Dixie Bennings is the product of being so close to fame you can taste it, but always being too far to grab it for yourself. At least that’s how Ryan Murphy conceptualized her character, according to 9-1-1: Nashville showrunner Rashad Raisani.
In an interview with TV Line, Raisani shared the one-line pitch Murphy gave for Dixie that’s been the writers’ north star: “I think her curse should be that she has been the backup singer to every big hit and never got her day in the sun.”
Bearing Dixie’s character description in mind, her behavior in the procedural’s pilot episode gains a bit of nuance. As does the plotting she’s doing, which will have her on the wrong side of Blythe Hart, the wife of Dixie’s ex, Don. He’s the father of Dixie’s son, Blue, and the one that got away. The Harts have money and, since she’s never gotten her due, Dixie’s going to make sure she and Blue get a piece of it and their lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Being overlooked has made Dixie a bitter woman with a get-rich plan.
- Real love connects Don and Dixie, but it’s going to be nothing but trouble.
- Buckle up for a showdown between Blythe and Dixie.
Twisted Love And Gold Digging
When 9-1-1: Nashville viewers met Dixie (LeAnn Rimes), she was lamenting giving creative advice to country music legends like Shania Twain and stars like Carrie Underwood, only to be left on the sidelines. Their hits were influenced by her knowledge and expertise as a songstress, but people only know their names. Now that her voice is shot thanks to hard living, she’s looking for some justice in the form of compensation, and she’s going to get it by any means necessary. If that means leaning on an old flame that she hasn’t wanted anything to do with for decades, then so be it.
As such, her plan to insert Blue (Hunter McVey) into his father’s life is primarily driven by financial considerations. She wouldn’t let Don (Chris O’Donnell) be a part of Blue’s rearing, but she’s opening the door for him now. In doing so, she’s also recalling their past. In his interview, Raisani shared, “Dixie was [Don’s] first love, and their fingerprints are on each other’s lives, for good and for bad,” meaning she’s about to throw a wrench into his happy marriage to Blythe (Jessica Capshaw).
Their shared history, and Dixie’s penchant for trouble, is certain to produce the level of soapy, Dynasty-like drama Raisani says the show happily leans into. It also means that there will be a heart under the surface of Dixie and Don’s interactions that won’t sit well with Blythe, but speaks to Dixie’s motivations. After all, Don and Blythe had been on the verge of divorce when he and Dixie briefly got back together decades ago, and his choosing to go back to his wife is a sore spot.
Battle Lines Are Drawn
Dixie and Blythe’s first on-screen interaction will take place in episode 2, “Hell and High Water,” and it won’t be a pleasant one. Blythe makes it clear, in no uncertain terms, that she expects Dixie to stay away from her husband. Raisani referred to the exchange as a “declaration of war,” but these are two different women with different life experiences and attitudes. While Blythe is a class act with a no-nonsense countenance, Dixie is rough-and-tumble and has no problem fighting, physically or otherwise.
They’re two sides of the same coin—fierce, determined, talented, and prone to going after what they want. However, Blythe has had it easier in life financially, and the same can’t be said for Dixie. The differences in their socioeconomic statuses will become apparent, as will their love for Don and their sons. For Dixie, it’ll be making sure Blue has a seat at the table with her reaping the benefits. For Blythe, it’ll be making sure Ryan (Michael Provost) doesn’t lose his.
Look out for their tension to come to a head in episode 3, “Forces of Nature,” which Raisani said is specifically about these two women at odds. 9-1-1: Nashville airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. Next day streaming is available on Hulu.
