Yes, you read correctly rebecca,1, the show is upbeat because it leaves much room for HOPE. Deacon and Rayna love each other–he flew all that way because he was worried. Juliette is ALIVE (OMG–if that’s not hopeful, I don’t know what is??!!!!)–and she is SEARCHING for some meaning as to why she is alive–and the story indicates that she WILL find it. Scarlett may have initially been depressed BUT she went home and talked it through with Gunner–isn’t that HOPEFUL? Maddie apologized for treating her sister badly–and is writing with her–isn’t that HOPEFUL? Aren’t we all conflicted? That what drama (and life) is all about? And the story arc looks hopeful to me. Will has been through a lot and possibly come through with some acquired wisdom–isn’t that what we ALL strive for? And isn’t that HOPEFUL?
I guess we all see what we wish to see–and I see hope–and, as I said, more compelling–and, yes, upbeat OUTCOMES.
What show were YOU watching, you asked me. Guess I’ll just ask you the same.

And, aren’t you excited about the new producers–the same on that produced a wonderfully successful show (s)?
Well, in an interview the congenial actor that plays Deacon says in HE’S excited (and he sounded VERY UPBEAT and HOPEFUL. That counts for a lot in my book.
And Hayden P. (who plays Juliette sounded very positive and UPBEAT about the show on Harry Connick’s show AND Good Morning, America.

Well first let me say I find Harry’s show totally boring. Watched it twice and that was it for me.

Second…drama is not the same as upbeat. Upbeat is happy, fun, playful, cheerful…The show, at this point, is none of these. We already knew all these couples loved/love each other. Nothing new there. We already knew Juliette would be alive. The story opened and everything/everyone was dark. Rayna was depressed and had to find herself, Juliette was understandably shaken and depressed, too. Maddie, even though the ABC show ended with her coming back to her family and embracing them all (including her sister) was suddenly morose and nasty to her sister, again, for the majority of the episode. Gunner and Scarlett, again when we last left off on ABC, were back in love…suddenly…she was doubting him again. We barely saw Avery other than him wheeling Juliette around. Now, yes, this can all be good drama. But…in ONE episode? That’s how they chose to premiere the new version? I found it “heavy”. No happiness to be found.

Second episode was bit better but I found the gushy too-much repetitive talk between Rayna and Deacon boring and sappy. Will? Nothing’s changed with him. He was lusting and missing his boyfriend on ABC…now that he got him back he’s tempted and conflicted over his attraction for the designer. When we left them on ABC they were happy and getting back together and suddenly Will’s back to internal conflict.

I don’t enjou seeing Juliette having some sort of religious revelation. LOL..just not the sort of story I enjoy. I want the show that I loved on the ABC version…friendship, community, joy of music, collaboration…loved seeing Avery, Scarlett and Gunner making music together, loved seeing Will in the house interacting with them, loved Rayna and her manager, Avery in the bar he worked at…just “the scene.” I MISS Will! I loved his character. And, as I said in my post…the entire Nashville scene was very inviting. Sense of community; everyone knew each other, interacted…a very tight knit microcosm.

I also said, yes, I love the writers. I know they’ve done some very good work and I anticipated loving their version. I’m not giving up. I’m “hoping” that the show will get back to the characters, including the town, “Nashville” that held its allure for me. I find it, so far, too much soapy melodrama…and the characters not as I remember them.

Oh, and of course Charles Esten (Deacon) is going to say positive things about the show. He’s on it! LOL…they go on talk shows to promote their shows. Part of the job…

Rebecca, thanks for your reply, but I really liked what you had to say in your previous comment you made, before answering mine. There was not one thing I couldn’t agree with. I’ve read the spoilers, and really don’t want to see the younger sister’s dad, who has been in prison and his former sister-in-law try taking the girls away from Deacon, who the girls love and want to be with. I just can’t stay interested in Juliette, who is still acting entitled , etc, etc, and Jonathan putting up with her crap treating him like another one of her gophers. I will give it a little time, and try again, based on your reply to me. It was encouraging, thanks!

Rebecca, thanks so much for this reply, trying to help me see the other side of Teddy. I did like him a lot in the beginning, and I have to say, everything you say is true. I guess I could only see Deacon’s side, not only losing Rayna, but now having to face maybe losing the girls, as well. I have not been able to watch the funeral yet, but I will try and bring myself to do it. Maybe , once I get that under my belt, I’ll be able to continue watching. With all the Soaps I watch, I should be able to watch this, but somehow it was so disheartening and unexpected. I was totally shocked by Rayna’s death. I guess I’m a bigger softey , than I thought. Thanks again Rebecca, it’s been so nice and helpful “talking” with you.

You’re welcome, Violet! Thanks for being open. I can almost guarantee you’ll like the next two episodes; the funeral and last night’s episode. Very touching, heartwarming, gripping. More like the show we loved and I think the writing was excellent, as was the acting.

Lemme know!