|
|
Post by shmeep on Feb 16, 2007 13:40:38 GMT -5
I like that many of the actors on the show are so new to all this and so laid back that they are enjoying playing around on myspace and responding to fans. Once they become bigger stars (and many of them will), they won't be so accessible, so it's nice that they aren't at that point yet. Very refreshing. Also, since the show is filmed on location in Texas and it's in its first season, they aren't constantly in the hub of Hollywood life so they might not even quite realize how famous they are going to be.
Go for it, Mouse. What do you have to lose? It's cool that he responded.
|
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Feb 17, 2007 7:56:15 GMT -5
He added me as a friend, very cool. Scott Porter has like 2000 friends, Rev Krankin (his myspace name), has a little over a hundred. Very cool.
Have I mentioned I am officially in love with Herc? Have I mentioned how much I love myspace?
|
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Feb 17, 2007 8:50:38 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Feb 17, 2007 9:14:10 GMT -5
With apologies to all who are not as obsessed with FNL, I've been thinking about this. Yo, this is Kevin Rankin from FNL, thanx for watchin' homie. I really appreciate the shout out. Wait till the next couple of episodes, training camp will be pretty nuts. Shmeep, I wonder if training camp is going to spell the end of Jason and Lyla. Jason is really starting to come into his own (loved that frog dissection scene BTW), and I think training camp is going to take that to the next level. I wonder if he is going to meet someone there. We know Herc is all about the ladies, might he rub off on Jason - just a bit. Honestly I am not sure exactly what is going on with Jason and Lyla. Every scene they are in together lately they seem to arguing, or at least disagreeing with each other, yet they still seem to be together. I wonder where this is headed. |
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Feb 22, 2007 9:29:43 GMT -5
I'm telling you, this show gets better and better. Last night's episode was unbelievable. I am not sure where to start.
Julie and Matt - wow. I loved, loved, loved, loved the Matt's reaction when Julie asked if he thought they should have sex. I rewound that scene about five times just to watch his reaction. I chuckled every time.
I thought Mrs. Coach handled the whole catching Matt buying condoms thing really well. There is a lot of talk over at TWoP by people who were disappointed that Tami didn't tell Eric right away what she had seen. I think she did fine, she did tell him, and when she did she explained her reason for not saying anything right away and it made perfect sense to me.
Matt and Julie's clumsy interaction when the moment came was dead on. I think it was great that Matt backed down, I love that relationship.
Tim and Pop Riggins, now there is a messed up parent child relationship. We all knew Pop stole the camera, but I loved the way Eric handled the confrontation. That character always seems to have a lot of class. Why Tim went to that bar to get his butt kicked is beyond me, but when Tyra and Billy jumped in and saved him it was great.
Old Buddy's philandering ways finally caught up with him! I loved Lyla's reaction (while she was on the phone with Jason) to her dad actually bringing her mom flowers and making out with her - very funny. I don't see this as the first time Buddy has done this type of thing so I am happy he got caught. I am wondering who the real parent is in the relationship with Tyra and her mom.
Again, there is a debate raging at TWoP about Herc's relationship with Jason. Several people have argued that Herc is a jerk because he is not nice to Lyla. I have always disagreed with that. I figured Herc is a loyal friend and mentor trying to guide his "grasshopper" through these first months of his new life - I think he is doing a good job. As far as I'm, concerned last night's episode answered that question once and for all. When Herc interrupted Jason while he was trying to make time with the tattoo artist, it proved that this is not just about Lyla. I believe more strongly now then ever that Jason and Lyla are doomed.
