|
|
Post by hoosier on Jan 4, 2007 18:32:23 GMT -5
I finally had the opportunity to watch this show last night and I have to agree that it is great. Coming in like I did in the middle of everything, I don't know who anyone is or their relationships but I enjoyed it anyway. I felt for Matt--the situation with his grandmother, his father being so cold and unfeeling and then learning he was being shipped off to another state like so much baggage. No wonder he couldn't concentrate!
|
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Jan 5, 2007 9:06:14 GMT -5
Sorry I didn't respond yesterday, but I didn't get to watch this episode until last night. The Boy was watching Notre Dame get whipped at the Sugar Bowl Wednesday night so I just taped FNL and watched it with him last night. I love that there's a quality show that we both enjoy so much. That's rare. I agree, Mouse. It was a particularly good one! I thought I was not going to like Lyla and Jason getting back together, but, the way they handled it I did like it. I know what you mean. I'm not a Lyla fan. It's more because the actress is so horrible than because of the character itself. I like that she's still being supportive of Jason, but I'd really like to see him grow up and break free of her because she's part of his quarterback persona and I predict that he will soon outgrow her. Herc's comments seem to hint at Jason deserving a lot more. I love Herc, by the way. Great character. Another thing I loved? Jason having a heart-to-heart with Mrs. Coach. It really hit me during that scene just how horrible it will be for Jason when he is ready to go back to school. Not only does he have to face the challenge of returning to school in a wheelchair when he used to be that school's biggest hero on the football field, but now he also has to return, knowing that the whole school knows that his girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend so he won't be able to win no matter what he does. If he puts on a macho show of strength, he won't have his two best friends with him, but if he publicly forgives them, he will look like he's weak and letting them walk all over him. That's such a tough spot to be in. Landry tutoring Riggins was great. The whole storyline was great, and when Landry confronted him in the bleachers about the book having to have some relation to his real life, my heart broke for Tim. The last scene in the bar with Landry's speed metal band was hilarious! All the interaction between Landry, a geeky guy shunned by the jocks, and Tim was gold. One thing I love about this show is the complexity of the characters and this is beautifully shown by getting to see them through many different perspectives. The only character who seems to see everyone for who they are and can interact with anyone (although the poor guy seems to get caught in the middle a lot) is Matt. Matt can relate to the geeky Landrys because he is still a part of that group, but he can also see the side of the Jocks, since he now leads their team. Tim was great in this episode. He was the complete stereotypical jerk Landry always thought him to be, but since we've seen other sides to him in the past, we can forgive him. We see that he's been abandoned by his parents and is living on the charity of his brother, who is in over his head and struggling financially. We also see his heartbreak over what happened to Jason and his even deeper heartbreak over the hurt he caused Jason by sleeping with Lyla. Tim may be one of the most complex and flawed characters on the entire show--and he almost never talks. That's part of the beauty of his character. Nothing is spelled out for the audience, but we can see it all in his eyes. Great stuff! Matt and his Dad. I wonder what is going to happen there. Will Matt have to go to Oklahoma? Will Grandma get sent to a home? What will happen? Zach Gilford really is amazing in that role. Poor Matt! He broke my heart (as usual). Here he's been taking care of his senile grandmother this entire time--on top of being the new quarterback and working a part time job and dating the coach's daughter--and then he's filled with hope because his dad's finally back from Iraq. But then the dad ends up doing more harm than good. I'm sure someone in town will take Matt in. It would make sense if it's the coach, since he only has one kid, but that might not be a good idea because there may be more hand holding under a blanket in his house and he's sure to object to that. Maybe Buddy? Someone will have to do it. There's no way he'll go to Oklahoma. I continue to love the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Coach. I love the characters, I love how realistic their marriage is. Connie Britton just blows me away as Mrs. Coach. I have always liked Kyle Chandler, but he really outdoes himself in this show. One of the high points of each show is the interaction between those