writing and performing standpoint.
Yeah, I hear that.
There's so much emotional depth to this.
It's like a real step forward, I think, from your first album.
Thank you.
I appreciate you saying so.
Now I got to ask, the experience of coming out as a gay country artist, did that have any kind of an impact on this progression? Um I don't know.
I mean, um - So, what about the impact - [Sighs.]
you're having on the gay community? I can't speak for anyone else.
All I know is that I'm real proud of this album.
You should be.
Here it is.
First taste of the new single from Will Lexington.
The song's called "Spinning Revolver.
" ["Spinning Revolver" plays.]
Well, a heart It's a fragile thing, hangin' on a string - Hey! - Hey.
Oh, my God.
Look at the turnout.
Yeah.
Way more press than we expected.
Just got a call from Bucky, though.
Rayna can't make it family emergency.
- Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
- Yeah.
Well, maybe it's not the worst thing that she's not here to overshadow me.
- Hey, there.
- Hi.
- You look beautiful.
- Hi.
Thank you.
- Hey.
- Hey, nice tie.
You ready to do this? Absolutely.
[Crowd clamoring, camera shutters clicking.]
Something wrong? You're not having second thoughts about this, are you? No.
Just worried about Cadence.
Was she still fussy? Well, that, and when I dropped her off at Juliette's, Noah West was there.
Oh.
Did that bother you? No.
No, I just don't want Juliette to be distracted.
It's gonna be fine.
You know how I know? Because tonight is gonna be perfect.
Remember? [Chuckles.]
Woman: Layla! Over here! Hi.
[Monitor beeping.]
Been expecting you.
His mother's flying in tomorrow.
Is he conscious? Pain meds got him knocked out right now.
Got a real bad concussion, broken arm, plus quite a few stitches.
[Sighs.]
What happened? Well, apparently, he got jumped by a couple other recruits.
Why? On account of all that noise you've been making in the press lately.
Things kind of escalated from there, and here we are.
So, to answer your question, this happened because of you.
[Sighs.]
So there are a couple of things in play here.
Deacon, you feel a great sense of guilt and remorse about your alcoholism, injuries to your wife.
Losing our daughter.
And, Rayna, is it fair to say that you have a history with men who, in one way or another, have disappointed you? Your father neglectful, controlling.
Deacon unreliable, sometimes volatile.
Are you trying to say I've chosen this? I'm not talking about choices just patterns.
And as a result, you've had to, as you said, build a wall.
And, Deacon, to some degree, you have always seen Rayna as an unattainable ideal.
So I would posit that the work now would be for you, Deacon, to find a way to be relieved of that crippling burden of guilt and for you, Rayna, to find a way to take a step towards forgiveness.
You both have a deep mythology about this bond its inevitability, the sense of yourselves as artists all tied up within it.
But there's a dark side to it.
I'm not questioning whether you both love each other or not.
You clearly do.
But the tough question you have to answer is, what are you both getting out of this relationship? All right, with this song, what do you hear? Cheer.
Glee.
Fun.
No, what do you hear? What do you feel? Happiness? You're smiling, but your eyes are giving you away.
I don't see happy.
I see fear.
Uh Well, m-maybe if you just tell me what you would like me to do, I could just do that.
This isn't about what I want.
This is about you.
This is about your feelings.
Well, the truth is, I-I do feel happy when I'm listening to my music.
I'm just really sorry that it's not coming through properly.
All right, cut the music! [Click, music stops.]
Clear the room! Everyone out! And leave me the controls for the music.
[People murmuring.]
Perhaps now you can stop hiding.
[Door closes.]
Autumn: Gunnar? Hey! I'd like you to meet my friend Elton John.
Hey, how are you? Great to meet you.
Hi.
Big fan.
I mean, that is, of of you.
[Chuckles.]
Well, me too, because Autumn slipped me a couple of tracks and some video clips from the tour, and I have to say, it's absolutely fantastic.
Well done.
He was particularly impressed with the song you and I did at last night's show.
Yeah.
That is a great song.
Well, thank you.
I'm gonna ask you a question now.
- Yeah.
- Have you heard my new record? - Yeah.
It's amazing.
- Oh, thank you very much.
And what is your favorite song on the record? Uh, well, I got to say "Blue Wonderful.
" Right.
Well, "Blue Wonderful" it is.
You're gonna come and sing it with me onstage tonight, okay? Uh I'd be honored.
[Chuckles.]
Get this guy a guitar, and let's get the hell out of here and go onstage.
- Come on.
Here we go.
- Okay.
- Come on, Gunnar.
- Oh, my G [Laughs.]
[Sighs.]
Daphne gonna be there when we get home? No.
She's spending the night at Simone's.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you all for coming.
Highway 65 could not be more excited about this terrific young artist.
You may think you know her already, - because she's been in the public eye, - - but this new album - I wish he'd wrap it up.
I'm ready to sing.
the real Layla Grant, and you better get ready, 'cause she's about to take over the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome the amazing Ms.
Layla Grant.
[Cheers and applause.]
Hi, everyone.
Thanks, Bucky, for not setting the expectations too high.
[Chuckles.]
You guys ready to hear some music? ["Soul Survivor" plays.]
How do you turn a sinkin' ship That's been takin' you down with it? The whole world stops and drops you Like you're nothin' How do you make amends For all the goodbyes that might have been? Do you brush it off? Do you cash it in? Do you just bite your lip and try it again? 'Cause I'm much too young To settle for what's been done I've seen it all Livin' through the fall has taken me higher 'Cause the smoke is gonna clear Blue skies are gonna reappear And I'll be standin' here, I'll be standin' here Soul survivor - [Cadence crying.]
- Shh, shh, shh.
Sweet girl.