|
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Feb 22, 2007 11:17:31 GMT -5
I'm telling you, this show gets better and better. Last night's episode was unbelievable. So true, although if I were just tuning in for the first time, last night's wouldn't have meant all that much to me. Great character development, though. I was so impressed by how everything was handled. Julie and Matt - wow. I loved, loved, loved, loved the Matt's reaction when Julie asked if he thought the should have sex. I rewound that scene about five times just to watch his reaction. I chuckled every time. How adorable is Matt? And what a great guy. Coach should be thankful that his smart and responsible daughter is dating a guy who is so moral and just...good. Julie was definitely the instigator, although it looked like she was only doing it because she thought that's what girlfriends should do. I loved that Tyra, while not discouraging her, told her she didn't have to do it. I absolutely loved that Matt and Julie ended up just playing and having fun together--and I loved when Matt told her they didn't have to do it but then asked her to give him a minute. Sooooo realistic! His body language in that scene was priceless. I thought Mrs. Coach handled the whole catching Matt buying condoms thing really well. There is a lot of talk over at TWoP by people who were disappointed that Tami didn't tell Eric right away what she had seen. I think she did fine, she did tell him, and when she did she explained her reason for not saying anything right away and it made perfect sense to me. The best part was Mrs. Coach realizing that they raised a good daughter and that they had to learn to let her go a little. So very wise, as usual. Tim and Pop Riggins, now there is a messed up parent child relationship. We all knew Pop stole the camera, but I loved the way Eric handled the confrontation. That character always seems to have a lot of class. Why Tim went to that bar to get his butt kicked is beyond me, but when Tyra and Billy jumped in and saved him it was great. I was actually relieved that PaRiggins had the camera because for some reason it had occurred to me that Matt had "borrowed" it because his friends had just told him he needed a camera for his hot night with Julie. I'm so glad they didn't go there. But...poor Tim! He's such a jerk and such a tortured soul at the same time. Beautifully portrayed. And I think he went to get beat up because he wanted to be hurt physically. Maybe it was easier than hurting emotionally? Maybe he just needed to get it all out of his system? I don't know. Must be a guy thing. But it didn't seem at all out of character. Old Buddy philandering ways finally caught up with him! And wasn't it great how grossed out Coach was with him when Buddy told him about it? Kyle Chandler plays a great grumpy guy. Again, there is a debate raging at TWoP about Herc's relationship with Jason. Several people have argued that Herc is a jerk because he is not nice to Lyla. I have always disagreed with that. I figured Herc is a loyal friend and mentor trying to guide his "grasshopper" through these first months of his new life - I think he is doing a good job. As far as I'm, concerned last night's episode answered that question once and for all. When Herc interrupted Jason while he was trying to make time with tattoo artist, it proved that this is not just about Lyla. I believe more strongly now then ever that Jason and Lyla are doomed. Herc is just what Jason needs, even when he says unpleasant things about Lyla. He's a good friend who has a unique understanding of exactly what Jason is going through and, although he doesn't like Lyla, he knows that Jason does and respects that. Most of the time. He also gives some pretty good advice at times and is a big part of what is making Jason grow and accept his new life. As for Jason and Lyla...I didn't think Jason's fascination with Tattoo Girl was a very good omen for them. I also didn't think it was a good sign that he wasn't being all that honest about being at a party. He really is growing away from her in a lot of ways and she can feel it, even if she hasn't admitted it. I don't know if Jason should end up with Tattoo Girl, but what do you think Lyla will say when she sees the tattoo I'm sure he got that night? I love that I have absolutely no idea of where this story will go. Hopefully there will be more Jason next week because there hasn't been much for the last couple of episodes. It's his turn. My favorite line of the night goes to Herc. Jason is telling his sad story to Tattoo Girl, giving a blow-by-blow account of what happened during the game and how his parents were reacting when he couldn't get up and then Herc rolls by and interrupts with: "Hey, Afternoon Special!" It was interesting, hearing Jason's account of what happened during that game. He decided to take a chance. He went into the tackle. I think if the court heard that exact version, Coach would be entirely off the hook in the lawsuit. |
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Feb 22, 2007 11:32:23 GMT -5
I can't resist posting the TWoP recaplet of last night's episode. They gave this one an A+ over there, which rarely happens on any show.
Here you go!
Julie tells Matt that she thinks they should have sex and he immediately goes to the drugstore with Landry to buy some condoms where Tami sees them buying condoms and then goes home to wait for Julie to come home and then confronts her daughter and somehow finds a way to toe the line between saying "NO WAY IN HELL, MISSY" and also "I love you, and I want you to be able to talk to me about this" and if I sound breathless it's because it was all perfect.
Jason goes to Austin for quad rugby tryouts and meets -- surprise -- an Austin girl with a lot of tattoos.
