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Post by housemouse on Mar 22, 2007 19:00:47 GMT -5
It might sound like a stretch to claim each episode is better than those before it, but last night absolutely blew me away! Unbelievable is the only word to describe this show. Jason doesn't make the Quad Rugby team. I was shocked, but then it all seems realistic when Herc explains that his comfort with being in a chair was the issue and not his skill. Makes sense, but it's heart breaking just the same. Over the last few episodes, Jason had been so sure that this was the answer. This was where he belonged. All his hopes had started hinging on whether or not he would tour with this team and compete in the championship and to have that pulled out from under him was just horrible. But then Herc points out that they all need to make the team but that it's the championship, not therapy. Whoa. Herc isn't at all sympathetic, but his words are exactly what Jason needs to hear. My nemesis on the TWoP FNL board predicted that Jason wouldn't make the team. Until I read that post it had never even crossed my mind that he wouldn't make it, but after I read it I knew he was right. My biggest lament about his not making the team is that means no more Herc for the rest of the season. Jason seems to be taking it so well, he is dealing with it like a man. Very impressive. We also have to remember that Herc told Jason that Coach Gumby (who is the real coach of the Texas Stampede quad rugby team) loves him, so after Bejing, I'll bet Jason makes the Texas team. I don't know what to think about Jason making out with Tattoo Girl and then telling Lyla he's not sure if he wants to be engaged. I'm disappointed in him, but it was nice to see him finally having some real chemistry with someone. My 8 year-old was horrified with me when I was rooting for Jason to kiss Susie. I LOVED that he kissed her. I am think he is starting to see his relationship with Lyla for what it really is. But I'm feeling bad for Lyla for other reasons now. Her broken faith in her father and the way her family is falling apart was very well done. And who thought she would have it in her to go and trash her father's dealership? That was quite shocking. I think that is so interesting and so very FNL that Jason seems to be pulling things together while Lyla is coming apart at the seams. When she rammed that car all over her dad's dealership. Wow, very powerful stuff. I loved seeing Tim defending the kid, and was glad when the mom rebuffed his advances and reminded him (and the audience) that he is just a kid. But...ew! Then she decides she doesn't care after all. Ew is right! Just because we saw it coming doesn't mean it isn't a bit creepy! Yikes! The high point of the whole episode was when Jason encounters the other teammates and finally has a normal time hanging out with them on the football field. And when he coaches Matt! He finally seems to be fitting in again and feeling comfortable and he actually makes a difference. And best of all, he and Tim acknowledge their friendship. I have a feeling Jason could end up doing some coaching in the future. I LOVED, loved, loved, loved Smash's reaction when he saw Jason come out of the liquor store. The way he saw him and said "there's Street," jumped out of the car and greeted him, man that was just so great, so cool, so touching! AHHH! The interaction of the field, where he showed Saracen what he really has, where he realized that even as a quad he has something to contribute to the Panthers - all amazing. But the best part of that scene? Jason and Tim finally getting past the whole "Lyla thing." It was so real, they did it exactly the way guys do it and now they are friends again. Geez. Oh! And I don't want to forget about Tyra! I love her scenes with Tami. The change that comes over her when Tami finally convinces her she is better than she thinks she is and has a ton of potential is remarkable and realistically done--and so is the way this new attitude threatens her uneducated mother. I hope her mother is finally ready to allow Tyra to live up to her potential and that she'll stop sabotaging it. A nice touch is the shifty way Tyra's mom is sitting in Tami's office, like she's still a bit uncomfortable because of her unfortunate ass accident in the previous episode. Tyra! Her mom is on the ragged edge and it pissed me off a lot last night. But it is just so great that Tyra realizes she is valuable and she can become whatever she wants. I agree, with you and hope that Mama Collette gets on board and doesn't just pay it lip service. Of course Coach will stay in Dillon, but I hope it's not just because his fifteen-year-old has a boyfriend. Still, those father-daughter scenes almost had me undone. What a great family! And Julie really looks like she can be the child of those two. She has her dad's round cheeks and her mom's blond hair. I completely buy them as a family in every way. Oh ya, the Taylors are destined to stay in Dillon. They aren't going anywhere soon! It will be a crime if this show doesn't get another season. There is nothing, I mean NOTHING that comes close to FNL in terms of quality. Unbelievable. |
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Post by housemouse on Mar 23, 2007 4:35:45 GMT -5
Two more things I forgot to mention in my other post.
