Friday Night Lights 2.02

[bop_radar]

Well, after last week's shock premiere episode I was pretty wary going into this one. To say I was worried about the Landry-Tyra plot was an understatement. But I figured if I'm going to keep watching this season I just need to accept it and see where they take it. I think this episode they handled it with as much sincerity as they could, having taken this direction. And Adrianne Palicki still makes me care about Tyra even though I find what she did abominable. But I could really feel for her when she said she wished it had been her that had killed the man--that would have been more direct, more honest, and I believe her that she doesn't want Landry caught up in this. I'm so glad he called her out on her behaviour and pulled out into the open his feelings for her, because that silence arguably faciliated their conspiracy in the first place. I'm not sure I'm happy about them developing a relationship--it seems destined to crumble when the truth comes out--but I did feel it was emotionally truthful that they would turn to one another.

Tami Taylor broke my heart in this episode. I'm finding her solitary motherhood really tough to watch from a personal perspective, mainly because I think if I'm ever a mother I'll be alone like that. I'm already used to my partner not being here most of the time and can relate to Tami's determination to make that work regardless, but the emotional toll it's taking on her is heartbreaking. I know next to nothing about looking after a baby but the show definitely seems to be pushing the idea that women can't do it alone (but haven't they done so fror years?). Tami had so much of my sympathy that I didn't really have a lot for the science-teacher-turned-counsellor. I know he came to the rescue in the end but I did find his comments and questions invasive. Especially given that he came to her in the first place because of his inability to relate to other people (the kids he was counselling). Grr!

I don't like what Julie's doing but it's (again) emotionally truthful. The break-up scene with Matt was so painfully awkward and so true of teenage communication. She tried to tell the truth when he asked but Matt's going to struggle with this regardless. The plot with the nurse has some potential to be interesting. While it was easy to hate her interfering, bossy ways, I sense that she's going to be a good thing for them at least at some level--she will bring the structure that's been missing from the house in Matt's father's absence.

Loved the Lyla/Riggins stuff, and Jason's tragic dream (it's almost like his optimism is a curse!).

Finally, I was glad there was some actual football (practice at least!) in this ep, and the first glimpse of Coach's new work. I liked that plot and I hope we get to see more of the way he fits (or doesn't fit) into the structure with the new team.

So FNL, I'm still on board, if a little bruised.

Comments

[ohhellsyeah.livejournal.com]

I know next to nothing about looking after a baby but the show definitely seems to be pushing the idea that women can't do it alone (but haven't they done so fror years?)
I'm not sure I agree that the show is pushing the idea that women >i>can't do it alone (Momma Smash seems to have done a pretty good job). Rather, they are showing how hard it is to be a single parent and how much work it is to have a new baby. I feel for Tami too. She's in a stable relationship, has been married for years and has come to depend on her partner and then suddenly he isn't there. I just want to give her a hug.

I loved the Lyla/Riggins stuff too. I have to say I am really enjoying the new Lyla Garrity! She's much more fun than the old one.

I wish the Landry/Tyra subplot would just go away. It's really not working for me.

[mskatej.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I agree that the show is pushing the idea that women can't do it alone (Momma Smash seems to have done a pretty good job). Rather, they are showing how hard it is to be a single parent and how much work it is to have a new baby.

Yes I agree.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Momma Smash seems to have done a pretty good job
Yeah, but we haven't really seen that. And I was thinking more in terms of coping with a small baby. I imagine that older children are a lot different. I'm not actually sure the show is wrong that babies are so difficult to deal with alone (what would I know?!) but I did find it quite a heavy theme in this episode--the doctor suggesting her husband should take shifts, Tami's extreme fatigue, the way she had to call someone to pick her up from the hospital...

I guess I'm just a bit disappointed because I was looking forward to seeing Tami tough it out and be supermum to the baby, albeit with some hurdles to overcome.

This feels far more like they'll go down the path of having her either get coach to come back or (more likely?) start leaning on this new guy.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I was really wary too and I am so relieved! Everything is back for me, on "the best show on TV" level.