Tim finds out that -- surprise -- his pallid drunk of a father is a jerk and a thief.
Buddy did Tyra's mom (thank the LORD it was off screen) so of course he has to fire her, but it turns out that he is one Fat Cat too many because she goes to CHURCH on Sunday morning to confront him in front of God and everybody else.
And Julie keeps pursuing the sex until she tells Matt that she thinks a stuffed deer head is judging her dirty intentions, which tips him off that maybe she isn't ready, so instead they just leg wrestle and tease each other about their dirty feet and then fall asleep and so Julie misses curfew, and the Taylors are up waiting and pissed but she tells them the truth that she and Matt didn't have sex and she thanks her mom for the talk and hugs her and did I mention it was all perfect?
|
|
|
|
Post by Duchess of Lashes on Feb 22, 2007 18:40:36 GMT -5
I am trying to stay away from this thread because, although I fell in love with Friday Night Lights when it first aired and was quick to jump on its bandwagon, I somehow never seem to remember that it's on, until it's too late and I have either missed half the episode or missed the show completely.
Guess that's what happens when you have chores to do, dinners to cook, homework to help with, practices to get to and no TiVO! So, for now, I have decided to quit watching, quit reading, and will catch everything in reruns this summer so I'll be fresh when next season starts!
|
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Feb 24, 2007 8:19:04 GMT -5
Check this out! I wrote a review of FNL for IMDB, and they posted it. Am I cool or what?
Friday Night Lights is the best show on television right now - bar none. All the the characters are well written, well played, and are very real. The dialog rings true and doesn't resort to the ridiculous witty banter writers like Aaron Sorkin favor so much. The characters and the stories are multi-layered and engrossing week after week.
All of the actors turn in stellar performances with special praise going to Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton as one of the most realistic married couples ever on television.
Scott Porter and Kevin Rankin put so much heart into their disabled characters, they keep them from becoming the stereotypes we so often see in TV and the movies.
This is not just another show filled with teen angst, it is a quality hour of television with outstanding characters, writing, directing, and production values. Do yourself a favor, turn off all the other crap and watch this show now.
|
|
|
|
Post by housemouse on Mar 1, 2007 7:49:06 GMT -5
Last night's episode was unbelievable. This show just keeps getting better.
Jason & Lyla - I expected them to break up for sure. I was positive Jason was going to push her away, I was pleasantly surprised when he did it. When Jason shouted "Victory" it meant so many things. Oh my - how do you spell "verklempt"?
Tami Taylor - What is there to say about Mrs. Coach? Mother of the year award anyone? She is amazing.
Buddy Garrity - I could not for the life of me figure out why the BMiD (Big Man in Dillon), would opt to stay with the Taylors rather then stay at a hotel.
The Waverlash - I saw that turn of events coming from a million miles away, that is very unusual for this show. I couldn't help but think that the last thing Smash needs heading off to state is a bi-polar girlfriend.
Tim Riggins - It's official. I'm in love. He was just so adorable and sweet with little Bo. Love is in the air between Tim and Mama Bo.
I cannot believe we have to wait at least two weeks for more. I don't know if I can make it without my weekly dose of FNL.