two. Incredible! There's nothing so beautiful as a tough man's man being constantly put in his place by his wiser wife--and accepting that she's right. Think what an ass that character would be if he didn't come home to that wife and daughter every day. They truly keep him human and they're never easy on him. It's fun to watch the struggle--mostly because they're such a happy family. The most amazing part of last night's episode? The scenes from next week's episode! Are the Porter's really suing Coach Taylor? Is Jason really on board with that? Is it going to turn the quarterback hero into a traitor? Does Tyra kill her mom's boyfriend? Very provocative trailer! I can't wait to see what happens. In a way, I can see Jason needing to sue someone in order to get the accommodations he needs in his home, but it would be a real shame if the coach has to pay for that since even Jason said it wasn't his fault. I think Jason's innate goodness will win out at some point. I wish he could somehow put the blame on Buddy Garrity! You know. Just for fun. I was thinking about who my favorite character might be, but I can't narrow it down. I love Jason, Tim, Matt, Landry, Mrs. Coach, Coach Taylor. All of them are so well written and played, I just can't pick. I also love Herc, Tyra, and Julie. You're right. Impossible to pick just one because none of them would be very interesting without the others. It's the entire cast together that makes such great television. I have to say, this is definitely the best show I've seen since Blind Justice. |
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Jan 5, 2007 9:08:48 GMT -5
I finally had the opportunity to watch this show last night and I have to agree that it is great. Coming in like I did in the middle of everything, I don't know who anyone is or their relationships but I enjoyed it anyway. I felt for Matt--the situation with his grandmother, his father being so cold and unfeeling and then learning he was being shipped off to another state like so much baggage. No wonder he couldn't concentrate! Welcome to the party, Hoosier! I love to hear there may be another FNL convert in our midst. Too bad you missed the marathon they showed a few days ago on Bravo. But I think you'll be able to catch on in no time. If you have any questions about any of the characters or storylines, Mouse and I would be more than happy to catch you up. In case you haven't noticed, we have a fondness for talking about this show. |
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Jan 5, 2007 9:24:02 GMT -5
Another thing I loved? Jason having a heart-to-heart with Mrs. Coach. It really hit me during that scene just how horrible it will be for Jason when he is ready to go back to school. Not only does he have to face the challenge of returning to school in a wheelchair when he used to be that school's biggest hero on the football field, but now he also has to return, knowing that the whole school knows that his girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend so he won't be able to win no matter what he does. If he puts on a macho show of strength, he won't have his two best friends with him, but if he publicly forgives them, he will look like he's weak and letting them walk all over him. That's such a tough spot to be in. Not to mention what will happen when everyone finds out his family is suing Coach Taylor, the town hero. Wow. Poor Matt! He broke my heart (as usual). Here he's been taking care of his senile grandmother this entire time--on top of being the new quarterback and working a part time job and dating the coach's daughter--and then he's filled with hope because his dad's finally back from Iraq. But then the dad ends up doing more harm than good. I'm sure someone in town will take Matt in. It would make sense if it's the coach, since he only has one kid, but that might not be a good idea because there may be more hand holding under a blanket in his house and he's sure to object to that. Maybe Buddy? Someone will have to do it. There's no way he'll go to Oklahoma. Zach Gilford is just amazing as Matt. He is so ridiculously believable. He doesn't get to chew the scenery as much as Scott Porter, but man he is subtle and just so good. That scene on the porch talking to coach Taylor, with his hood up and chewing the strings, just bowled me over. That boy has talent. |
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Jan 5, 2007 9:40:27 GMT -5
That scene on the porch talking to coach Taylor, with his hood up and chewing the strings, just bowled me over. That boy has talent. Yes. But...when I watched that scene with The Boy, he said it looked like Coach was talking to a young Voldemort and that kind of ruined the moment for me. Stupid Boy! But that scene really was great. I also love when Matt went home and saw his dad having a tender moment with his grandma. No words, but his face said everything. He may think he hates his dad, but when he sees him with his grandma like that, much of the anger seems to just melt away and you can see in his eyes that he knows his dad is hurting over senile grandma too. |