Tyra/LAndry is breaking my heart and I am loving it. Though the beginning of their relationship feels true I guess poor Landry in for much heart-break. They are not really on the same level. They are for me, actually, but not for Tyra.

Tami Taylor broke my heart in this episode. I'm finding her solitary motherhood really tough to watch from a personal perspective, mainly because I think if I'm ever a mother I'll be alone like that.

This was so MINE too - really reminded me my time with Sasha. I wasn't alone but in a sense a woman always is alone with a baby, to some extent. And some of the first weeks can be tough (but happy at the same time). I also can really relate to the baby crying problems.. ;D I wonder where they are going with the science teacher, though. Is he going to develop a crush on Tami?

I still don't understand Julia and Matt - She does love him, doesn't she?

And Lyla/Tim - I love it!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm sad already about Landry/Tyra. If they were going to get together I had hoped it would be because Tyra truly recognised that he'd be good for her. The guilt she feels about him defending her shouldn't be part of it. :(

in a sense a woman always is alone with a baby, to some extent
*nods* I imagine that's so.

Is he going to develop a crush on Tami?
Maybe. I'm not sure I'm really there for that... but then FNL can make most things work for me.

I still don't understand Julia and Matt - She does love him, doesn't she?
I don't think she does. Or at least she's not very sure of her feelings--perhaps she doesn't know how to recognise what she's got yet. She's so very young (in emotional terms) and seems really lost to me, chasing the glamour of an older, alternative guy rather than the 'boring' but genuinely loving option of Matt.

[proggrrl.livejournal.com]

Well, though I really didn't mind the murder as much as you and most of the posters here, I really agree with Lyla's statement: 'I'm glad he's dead, I'm glad he's gone - because he would never have stopped.'

And I'm glad the show took this plot in a different direction, rather than showing the dreadful reality of most of these stalker/rapist scenarios. I would have hated to see Lyla as a rape victim in recovery. Also, this kind of extreme event pushes Lyla/Landry into this 2.2 situation - crying and kissing and getting ridiculously intense. Rather than their usual teens beating around the bush stuff.

Meanwhile Tami made me cry several times! Connie Britton is just killing it, every week. *amazed*

I love this show to tears.

[proggrrl.livejournal.com]

Oops, not sure why I'm listed as a REPLY rather than a new comment...d'oh!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I can understand Tyra feeling that way, definitely. I just think this is the least realistic resolution and since the show's strength is realism, I'm sad about that. I think there is a middle ground they could have tread between 'Tyra gets raped' and 'Tyra and Landry kill someone and dump the body'. I would have found a middle ground more satisfying. But I'm going to have to just swallow it and enjoy the rest--and most of the Tyra-Landry stuff worked for me this week.

Connie Britton is amazing!

[mskatej.livejournal.com]

I found this episode an enormous relief after last week, and it was actually Tyra and Landry that made me cry like a baby. And I think Tyra turning to Landry for physical comfort is very realistic even if it's not smart.

The reason I'm okay with Julie dumping Matt is because the Swede is so hot. I mean, he's kind of a dick? But I don't care, I'm just glad he's still in the show and I will get to see more of him. And yeah, the break up scene felt very true to life as well. I've had exes react in exactly that way when I dumped them. :D

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Tyra/Landry totally made me cry too. ;)

I don't find the Swede that hot--too much facial hair for me. ;) But I totally see how Julie would get enamoured with him. I'm still on Matt's side, though. He needs hugs and cookies. :) Though I do think BOTH of them need to learn that if you want to have a relationship with someone you need to work at it--they both let it fall apart, imo.

[elsmoka.livejournal.com]

I do feel better about the Tyra/Landry thing after this episode. I like them being together but as you said, I agree it seems to be doomed to fail... I still think maybe it's too dramatic but at least they are treating it realistically and thruthfully.

I want the coach back in Dillon, I want him to go back to being headcoach. I think he is much more useful there!! But again he knew just the right thing to say at the hearing. And to that player. He just knows!

