Charles Esten Shares How He Sees ‘Nashville’ Ending
"We have another 10 episodes to shoot together, so we can say all we need to say..." Esten explains.
The cast and creators of Nashville decided to save the best for last on their final season of the show, so Charles Esten knows the next few episodes will savor all of the memories that the show made for fans.
Esten, who signed on for the role of Deacon Claybourne a handful of years ago, has experienced quite the rollercoaster as one of the main stars of Nashville. From its meteoric rise as one of the biggest dramas on television, to its surprise cancellation from ABC, to finding a new home tucked in the CMT lineup, he appreciates every part in the development of the series and knows everyone on set will put forth that magic for the last few filmings of the show.
“We have another 10 episodes to shoot together, so we can say all we need to say, and love on each other, and finish strong in a way that is purposeful. You want to end well … (the writers) get to draw it to a close in the best way they can,” Esten shared with USA Today.
Taking on even more roles than just his spot as Deacon, Esten will also pin down a co-writing credit for a track used in an upcoming episode. Working on the track with Charlie Worsham and Dennis Matkosky, Esten kept Deacon’s story in mind to imagine a poignant lyric called “Looking for the Light.”
“In many ways, I don’t have to try to get in Deacon’s head, because his head is my head,” Esten told the publication. “In a real way, we share a mind…and I’ve walked in his boots now for almost six years.”
As for how it all ends, Esten has an idea in mind that reflects the spirit of Music City, which is the place he will continue to call home even after the final cut.
“I picture somebody (new) pulling up in the final shot,” he says. “Somebody’s coming to town the minute somebody’s leaving. That’s how it is (in Nashville), and that’s the beauty of it.”
The final season of Nashville premieres Thursday, January 4, at 9 p.m. EST on CMT.
