It will be a moment of mixed emotions when Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) eventually returns after her stint in rehab for the second half of "Nashville" season 4.
The midseason finale ended with good news for the songstress, when her ex-husband Avery (Jonathan Jackson) finally agreed to give her visitation rights for their daughter. Emily (Kourtney Hansen) managed to convince him that Cadence needed Juliette in her life and that it would be Avery's fault if the kid grew up never knowing a mother's love.
As far as Avery was concerned, his former wife did not deserve a second chance. He even told Emily that Juliette could be lying and manipulating people and that she never went to rehab to get treatment. After listening to Emily, though, he decided that she had a point. While this is certainly an improvement, Juliette should not keep her hopes up for a reconciliation, as Avery may still push through with their divorce proceedings, especially now that he will be meeting someone new.
According to TV Line, Avery will have a new love interest for season 4B. The other woman, who will be played by actress Meg Steedle, is a single mother. She and Avery will reportedly experience sparks flying during their first encounter. Still raw from his break-up with Juliette, Steedle's character will be a breath of fresh air for Avery, especially when he sees how much she cares for her kid. With the way things are going, it looks like Juliette's apology for leaving Avery and Cadence will fall on deaf ears. It is certainly possible her depression will return, especially when she sees how happy Avery has become without her.
Panettiere took sometime off from acting to get treatment for her postpartum depression. She gave birth to her daughter Kaya in December 2014. The showrunners are positive she will be returning soon in the series. Jackson is especially looking forward to her comeback, as he told People earlier this month.
"We've been in communication, and she seems to be doing well, and we're really excited to get back to work when the time comes," the actor said.
"Nashville" season 4 airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST on ABC.
