Just in case you were in need of further proof that Rayna will choose Luke over Deacon in Nashville Season 3, the show’s latest casting decision has pretty much solidified this prediction. Why is that? Because, from the looks of things, Deacon will be getting yet another new lady in his life. TVLine recently uncovered that Nashville has cast actress-singer Brette Taylor in a major recurring role, where she will play Luke’s “sultry, extroverted new backup singer,” Pam. But don’t get too excited, Rayna and Deacon ‘shippers, because — despite the fact that she’s in his actual band — it is not Luke’s eye that this newcomer ends up catching… it’s Deacon’s.
Apparently, Mr. Claybourne will develop quite the interest in this talented musician, so much so that she’ll even become his muse, especially after her “complicated and dark past comes to light.” Could this mean that we have another recovering alcoholic on our hands? It’s definitely possible. And something tells me this whole “muse” thing will quickly escalate into something much more personal. (For the record, I am not a-mused.) Either way, it doesn’t bode well for Rayna and Deacon’s romantic (or rather, lack thereof) future. Is it just me or is anyone else starting to get a serious Ross and Rachel vibe from this little on-again, off-again relationship?
Just when you think these two crazy kids may be able to finally work things out, something — or in this case someone — always ends up getting in the way. (Way to twist that knife, Nashville writers.) Granted, I’m sure Deacon’s interest in this woman will only happen because Rayna undoubtedly turns down his proposal. Otherwise, there’s no way he’d have eyes (or ears) for someone else. Deacon loves Rayna way too much for that to happen. No, I think this is simply his way of trying to move on from what I’m sure will be a very heartbreaking rejection. Sorry, Rayna, but this one’s all on you, girl.
To be fair, Rayna probably has good reasons for choosing Luke over Deacon — a man who, let’s be honest, has a pretty shitty track record for bailing when things get a little tough. (Remember how well he handled the news of Maddie being his child?) So yeah, I get it. She has kids to think about and wants to be careful that he won't fall back into bad habits. But that doesn’t make it any easier to see two people, who are so clearly drawn to each other, be forced to keep their distance. I need another elevator scene, y'all.
That’s not to say that these two won’t eventually find their way back to each other. In fact, I'm hoping that Juliette's upcoming pregnancy plot will end up bringing them closer together. So, for now, this other woman could simply just be another obstacle for them to overcome. After all, this isn’t the first time Deacon’s attempted to find love elsewhere. (I’m looking at you, Megan!) But his pull toward Rayna is undeniable and something that I’m sure the writers will circle back to eventually. They're totally one another's lobster… I mean, endgame. We know it. They know it. Let’s just hope that, like Ross and Rachel, it doesn’t take 10 seasons for it to all play out.
Images: Katherine Bomboy-Thornton/ABC; thelawdog/Tumblr; Wifflegif; letsberealblog/Wordpress