First, that scene where Lyla asks Jason if he still wants to be engaged. That long, slow, shot moving down from Lyla's face to Jason. It was just so perfect, so so perfect.
Then the shot when Jason is trying to buy the beer. The perspective from behind the counter where he can barely see over the top. Heartbreaking. Then they change perspective so the are shooting from the other side of the counter and he is juxtaposed with Tim. More heartbreak.
The directors of this show are some pretty talented people.
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Post by krissie on Mar 23, 2007 18:41:08 GMT -5
I'm trying not to read the posts about your latest episodes too thoroughly as I want to be surprised when my turn comes to see them for the first time. Maybe I should be steering clear of this thread altogether... but... Nah. How can I resist this one?
Plus, I wanted to say that I've now seen episodes four and five, and I'm hooked. Definitely and irrevocably. FNL is a wonderful show!
This week I realised just how good the acting is and how natural everyone seems. Why did I take so long to realise this? Because everyone is so natural, that's why. I find it easy to get totally lost in the programme and forget that I'm watching a bunch of actors.
I have seen odd episodes of shows such as Smallville and Dawson's Creek (and, I daresay, a few others), and I'd come to believe that the current school of angsty US teenage acting demanded long, meaningful (and deeply boring) silences, with the actors staring into the camera lens. Oh, along with long and meaningful (and deeply boring) conversations about the characters' difficult and traumatic life experiences. Or, better yet, their complete failure to talk to each other for episodes on end...
But Friday Night Lights doesn't have any of that. These people do have tough lives, but they don't wallow in the sheer angst of it all.
Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful.
Next new episode on Wednesday.
Krissie
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Post by shmeep on Mar 26, 2007 11:26:15 GMT -5
Krissie! I'm so glad you're still watching. Thank you so much for posting your reactions here. I look forward to them. Plus, I wanted to say that I've now seen episodes four and five, and I'm hooked. Definitely and irrevocably. FNL is a wonderful show! Isn't it funny how that love sneaks up on you? I'm glad the show has crossed the international hurdle and can be appreciated by someone to whom Texas is about as foreign as it gets. This week I realised just how good the acting is and how natural everyone seems. Why did I take so long to realise this? Because everyone is so natural, that's why. I find it easy to get totally lost in the programme and forget that I'm watching a bunch of actors. Yes! That's exactly how it feels. At first the shaky cam was off putting and everyone was so natural that I felt as though I had been dropped right smack into the middle of their lives and I didn't quite feel at home there because they were so... Texan. But now I know them. The natural feel of the show and the effortless dialogue is brilliant--so brilliant it's hard to remember someone wrote it and that these people aren't actually living those lives. I have seen odd episodes of shows such as Smallville and Dawson's Creek (and, I daresay, a few others), and I'd come to believe that the current school of angsty US teenage acting demanded long, meaningful (and deeply boring) silences, with the actors staring into the camera lens. Oh, along with long and meaningful (and deeply boring) conversations about the characters' difficult and traumatic life experiences. Or, better yet, their complete failure to talk to each other for episodes on end... That does tend to be the norm, unfortunately. I still watch Smallville every week. I never thought it was a great show (although often very entertaining). I just watch it out of habit and loyalty. But Friday Night Lights doesn't have any of that. These people do have tough lives, but they don't wallow in the sheer angst of it all. Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. What makes the angst of FNL so great is that it is played out as it would be in real life. It's not there to be inspirational--although it's easy to be inspired while watching it. It's not a manipulative tear jerker, but I do tear up while watching. It's just so raw and human that it doesn't seem to be trying to elicit any particular emotion so any emotion I end up feeling is much stronger than it is when I'm watching something that tries too hard. |
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Post by shmeep on Mar 29, 2007 11:37:41 GMT -5
So much happened last night! Jason started to pity himself so Lyla threw a glass of water at him and yelled at him, giving him some pretty good advice while she was at it, so he made the court case against Coach go away by just asking for what was needed to pay off the debt his injury had caused his parents. Coach caught Jason coaching Matt, who then went on to win the game for the team in the middle of a storm in a muddy field they had to use because the school was evacuated. Coach asked Matt if he's ever considered coaching.
