Private Lives of Nashville Wives Episode 1 recap: Bright Lights Big City

Private Lives of Nashville Wives Episode 1 recap (original air date Feb. 24, 2014): Tonight TNT introduced us to their version of a “Real Housewives” franchise with Private Lives of Nashville Wives, a quick character study on another group of really pretty people — some with big personalities — all looking to either further their hubby’s careers or their own in this spotlight into their “private” lives.

Private Lives of Nashville Wives recapOur first introduction to this posse is with Sarah Davidson, an aspiring singer who is wife to award-winning songwriter Dallas Davidson. Sarah is trying to establish a voice of her own in the brutally competitive world of country music. A Carrie Underwood-lookalike, we see her in the recording studio with songwriter Josh Hoge, preparing for her first performance at CMA Fest in Nashville.

Next up, we meet Erika Page White a former soap star, who starred as Roseanne Delgado for several years on One Life to Live, as well as roles on The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of Our Lives. Erika is married to country music star Bryan White and is now a stay-at-home mom to their two boys. Cameras capture the White family as Erika is unsuccessfully cooking up some sausage links (blackened style) and doesn’t quite understand why the links are still pink in the middle and burnt on the outside. [Come on girlfriend! Show us your smarts! Add some water to that pan, put a lid on it and let ‘em simmer!] Anyhoo, Erika’s tiring of her 10 year stint as a stay at home mom and could be looking to get back in the biz. We’ll see how that pans out in future episodes.

After we leave the White’s kitchen, cameras introduce viewers to Puckett Bros. – clearly a cool establishment to visit if ever in Nashville. Here the ladies and their respective hubbies meet for a group outing. “Puckett’s is a microcosm of the best that Nashville offers, it’s where everybody goes to eat and drink and laugh and whatever,” tells Christian music star Gary Chapman.

Cameras cut away to a self-testimonial-style interview with Erika explaining how Gary had some tough times with his high-profile divorce to Amy Grant. But now he’s found new love with Cassie Chapman, who is 23 years, his junior.

“I went from being a Hooters girl to marrying Mr. Gary Chapman, legendary Christian singer/songwriter,” Cassie tells.

Cassie explains how it’s amazing what people say about her citing that some people think she’s a gold digger being 23 years younger than Gary, others criticize her former occupation as a Hooters girl … “And I’m like Hooters was my favorite job — ever,” Cassie admits. Love her!

RELATED FEATURE: Interview with Cassie Chapman

Next we meet Betty Malo and her husband Raul Malo, who is the lead singer of The Mavericks.  “It’s hard with Raul because we are both artists and there is always this power struggle for attention,” Betty tells. The hubbies — Gary, Bryan and Raul — get up for an impromptu performance at Puckett’s. Now Raul with his ukulele — that was a cool jam session.

On to the next Nashville wife ….  Jenny Terrell, who is VP of North American sales for a company called Living Social. Jenny’s married to JT Terrell, who apparently owns the number one party supplier and event-planning outfit in Nashville, and they have a toddler son.

Turns out Betty Malo has a twin sister, and boy is she an interesting one. We’re introduced to Anna Hernandez on her pink bedazzled scooter. The scene reminds a bit of Margaret Brainard Hamilton from The Wizard of Oz with her super straight back and that basket for her pooch – she doesn’t need to say a word, you know she’s a crazy one. “I’d like to say I’m a lover not a fighter, but I’m not easy. I’m headstrong. I’m direct. I am a ballbuster. And I’m always guilty until I prove myself innocent,” she tells.  Ana is Betty’s identical twin sister. These two Cuban American blondes have some hotheaded personalities. I’m on the fence on whether they are complete dimwits — arguing over how the pig is killed for a pig roast — of if they are just hamming it up (no pun intended) for the cameras. All I can say is poor Raul; he’s got to deal with these two on a regular basis. They certainly will provide the comic relief for the show.

“Ana’s explosive in a dynamic way,” Betty tells. “It’s a lot for anyone to handle, guy or girl.” Agreed.

We do get to follow Dallas and Sarah Davidson as they get ready and head to the CMT Music Awards. I would have liked to have seen a little more behind the scenes of the red carpet coverage and the award show. We later see Sarah getting styled, candidly sharing her dreams, talking with her band and performing at CMA Fest. She’s extremely likeable, and you’ll find yourself rooting for her success.

Another “private” life moment finds the White family visiting the Chapmans for some pool time. Here Gary decides to pull out his pistol in front of their two wide-eyed youngsters and gives a little instruction on the art of shooting. Erika’s not pleased with the idea and nervously stands at a distance with her boys as the men engage in some free shooting. Apparently, in Nashville, it’s completely legal to shoot your gun in your own backyard so Gary and Bryan unleash their inner badass on some watermelons. Kind of weird, but oh well.

So what did you think of Private Lives of Nashville Wives? Who is your favorite wife?