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Jan 5, 2007 9:53:33 GMT -5
Herc is great. I love that they have kept the relationship between Herc and Jason alive now that he is out of rehab. I saw the movie Murderball, and my theory is that they based Herc on Zuppan from the movie. I don't even remember seeing Kevin Rankin before, but he seems destined to make it. That scene on the porch talking to coach Taylor, with his hood up and chewing the strings, just bowled me over. That boy has talent. Yes. But...when I watched that scene with The Boy, he said it looked like Coach was talking to a young Voldemort and that kind of ruined the moment for me. Stupid Boy! But that scene really was great. I also love when Matt went home and saw his dad having a tender moment with his grandma. No words, but his face said everything. He may think he hates his dad, but when he sees him with his grandma like that, much of the anger seems to just melt away and you can see in his eyes that he knows his dad is hurting over senile grandma too. A young Voldemort?! Oh my, I am going to fire up the TIVO and watch that scene again. The scene where he was protecting his Grandma from his dad (after she accidentally started the fire) was outstanding too. |
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Jan 5, 2007 10:21:21 GMT -5
One more thing about this show: The MUSIC!! I love the music on the show. Last night I heard Tom Petty. I seem to love every single song they use. If someone were to put out "Friday Night Lights - the Soundtrack" I would buy it in a minute.
|
|
|
|
Post by hoosier on Jan 5, 2007 18:43:39 GMT -5
Who is Herc? Is he someone Jason met in rehab? And Mrs. Coach--I assume she is the guidance counselor, right?
|
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Jan 5, 2007 18:48:38 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by hoosier on Jan 5, 2007 19:08:14 GMT -5
Thanks for clearing that up!
|
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Jan 10, 2007 9:59:47 GMT -5
Tune it tonight everyone! Do you all remember that feeling you got on those thirteen Tuesdays we were fortunate enough to have new episodes of Blind Justice? If you start watching that show, I guarantee you will get that feeling on Wednesdays. Give it a shot - you won't be sorry.
P.S. If you need to get caught up you an see the episodes at NBC.com
|
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Jan 10, 2007 10:12:35 GMT -5
Mouse, I karma'd you for plugging the show so faithfully. And yes, I do have that same anticipation I used to have for Blind Justice.
Really, in many ways, FNL is far more my kind of show. Not the football itself, but everything else. I loved Blind Justice because of Jim Dunbar and the character growth and interaction but I put up with the formulaic police procedural aspect because that's just not my thing as a rule. I was happy to make an exception in the case of Blind Justice, but normally I'm far happier watching a show that is more about life and less about crime. FNL has everything. I used to love Joan of Arcadia and American Dreams in much the same way as I love Friday Night Lights.
|
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Jan 11, 2007 10:00:22 GMT -5
Once again they outdid themselves. Another wonderful, fabulous, outstanding episode. Why is that shows like this are always the ones that end quickly?
Let's get to it.
I love the way they presented both sides of Jason's lawsuit. They made great arguments for both sides. Poor Jason is in the middle. My first heartbreak of the episode was when he said not only is he going to be the "crippled kid" but he is the kid who is suing the school. But when his mom explained her side, oh man, what a great moment. As a boy mom I was touched by their interaction. Then when coach Taylor confronted Jason's dad, wow.
"The Waverlash" OMG!! That was so funny. It was great that Waverly made her feelings about Smash perfectly clear, but as would have happened in a lesser show, Smash didn't back down and just explained that he was himself and she had to like it or leave.
Zach Gilford continues to amaze as Matt Saracen. I love the way his relationship with his dad is evolving. I was so surprised when I heard his dad say he was staying. And then for Matt to go to Buddy and get him a job. And then for his dad to swallow his pride and take it. And then for his dad to wear the flag lapel pine. And then for his dad to keep going to a job he hated for his son and his mom. Again, I say - Wow.
I loved that Tyra refused to get back together with Tim, even though she really wanted to. It was great that Tyra's mom picked her daughter over her man.
The scenes from next week's episode make it look like another winner.