My favorite moment? Tyra and Landry. Now there's a pairing I would never buy in a million years, but this show, as usual, just made it work. The set up was perfect; Tyra needed to study and Landry was a brainiac so he used that to get her to agree to spend time with him and then, when he was late because of car trouble, someone grabbed Tyra in the parking lot and tried to rape her. She got away, but Landry found her sobbing and trying to collect her sodden study materials. What I liked about this scene was that Landry didn't swoop in and rescue her from imminent danger, but he was there for the aftermath, willing to just hold her and let her cry. Very unusual situation for both characters. Tyra isn't generally a damsel in distress and Landry never gets to be at all heroic. He had stated earlier to Matt that he decided it was time for him to become more of a "leading man," but I doubt he had any idea that it could actually happen. His shell-shocked expression as he held the sobbing Tyra had just enough "I can't believe Tyra Collette is sobbing onto my shoulder" amazement in it to really sell the moment.
I love it when this show takes characters from various story lines and matches them up. Mrs. Coach has chemistry with everyone and it was nice to see when Julie started to spend time with Matt and Landry and, more recently, Tyra. It was great when Landry tutored Tim and when Jason coached Matt. And now Lyla and Waverly are getting friendly and it's just right. Finally, Lyla has something to do other than to try to be a perfect girlfriend to Jason or a perfect cheerleader for the school or a perfect daughter. Now she can just hang out with someone who has none of those expectations on her and it looks like a really healthy match on both sides. I really hope they show the Waverly/MamaSmash interaction that was hinted at. I love that his mama was the first person Smash thought of to be able to sit down with Waverly and really help her. Good for Smash! He's really maturing.
Tim and his neighbor still have an "ick" factor, but at least Tim's brother has acknowledged it.
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Post by housemouse on Mar 29, 2007 14:26:38 GMT -5
So much happened last night! Jason started to pity himself so Lyla threw a glass of water at him and yelled at him, giving him some pretty good advice while she was at it, so he made the court case against Coach go away by just asking for what was needed to pay off the debt his injury had caused his parents. Coach caught Jason coaching Matt, who then went on to win the game for the team in the middle of a storm in a muddy field they had to use because the school was evacuated. Coach asked Matt Jason if he's ever considered coaching. I LOVED the scene where Lyla gave Jason what for. He so needed that. The best part? When she told him to say please next time he wants water. Love it! My favorite moment? Tyra and Landry. Now there's a pairing I would never buy in a million years, but this show, as usual, just made it work. The set up was perfect; Tyra needed to study and Landry was a brainiac so he used that to get her to agree to spend time with him and then, when he was late because of car trouble, someone grabbed Tyra in the parking lot and tried to rape her. She got away, but Landry found her sobbing and trying to collect her sodden study materials. What I liked about this scene was that Landry didn't swoop in and rescue her from imminent danger, but he was there for the aftermath, willing to just hold her and let her cry. Very unusual situation for both characters. Tyra isn't generally a damsel in distress and Landry never gets to be at all heroic. He had stated earlier to Matt that he decided it was time for him to become more of a "leading man," but I doubt he had any idea that it could actually happen. His shell-shocked expression as he held the sobbing Tyra had just enough "I can't believe Tyra Collette is sobbing onto my shoulder" amazement in it to really sell the moment. I can't think of any other show - ever - that would even consider a pairing like that - even in the context of last night's episode. That kind of stuff just isn't done. Wow! I love it when this show takes characters from various story lines and matches them up. Mrs. Coach has chemistry with everyone and it was nice to see when Julie started to spend time with Matt and Landry and, more recently, Tyra. It was great when Landry tutored Tim and when Jason coached Matt. And now Lyla and Waverly are getting friendly and it's just right. Finally, Lyla has something to do other than to try to be a perfect girlfriend to Jason or a perfect cheerleader for the school or a perfect daughter. Now she can just hang out with someone who has none of those expectations on her and it looks like a really healthy match on both sides. I really hope they show the Waverly/MamaSmash interaction that was hinted at. I love that his mama was the first person Smash thought of to be able to sit down with Waverly