|
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Mar 1, 2007 8:37:41 GMT -5
So good! So unbelievably good. I can't even believe there's something so good on television, it's so good. Did I mention that I like this show? Last night's episode was unbelievable. This show just keeps getting better. And by "unbelievable" I believe you mean completely believable. And real. And that you feel like you're participating in all of it because you have grown with this town and these people until you really understand where they are all coming from, whether you like them or not. Do I have it right? I don't even know if the episodes or getting better or if I'm just happy to be "home" for another hour during the week. At this point, I'll follow this show wherever it wants to take me--and I don't even like football. In the full recap of the Pilot over at TWoP, they refer to the camera as a separate character, hovering here, peeking there...and that made me love the way it's filmed, even if some people complain about it. It can be off putting at first, but once you see it as the camera being a part of the town and interacting in the storylines and giving you access, it strikes me as pure genius. Jason & Lyla - I expected them to break up for sure. I was positive Jason was going to push her away, I was pleasantly surprised when he did it. When Jason shouted "Victory" it meant so many things. Oh my - how do you spell "verklempt"? For the first time last night, I felt bad for Lyla and I actually kind of rooted for her relationship with Jason. I love that she's seeing him happy again and that she's threatened by how he's changing...but I also love that she is accepting that this is who he is now. Huge potential for growth. But...if she just melds into his life again and adapts too completely with his changes, won't she just be doing what she has always done with him? She'll still be his #1 Cheerleader and that isn't really showing much growth on her part. But...I think what happened with her parents could be a catalyst for her. She might break out of the mold of perfect little girl she has always filled and finally do what she wants to do. I never thought I'd find anything about Lyla so interesting. Herc was pretty annoying--but still I love him. He just doesn't like Lyla! But Jason is proving himself to be his own man in the situation and isn't just bowing to whatever Herc says anymore. I'm glad to see that. Tami Taylor - What is there to say about Mrs. Coach? Mother of the year award anyone? She is amazing. I never thought I'd love a TV character as much as I love Tami Taylor. Mother of the Year...but still flawed. But so reasonable that she can adjust her thinking when necessary and be what those around her need her to be. That was my favorite part of last night's episode. When Tami reached out to Tyra--giving Tyra an adult to lean on for the first time...ever?--even after Tyra has scolded her for not allowing Julie to spend time with her...that was incredible. And Tami was honest and gave such a heartfelt mother's perspective on the whole thing that it got through to Tyra as nothing else could have at that moment. So much was happening in that scene! For the first time, Tami saw how Tyra was really living and how much she had to do to keep her household going and, for probably the first time, Tyra was shown what a real mother is and was quite possibly jealous of Julie for having all that strength to lean on every day. Oh...great great stuff! I even had a dream about Tami Taylor last night (coach was in it too). She was suddenly my dentist and she pulled my wisdom teeth (something I need to have done but that I'm afraid to do) and it didn't even hurt and she and Coach were there when it was over, telling me I did great and getting me ready to go home again. Weird dream, but I loved it because I was so excited to be hanging out with the Taylors. Buddy Garrity - I could not for the life of me figure out why the BMiD (Big Man in Dillon), would opt to stay with the Taylors rather then stay at a hotel. I was under the impression that he was hiding out at the Taylors--possibly because he has few friends and he trusts Coach. When he left, he made reference to hoping no one would recognize him at the hotel so that's the best answer I can come up with. It was funny having him there, particularly when the female Taylors so blatantly dislike him. I loved their horror of pork chops. The Waverlash - I saw that turn of events coming from a million miles away, that is very unusual for this show. I couldn't help but think that the last thing Smash needs heading off to state is a bi-polar girlfriend. I saw it coming too. Interesting. Nice little bookend moment with all the steroid use, I think. He needed to stop using drugs and she needs to get back on them. Irony. While that was predictable, I still like the way it was played out. Smash was awesome, slowly coming to the realization of what was going on with Waverly--sometimes liking it and sometimes finding it scary--until the end when the full meaning of it hits him and he sees the down side that comes with the euphoria. Tim Riggins - It's official. I'm in love. He was just so adorable and sweet with little Bo. Love is in the air between Tim and Mama Bo. Back off! He's mine. How sick is it that we find a high school football player so irresistible? But...yeah. Mama Bo will apparently come to share our opinion so that's not such a stretch after all. His interaction with the kid was beautiful and I loved Bo telling his