I. Love. This. Show. This is without a doubt the best show on TV right now. It is the best show to hit the airwaves in quite some time. It needs to stay.
As an aside, last night I dreamed I met Kyle Chandler. He was shooting something at LAX and I went there to meet him. I followed him around as he was filming so I could hear what was happening in the scene. After he was done filming I found him and struck up a conversation. He was very patient with my blathering on and on about his performance and blah, blah, blah. He finally gave me a polite nod of the head and walked away.
Modified to Add:
Although he wasn't in last night's episode, I have to give a shout out to Kevin Rankin as Herc. Man he is great.
|
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Jan 11, 2007 10:32:09 GMT -5
I have come to really look forward to my weekly Mouse report on FNL. Thanks, Mouse! Why is that shows like this are always the ones that end quickly? It's not over yet! It's doing a little better so far in the new time slot and NBC is intentionally scheduling re-runs when American Idol will be on at the same time (like next week...that will be a re-run as far as I know) so NBC is proud of the show and wants it to succeed. They kept American Dreams on for four years despite truly awful numbers because it was a quality show and the network believed in it so I still have hope. I love the way they presented both sides of Jason's lawsuit. I know! A subtle commentary on this nation's shortage of decent healthcare, perhaps? When someone is injured like that and the parents have to sue an innocent and beloved person/institution in order to get all that is needed to take care of their family member, that's just wrong. And poor Jason is caught in the middle of even more than what first meets the eye. Yes, he's now going to be reviled for suing Coach, but at home he also knows he's unintentionally the cause of the recent marital problems between his parents and that has got to be killing him. He can't win. "The Waverlash" OMG!! That was so funny. It was great that Waverly made her feelings about Smash perfectly clear, but as would have happened in a lesser show, Smash didn't back down and just explained that he was himself and she had to like it or leave. Very well done! You're right. Almost any other show would have shown one of those two changing for the other and it simply didn't happen. I'm not a huge fan of Smash because he really is way too full of himself and guys like that have always been a huge turn off to me, but I'm glad we've been able to see into his home life some and to know that he's really thinking of escaping poverty and helping his family by becoming a star. It's his only hope for success (he thinks) and that's very sad. Looks like a lot of that is going to be coming to a head soon and I hope he is forced to realize there are other ways of climbing out of poverty and that a back-up plan is always a good idea. Zach Gilford continues to amaze as Matt Saracen. I love the way his relationship with his dad is evolving. I was so surprised when I heard his dad say he was staying. And then for Matt to go to Buddy and get him a job. And then for his dad to swallow his pride and take it. And then for his dad to wear the flag lapel pine. And then for his dad to keep going to a job he hated for his son and his mom. Again, I say - Wow. Yet another complex and realistic relationship! And another big no-win for everyone. Matt wants his dad to stay so his dad stays but doesn't want to but then Matt realizes he only wants his dad to stay if his dad wants to stay and once he sees that is not the case, he gives his dad permission to go back to war. Whoa. Nice to see them both being so completely selfless. Everything about that storyline is heartbreaking, but at least now Matt has Julie and Mrs. Coach is willing to start providing frozen caseroles so...that's something. I loved that Tyra refused to get back together with Tim, even though she really wanted to. It was great that Tyra's mom picked her daughter over her man. The mom storyline seemed to come out of nowhere (as most of Tyra's stories do...remember that random guy she hooked up with?) but it did explain a lot. I really wanted Tyra to get back together with Tim. They've both grown so much since the start of the show and I'd like to see how that plays out with them together but...she was quite right. After what she had just told her mom about letting men come back into her life, she really couldn't make any other choice. Maybe someday, though. *sigh* So I have to wait two weeks? Nooooo! |
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Jan 11, 2007 10:36:46 GMT -5
So I have to wait two weeks? Nooooo! Two weeks feels like an eternity! The last time it felt this long was when some stupid Trump movie pre-empted this other show I loved. According to Scott Porter's myspace, he is back in Austin so they must have started filming more episodes. That is a good thing. At least we may have more than 13 of this one. |
|
