Try as it might, ABC couldn’t quite hit the high note with its newest show, “Nashville.” Connie Britton, best known for her role as Mrs. Coach on “Friday Night Lights,” stars as Rayna James, a legendary country star who has trouble selling out her latest tour. Attempt at a compromise comes in the form of opening for Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere), the twenty-something No. 1 country-pop crossover artist who isn’t afraid to use her feminine wiles to get what she wants – think Reba McEntire opening for Taylor Swift.
If there isn’t enough drama in that plotline for you, never fear: The hits just keep on coming. Rayna’s father manipulates her world with his considerable wealth, and Juliette’s drug-addicted mother keeps calling to borrow money. Meanwhile, Juliette attempts to seduce Rayna’s still-affectionate ex, who is also Rayna’s band leader, to work on her tour. There’s plenty more drama, including a political race, and it’s only the first episode. “Hard to follow” doesn’t cover the half of it — with so many different characters and story arcs being introduced, it’s almost overwhelming.
Though the show itself wasn’t bad overall, it saves the best for last with a duet by two minor characters, Scarlett O’Connor (Clare Bowen) and Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio). Their gorgeous rendition of The Civil Wars’ “If I Didn’t Know Better” made watching the show’s less-than-stellar first episode worth it.