mom, in a loud voice, that he had to keep his voice to a "3" because Tim was massively hungover. Heh. But Tim fixing her rain gutters was touching, especially since he did it without any fanfare whatsoever. It just needed doing. I think being in a position to help someone is good for him. Now I want he and Jason to go back to being friends! As Jason so pointedly reminded Lyla (in reference to Buddy cheating on her mother), "There's no weakness in forgiveness." The same line Tami told him when it came to his relationship with Lyla. It all comes down to the wisdom of Tami Taylor! I loved the smile that accompanied that line this time. I don't know if Lyla got that it was about her originally, but Jason sure saw the irony. I cannot believe we have to wait at least two weeks for more. I don't know if I can make it without my weekly dose of FNL. It will be difficult. I think there are only four left this season and they will all be over by mid April so...enjoy while you can. I really hope this comes out on DVD over the summer so more people will get into the show and it will have a better shot next season. There had better be a next season. The fact that it's online at nbc.com and that episodes are also now available on ITunes is a good sign. The Office started off slow but did well on ITunes and now it's just finishing it's third season. I really do have hope. |
|
|
|
Post by krissie on Mar 1, 2007 12:29:25 GMT -5
I haven't read much of this thread -- just enough to know that there was something about Friday Night Lights to make it worth discussing. However, that alone was enough to make me check out the programme when I saw that it was going to be showing over here. (See, I admire your collective taste <ahem, BJ, ahem> so decided to give the show a chance -- which I almost certainly wouldn't have done otherwise. Actually, I doubt I'd even have noticed that it was on, buried as it is on one of the slightly more obscure channels.) So far we've had the first two episodes... and I'm still trying to decide what to make of it. (I'm pleased to read here that we'll lose the worst excesses of the jiggling camera...) My immediate reaction is that the American portrayed in Friday Night Lights is far more 'foreign' than any I've seen elsewhere... Buffy The Vampire Slayer included!  (Yep, for me, FNL is more bizarre than vampires.) I suppose I've got used to seeing Big City America on TV, and this is very different. And, where I've seen Small Town America in films, the themes have been fairly universal, translating pretty easily for viewers this side of the Atlantic. What has struck me about FNL so far is how hard it is for me to relate to the country I see portrayed here. (I'm guessing this is why the show isn't on one of the mainstream channels here; I assume that the broadcaster thinks it would have limited appeal.) However, I think it's that exotic 'foreignness' that will keep me watching... at least for a while longer, until I can make up my mind about the actual storylines. The 'foreignness' of the show is mostly because of the focus on game. The whole American Football thing baffles me. I don't just mean the game itself is baffling, though it is. Rather, it's the obsession with the game that is the most baffling thing of all. Do high school sports honestly get that kind of a following in the US? They certainly don't here. (Also, we don't go in for cheerleaders.) Do you guys relate to the events / culture portrayed in the show? Or is it the characters that you relate to? Seriously, I want to know what pulled you in to this, because I'm fairly sure that it is quite different to anything that will work for me. Krissie <very curious> |
|
|
|
Post by shmeep on Mar 1, 2007 13:03:07 GMT -5
I'm so glad you're watching, Krissie! And thanks for posting your thoughts. It's so interesting to get your take on this show. Wow. You've given me a lot to think about, but I'll try to respond as best I can. (See, I admire your collective taste <ahem, BJ, ahem> so decided to give the show a chance -- which I almost certainly wouldn't have done otherwise. Actually, I doubt I'd even have noticed that it was on, buried as it is on one of the slightly more obscure channels.) I heard it was on a pretty obscure channel over there. Frankly, I'm surprised it's even being shown at all because, as you pointed out, a lot of it may not really be relatable in foreign markets. Still, I'm glad you're getting a chance to make up your own mind about this show. So far we've had the first two episodes... and I'm still trying to decide what to make of it. (I'm pleased to read here that we'll lose the worst excesses of the jiggling camera...) Personally, I didn't like the Pilot at all when it aired and almost skipped the second episode. The camera bothered me and I couldn't relate to anyone all that much--or so I thought. But by the end of the second episode, something started to click and I suddenly couldn't wait to see more and it's been better and better ever since. I even like the camera now, although it's not nearly as shaky as it was at first. My immediate reaction is that the American portrayed in Friday Night Lights is far more 'foreign' than any I've seen elsewhere... Buffy The Vampire Slayer included! (Yep, for me, FNL is more bizarre than vampires.) You a Buffy fan? I love Buffy! Your "FNL is more bizarre than vampires" statement cracks me up. And yes, FNL portrays a part of Americana that is rarely shown so honestly on TV or in movies so I can see how watching it would drive you into