Call me back, Avery.
[Sighs.]
Everything okay in here? Oh, she's just teething, and she won't take the ring that I stuck in the freezer.
Here.
Try this.
- Come here.
- [Fussing.]
Hey.
[Laughing.]
Hey.
Here you go.
Want to try that? - [Sighs.]
- Yeah.
[Chuckles.]
My niece Anna's gums were too sensitive for all the cold stuff when she was teething.
Wooden spoon was the only thing that worked.
Huh? There you go.
You are just full of surprises.
[Woman speaking indistinctly on P.
A.
.]
- Something I can help you with, Sarge? - Yeah.
You know, they say a father's job is to protect his child.
Why is it that you're always hurting yours, huh? Excuse me? What in the hell were you thinking even starting this crusade of yours? I did it to help out a good kid, maybe change some minds for the better.
You know what I watch the news, and I don't see that it's going very well.
No, it's not.
In fact, I got protesters outside my office, I'm losing fans by the day, hemorrhaging cash.
Well, I hope that singer of yours appreciates it, considering that you were fighting his fights for him while your son was here getting his head kicked in! You think you can make me feel worse? Is that it? I was just trying to do the right thing, damn it! I was just trying to Trying to what? Forget it.
[Engine shuts off.]
Hey, Will.
Heard you on the radio.
[Car alarm chirps.]
Pretty easy to find your address online.
Hey, man, I-I don't want any trouble.
Hey, you're wrong, you know.
You are speaking for other people.
What do you mean? I had a real hard time coming to terms with who I am.
I was so ashamed, I couldn't tell anybody, and I hated myself for it.
But hearing you stand up and speak your truth, it gave me the confidence to know I could do it, too.
You let me know there's nothing wrong with me and I wasn't alone.
Well, I'm glad it helped.
I'm done.
I'm done being the screw-up in your life.
I think I just need to relieve me and you of that guilt.
Don't do that.
What? Don't just go and decide that after today.
Oh, come on, Ray.
Didn't you hear him? What was this whole day about, huh? It's about us trying to figure out how to work through this.
Did we? You feel better now? I mean, have you found that first step to forgiveness? No.
But it's gonna take more than one day.
[Scoffs.]
What, two? 10? 1,000? Come on, Rayna.
What is gonna get fixed here? Am I gonna magically undo everything I done? You suddenly gonna forget it? This is it, man.
This is me.
This is us.
This is our "happily ever after" right here.
So you just gonna leave? Again? Is that what you want? Is that what you want? You think about it, babe.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you.
Fantastic.
If anything, I set expectations too low.
- Perfect, kiddo.
- Thank you.
- Thanks.
- Perfect.
Come here.
Rod Phillips from iHeart Radio wants to meet you.
- Come on.
- Okay.
Hey, where's Avery? I don't know.
Hey.
[Sighs.]
Uh, sorry I missed your call.
I was onstage.
- Is Cadence okay? - Yeah, she's fine.
She was fussy, like you said she was, and Noah saved the day, got her to calm down.
- Noah did? - Oh, he's so sweet.
Oh, that's great.
Yeah, glad he could help out.
Hope you two are having fun.
We are.
In fact, I should probably hang up and get back to it.
Yeah.
Yeah, I should get back to the party.
Okay.
Bye.
Bye.
Jackie: So, you've always been a writer? Yeah.
It was poetry before lyrics.
It's just always been my way of sorting out my feelings, I guess.
Listening to the tracks your label sent over, I can tell that you feel things very deeply.
Especially that duet, "I Will Never Let You Know.
" It's so raw.
Where'd that come from? It's about my uncle and the love of his life.
They got a real complicated story, but it's a sweet one.
But it it felt so personal.
It must be about more than that.
Yeah.
There's a lot of me in there, too.
There was a lot going on in my life when I wrote it.
Come on.
Let's shoot.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you so much.
[Exhales sharply.]
- You nervous? - Elton John: Boston, we love you! I think I may vomit.
- [Clears throat.]
- [Laughs.]
Or faint.
Or both.
No.
Listen.
You are going to be great.
Now, I wanted to bring a new friend out for this next song, called "Blue Wonderful.
" - So please give a big welcome to - Thanks.
Gunnar Scott! Go get 'em, rock star.
[Cheers and applause.]
["Blue Wonderful" plays.]
Every breath is a prayer of some kind I breathe in, I breathe out, I just breathe And you're so well, Blue Wonderful Blue Wonderful, to me Like swimming in your eyes I dive in, I dive deep, I just swim And lose myself in you, Blue Wonderful Blue Wonderful, again Don't you know where you go I will follow? In your footsteps, I find my own feet Addicted like I am to the blues Two kinds of blue are all the blues I need "Yesterday," that's someone else's song In '65, summertime, long ago Long before you came, Blue Wonderful The Blue Wonderful I know Age is something I just left behind In the past, far away, used to be But you're present, my Blue Wonderful Blue Wonderful, to me Go where you want when you want to Just don't let the wind tear you free Stick around the light that brings you home Don't ever hang around with the breeze Granddad? Hey, buddy.
Dad, what are you doing here? Hey, cowboy.
W-We know what went on.
You just say the word, and I'll get your father out of here.
I'm not going anywhere.
Why don't we let Colt decide that? Stop it, please.
I want Dad here.
I'm so sorry, Colt.
I'd never want to be the one responsible for you being in pain.
It's not your fault.
Sure it is.
If it wasn't for him No, I threw the first punch.
Why would you do that? I was defending you.
Son, you shouldn't have No.
I wanted to.
I'm proud of you, Dad.
Well, guess who finally decided to emerge from his hiding place and speak out to the media today.
Will Lexington.