and really help her. Good for Smash! He's really maturing. I am right there with you on all of that stuff. At the end when it was clear that Waverly was talking to Mama Smash, that was great. Lyla and Waverly, very interesting. Tim and his neighbor still have an "ick" factor, but at least Tim's brother has acknowledged it. Again, I agree, although I do love the way Tim interacts with the little guy! Two things about last night's show disappointed me. First, what happened with Lyla destroying Buddy's dealership. It is almost like the writers forgot they had put that in last week's show. Lyla was just her normal old self and no one addressed what happened. Second, I think they wrapped the lawsuit up in too nice a little bow. I was appalled when Jason's mom talked about not knowing if Jason could take care of himself (read Gimp or Moving Violations - you'll see it is entirely possible for a wheelchair bound man to make a good living). I was even more appalled by what the lawyer was saying during the "settlement conference," but the whole thing was just to neat for me. It is funny because that stuff would have been perfectly acceptable for any other show, but FNL has set the bar so high for itself I was disappointed. And last week when Jason said "hit that pattern and they'll fear you" I had a Godfather III flashback and that was painful! |
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Post by shmeep on Mar 29, 2007 14:52:57 GMT -5
Two things about last night's show disappointed me. What? You mean it isn't perfect television? Overall I came away with a "great show" feeling, but I also kind of felt like so much was going on that issues that would have been a big deal at any other time were not being as fully expanded upon as I would like. Still, it's great that they can fit so much story into the show. Never a dull moment. I guess there are pros and cons to that. First, what happened with Lyla destroying Buddy's dealership. It is almost like the writers forgot they had put that in last week's show. Lyla was just her normal old self and no one addressed what happened. Second, I think they wrapped the lawsuit up in too nice a little bow. I was appalled when Jason's mom talked about not knowing if Jason could take care of himself (read Gimp or Moving Violations - you'll see it is entirely possible for a wheelchair bound man to make a good living). I was even more appalled by what the lawyer was saying during the "settlement conference," but the whole thing was just to neat for me. Those were the two glaring things that stood out to me as well. I really wanted to know how Buddy was dealing with things and what the repercussions would be for Lyla. I got a sense that she's still changing. She's getting tougher and finally breaking out of that stifling mold, but I wanted that specific issue to be addressed--but I have a feeling it will be later. They're not done with that. I'm actually starting to like Lyla now. Even her acting has improved. And the lawsuit! I was relieved that it ended as it did and that everyone kind of came out of it a winner, but it was a bit handy. If they didn't have so much else going on, that would have been a major plot point so I guess I shouldn't complain. It's just a reminder (one of the few) that this is a TV show. Like why was Matt able to leave his grandma and stay out all night one time, but he has to leave a date early another time because she can't be alone. And What ever happened to all that Voodoo stuff? I thought more would come of that. But I guess he'll be at State so that should be interesting. I think the whole point of Jason taking a lesser settlement just to meet immediate needs but not to set him up for life was that he was telling his mom that he wouldn't need "lottery winnings" in order to make it. He was telling her he was still a capable person who had a future. I thought they made that point well. |
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Post by shmeep on Apr 4, 2007 13:38:10 GMT -5
To get you in the mood for tonight's episode, this is the latest from Matt Roush (who has been supporting Friday Night Lights since day one):
Call me greedy, but when I get a little taste of good news, I can’t help wanting more. Which is why, on a morning when NBC pleasantly surprises me with an early-renewal notice for the hilarious 30 Rock and the classy Peabody Awards lists among this year’s honorees NBC’s other best freshman show, the tremendously moving and appealing Friday Night Lights, I can’t help but think the fates are aligning to give us a second season of this small-town gridiron drama as well. C’mon, NBC. Do the right thing. You know you want to.
Here’s how the Peabodys described Friday Night Lights in its citation: “No dramatic series, broadcast or cable, is more grounded in contemporary American reality than this clear-eyed serial about the hopes, dreams, livelihoods and egos intertwined with the fate of high-school football in a Texas town.” Pretty nice, huh?