culture shock. I spent thirty-three years in Los Angeles and then three near Washington DC. I've never lived in a town like Dillon in my life so it's as strange to me as it is to you (almost). I suppose I've got used to seeing Big City America on TV, and this is very different. And, where I've seen Small Town America in films, the themes have been fairly universal, translating pretty easily for viewers this side of the Atlantic. You'll find, I believe, that you'll find more and more to relate to as the show progresses. I feel like I know these characters now. Everything is so beautifully developed and it all happens so naturally that soon even this weird small town starts to make sense. I'll be honest with you. I'm a Democrat living in a very strong Blue State and the divide between Red States and Blue States is pretty blatant around here these days so I'm often a bit predisposed to dislike portrayals of Red State activities and few states are more Red than Texas but...I'm so glad I got past that and allowed myself to like this show. I have stopped seeing them all as a bunch of Republicans (except for Buddy Garrity, of course  ) and have started seeing them as people. And I even suspect a few of them may harbor some Democratic sympathies... What has struck me about FNL so far is how hard it is for me to relate to the country I see portrayed here. (I'm guessing this is why the show isn't on one of the mainstream channels here; I assume that the broadcaster thinks it would have limited appeal.) However, I think it's that exotic 'foreignness' that will keep me watching... at least for a while longer, until I can make up my mind about the actual storylines. As I said, it's foreign to me too--and eye-opening. I can see why this might be particularly fascinating when viewed from a foreign perspective. While it is not my life or upbringing shown there, it is fairly typical of a large portion of the United States, just not the glitzy parts of this country. The 'foreignness' of the show is mostly because of the focus on game. The whole American Football thing baffles me. I don't just mean the game itself is baffling, though it is. Rather, it's the obsession with the game that is the most baffling thing of all. I'm with you! The early episodes show far more football. The story gradually starts delving more deeply into the lives of the people of the town until football becomes more of a unifying theme and less of a focus. If football had remained the focus, I wouldn't have lasted very long. Do high school sports honestly get that kind of a following in the US? They certainly don't here. (Also, we don't go in for cheerleaders.) Do you guys relate to the events / culture portrayed in the show? Or is it the characters that you relate to? In Texas (and in a few other Southern states? Not sure...), they really do take their high school football that seriously, but it isn't the norm all over the country. Football players and cheerleaders are still popular in U.S. highschools (I worked in one for five years and noticed this to still be true), but they are not the big deal they are in Texas. From what I've read from FNL viewers from towns like Dillon, this is a very realistic portrayal. Seriously, I want to know what pulled you in to this, because I'm fairly sure that it is quite different to anything that will work for me. Krissie <very curious> I got pulled in because of the fantastic writing and the characters. At first, I found the story of paralyzed Jason Street the most intriguing, but then I really started paying attention to the others and fell in love with Mama Smash, Matt, Tami, Tyra, Tim, Coach, Julie, all of them. Great questions! I would love to get your impressions next time you catch an episode. Thanks for letting us know you're watching. |
|
|
|
Post by krissie on Mar 1, 2007 16:18:03 GMT -5
Shmeep, thank you for your long and detailed reply! I have to say that I feel a lot more positive about the show, having read it!  I'm fascinated that you also find it culturally different to your own part of the world. You a Buffy fan? I love Buffy! Your "FNL is more bizarre than vampires" statement cracks me up. I wouldn't say that I'm a fan so much as someone who will happily spend an hour with the show if I find that it's on. I never really got into a routine of watching it. Mind you, I have been pricing up box sets recently, so that must say something! And I really want to see Once More With Feeling all the way through. As for FNL, I'll let you know how I get on with episode three after it airs, next week. Krissie |
|
|
|
Post by hoosier on Mar 1, 2007 19:09:34 GMT -5
The 'foreignness' of the show is mostly because of the focus on game. The whole American Football thing baffles me. I don't just mean the game itself is baffling, though it is. Rather, it's the obsession with the game that is the most baffling thing of all. Krissie <very curious> You want obsession, watch Indiana basketball! Tourney time is coming up with the final games being played in Indianapolis for state champion. When I was in high school, our bb team scored over 100 points for the first time, ever. The scoreboard didn't even register triple digits so it read 00! You would have thought the roof of the gym was going to fly off! If you want a pretty accurate portrayal of this obsession, rent the movie "Hoosiers" sometime. |
|
(Yep, for me, FNL is more bizarre than vampires.)
) and have started seeing them as people. And I even suspect a few of them may harbor some Democratic sympathies...