But was it to comment on Luke Wheeler's proselytizing of the homosexual agenda? Nope.
It was simply a lame excuse to promote his new album.
Bad enough he rubs our noses in his morally depraved behavior, but to not have the guts to defend himself? It's an embarrassment.
He and the rest of his so-called community should do this country a favor and just disappear.
Jackie: Listen.
Be in the moment.
Cut out the noise and just tell me What do you hear? [Click.]
["I Will Never Let You Know" plays.]
[Camera shutter clicking.]
Scarlett: I will hold my head up high You will never see me cry You're amazing.
I'll smile and say "I'm good" But I would fall apart I know I shouldn't be here.
If I could I'm inside out, shot through the center Feel the scar of where you entered Took my life and turned it upside down But I will never let you know [Camera shutter clicks.]
- All this time - Just stay in it.
It's perfect.
[Crying.]
I can't.
It hurts too much.
II can't.
They say that the moon Scarlett.
What are you so afraid of? It's just the light from a star Maybe that's the way we are [Sighs.]
I want Maddie back.
That's what I want.
Me too.
[Cries softly.]
[Sighs.]
So, Mr.
Big Shot.
[Laughs.]
How was that? I-I still can't believe it was real.
Well, believe this.
Elton said that you were an absolute natural out there.
Come on.
He did not.
Yes, he did! Those were his exact words.
I promise you.
This just proves what I've been telling you from the beginning.
You have the goods.
You can do whatever you want all on your own.
[Sighs.]
I mean, I don't know what to say.
[Laughs.]
Tonight was it was a dream come true, and you set it all up for me.
Well, I enjoy doing nice things for people I like.
And in case it wasn't already abundantly clear, I like you, Gunnar.
A lot.
Juliette: I'm pretty sure "Tommy Boy" is the best buddy comedy of all time.
You think that's the best buddy comedy of all time? You didn't like it? It's a complete mess.
I mean, the plot is all over the place.
You were laughing.
I was laughing at it, not with it.
[Inhales deeply.]
Maybe we should just go to bed.
Hey.
Every programmer I spoke to is raving about the album.
Rayna's gonna be thrilled when Bucky fills her in.
[Chuckles.]
Well, I couldn't have gotten here without you, Glenn.
Thank you.
Hey, go celebrate.
You earned it.
Should we go out or back to my place? Uh, it's up to you.
I'm gonna swing by Juliette's first and, uh, check up on Cadence, then we can meet up after.
What are you in the mood for? I don't know.
What's wrong? Well, I don't even know why we're celebrating.
Glenn can say that everyone's excited about the album, but Rayna couldn't even make it to the launch.
I don't think that means that they're not excited.
You know the first time I played here, she blew me off? And then she literally let Markus Keen just steal my spotlight at my Opry debut.
And then she did nothing when Autumn gave my tour spot away to the Exes.
So, I mean, what does it matter how tonight went when my label obviously couldn't care less about me? Hey.
Of course Highway 65 cares about you.
I mean, look.
Look at this.
Yeah, but I just feel like crying.
It's just, tonight was supposed to be perfect, and Rayna just ruined it.
It's not ruined.
Okay? Come on.
I'm gonna take you out, and we're gonna turn it all around, starting right now.
What about Cadence? I was being a little overprotective.
I'm sure she's fine.
Come on.
Let's go.
You really are the best boyfriend.
[Door opens.]
Noel: Hey! There you are.
Jackie said the shoot went great.
[Sighs.]
Whoa.
What's going on? What's wrong? Gunnar's right.
I am afraid.
I'm afraid of the truth.
And it doesn't matter how much I try to ignore it, wipe it away, stamp it out.
I can't anymore.
What are you talking about? I'm in love with him.
I'm in love with Gunnar.
So, what's going on over there? You're such a great guy.
You're amazing with Cadence and just so passionate about stuff.
Oh, there's a "but" coming, right? But I'm not sure we're passionate about the same stuff.
You don't think we could be, with time? I just don't think we have the connection that I need to feel right now.
I guess the fantasy's better than the reality, huh? At least we tried, right? You don't have to leave.
I know.
But I-I probably should.
How bad is it? Oh, it's barely noticeable.
[Both chuckle.]
- [Cellphone ringing.]
- Hold on a sec.
Let me grab this.
Hey, Will.
Hey.
How's Colt? Oh, he's gonna be all right.
He's a tough kid.
How'd the radio spot go? It went good.
Apparently, word about it spread, because it lit a fire under Cynthia Davis again.
Oh, you know what? [Sighs.]
Don't you worry about her.
Some people got so much hate in them, it's just not worth it.
Actually, um I made a decision.
I want to go on the show take her on face-to-face.
Okay.
I'm, uh, not sure what changed your mind, but, uh, if that's what you want, I'll make a call and book us a time.
No, you've done so much for me, Luke, and I am truly grateful, but it's time for me to take from here.
Well, all right, then.
Go get 'er, son.
[Click.]
It's your damn daughter sinking her fangs into my little girl.
- Watch your mouth.
- Like some [Grunts.]
Rayna: I can't figure out how to work through this.
Just tell me what to do.
I will do it.
I just got an offer from a headphone company.
They only want Scarlett for the commercial.
Gunnar Scott, come on out onstage with me.
I don't know about you, but I'd love to see where this goes.
I love you, Ma.
[Cries.]
Being gay is not an issue - Oh? - certainly not for me.
You have to stop fighting Will's battle for him.
I'm on the right side of history here.
Goodbye, Ken.
[Cheers and applause.]
He's a red-hot country artist who just became one of the hottest topics in the headlines, so you knew we had to make some room for him at the table.
Please welcome Luke Wheeler.
- Hey, Luke! - Hey.
- [Cheers and applause.]
