The Best Episodes Written By Mollie Bickley St. john

Disowned heir Mel and her visiting mother trade combat tactics. Caitlyn and Vi forge an unlikely alliance. Jinx undergoes a startling change.

Rayna broadcasts a Christmas special from her home and has the chance to perform at Winterfest.

Luke asks his old pal Riff Bell to accompany him on tour. Meanwhile, a new singer named Vita arrives at the Beverly, but Frankie clashes with Deacon and Rayna about whether this newcomer deserves a shot on stage.

A personal crisis in Nashville causes Rayna to leave the tour in New York City before her sold-out concert with Juliette, but for Juliette, the show must go on. Jolene stakes a claim on her sober counselor Dante as Juliette gets closer to him personally and professionally, and Deacon doesn't like the woman Juliette has become and tells her point-blank. Gunnar declares the next 24 hours a "Scarlett O'Connor party" to celebrate her success, and she brings Will along to join the fun. Meanwhile Avery becomes a roadie for Juliette, and secrets involving the men in Rayna's life see the light of day.

Scarlett's career is on fire as she sings "Free" in concert with Zac Brown, but the demands of fame are burning her out. Rayna asks Deacon to help write a much-needed hit for her new album, and it's like old times--perhaps too much. Concert venues are dropping from Juliette's tour and Jeff, her label head, is furious, and Zoey is bruised by Gunnar's inattention when he gets an invitation to co-write from Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts.