Scarlett tells Gunnar she has two passes to Deacon's concert in Austin, but Gunnar says he's making the trip because of family obligations. She convinces him to take her along saying they can work during the long drive. Cy (band leader) is jealous of the attention Deacon is getting with the press and the women, which prompts him to make a bad move and Deacon quits the band. Juliette files divorce papers, Sean files annulment papers. Rayna isn't happy with any guitarist playing in Deacon's place. The election results come in.

Gunnar is blaming himself for his brother's death, and sleeping with Scarlett didn't help. Scarlett turns to Deacon when Gunnar goes after the killers. When Gunnar doesn't show for their label audition, Scarlett has to play solo. Deacon is at his wit's end dealing with the puppy, so he takes it to the vet (Stacy) and promptly starts dating her. Dominic tells Avery that he owns him, and Avery will play what and how Dominic wants. Avery torches all the master tapes of the music, signs a publishing contract, and gives Dominic a cheque telling him to take a hike. Rayna's crisis manager books her on the Katie Couric show. Rayna deals with (Maddie) her eldest daughter's disrespect, and ends up giving Maddie the first guitar she ever played to help her deal with her feelings. Juliette tweets her small concert location and six people get hurt in the mob that shows up, including Maddie. Juliette continues dodging her mother's counselling sessions until she overhears one.

Scarlett's career is on a hot streak as she performs with Zac Brown; Rayna asks Deacon for help writing a hit for her new album; Jeff is furious when concert venues keep dropping from Juliette's tour.

After Rayna reveals Jeff's indiscretions to the board members, Edgehill Republic begins to fall apart; Deacon considers a clinical trial; Scarlett reconnects with Gunnar; Juliette poses for a magazine spread.

Rayna refuses to let Deacon wallow in his condition, but her support only frustrates him and pushes him away. Meanwhile, Avery, Gunnar and Scarlett are opening for Rascal Flatts on tour, but, when her past public meltdown haunts her on social media, Scarlett becomes wary of performing again.