- Thanks for having me.
Thank you.
So, you're a hot topic right now for your very heated and very public battle with conservative pundit Cynthia Davis.
How'd this all start? Well, I wanted to get my artist - Will Lexington's music on the radio - Right.
uh, but we ran into some resistance because of his sexual orientation.
So I made a public plea to have his song requested, and Cynthia took offense.
And she says that you were shaming people into feeling like a bigot.
Well, um, Cynthia says a lot of things, a lot of which aren't true, but the truth is that Will is an amazing artist, and the conversation should be about his music.
Well, but regardless what the conversation should be, the fact remains that it's not about the music, really.
I mean, you've shined a light on a very important social issue.
So what's your stance on that? Well, I believe that any discrimination whether it be race, religion, or sexual orientation is just plain wrong.
[Cheers and applause.]
I couldn't agree more, but here's where I'm still confused.
I mean, you're the forerunner leading this charge.
Where's Lexington in all this? Well, uh, Will's gone through a little personal tragedy.
He just lost his mom, so But he was refusing to comment even before that, right? I think the problem that a lot of people have is, why does it seem like you care more than him? Well, I don't know if it does seem like that, but I can assure you that Will cares.
Hi.
I'm Dr.
Voris.
Nice to meet you both.
Hi.
Thank you so much for seeing us.
And giving us the whole day.
Not a problem.
I do occasionally, when the situation requires it.
We appreciate it.
Come on in.
[Knock on door.]
Sorry.
Didn't mean to interrupt.
No worries.
The luggage is unloaded.
We can drive home whenever you're ready.
Okay.
Thank you.
For what? For being exactly what I needed these last couple days.
[Chuckles.]
I'm glad my publicist sucks at finding me dates for the red carpet.
Me too.
[Both chuckle.]
Wait.
Why don't you come with me to New York? I mean, I'm taking your jet.
You might as well be on it.
That is so tempting, but I miss my little girl.
I got to get back to my real life.
Mm.
You have fun in New York.
I'll see you at the Oscars, and we'll pick up right where we're leaving off.
Yeah.
Sure.
Once Scarlett and I wrap the commercial shoot in Chicago, you'll have some time off before we join up again in Orlando.
I've got a couple meet-and-greets and a morning spot on Magic 107.
That work? - Yeah.
- Sure.
Are we doing the "not talking to each other" thing again? Look, whatever's best for the band.
You set it up, we'll be there.
Yep.
What she said.
[Sighs.]
Okay.
I'm gonna go finish checking you out of your rooms.
Thank you.
- Gunnar, can we please just talk about - Hey, there.
I don't know about you two, but I could certainly use a little break from this tour.
You guys have plans? Uh, shooting a commercial in Chicago.
Oh, that's right.
Gunnar mentioned something about that.
That's so exciting for you.
Is that today? Yep.
Aww! Bummer.
I'm just on my way to Boston to see my old friend Elton John play a show, and I was gonna see if you two wanted to tag along.
Elton John? Seriously? I love Elton John.
You're welcome to come.
I mean, I know I've offered before.
Oh.
Yeah, sure.
Got nothing else going on.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Sweet.
My plane is waiting for us whenever you're ready.
Now's good.
- Okay.
- Yeah? [Chuckles.]
See ya.
Have fun! All right.
Car's here.
[Sighing.]
Okay.
You okay? Yeah.
I am.
And we should get going.
[Sighs.]
Okay.
Yeah, thanks, Dad.
You guys talking now? Actually, he's called me twice since I've been back.
Even wants to send me some of my mom's old things.
Wow.
Guess whatever you said to him must've really changed his mind, huh? I don't know about that, but it's a start.
[Cellphone rings.]
Oh.
Sorry.
- Hey, Luke.
What's up? - Hey, Will.
Just wanted to check in on you, see how you're holding up.
I imagine it's been a hard couple days.
Yeah, it's been rough, but, uh, I actually think some good might come out of it - with my father.
- I'm glad to hear that.
Um, listen, you happen to catch my appearance on "The View" this morning? Oh! G I'm sorry.
I totally forgot.
No, no.
It's no problem.
It's just, I want you to know that I'm committed as ever to launching your album.
Only I can't do it without you.
Okay? I've got some appearances lined up, and I'm gonna need you out there with me.
- Yeah, I understand.
- Okay, good.
I'll be back in Nashville in a few hours and, uh, have a radio interview lined up for us later today, so why don't you meet me back at the office and, uh, we can discuss then, okay? Yes, sir.
Hey.
What are you doing here? I just wanted to clarify what I meant in L.
A.
when I said, "I'd love to see where this goes.
" Okay.
Now, I-I didn't just mean red carpets or hotel rooms, and honestly, I'd rather spend more time with you here than do whatever crap my publicist has scheduled for me in New York.
My life is so complicated right now.
That's never bothered me.
But this will never go anywhere if we don't really get to know each other.
So what do you say? I say, "Why not?" Yes, it was a mistake for me to go to the bar.
I said that, all right? But look, me and Frankie we've been friends for like 15 years.
All of a sudden, he is helping his daughter to basically destroy our family.
Is it crazy for me to think that maybe we could have a conversation about that - without him physically assaulting me? - It was stupid.
It was a stupid thing to do, and you didn't tell me about it 'cause you knew it was stupid, but you couldn't help yourself! It's all just so familiar.
This cycle just keeps repeating itself over and over again betrayal, destruction, abandonment, forgiveness.
Yeah, 'cause that's what I want to do.
I want to get back in that same cycle.
Look, I would love to be the guy that didn't make the same mistake twice.
- I'm s - Twice?! Deacon, it's been a lifetime.
Okay, okay.
Let's, uh Let's stop and take a breath.
