CMT's country music drama "Nashville" Season 5 is a comeback that's sure to make many fans worldwide delighted. After a tumultuous year of "will they, won't they" be renewed for a fifth season from ABC, the announcement of their renewal on CMT has allowed its small but avid fanbase to breathe easy. But despite the announcement of a "Nashville" Season 5, the country music drama still has to face the music as it loses two of its main characters: Layla Grant (Aubrey Peeples) and Rayna James (Connie Britton).
Departing characters
It was earlier reported that Aubrey Peeples would no longer be returning to the show, while Connie Britton will be appearing in a little over half of the 22-episode order for "Nashville" Season 5. The news about Britton, who plays series protagonist Rayna James, had been an especially large cause for concern for "Nashville" fans, who worried that the show wouldn't be the same without one-half of the Juliette Barnes-Rayna James duo.
More music, less soap
Fans need not fret, however, because the cast and crew of "Nashville" Season 5 are working hard to deliver a spectacular season. In an interview with ET Online, "Nashville" star Charles Esten, who plays Deacon Claybourne in the series, promised that the fifth installment of the beloved series would focus more on the music and the characters' journeys rather than the "soap factor."
This is in line with the vision of new show co-runner Marshall Herskovitz, who also promised less incidents and more music on the 22-episode "Nashville" Season 5. This is so the series can pull focus on how the characters grow and maintain their relationships, and introduce more music genres into the show.
Deacon and Connie's relationship
One of the highlights of "Nashville" Season 5, of course, is Deacon Claybourne's relationship with Rayna James. According to Esten, the two will definitely be sharing some intimate and special moments together, and hinted that the couple will be talking about "something big" next season, although he refused to share what it could be. Could it be a baby or a divorce?
"Nashville" Season 5 will return to CMT on Jan. 5, Thursday. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more "Nashville" Season 5 spoilers, news and updates!
