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

[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!