There are clearly very deep wounds here.
See? I told you it'd be fun cooking together.
Yeah.
It totally is.
So, this is really gonna turn into spaghetti strands? Yeah, I mean, uh Well, the texture's a little bit different than pasta, - but it's delicious.
- Oh.
It's also lower in calories and cholesterol than boxed pasta and higher in potassium, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
I mean, that's the best part about cooking your own food, is that you can control your nutrition.
You know, you can supercharge your body.
[Scraping.]
Neat.
I got you a gift for tonight.
What?! It's your album launch.
You shouldn't be getting me a gift.
Oh.
It's a It's a tie.
It goes with my outfit tonight.
I thought it would be cute if we coordinated.
- Right.
- You know what? Never mind.
That's a lame idea.
Hey, no.
It's It's a great idea.
Really, I'm I'm happy to wear it.
There's just so much riding on tonight.
I just want it to be perfect.
It will be.
And I did get you something, by the way - sort of.
- Really? Yeah, Cadence is, uh, spending the night at her mom's, so I'm yours all night.
Did you know that Elton John has sold over 300 million records? And he's got six Grammys, a Tony, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar.
Has someone been on Wikipedia since I went to get the champagne? And the fact that he's stayed on top for so long all by himself, it's it's inspiring.
Hey, what about you? How come you haven't tried it by yourself? I don't know.
Uh, I know Scarlett and I have our issues, but it's hard for me to imagine doing it without her.
Well nothing lasts forever.
But that being said, you guys are killing it right now, so there is no reason for you not to just sit back and enjoy the moment.
Kind of like how I'm enjoying this one with you.
Yeah, me too.
I think I've always been looking for a healthier path.
You know, I think that's what the marriage with Teddy was about.
I mean, he was the anti-Deacon.
I think I was trying to build a wall to protect myself, to protect my girls from my feelings for him.
And yet it seems you've built a door in that wall so you could let him in or shut him out as you needed.
I don't know that I'd put it that way.
Well, you had effectively disentangled yourself from a romantic relationship, then you hired him as your bandleader.
Have you ever heard him play guitar? And the songs that we wrote together Look, in spite of all the hell, that part was heaven.
There's just something that happens.
There's a magic that happens.
Still does.
And you didn't want to give that up.
With Deacon and me, it's never about what we want or what we don't want.
I think there's something really inevitable about this relationship.
It just feels like we're inextricably tied.
There's my angel! - Hi! - Ahh, not so angelic today.
She's teething and really cranky.
She woke up screaming twice last night.
Oh.
I'm sorry.
You cooking? Yeah.
Well, sort of.
Noah is here, and he wanted to cook, so Noah West is here? Really? Wow.
That's That's fast.
Well, not really.
We've known each other for a while.
And you think it's it's all right for him to be around Cadence already? Avery, he's a good guy.
And Cadence is too young to understand, which is why I've never had a problem with her spending time with Layla.
Come on in.
Hey, sweet girl.
Oh, hey, man.
Hi.
Smells good.
Yeah, just, uh, heirloom tomato marinara.
Yeah, you want a taste? No, thanks.
All right.
Uh, call me if you need anything.
Say "Bye, Daddy.
" - Bye.
- Say "Bye, Daddy.
We'll be okay.
" This is my friend Noah.
Can you say "Hi"? - Oh, hey, there, Cadence.
- [Cadence cooing.]
Hi.
Oh.
Your mama talks about you all the time.
[Chuckles.]
Is Kenneth gonna join us? Uh, Kenneth doesn't work here anymore.
What happened? I got enough resistance out there to what we're doing.
I don't need it coming from within the label, as well.
- I'm sorry to hear that.
- That's all right.
I never liked him that much anyway.
Now, listen, about this radio show We got the spot because the deejay's an old friend, and it's a mainstream station.
Is he gonna ask about the controversy? Just a few questions about your music, and then he's gonna play the single.
I just don't want to be a spokesman, is all.
No, don't worry about that.
I'll have your back.
[Knock on door.]
Luke, you have an emergency call from the medical center at Fort Benning.
Excuse me one second, Will.
[Telephone beeps.]
This is Luke Wheeler.
Yes, sir.
U-Um Is he all right? Y-Yes, sir.
Thank you.
I-I'll be there as soon as I can.
- Okay.
- [Telephone beeps.]
- What is it? - Um Colt was in an accident.
I-I'm sorry, Will.
You're gonna have to do this radio show on your own, okay? - Of course.
- Yeah.
- Go take care of your son.
- Yeah.
Sure you're all right? You barely said a word on the plane.
- Oh, I'm fine.
Thank you.
- Scarlett.
- Dennis.
Hi.
Head of promotion.
- Hi.
We are excited to have you as part of our ad campaign.
Oh, I'm real excited to be here.
Thank you for having me.
Well, I wanted to talk you through the concept.
Our theme is "Cut out the noise, what do you hear?" So, each one-sheet features a different female artist listening to her own music on our headphones and answering the question.
Sounds really cool.
Well, we've got "Hope" and "Peace.
" For you, we were thinking "Joy.
" Would you stop, please? Don't listen to him.
Scarlett, this is Jackie Hudson, our esteemed photographer.
- Hi.
- That's right, and I don't need you to tell her what she should feel.
I'm sure you can figure that out on your own.
- Can't you? - Yes, ma'am.
Just listen to the music, be honest, and we'll see where that takes us.
All right? All right.
Deacon: I basically spent most of my life ashamed of the things I'd done to myself, to other people, but mostly to her.
That's a very difficult way to live, a tough thing to face.
It's like all I ever get to be is the guy who let her down again.
You think that's how she sees you? How else could she see me? You know, you talk a lot about who you are to her.