Only two episodes left to go, tonight and next Wednesday. Regardless of how the Panthers play in the state championship, this show has proven itself to be a winner in all but the ratings derby. It may never be a ratings smash, but with some nurturing and more creative scheduling — and if it can take promotional advantage of awards like the Peabodys and, we can only hope, this year’s Emmys — maybe it could evolve into a sleeper success, a benchmark of the sort of quality NBC has long stood for.
Kudos as always to the Peabody board, which also spread the love to ABC's marvelous Ugly Betty (“unmistakably graced with wry intelligence and heart”), NBC's comedies The Office (“firmly established its own precise voice and studied brilliance”) and Scrubs (“continuing creative vigor, six seasons into its run”), and Showtime’s Brotherhood (“uniformly splendid acting and a strong sense of place”). Cartoon Network earned its first Peabody for the provocative “Return of the King” episode of The Boondocks, and HBO, as usual, raked in the citations, for an eclectic list of shows including the much-rewarded Elizabeth I miniseries, Spike Lee’s magnificent When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts and the powerful Baghdad ER documentary.
Overall, it’s a great list and makes one feel good about the power and promise of TV (and radio, of course). But anytime Friday Night Lights is noticed, I’m especially grateful.
Go, team!
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Post by housemouse on Apr 5, 2007 7:20:01 GMT -5
Last night's episode did not disappoint!
I have never really paid much attention to old Landry, but last night when he was in Tami's office telling her about Tyra - oh my - I was welling up.
I wish I had Tami's nerve before we moved here. I was watching her tell Eric that she is not going and thought that I really should have done that. We know he'll stay - he loves his family too much not to.
I got a message this morning from a myspace buddy who said "Scott (Jason) is a wh&*re." He is a bit that way, but I am still cheering for he and Susie. I feel bad for Lyla because she seems to be losing everything at once, but I think she is ready to move on from Jason. My two favorite Jason moments of the entire show happened in the last two episodes. The first was his smile when Eric asked last week if he ever considered coaching. The second was his joy after telling Matt exactly what was what with their new coach/ grasshopper relationship. After Jason's melt down last week and the CTJ Lyla had with him, I was wondering what would happen - all in all I like where they took this.
Of course the lady broke up with Tim. But you know she can't get enough of 33 and she'll be back for more.
Tyra breaks my heart. Just when she seemed to be getting on her feet, gathering a bit of self-esteem and getting ready to move forward - Wham! I am so pulling for her.
A horrible, horrible, horrible thought occurred to me yesterday. What if the last episode is a cliffhanger and NBC doesn't give the show another season? AHHH!!! I don't know if I could take it. At least BJ kind "ended" the show, if they leave us hanging I might never watch NBC again.
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Post by shmeep on Apr 5, 2007 8:18:54 GMT -5
Last night's episode did not disappoint! I should say not! Brilliant from beginning to end. This is the only show I watch these days that makes me get excited at the beginning of each scene because I can't wait to see what everyone is going to do or say next. Even when people do stupid things, I find myself understanding and hoping everyone can work it out. I have never really paid much attention to old Landry, but last night when he was in Tami's office telling her about Tyra - oh my - I was welling up. Landry kicked butt. That boy can put so much raw emotion into his eyes--and he manages to show that, while he would love to be with Tyra, he genuinely cares about her and is broken up about what has happened to her and that that is far more important than his own feelings. He went to Tami, knowing it meant the possible end of his tenuous friendship with Tyra, but he knew it was the right thing to do. I wish I had Tami's nerve before we moved here. I was watching her tell Eric that she is not going and thought that I really should have done that. We know he'll stay - he loves his family too much not to. What wife doesn't wish she could be Tami sometimes? It's so easy to allow one's spouse to define you and to call the shots but Tami won't have any of that. She follows her heart. When Coach has a problem with it, she tells him he's just going to have to have a problem with it, then. And they're still okay because, as she told him, they are strong and mature. I read something a couple of weeks ago that said that Coach would take the job and that he and Tami would consider going their separate ways. I was appalled and really hoped none of this would happen but...I knew I had to trust the show