I think the nurse really is going to be interesting for Matt. She can give him the structure he and his grandma need and also she can take care of him because he has nobody to take care of him in a motherly way. So maybe she can do that, too. Maybe she is too young for that. Maybe she will just be like a pushy older sister. We'll see. :)

Tami, she is really going through some tough times here. Eric being away and Julie being no help at all...

I am a little consoled but still wary about where the murder is going. Other than that I LOVE this show to pieces!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I think the nurse is going to play pushy older sister--at least that's the vibe I get so far. But I think it could make for good television. :)

[elsmoka.livejournal.com]

Yes, I see some fun coming up. Also it might be really really good for Matt to have a woman to talk to...

[brandil.livejournal.com]

It's interesting to see how they're taking something that doesn't fit the show at all and make it work. The writers are blessed with the actors, they really are.

If there isn't some football next week, I'm going to get peeved. Seriously.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

*nods* Yes, they really are!
And I can't believe I'm craving the football so much! But they definitely need to get back to it.

[feliz581.livejournal.com]

Like you, I was nervous about it after last week, with the whole Tyra/Landry deal. Because it just seemed out of the blue for me, when they are usually so "real", I guess? Anyway, at least the aftermath made sense and they didn't just move on with little to no mention of it.

The Tami thing is breaking my heart too, because she is just getting beat down from all sides!

And poor little Matt!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

*nods* The murder is a sharp break from the realism of the show, imo. But the aftermath is working ok for me.

And yes, I want to give Tami and Matt cuddles.

[sadface.livejournal.com]

I am late as I only just got to watch it.

Like you I decided I just have to accept the murder plot exists and roll with it and once I got over that I kind of love how they're dealing with it. As you would expect from FNL thus far they're handling it in at 'how does this affect our interpersonal relationship?' standpoint rather than a 'THE COPS ARE AFTER US! LETS CREATE CONVOLUTED PLOTS TO TRY AND STAY ONE STEP AHEAD'. I haven't seen this weeks but hopefully that won't change. I think as long as they stay involved in what I beleive is the heart of the show, feelings and reality, then I can be okay with it. Also I think Tyra and Landry's actors are completely amazing.

I wonder where they're going with Matt, I mean so far he's lost his captain position, his girlfriend and now his function in looking after his grandma. Plus I think Landry will become more and more distant from him so. idk, I'm scared for him, hopefully the nurse (who I love) will give him some much needed boosts of happiness and joy.

IDK what to think about Tami. I've been struggling with it because for the most part I assume they're going to go the post-natal depression route, which I'm not really sure about because well, lol soap opera. I'd be really, really annoyed if they went the 'comfort of another man' route too. I guess I kinda wanted her to be able to handle it? and I still do. Not only that but I think she can. I feel like if they go the PND way they'd be trying to say 'anyone can be a victim, even really strong women' but it would come off as 'even really strong women need a man to support them' which I would find offensive. I'm still wary, lets just say that :)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I think as long as they stay involved in what I beleive is the heart of the show, feelings and reality, then I can be okay with it. Also I think Tyra and Landry's actors are completely amazing.
Right! That's exactly how I feel and so far the actors are selling me on it despite my reservations, because they're keeping it intimate and personal.

I'm scared for him, hopefully the nurse (who I love) will give him some much needed boosts of happiness and joy.
The nurse is cool! I agree that Matt's lost a lot, he's drifting and he definitely needs a turnaround in fortunes.

I guess I kinda wanted her to be able to handle it? and I still do. Not only that but I think she can. I feel like if they go the PND way they'd be trying to say 'anyone can be a victim, even really strong women' but it would come off as 'even really strong women need a man to support them' which I would find offensive. I'm still wary, lets just say that :)
Thank goodness I'm not alone in thinking that! I totally agree with you--I wanted to see her handle it and I think she CAN handle it. It's not easy, sure, but I thought she'd get through it. So yes, I'm wary also and a little surprised. I guess they're showing how hard being a mother is which on the one hand is a good thing, but they are treading a thin line with showing her as needy and weak which is not what I wanted or really see as in character. I expected her to have some tough, tough times, but not to be all 'I need a man right now'. On the other hand, once again the actress is selling the whole thing so well I can go with it.