What about you? Who is she to you? [Exhales sharply.]
She's everything.
Without her music doesn't mean anything.
Nothing means anything.
I've had to wrap my mind around trying to live without her too many times.
I just don't know if I can face that again.
What if you had to? What would you do? Wait.
[Sighs.]
We're here today with country star Will Lexington.
Man, it's, uh, good to have you here.
- Thank you for having me.
- Absolutely.
Uh, so, listen, what a roller coaster of a career this has been for you.
I mean, to be nominated for a CMA, you signed a record deal with Luke Wheeler, only to then be dropped by Luke, then to re-sign with him, and now you're rolling out a new album.
It's exhausting even just saying it all.
[Chuckles.]
Yeah, it's been quite a ride, but, uh, I think it's made me a stronger artist, both from a writing and performing standpoint.
Yeah, I hear that.
There's so much emotional depth to this.
It's like a real step forward, I think, from your first album.
Thank you.
I appreciate you saying so.
Now I got to ask, the experience of coming out as a gay country artist, did that have any kind of an impact on this progression? Um I don't know.
I mean, um - So, what about the impact - [Sighs.]
you're having on the gay community? I can't speak for anyone else.
All I know is that I'm real proud of this album.
You should be.
Here it is.
First taste of the new single from Will Lexington.
The song's called "Spinning Revolver.
" ["Spinning Revolver" plays.]
Well, a heart It's a fragile thing, hangin' on a string - Hey! - Hey.
Oh, my God.
Look at the turnout.
Yeah.
Way more press than we expected.
Just got a call from Bucky, though.
Rayna can't make it family emergency.
- Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
- Yeah.
Well, maybe it's not the worst thing that she's not here to overshadow me.
- Hey, there.
- Hi.
- You look beautiful.
- Hi.
Thank you.
- Hey.
- Hey, nice tie.
You ready to do this? Absolutely.
[Crowd clamoring, camera shutters clicking.]
Something wrong? You're not having second thoughts about this, are you? No.
Just worried about Cadence.
Was she still fussy? Well, that, and when I dropped her off at Juliette's, Noah West was there.
Oh.
Did that bother you? No.
No, I just don't want Juliette to be distracted.
It's gonna be fine.
You know how I know? Because tonight is gonna be perfect.
Remember? [Chuckles.]
Woman: Layla! Over here! Hi.
[Monitor beeping.]
Been expecting you.
His mother's flying in tomorrow.
Is he conscious? Pain meds got him knocked out right now.
Got a real bad concussion, broken arm, plus quite a few stitches.
[Sighs.]
What happened? Well, apparently, he got jumped by a couple other recruits.
Why? On account of all that noise you've been making in the press lately.
Things kind of escalated from there, and here we are.
So, to answer your question, this happened because of you.
[Sighs.]
So there are a couple of things in play here.
Deacon, you feel a great sense of guilt and remorse about your alcoholism, injuries to your wife.
Losing our daughter.
And, Rayna, is it fair to say that you have a history with men who, in one way or another, have disappointed you? Your father neglectful, controlling.
Deacon unreliable, sometimes volatile.
Are you trying to say I've chosen this? I'm not talking about choices just patterns.
And as a result, you've had to, as you said, build a wall.
And, Deacon, to some degree, you have always seen Rayna as an unattainable ideal.
So I would posit that the work now would be for you, Deacon, to find a way to be relieved of that crippling burden of guilt and for you, Rayna, to find a way to take a step towards forgiveness.
You both have a deep mythology about this bond its inevitability, the sense of yourselves as artists all tied up within it.
But there's a dark side to it.
I'm not questioning whether you both love each other or not.
You clearly do.
But the tough question you have to answer is, what are you both getting out of this relationship? All right, with this song, what do you hear? Cheer.
Glee.
Fun.
No, what do you hear? What do you feel? Happiness? You're smiling, but your eyes are giving you away.
I don't see happy.
I see fear.
Uh Well, m-maybe if you just tell me what you would like me to do, I could just do that.
This isn't about what I want.
This is about you.
This is about your feelings.
Well, the truth is, I-I do feel happy when I'm listening to my music.
I'm just really sorry that it's not coming through properly.
All right, cut the music! [Click, music stops.]
Clear the room! Everyone out! And leave me the controls for the music.
[People murmuring.]
Perhaps now you can stop hiding.
[Door closes.]
Autumn: Gunnar? Hey! I'd like you to meet my friend Elton John.
Hey, how are you? Great to meet you.
Hi.
Big fan.
I mean, that is, of of you.
[Chuckles.]
Well, me too, because Autumn slipped me a couple of tracks and some video clips from the tour, and I have to say, it's absolutely fantastic.
Well done.
He was particularly impressed with the song you and I did at last night's show.
Yeah.
That is a great song.
Well, thank you.
I'm gonna ask you a question now.
- Yeah.
- Have you heard my new record? - Yeah.
It's amazing.
- Oh, thank you very much.
And what is your favorite song on the record? Uh, well, I got to say "Blue Wonderful.
" Right.
Well, "Blue Wonderful" it is.
You're gonna come and sing it with me onstage tonight, okay? Uh I'd be honored.
[Chuckles.]
Get this guy a guitar, and let's get the hell out of here and go onstage.
- Come on.
Here we go.
- Okay.
- Come on, Gunnar.
- Oh, my G [Laughs.]
[Sighs.]
Daphne gonna be there when we get home? No.
She's spending the night at Simone's.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you all for coming.
Highway 65 could not be more excited about this terrific young artist.
You may think you know her already, - because she's been in the public eye, - - but this new album - I wish he'd wrap it up.
I'm ready to sing.
the real Layla Grant, and you better get ready, 'cause she's about to take over the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome the amazing Ms.
