It’s worth keeping in mind that the storyline will jump forward a bit once the season returns from its hiatus, and this could have some implications on the plot, although likely not any serious ones. The jump could actually be used to add some backstory to the absence of Juliette, according to some fans.
In any case, fans who are hoping that the continuation of the season is going to change the situation with the show’s ratings and that it could give a chance to the idea of a fifth season should probably not really get their hopes up that much.
There has been a lot of talk about this from various sides, and while most of it is based on rumors right now, ABC don’t really seem to be interested in continuing the production at the moment, and will likely want to put it to rest once this season is over.
There is still a slim hope, of course, as we never know what the network’s plans could be. It could also turn out that they simply have nothing better lined up at the moment and would be willing to give “Nashville” another go, but that sounds more like wishful thinking rather than something that could potentially turn out to be true. We’ll have to wait and see what the new episodes bring.