not to disappoint me and it hasn't. This will all turn out all right and I can't wait. The commercial for next week looks powerful. I feel bad for Lyla because she seems to be losing everything at once, but I think she is ready to move on from Jason. Angry Lyla is a great character because she's finally becoming her own person. She and Jason weren't right and now she knows it. I wish Jason had been more honest with her and that he had properly broken things off with her before moving on to the next girl, but...Lyla can't really say much about that after what she and Tim pulled. Of course the lady broke up with Tim. But you know she can't get enough of 33 and she'll be back for more. I hope not. Tim needs a healthy relationship. And he needs to be able to befriend Bo without the complication of it all involving the mother because that will ultimately hurt Bo. Tyra breaks my heart. Just when she seemed to be getting on her feet, gathering a bit of self-esteem and getting ready to move forward - Wham! I am so pulling for her. That's what this show does. It makes you pull for people because I refuse to believe they're just characters on a show. I never thought I'd like Tyra so much at the beginning of the show. Or Smash. When he brought Waverly the cake, showing her that he chose not to take advantage of the free pass she gave him to go out with other girls...I was happy. A horrible, horrible, horrible thought occurred to me yesterday. What if the last episode is a cliffhanger and NBC doesn't give the show another season? AHHH!!! I don't know if I could take it. At least BJ kind "ended" the show, if they leave us hanging I might never watch NBC again. I think it'll be back. The Peabody award won't hurt, nor will the upcoming Emmys. I have a feeling FNL will be up for quite a few awards and that should boost the ratings. NBC might show repeats all summer on Bravo and on NBC and, if they're smart, they'll release the DVD over the summer so more people can get into it and become fans in the fall. A lot of people have been catching up online and on ITunes so...I think there's a good chance of a second season. |
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Post by housemouse on Apr 5, 2007 8:56:05 GMT -5
I think it'll be back. The Peabody award won't hurt, nor will the upcoming Emmys. I have a feeling FNL will be up for quite a few awards and that should boost the ratings. NBC might show repeats all summer on Bravo and on NBC and, if they're smart, they'll release the DVD over the summer so more people can get into it and become fans in the fall. A lot of people have been catching up online and on ITunes so...I think there's a good chance of a second season. Here is an article that was posted on Adrienne Pallicki's myspace this morning: "Separately, NBC has not yet made a decision on its other critical sensation, the family drama "Friday Night Lights." Skein just won a Peabody Award, but its future is "trickier," Reilly said.
"It becomes a little tougher in the overall mosaic of the schedule," Reilly said, noting "30 Rock" has found a home as part of NBC's Thursday comedy block, while "FNL" hasn't yet found the right slot.
Still, "It's got a tremendous amount of support internally," Reilly said. "We love the show creatively, and it's got a passionate core audience. All of that is going to work in its favor." Fingers and toes crossed! |
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Post by inuvik on Apr 5, 2007 14:21:13 GMT -5
"It becomes a little tougher in the overall mosaic of the schedule," Reilly said, noting "30 Rock" has found a home as part of NBC's Thursday comedy block, while "FNL" hasn't yet found the right slot. It always surprises me that flow and scheduling still matter. You would think with timeshifting that it wouldn't matter. Those who like the show will record it whenever it's on--who cares if it is different from what is scheduled around it. |
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Post by housemouse on Apr 10, 2007 13:07:13 GMT -5
I got this from an FNL cast member, it is great news for all of us FNL Freaks!!!!
"the first season dvd will come out a little later this year. there's going to be a lot of behind the scenes gold!"
Wahoo!!! I can't wait!
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Post by anna on Apr 10, 2007 14:41:48 GMT -5
Landry kicked butt. That boy can put so much raw emotion into his eyes--and he manages to show that, I might agree with you if I could have seen anything - what with the entire episode having been filmed in the dark and all. Either that or the shaky camera in the earlier episodes permanently damaged my vision. (Oh, ok. Obviously I really like this show, given that I continue to watch it despite my griping about the cinematography. I hope it returns.) |
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Post by housemouse on Apr 10, 2007 16:53:25 GMT -5
WAHOO!!!! Check this out!!!  |
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