Layla Grant.
[Cheers and applause.]
Hi, everyone.
Thanks, Bucky, for not setting the expectations too high.
[Chuckles.]
You guys ready to hear some music? ["Soul Survivor" plays.]
How do you turn a sinkin' ship That's been takin' you down with it? The whole world stops and drops you Like you're nothin' How do you make amends For all the goodbyes that might have been? Do you brush it off? Do you cash it in? Do you just bite your lip and try it again? 'Cause I'm much too young To settle for what's been done I've seen it all Livin' through the fall has taken me higher 'Cause the smoke is gonna clear Blue skies are gonna reappear And I'll be standin' here, I'll be standin' here Soul survivor - [Cadence crying.]
- Shh, shh, shh.
Sweet girl.
Call me back, Avery.
[Sighs.]
Everything okay in here? Oh, she's just teething, and she won't take the ring that I stuck in the freezer.
Here.
Try this.
- Come here.
- [Fussing.]
Hey.
[Laughing.]
Hey.
Here you go.
Want to try that? - [Sighs.]
- Yeah.
[Chuckles.]
My niece Anna's gums were too sensitive for all the cold stuff when she was teething.
Wooden spoon was the only thing that worked.
Huh? There you go.
You are just full of surprises.
[Woman speaking indistinctly on P.
A.
.]
- Something I can help you with, Sarge? - Yeah.
You know, they say a father's job is to protect his child.
Why is it that you're always hurting yours, huh? Excuse me? What in the hell were you thinking even starting this crusade of yours? I did it to help out a good kid, maybe change some minds for the better.
You know what I watch the news, and I don't see that it's going very well.
No, it's not.
In fact, I got protesters outside my office, I'm losing fans by the day, hemorrhaging cash.
Well, I hope that singer of yours appreciates it, considering that you were fighting his fights for him while your son was here getting his head kicked in! You think you can make me feel worse? Is that it? I was just trying to do the right thing, damn it! I was just trying to Trying to what? Forget it.
[Engine shuts off.]
Hey, Will.
Heard you on the radio.
[Car alarm chirps.]
Pretty easy to find your address online.
Hey, man, I-I don't want any trouble.
Hey, you're wrong, you know.
You are speaking for other people.
What do you mean? I had a real hard time coming to terms with who I am.
I was so ashamed, I couldn't tell anybody, and I hated myself for it.
But hearing you stand up and speak your truth, it gave me the confidence to know I could do it, too.
You let me know there's nothing wrong with me and I wasn't alone.
Well, I'm glad it helped.
I'm done.
I'm done being the screw-up in your life.
I think I just need to relieve me and you of that guilt.
Don't do that.
What? Don't just go and decide that after today.
Oh, come on, Ray.
Didn't you hear him? What was this whole day about, huh? It's about us trying to figure out how to work through this.
Did we? You feel better now? I mean, have you found that first step to forgiveness? No.
But it's gonna take more than one day.
[Scoffs.]
What, two? 10? 1,000? Come on, Rayna.
What is gonna get fixed here? Am I gonna magically undo everything I done? You suddenly gonna forget it? This is it, man.
This is me.
This is us.
This is our "happily ever after" right here.
So you just gonna leave? Again? Is that what you want? Is that what you want? You think about it, babe.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you.
Fantastic.
If anything, I set expectations too low.
- Perfect, kiddo.
- Thank you.
- Thanks.
- Perfect.
Come here.
Rod Phillips from iHeart Radio wants to meet you.
- Come on.
- Okay.
Hey, where's Avery? I don't know.
Hey.
[Sighs.]
Uh, sorry I missed your call.
I was onstage.
- Is Cadence okay? - Yeah, she's fine.
She was fussy, like you said she was, and Noah saved the day, got her to calm down.
- Noah did? - Oh, he's so sweet.
Oh, that's great.
Yeah, glad he could help out.
Hope you two are having fun.
We are.
In fact, I should probably hang up and get back to it.
Yeah.
Yeah, I should get back to the party.
Okay.
Bye.
Bye.
Jackie: So, you've always been a writer? Yeah.
It was poetry before lyrics.
It's just always been my way of sorting out my feelings, I guess.
Listening to the tracks your label sent over, I can tell that you feel things very deeply.
Especially that duet, "I Will Never Let You Know.
" It's so raw.
Where'd that come from? It's about my uncle and the love of his life.
They got a real complicated story, but it's a sweet one.
But it it felt so personal.
It must be about more than that.
Yeah.
There's a lot of me in there, too.
There was a lot going on in my life when I wrote it.
Come on.
Let's shoot.
[Cheers and applause.]
Thank you so much.
[Exhales sharply.]
- You nervous? - Elton John: Boston, we love you! I think I may vomit.
- [Clears throat.]
- [Laughs.]
Or faint.
Or both.
No.
Listen.
You are going to be great.
Now, I wanted to bring a new friend out for this next song, called "Blue Wonderful.
" - So please give a big welcome to - Thanks.
Gunnar Scott! Go get 'em, rock star.
[Cheers and applause.]
["Blue Wonderful" plays.]
Every breath is a prayer of some kind I breathe in, I breathe out, I just breathe And you're so well, Blue Wonderful Blue Wonderful, to me Like swimming in your eyes I dive in, I dive deep, I just swim And lose myself in you, Blue Wonderful Blue Wonderful, again Don't you know where you go I will follow? In your footsteps, I find my own feet Addicted like I am to the blues Two kinds of blue are all the blues I need "Yesterday," that's someone else's song In '65, summertime, long ago Long before you came, Blue Wonderful The Blue Wonderful I know Age is something I just left behind In the past, far away, used to be But you're present, my Blue Wonderful Blue Wonderful, to me Go where you want when you want to Just don't let the wind tear you free Stick around the light that brings you home Don't ever hang around with the breeze Granddad? Hey, buddy.
Dad, what are you doing here? Hey, cowboy.
W-We know what went on.
You just say the word, and I'll get your father out of here.
I'm not going anywhere.
Why don't we let Colt decide that? Stop it, please.
I want Dad here.
I'm so sorry, Colt.
I'd never want to be the one responsible for you being in pain.
It's not your fault.
Sure it is.
If it wasn't for him No, I threw the first punch.
Why would you do that? I was defending you.
Son, you shouldn't have No.
I wanted to.
I'm proud of you, Dad.
Well, guess who finally decided to emerge from his hiding place and speak out to the media today.
Will Lexington.
But was it to comment on Luke Wheeler's proselytizing of the homosexual agenda? Nope.
It was simply a lame excuse to promote his new album.
Bad enough he rubs our noses in his morally depraved behavior, but to not have the guts to defend himself? It's an embarrassment.
He and the rest of his so-called community should do this country a favor and just disappear.
Jackie: Listen.
Be in the moment.
Cut out the noise and just tell me What do you hear? [Click.]
["I Will Never Let You Know" plays.]
[Camera shutter clicking.]
Scarlett: I will hold my head up high You will never see me cry You're amazing.
I'll smile and say "I'm good" But I would fall apart I know I shouldn't be here.
If I could I'm inside out, shot through the center Feel the scar of where you entered Took my life and turned it upside down But I will never let you know [Camera shutter clicks.]
- All this time - Just stay in it.
It's perfect.
[Crying.]
I can't.
It hurts too much.
II can't.
They say that the moon Scarlett.
What are you so afraid of? It's just the light from a star Maybe that's the way we are [Sighs.]
I want Maddie back.
That's what I want.
Me too.
[Cries softly.]
[Sighs.]
So, Mr.
Big Shot.
[Laughs.]
How was that? I-I still can't believe it was real.
Well, believe this.
Elton said that you were an absolute natural out there.
Come on.
He did not.
Yes, he did! Those were his exact words.
I promise you.
This just proves what I've been telling you from the beginning.
You have the goods.
You can do whatever you want all on your own.
[Sighs.]
I mean, I don't know what to say.
[Laughs.]
Tonight was it was a dream come true, and you set it all up for me.
Well, I enjoy doing nice things for people I like.
And in case it wasn't already abundantly clear, I like you, Gunnar.
A lot.
Juliette: I'm pretty sure "Tommy Boy" is the best buddy comedy of all time.
You think that's the best buddy comedy of all time? You didn't like it? It's a complete mess.
I mean, the plot is all over the place.
You were laughing.
I was laughing at it, not with it.
[Inhales deeply.]
Maybe we should just go to bed.
Hey.
Every programmer I spoke to is raving about the album.
Rayna's gonna be thrilled when Bucky fills her in.
[Chuckles.]
Well, I couldn't have gotten here without you, Glenn.
Thank you.
Hey, go celebrate.
You earned it.
Should we go out or back to my place? Uh, it's up to you.
I'm gonna swing by Juliette's first and, uh, check up on Cadence, then we can meet up after.
What are you in the mood for? I don't know.
What's wrong? Well, I don't even know why we're celebrating.
Glenn can say that everyone's excited about the album, but Rayna couldn't even make it to the launch.
I don't think that means that they're not excited.
You know the first time I played here, she blew me off? And then she literally let Markus Keen just steal my spotlight at my Opry debut.
And then she did nothing when Autumn gave my tour spot away to the Exes.
So, I mean, what does it matter how tonight went when my label obviously couldn't care less about me? Hey.
Of course Highway 65 cares about you.
I mean, look.
Look at this.
Yeah, but I just feel like crying.
It's just, tonight was supposed to be perfect, and Rayna just ruined it.
It's not ruined.
Okay? Come on.
I'm gonna take you out, and we're gonna turn it all around, starting right now.
What about Cadence? I was being a little overprotective.
I'm sure she's fine.
Come on.
Let's go.
You really are the best boyfriend.
[Door opens.]
Noel: Hey! There you are.
Jackie said the shoot went great.
[Sighs.]
Whoa.
What's going on? What's wrong? Gunnar's right.
I am afraid.
I'm afraid of the truth.
And it doesn't matter how much I try to ignore it, wipe it away, stamp it out.
I can't anymore.
What are you talking about? I'm in love with him.
I'm in love with Gunnar.
So, what's going on over there? You're such a great guy.
You're amazing with Cadence and just so passionate about stuff.
Oh, there's a "but" coming, right? But I'm not sure we're passionate about the same stuff.
You don't think we could be, with time? I just don't think we have the connection that I need to feel right now.
I guess the fantasy's better than the reality, huh? At least we tried, right? You don't have to leave.
I know.
But I-I probably should.
How bad is it? Oh, it's barely noticeable.
[Both chuckle.]
- [Cellphone ringing.]
- Hold on a sec.
Let me grab this.
Hey, Will.
Hey.
How's Colt? Oh, he's gonna be all right.
He's a tough kid.
How'd the radio spot go? It went good.
Apparently, word about it spread, because it lit a fire under Cynthia Davis again.
Oh, you know what? [Sighs.]
Don't you worry about her.
Some people got so much hate in them, it's just not worth it.
Actually, um I made a decision.
I want to go on the show take her on face-to-face.
Okay.
I'm, uh, not sure what changed your mind, but, uh, if that's what you want, I'll make a call and book us a time.
No, you've done so much for me, Luke, and I am truly grateful, but it's time for me to take from here.
Well, all right, then.
Go get 'er, son.
[Click.]